Patent Publication Number: US-2013251437-A1

Title: Painting apparatuses and methods

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 13/633,408, filed Oct. 2, 2012, which is a divisional of application Ser. No. 13/308,183, filed Nov. 30, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,276,538, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/047,660, filed Mar. 13, 2008, which application claims the benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 60/894,727, filed Mar. 14, 2007, and provisional application Ser. No. 60/997,813, filed Oct. 5, 2007, which applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. application Ser. No. 13/308,183, filed Nov. 30, 2011 also claims the benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 61/465,342, filed Mar. 17, 2011, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     When painting a surface, particularly in a trimming context, it is common to apply paint to a work surface in close proximity to another surface, which is either not to be painted or to be painted a different color, for instance. This other surface can be, for example, a window, a raised molding, an intersecting wall, an intersecting ceiling, etc. Various paint applicators exist for performing the trimming function. Such trimming tools have changed little over the years. 
     Various paint applicators have been devised for performing the trimming function. Paint brushes are one such type of paint applicator. Paint brushes can be inefficient and can be difficult to use to uniformly coat a surface with paint, potentially leaving brush marks or uneven color coverage. Paint brushes can also require a relatively large number of brush strokes to adequately coat an area, which can be time consuming, uncomfortable, and fatiguing to a painter. Furthermore, it can be difficult to control the bristles of a brush, which could result in getting paint on undesired surfaces unless such surfaces are masked. However, masking such surfaces can be inefficient, time consuming, and tedious. Additionally, brushes can have limited paint carrying capacity, which could result in additional time and motion in repeatedly reloading the bristles with paint. Brushes can also be relatively burdensome to clean, but throwing brushes away and replacing them can be relatively costly. 
     Paint pads are another type of paint applicator for use in trim painting, for instance. In some instances, paint pads can be easier to control than, for instance, brushes to potentially avoid the step of masking surfaces that are not intended to receive paint. Additionally, some paint pads can be relatively cheap to buy, such that a user may be more inclined to throw away the pad to save cleaning time. However, paint pads can be difficult to use to uniformly coat a surface with paint, potentially leading streak marks or uneven color coverage. Additionally, such paint pads are generally dragged across the work surface to apply paint thereto, which can include overcoming relatively high frictional forces between the pad and the work surface. This can result in a relatively uncomfortable and fatiguing hand motion and can also result in making the paint pad relatively difficult to control, and, in turn, less precise. Additionally, paint pads can have limited paint carrying capacity, which could result in additional time and motion in repeatedly reloading the pads with paint. 
     Some paint applicators, such as paint pad devices, can include paint reservoirs to limit paint reloading. However, such devices can be larger and heavier than other trimming tools and can be relatively clumsy to use and relatively difficult to control for trimming. Additionally, paint dispensing from the paint reservoirs of the devices can be uneven, sporadic, or otherwise difficult to control or gauge, which can lead to uneven paint coverage. Also, such devices can be relatively difficult to clean and can be fairly expensive to replace. For example, when cleaning such a device, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to completely wash all of the paint from bristles of the paint pad or the reservoir. The remaining paint in the bristles and the reservoir can harden and can lead to decreased performance in subsequent uses. 
     The typical process of painting large flat surfaces, such as interior walls in a building, normally involves a two-step process, no matter if the painter is a paid professional or a “do it yourself” homeowner. As noted above, in the first step, the painter may carefully apply paint adjacent to a trim element (commonly installed around doors, windows, stairways, flooring, cabinets, etc.) for which paint is not intended to be applied, or adjacent to an intersecting wall or ceiling surface that is to remain unpainted or is to remain a different color. This step is commonly referred to as “edging”. The edging function is often accomplished by first masking the trim element, usually with an adhesive tape that acts as a barrier to paint. Paint is then applied during the edging process with a brush or pad made of short bristles or a foam material. In the second step the painter may apply paint to the remaining unpainted wall using a device such as a large brush or roller that can more quickly apply larger amounts of paint, and overlap the area that had been painted during the edging process. The order of the two steps is often reversed, but the general organization of painting activities into the two steps remains the same. 
     The edging function can be a tedious, time-consuming task, often with paint being applied to the trim element in spite of the efforts to prevent it. Application of masking tape to trim elements also adds time and cost to the painting project. While some trim elements may be made of wood or metal, to which masking tape usually adheres well, other trim elements may be made of other materials such as plastic or carpet to which masking tape may not adhere or may not seal well, allowing paint to leave an undesired stain on the trim element. The quality of the masking tape can also easily influence the quality of its adhesion to the trim element. Furthermore, most users struggle to apply masking tape precisely which either results in paint still getting applied to surfaces not intended to receive paint, or alternatively, a portion of a surface that was intended to be painted was inadvertently masked off and therefore couldn&#39;t be coated. 
     As noted above, various paint applicators exist for performing the edging function. Paint brushes are one such type of paint applicator. Paint brushes can be inefficient and can be difficult to use to uniformly coat a surface with paint, potentially resulting in paint coverage on trim elements not intended to be painted, as well as leaving undesirable brush marks or uneven coverage. For example, when a brush is first pressed against the surface to be painted, this action typically results in an initial excessive discharge of paint onto that surface. The excessive paint discharge is difficult to control and therefore tends to result in paint coverage on trim elements not intended to be painted. The initial excessive discharge also tends to create an uneven coating in which there is more paint where the brush initially contacted the surface compared to adjacent areas where the brush subsequently coated. Furthermore, it can be difficult to precisely control the bristles of a brush resulting in paint coverage on the intersecting surface or other areas not intended to receive paint. The limited paint carrying capacity of brushes is yet another shortcoming of this tool. For example, after the initial excessive discharge of paint onto the surface, the brush shortly thereafter is not able to deliver enough paint to adequately coat the surface to be painted. This shortcoming ultimately results in additional time and motion in re-loading the brush bristles with paint. 
     As noted previously, paint pads and foamed tipped applicators are other type of applicators used for performing the edging function. These applicators typically are lower cost alternatives to a paint brush. They share all of the same inefficiencies and shortcoming previously described above for brushes. Additionally paint pads and foamed tip applicators tend to be more sensitive to how they&#39;re pressed against the surface. For example, pushing too hard generally results in excessive paint discharge onto the surface. This excessive discharge of paint tends to get onto surfaces not intended to receive paint and/or creates an uneven coating, and sometimes even leads to drips, sags, or runs in the coating. Conversely, pushing these applicators too lightly against the surface tends to leave uneven and/or incomplete coverage of the surface to be painted. 
     At the conclusion of the edging process, the masking tape needs to be carefully removed. If the paint is still wet, it can be difficult to remove the tape without smudging the adjacent paint finish. If the paint is dry, it can be difficult to remove the tape without peeling or chipping some of the adjacent paint finish. 
     A device that provides better flow and placement control of paint, when painting adjacent to a trim element or intersecting surface, could eliminate the need for masking tape and provide a smoother, more uniform coating. Such a device would offer significant time savings and reduced damage to trim elements. 
     These issues with the edging function using existing applicators illustrate the need for a painting apparatus that allows for improved paint coverage, paint uniformity, and control of paint delivery. Furthermore, it would be beneficial for a painting apparatus to include a feed source that substantially uniformly delivers paint to the applicator to promote a uniform coating and eliminate pauses to reload the applicator with paint. Furthermore, it would also be beneficial to control and limit compression of the applicator against the surface to avoid excessive discharge of paint. Furthermore, it would also be beneficial to contain and control paint release from the applicator such that masking can be avoided. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present inventor has recognized, among other things, that there exists a need for a painting apparatus that allows for improved efficiency, paint coverage, paint uniformity, and control of paint delivery. 
     In some embodiments, an apparatus for painting a work surface includes a handle housing. A disposable painting module is configured to be removably engaged with the handle housing. The painting module includes a paint applicator configured to be removably engaged with the handle housing. The paint applicator is configured to apply paint to the work surface. A paint reservoir is fluidly coupled with the paint applicator and configured to be removably engaged with the handle housing. An urging mechanism is coupled to the handle housing and configured to interact with the paint reservoir to substantially uniformly discharge the paint from the paint reservoir and supply the paint to the paint applicator. 
     In some embodiments, an apparatus for painting a work surface includes a handle housing including an attachment surface configured to vibrate with respect to the handle housing. A disposable painting module is configured to be removably engaged with the handle housing. The painting module includes a paint applicator configured to be removably engaged with the attachment surface. The paint applicator is configured to apply paint to the work surface. A paint reservoir is fluidly coupled with the paint applicator and configured to be removably engaged with the handle housing. An urging mechanism includes a constant force spring. The urging mechanism is coupled to the handle housing and configured to interact with the paint reservoir to substantially uniformly discharge the paint from the paint reservoir and supply the paint to the paint applicator. 
     Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to inventive aspects that make use of the fluid flow characteristics of open cell foam structures, which could be naturally occurring (such as the sea sponge) or synthetic, and that are non-soluble in solvents used in paint preparation (e.g., water, petroleum distillates, etc.). Open cell foam structures possess voids that intersect each other, forming pathways through the solid through which fluid can flow. They are generally soft and compressible, and liquid can be absorbed into and pass through their cells. Liquid can subsequently be expressed from the open foam cells by compressing the foam and reducing available volume for fluid retention. The inventive aspects of the present disclosure utilize the liquid absorption, retention, and expression characteristics of open cell foam structures, in part, to provide smooth uniform coatings of paint on flat surfaces. While brushes do not necessarily have the cell structure of foams, their ability to take up, retain, and release liquids such as paint at variable rates depending on application pressure (“compression”) makes them useful regarding the present disclosure as well. 
     Generally, the inventive aspects relate to an apparatus for painting a flat surface, consisting of an applicator made of a compressible material that can absorb, retain, and release paint, and a housing into which at least a portion of the applicator is recessed, the housing being connected to the apparatus and which may have side walls to contain and prevent paint from contacting a trim element or intersecting wall. The housing has projections directed toward the surface being painted that contact the surface and limit the amount of compression of the applicator when the apparatus is pushed against the surface, hereby controlling the release of paint from the applicator. The projections also help maintain a uniform pressure of the applicator against the surface being painted. The side walls may act as projections for these purposes. The size and shape of the applicator and housing combined with the amount of compression allowed by the projections determine and control paint application by controlling both localized and overall paint release rates from the applicator, as well as promoting uniform pressure of the applicator against the surface being painted. The apparatus may also have an integral paint feed source, either self-contained (such as with a syringe or cartridge) or through a pressurized feed tube connected to a larger container of paint, and paint release openings in the housing that are fluidly coupled to the integral paint feed source to provide a path for supplying paint to the applicator. 
     This summary is intended to provide an overview of subject matter of the present patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation of the inventive aspects. The detailed description is included to provide further information about the present patent application. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document. 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a painting apparatus according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 2  is a side cross-sectional view of a painting apparatus according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a painting apparatus according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the painting apparatus including a paint applicator in a first position. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a painting apparatus according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the painting apparatus including a paint applicator in a second position. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a paint applicator of a painting apparatus according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom plan view of a paint applicator of a painting apparatus according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of a painting module of a painting apparatus according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective cross-sectional view of a painting apparatus according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the painting apparatus having a painting module removed. 
         FIG. 9  is a cut-away side view of a portion of an urging mechanism of a painting apparatus according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of a painting apparatus according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 11  is a side cross-sectional view of a painting apparatus according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 12  is a cut-away side view of a portion of an urging mechanism of a painting apparatus according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 13A  is a cross-sectional view of a painting apparatus according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 13B  is a cross-sectional view of a painting apparatus according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 14A  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a painting apparatus according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 14B  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a painting apparatus according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of a painting apparatus according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of a painting apparatus according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a painting apparatus according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a painting apparatus according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 19A  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a painting apparatus, showing an applicator of the painting apparatus extending from a housing. The apparatus includes internal projections (not shown in this solid view). 
         FIG. 19B  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a painting apparatus, showing an applicator of the painting apparatus extending from a housing. The apparatus includes angled side walls that serve as external projections. 
         FIG. 20A  is a side view of the painting apparatus of  FIG. 19A , showing the applicator recessed into, and extending from, the housing.  FIG. 20A  is an external view of the embodiment with internal projections (not shown in this solid view). 
         FIG. 20B  is a cross-section view of the embodiment of  FIG. 20A  without an integral paint feed source, illustrating the internal projections in relation to the applicator. 
         FIG. 20C  is the embodiment shown in  FIG. 20B , shown with the applicator compressed when applied to a surface being painted and the projections in contact with the surface. 
         FIG. 20D  shows another embodiment similar to those shown in  FIGS. 20A-20C  with an internal channel connecting an integral paint feed source with paint release openings adjacent to the applicator. 
         FIG. 21A  is a front view of the painting apparatus of  FIG. 19A , showing the applicator recessed into, and extending from, the housing.  FIG. 21A  is an external view of one embodiment with internal projections (not shown in this solid view). 
         FIG. 21B  is a cross-section view of the embodiment of  FIG. 21A  without an integral paint feed source, illustrating the internal projections in relation to the applicator. 
         FIG. 21C  is the embodiment shown in  21 B, shown with the applicator compressed when applied to a surface being painted and the projections in contact with the surface. 
         FIG. 21D  shows another embodiment similar to those in  FIGS. 21A-21C  with an internal channel connecting an integral paint feed source with paint release openings adjacent to the applicator. 
         FIG. 22A  is a front view of another embodiment of a painting apparatus, showing an applicator recessed into, and extending from, a housing.  FIG. 22A  is an external view of the embodiment with side walls serving as external projections. 
         FIG. 22B  is a cross-section view of the embodiment of  FIG. 22A  without an integral paint feed source, illustrating the external projections in relation to the applicator. 
         FIG. 22C  is the embodiment shown in  22 B, shown with the applicator compressed when applied to a surface being painted and the projections in contact with the surface. 
         FIG. 23A  is a side view of another embodiment of a painting apparatus, with an applicator having a domed superior surface which contacts a flat interior surface of a housing. Internal projections are not shown, for clarity.  FIG. 23A  is a cross-section view of the housing and the applicator in unassembled form. 
         FIG. 23B  is the assembled form of the embodiment of  FIG. 23A , with the applicator in an uncompressed state. 
         FIG. 23C  is the embodiment shown in  23 B, shown with the applicator compressed when applied to a surface being painted and the projections in contact with the surface. The profile graph under the applicator shown in  23 C generally illustrates the degree of maximum possible applicator compression (limited by the projections) that corresponds with the relative position of the applicator. 
         FIG. 24  is a front view of the embodiment of the painting apparatus shown in  FIG. 19B , the embodiment includes angled side walls serving as external projections. 
         FIG. 25  is a side view of another embodiment of a painting apparatus including internal projections, an integral paint feed source, and a spring-actuated syringe serving as the paint source. 
         FIG. 26  is a front perspective view another embodiment of a painting apparatus including external projections, an integral paint feed source, and a spring-actuated syringe serving at the paint source. 
         FIG. 27  is a side view of the painting apparatus of  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 28  is a cross sectional view of the painting apparatus of  FIG. 27  taken along a line bisecting the painting apparatus. 
         FIG. 29  is a side view of the painting apparatus of  FIG. 27 , shown with one of the body halves removed to expose the interior features thereof. 
         FIG. 30A  is an exploded view of the painting apparatus of  FIG. 26 , the painting apparatus shown without the removable painting module of the apparatus. 
         FIG. 30B  illustrates the painting apparatus of  FIG. 30A  in a fully assembled form. 
         FIG. 31  is an exploded view of the paint feed source of the apparatus of  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 32  illustrates the keying feature between the plunger of the syringe defining the paint feed source and the urging mechanism of the apparatus of  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 33  illustrates a close-up view of the switch contact portion of the trigger of the apparatus of  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 34  illustrates a close-up view of the paint flow control system of the apparatus of  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 35  is an exploded view of the removable paint applicator of the apparatus of  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 36  illustrates a front view of the removable paint applicator of  FIG. 35  in a fully assembled form. 
         FIG. 37  is a side view of the removable paint applicator of  FIG. 36 . 
         FIG. 38  is a cross-sectional view of the removable paint applicator of  FIG. 37  taken along a line bisecting the removable paint applicator. 
         FIG. 39  is a perspective view illustrating the manifold of the removable paint applicator of  FIG. 35 . 
         FIG. 40  is a front view of the manifold of the removable paint applicator of  FIG. 35 , the manifold shown without a foam applicator attached thereto. 
         FIG. 41  is a perspective view of the removable paint applicator of  FIG. 35  in a fully assembled form. 
         FIG. 42  illustrates the engagement of the removable paint applicator of  FIG. 35  with the body of the apparatus of  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 43  illustrates the seal between the luer of the syringe and the receiver of the removable paint applicator of  FIG. 35 . 
         FIG. 44  illustrates a close-up view of the mechanism that prevents removal of the paint applicator from the body of the apparatus when the syringe is present. 
         FIG. 45  illustrates a close-up view of the pivot lock feature of the removable paint applicator of  FIG. 35 . 
         FIG. 46  illustrates an example of a keying mechanism between the body of the apparatus and the removable paint applicator of  FIG. 35 . 
         FIG. 47  illustrates another keying mechanism between the body of the apparatus and the removable paint applicator of  FIG. 35 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present inventor has recognized, among other things, that there exists a need for a practical and cost effective powered paint applicator with a paint dispensing reservoir aimed at improving efficiency, coverage, uniformity, and control of paint delivery. It can be desirable that the apparatus includes a removable and disposable paint applicator and paint dispensing reservoir to make use and clean-up relatively efficient and relatively easy and to limit performance compromises of repeated cleaning and reuses. It can also be desirable that the device provide substantially uniform, continuous trimming capability so as to limit intermittent and varying paint dispensing rates. It can also be desirable for the device to provide relatively good tactile control and feedback to the user. It can be desirable for the device to be capable of operating from a battery source to limit, if not eliminate, reliance on AC power or power cords. It can also be desirable that the paint applicator be a lightweight hand-held apparatus to limit fatigue of the user. 
     The subject matter described herein may take form in a variety of embodiments, including but not limited to, the embodiments, components, arrangements of components, assembly methods and arrangements of methods, and apparatus usage procedures and arrangements of procedures as described below. The embodiments described, while possibly being preferred embodiments, are illustrative examples and are not meant to limit the invention described herein. As the invention utilizes the fluidic property of paint in order to apply paint to a surface, the use of the terms “paint” “fluid” and “liquid” are often used interchangeably, with the choice of term to help explain the concept but not meant to limit the invention herein. 
     An example of a painting device or apparatus  2  is illustrated in  FIG. 1  and is shown in section view in  FIG. 2 . In certain examples, the painting apparatus  2  is a vibrating paint tool with a dispensing reservoir for use in applying paint to a work surface. Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the device  2  includes a body  10 . In certain examples, the body  10  is a handle housing that serves as a handle for a user to hold during use of the device  2 . In one example, the body  10  is sized and shaped to allow for increased tactile feedback while painting. In certain examples, the body  10  includes a battery compartment  5  and a motor  11  disposed within the body  10 . In certain examples, the motor  10  can be an electric motor, including, but not limited to a DC electric motor. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , in one example, the motor  11  is a DC motor that receives current from one or more batteries within the compartment  5  via a momentary switch  6  and/or toggle switch  7 . The motor output  12  couples to drive cam  119 , as shown in  FIGS. 2-4 . When motor  11  receives current, the motor output  12  and a drive cam  119  rotate about a longitudinal axis A. In an example, the body  10  includes two support struts  129 A,  129 B, although in other examples, the body  10  can include more or less than two support struts. In some examples, a shuttle  120  attaches to the support struts  129 A,  129 B using shuttle pins  130 A,  130 B, as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . The shuttle pins  130 A,  130 B can have a clearance connection with the supports struts  129 A,  129 B and can be rigidly connected to the shuttle  120 . In some examples, as the drive cam  119  rotates about axis A, it comes into contact with a fore follower  121 A and an aft follower  121 B. In this manner, the shuttle  120  and shuttle pins  130 A,  130 B are caused to move. In some examples, the support struts  129 A,  129 B limit the motion of the shuttle pins  130 A,  130 B, and, in turn, the shuttle  120 , to a single plane of motion disposed along a line X, which is substantially coplanar with a longitudinal axis Y of the body  10 . Referring specifically to  FIG. 1 , the line X is offset from the longitudinal axis Y by an angle Z. Depending upon the application of the device  2 , in some examples, the angle Z can be between zero degrees and 180 degrees. In this example, each revolution of the drive cam  119  moves the shuttle  120  forward and backward a distance within the plane of motion along the line X.  FIG. 3  shows the drive cam  119  and shuttle  120  generally in a forward-most position, and  FIG. 4  shows the drive cam  119  and shuttle  120  generally in an aft-most position. In this way, the shuttle  120  can be reciprocated, oscillated, or otherwise vibrated along the line X. 
     In certain examples, a paint applicator  20 , including a manifold  106  and a paint pad  15 , can be coupled to the shuttle  120 , as will be described in more detail below, to move with the shuttle  120  in a forward and backward motion along the work surface to be painted. Such forward and rearward motion substantially in line with the longitudinal axis Y of the body  10  can increase control and reduce drag while trimming or otherwise painting. In various examples, the paint applicator  20  can include a pad, a sponge, a brush, etc. In one example, the device  2  is pulled by the user in line with the longitudinal axis Y of the body  10 . Oscillating or otherwise vibrating the paint applicator  20  against the work surface, substantially in line with the direction the user is pulling the device  2 , can inhibit drag and increase control of the device  2 . In other examples, other directions of vibration are contemplated. For instance, in one example, the direction of vibration is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Y of the body  10  (side to side motion). In such an example, moving the device  2  perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Y of the body  10  during painting could inhibit drag and increase control of the device  2 . However, it is further contemplated that the user can move the device  2  in any direction with respect to the direction of vibration, although, if the direction of vibration is different from the direction of movement of the device, it can result in forces imparted in a different direction than the direction of trimming, which can increase resistance and decrease control. For example, if the direction of vibration were perpendicular to the direction of motion of the device, the vibrations of the paint applicator would tend to pull the device in a direction perpendicular to the direction of motion of the device, which can result in the paint applicator potentially pulling toward a surface that is not to receive paint. 
     Some other mechanisms for creating vibratory motion of a paint applicator against the work surface are described below or are contemplated herein. In various examples, motion of the paint applicator can be in virtually any direction, including forward and backward, side-to-side, circular, angular, etc. In other examples, motion of the paint applicator can be within a single plane or within multiple planes. In one example, motion of the paint applicator is into and away from the work surface to be painted. In further examples, it is contemplated that the device include a paint applicator with reconfigurable direction of vibration. For instance, the shuttle or other vibratory feature of the body can be selectively rotated or otherwise reconfigured to change the direction of vibration, for instance, between forward and backward motion, side-to-side motion, circular motion, angular motion, transverse motion (toward and away from the work surface), or incremental variations therebetween. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3-5 , in some examples, the manifold  106  is removably coupled to the shuttle  120  with slider features  113  on the manifold  106  and receiving guide tracks  123  on the shuttle  120 . In this way, the shuttle  120  acts as an attachment surface to engage the manifold  106  of the paint applicator  20 . In some examples, the guide tracks  123  and slider features  113  can provide a rigid connection between the manifold  106  and the shuttle  120  and allow for repeatedly connecting and disconnecting the manifold  106  to the shuttle  120 . In one example, the paint pad  15  is part of and makes up one face of the manifold  106 . In one example, the surface of the paint pad  15  includes a brush or bristle surface backed by a soft, fast reacting, cellular layer that helps accommodate surface irregularities of the work surface. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , the paint applicator  20  includes paint dispensing openings  114 . In certain examples, different paint applicators can include openings that vary in number, size, location, and shape, for instance to tune the different paint applicators for different painting applications, different painting techniques, or different work surfaces. For instance, a particular paint applicator can be used to optimize distribution of paint onto the work surface. 
     In one example, the manifold  106  supplies the paint to the openings  114 . In one example, the manifold  160  includes an edging feature  112  that assists in maintaining a small gap with a surface adjacent the work surface to inhibit application of paint on the adjacent surface. In certain examples, the manifold  106  includes a tube inlet  111  for connection with a paint feed tube  105 . In one example, as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the paint feed tube  105  is pushed into the tube inlet  111  and is retained with an interference fit. In other examples, this connection could include a number of different connectors such as a barbed fitting, a luer lock, a push-to-connect configuration, etc. In still other examples, multiple paint feed tubes are connected to multiple tube inlets. In this way, the paint feed tube  105  and manifold inlet  111  supplies the paint to the manifold  106 , which, in turn, supplies the paint to the openings  114 , so that the paint can be supplied to the paint pad  15  to be applied to the work surface to be painted. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , in some examples, removable, replaceable, and disposable paint-contacting pieces of the device  2  are included in a painting module  30 . In certain examples, the painting module  30  includes the paint applicator  20 , the paint feed tube  105 , and a paint reservoir  100 . In one example, the paint reservoir  100  is a syringe-style design including a plunger  101  to allow for paint filling and dispensing. Such a paint reservoir  100  can be produced relatively cheaply to make disposal and replacement relatively cost effective. Although a syringe-type paint reservoir  100  is described herein, other examples contemplated herein include other configurations of paint reservoirs. 
     In one example, the paint feed tube  105  can be permanently or releasably connected to a nozzle of the paint reservoir  100 . In some examples, the painting module  30  includes the components of the device  2  that carry, transfer, and otherwise contact the paint. As such, by making the painting module  30  rapidly removable from the body  10 , disposable, and replaceable, clean-up time for the device  2  can be reduced. Instead of washing paint pads, which can be tedious and time consuming and can result in the paint pads not performing as well after the initial use due to residual paint remaining on the paint pad, the used painting module  30  can be removed and replaced with a new, clean, replacement painting module  30 . In this way, the disposable painting module  30  of the device  2  can save the user time, can increase ease of use of the device  2 , and can enhance performance of the device  2  over multiple uses of the device  2 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-8 , in one example, to connect the disposable painting module  30  with the device  2 , the slider features  113  of the manifold  106  are manually engaged with the receiving linear guide tracks  123  of the shuttle  120 . A plunger advance bracket  102 , as will be described in more detail below, can be manually retracted to a rearward position, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 8 . The paint feed tube  105  and the paint reservoir  100  (in one example, at least partially filled with paint, as described above) can be guided into a nozzle cavity  151  and a tube cavity  152  of the body  10 . With the paint reservoir  100  seated in the nozzle cavity  151 , the plunger advance bracket  102  can be advanced so that, in one example, a plunger advance detent  153  captures the plunger  101 . The paint feed tube  105  can be connected to the manifold  106  to complete attachment of the painting module  30  with the body  10 . In this way, the device  2  can be configured to dispense paint. 
     In certain examples, referring to  FIGS. 2 and 8 , the plunger  101  is advanced to dispense paint by an urging mechanism  40 . In one example, the urging mechanism  40  includes a constant force spring  103  to advance the plunger  101 . In one example, one end of the constant force spring  103  can be connected to a drum  107 , and the other end of the constant force spring  103  can be connected to the plunger advance bracket  102 . In one example, the constant force spring  103  is biased to coil onto the drum  107 . As the constant force spring  103  coils onto the drum  107 , it exerts a force that pulls the plunger advance bracket  102  toward a forward position. In this way, in certain examples, the plunger advance bracket  102  is urged into motion and, in turn, advances the plunger  101  to supply the paint to the paint applicator  20 . In an example, the constant force spring  103  provides a substantially constant, uniform advance force on the plunger advance bracket  102  as the constant force spring  103  coils around the drum  107 , which is substantially maintained throughout the advance stroke. In this way, a relatively constant paint output rate can be achieved by using the constant force spring  103 , which can result in a substantially uniform supply of paint to the paint applicator  20  to allow substantially uniform application of paint to the work surface. Although the constant force spring  103  is described herein for use with the urging mechanism  40 , other examples of urging components can be used to advance the plunger  101 , which are also contemplated herein. In some examples, compression or extension spring are used to exert an advance force on the plunger  101 . In other examples, spring mechanisms such as elastic bands, power reels, or spring motors, for instance, can be used to advance the plunger  101 . In still further examples, the plunger advance can be powered, for instance, using a motor and lead screw. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , an example of selectively activating paint dispensing provides an “on/off” mechanism to allow the user to inhibit paint dispensing when desired. In one example, the drum  107  includes a ratchet feature  108 . In one example, a paint dispensing trigger  104  includes a pawl lever that pivots about axis C to selectively disengage with the ratchet feature  108  to allow rotation of the drum  107  and advancement of the plunger advance bracket  102 . A spring tab  140 , in one example, biases a pawl face  109  to engage the drum ratchet  108  to inhibit rotation of the drum  107 , which, in turn, inhibits the constant force spring  103  from coiling to exert force on the plunger  101 , thereby inhibiting dispensing of paint. In this example, when the paint dispensing trigger  104  is depressed (moved toward the body  10 ) by the user, the pawl face  109  pivots up and releases from the ratchet  108 , which allows the drum  107  to turn as the constant force spring  103  coils to exert a force on the plunger  101  to dispense paint. 
     Such a design can facilitate loading and unloading of the paint reservoir  100 . For instance, as the plunger advance bracket  102  is manually retracted, the drum  107  is forced to rotate about axis B, as is allowed by the geometry of the ratchet  108  and pawl  109 . When this manual retraction is halted, the constant force spring  103  will exert force on the drum  107  to try to rotate the drum  107  in the opposite direction. However, the pawl face  109  can then engage the ratchet feature  108  to inhibit motion of the drum  107  and generally maintain the position of the plunger advance bracket  102 . In this way, the plunger advance bracket  102  can be manually retracted to and retained at a location to allow sufficient clearance for loading and unloading the paint reservoir  100 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 2 and 8 , in some examples, an enclosure  110  is disposed around the drum  107 . The enclosure  110  can be configured to maintain a relatively small amount of clearance at least partially around the constant force spring  103  to inhibit the constant force spring  103  from diametrically expanding on the drum  107 . For instance, when the pawl face  109  is engaged with the ratchet feature  108 , the drum  107  is inhibited from rotating in the direction that the constant force spring  103  tends to coil. However, because of the coiling tendency of the constant force spring  103 , the constant force spring  103  can tend to continue retracting and coiling on the drum  107  by expanding away from the drum  107 . By providing the enclosure  110  around the drum  107 , this coiling of the constant force spring  107  through expansion on the drum  107  can be inhibited. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , in certain examples, the motor  11  can be selectively powered to oscillate or otherwise vibrate the paint applicator  20 . In one example, a switch  6  can be a normally-open, momentary switch. In this example, depression of the paint dispensing trigger  104  (toward the body  10 , in this example) can cause a portion of the paint dispensing trigger  104  to contact and close the momentary switch  6 . This allows current to flow to the motor  11 , which, in turn, can cause the motor output to rotate to move the paint applicator  20  in a vibratory or other motion. When the paint dispensing trigger  104  is released, a spring tab  140  can cause the paint dispensing trigger  104  to pivot away from the switch  106  to allow the switch  106  to return to its normally open state. In this way, paint dispensing and vibration of the paint applicator  20  both can be simultaneously activated and halted through manipulation of the trigger  104 . In another example, a toggle switch  7  can be used instead of or in addition to the switch  6 . In one example, the toggle switch  7  can be manually turned on or off to bypass switch  106  and allow vibration without dispensing of paint, or just dispensing without vibration. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2-4  and  8 , the device  2  can include a flow control mechanism  150 . In one example, the flow control mechanism  150  can include a user adjustable thumb screw to impede paint flow through the paint feed tube  105  by incrementally collapsing the paint feed tube  105  in the tube cavity  152 . By collapsing the paint feed tube  105 , a lumen of the paint feed tube  105  is reduced to inhibit paint flow through the lumen. In certain examples, the flow control  150  can include user adjustable settings to allow the flow to be tuned to varying paint viscosities and the user&#39;s rate of painting or trimming. For instance, the pitch on the thumb screw of the flow control mechanism  150  can be such that one revolution results in range from zero to substantially completely occluded flow. In one example, tuning increments can be provided, such as increments that can correspond to, for instance, a quarter turn resulting in approximately 25% occlusion of the lumen of the paint feed tube  105 , a half turn resulting in approximately 50% occlusion of the lumen of the paint feed tube  105 , etc. In this way, combining a substantially consistent paint dispense rate with a user adjustable paint flow volume control can allow the user to relatively consistently apply a substantially uniform amount of paint to the work surface. In other examples, other types of flow controls are contemplated by the present subject matter, such as, for instance, adjustable nozzles, needle valves, adjustable pinch valves, etc. 
     In use, with reference to  FIGS. 1-9 , in certain examples, the user can obtain the disposable painting module  30  and attach the disposable painting module  30  to the body  10  of the device  2 . For instance, the user can obtain a new disposable painting module  30  to replace a used painting module  30  that has been discarded. In an example, the user can attach the paint applicator  20  to the attachment surface of the shuttle  120  of the device  2 . In certain examples, the user can place the end of the paint feed tube  105  into a bucket, tray, container, or other source of paint and draw back the plunger  101  to at least partially fill the syringe-style paint reservoir  100  with paint. In an example, the user can couple the paint reservoir  100  with the body  10  and the urging mechanism  40  of the device  2 . The user, in one example, can connect the paint feed tube  105  to the manifold  106 . In one example, the user can place the paint pad  15  to the work surface to be trimmed or otherwise painted and begin painting by pulling the device  2  along the work surface while depressing the paint feed trigger  104  to dispense paint and vibrate the paint applicator  20  as the trigger  104  is depressed. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 10-12 , in certain examples, a painting device  2 ′ is similar to the device  2  described above, but includes a paint applicator  20  that is stationary with respect to a body  10 ′ of the device  2 ′ and does not include an actuator to vibrate the paint applicator  20  against a work surface. In one example, components related to dispensing paint are substantially similar to those components described above. In certain examples, the vibratory shuttle  120  of the device  2  can be replaced with an attachment surface rigidly attached to the body  10 ′ with the support struts  129 A,  129 B. The disposable painting module  30  and the connections with the body  10 ′ can be substantially similar to those of the previous examples of the device  2  discussed above. In this way, the device  2 ′ allows for substantially constant dispensing of paint at a substantially uniform rate to allow relatively uniform paint application to the work surface. In certain examples, paint flow can be user adjustable using a flow control  150  similar to the flow control  150  discussed above, such that paint output can be generally tuned to a user&#39;s painting rate. In some examples, the user adjustable flow control and the substantially constant flow rate provided by a constant force spring urging mechanism can allow the user to relatively continually and substantially uniformly dispense paint. Moreover, as with the device  2  described above, the disposable aspect of the painting module  30  of the device  2 ′ can allow for decreased clean-up time and enhance performance of the device  2 ′. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13A ,  13 B,  14 A, and  14 B, in certain examples, a painting device  202  comprises a body  210 . In some examples, the body  210  can include a battery compartment  205  and a motor  211 , for instance an electric motor  211 . The electric motor  211  can receive current from one or more batteries within the compartment  205  via a switch. The motor  211  can include a motor output  212  rotatable about a longitudinal axis A′. A lever arm  213  can extend generally in line with the longitudinal axis of the body  210  beyond one end  214  of the body  210 . In some examples, a disposable paint pad  215  and a manifold  206  can be releasably attached at a remote distal end  216  of the lever arm  213  and another end of the lever arm  216  can couple with the motor output  212 . In one example, the coupling between the motor output  212  and the lever arm  213  can be include a cam feature  220  on the motor output  212  and a mating follower cup feature  221  on the lever arm  213 . In certain examples, the follower cup  221  can slidingly fit over the cam  220  and can bear against a surface of the cam feature  220  during use. In this manner, when the motor output  212  rotates, the mechanical coupling between the cam  220  and the follower cup  221  translates the rotation into an oscillatory or other vibratory motion of the lever arm  213 . In some examples, the lever arm  213  can be pivotably supported intermediate its length by an aperture  222  formed in the distal end  214  of the body  210 . In some examples, this can be accomplished with a ball and socket type joint in which the lever arm  213  includes a ball feature  223  that can mate with the aperture socket  222 . In other examples, other types of pivot joints are contemplated herein. For example, referring to  FIG. 14A , a circular washer  225  can be mounted in the aperture  222  and can fit within a peripheral groove  226  formed in the lever arm  213 . In another example, referring to  FIG. 14B , a similar configuration is shown without a peripheral groove in the lever arm  213 . 
     In these examples, the paint pad  215  can be oscillated or otherwise vibrated in a direction opposite to the force applied to the follower cup  221  by the cam  220 . For instance, referring to  FIG. 13A , as the cam  220  is offset above the longitudinal axis A′, the lever arm  213  pivots such that the paint pad  215  can be offset below the longitudinal axis A′. In further examples, referring now to  FIG. 13B , the cam  220  is offset below the longitudinal axis A′ to pivot the paint pad  215  above the longitudinal axis A′. In some examples, the cam  220  and cup  221  can be shaped such that this oscillatory or otherwise vibratory motion can result in the paint pad  215  traveling in a substantially circular path about the longitudinal axis A′. In other examples, the cam  220 , cup  221 , and pivot joint can be shaped such that the paint pad  215  can be moved back and forth between any path about the longitudinal axis A′. In certain examples, the motion of the paint pad  215  can be back and forth motion that falls generally within one plane of motion (side to side type motion or longitudinally fore and aft). 
     In other examples, it is contemplated that the oscillatory or vibratory motion of the paint pad  215  can be accomplished in a number of different configurations. In one example, the motor output  212  can include the cam feature  220  and the lever arm  213  can include the mating follower cup feature  221 . In another example, this configuration can be reversed such that the motor output  212  includes a follower cup and the lever arm includes a mating cam. 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , in certain examples, oscillatory or vibratory motion of a paint pad  315  can be accomplished in a painting device  302  including a configuration in which a proximal end of a lever arm  313  includes a pair of permanent magnets  330 ,  331  mounted side by side and with opposite polarities. In some examples, the lever arm  313  can be mounted for pivotal movement at a pivot member  322 . A body  310  of the device  302  can include a battery compartment  305  and an electromagnet  334  which can receive an alternating current driving signal from an oscillator  333  and a battery  332 . For instance, the action of the alternating current in the electromagnet  334  interacting with permanent magnets  330 ,  331  can cause the lever arm  313  to move about the pivot member  322  first in one direction and then in an opposing direction to provide the desired oscillating or vibrating effect. 
     Referring to  FIG. 16 , in certain examples, oscillatory or vibratory motion of a paint pad  415  can be accomplished in a painting device  402  including a configuration in which a lever arm  413  can be vibrated using an offset flywheel  438  connected to a motor output  412 . In this way, vibration can be produced as the offset flywheel  438  pivots or swings about a longitudinal axis A″. In some examples, the lever arm  413  can be integrally attached with an end  414  of a body  410 . In this manner, the vibration created by rotating the offset flywheel  438  can be transferred through the body  410 , which can result in vibration of the lever arm  413  and the paint pad  415 , attached thereto. 
     Referring to  FIG. 17 , in certain examples, oscillatory or vibratory motion of a paint pad can be accomplished in a painting device including a spring  540  that can bias a lever arm  513  in one planar direction against a surface of a cam  520 . In some examples, as the cam  520  rotates about a longitudinal axis A′″, an offset radius can apply force to the lever arm  513  opposing force of the spring  540 . In an example, as the spring  540  compresses, the lever arm  513  can pivot. In some examples, as the cam  520  rotates and the radius in contact with the lever arm  513  is reduced, the spring  540  can pivot the lever arm  513  in the opposite direction to complete a cycle of motion. In this way, the cycle can result in the lever arm  513  and the attached paint pad oscillating about the longitudinal axis A′″. In some examples, the lever arm  513  can include a step  541  to accommodate spatial constraints for this configuration. 
     Referring to  FIG. 18 , in certain examples, oscillatory or vibratory motion of a paint pad can be accomplished in a painting device including a cam  620  that can include a peripheral continuous channel  650  extending generally in an axial direction with respect to a longitudinal axis A″″. In some examples, a follower cup  621  includes a finger  651  that can engage the channel  650 , such that when a drive shaft rotates, the cup  621 , and, in turn, a lever arm  613 , is urged backward and forward along the longitudinal axis A″″. In some examples, the cam  620  rotating against the follower cup  621  can provide oscillatory or otherwise vibratory motion that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A″″, and the channel  650  and finger  651  can provide oscillatory or otherwise vibratory motion that is generally in line or parallel with the longitudinal axis A″″. In some examples, the device can include a pivot configuration similar to that described above with respect to  FIG. 14B . In this way, the lever arm  613  can be caused to move forward and backward along the longitudinal axis A″″. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 19-25 , another example of a painting apparatus  1010  is illustrated in  FIG. 19  and is shown in two embodiments in  FIG. 19A  and FIG.  19 B. Applicator  1012  is located within, and extends out from housing  1011 . Applicator  1012  is made from a compressible material or construction that has the ability to absorb and retain a fluid. The applicator  1012  also has the ability to express (release) fluid when pressed against a surface and/or forced into a compressed state. Suitable materials and constructions include natural or synthetic open cell foam structures, bristles, brushes or other like materials commonly used as paint or coating applicators. Housing  1011  can be made from any rigid non-porous material, such as metal, plastic composite or any material commonly used in the painting and coating industries. In  FIG. 19 , housing  1011  is attached to handle  1013 . As described below, handle  1013  in an alternate embodiment may have an internal channel for an integral paint supply. The embodiment in  FIG. 19A  possesses internal projections, which cannot be seen in the solid view of  FIG. 19A , that control the degree of compression of the applicator when placed against the surface being painted.  FIG. 19B  shows an embodiment where the projections are external and take the form of a side wall  1014  located at both housing edges parallel with the direction of apparatus movement in use, as shown. In  FIG. 19B  the side walls  1014  control the degree of compression of the applicator  1012  against the surface being painted. As previously noted, it is common for paint to excessively discharge out of an applicator when it is compressed against a surface without compression limitations. By using projections, like side wall  1014 , to limit and control the compression of the applicator, the excessive paint discharge can be reduced or eliminated. Additionally, to achieve a uniform paint coating it is typically important to maintain uniform pressure of the applicator against the surface being painted. By limiting and controlling the compression of the applicator  1012 , the side walls  1014  also provide a means to maintain uniform pressure of the applicator against the surface being painted. 
     In  FIG. 19B  the side walls  1014  are angled, which may provide an advantage to keeping paint from contacting adjacent trim elements or intersecting walls. The angled side walls  1014  offset the housing  1011  away from any trim elements. A front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 19B  is shown in  FIG. 24 . The angle of the side walls  1014  can range from 0° (perpendicular to surface) where spacing from a trim element or intersecting wall is provided solely by the thickness of the side wall  1014 , to 90° away from housing  1011  (parallel to surface), or more, where spacing from a trim element or intersecting wall is determined by the distance side wall  1014  projects from the housing. In some instances, it may be beneficial to angle the side wall  1014  toward the applicator  1012  for specialty painting applications. 
     Apparatus  1010  is further described in a side view in  FIG. 20  and is shown in two embodiments and compressive states in  FIGS. 20A through 20D .  FIG. 20B  shows a cross-section view of apparatus  1010  with components housing  1011 , applicator  1012 , handle  1013  and internal projection  1015 . Internal projection  1015  can be molded integral with housing  1011  or be otherwise permanently affixed to housing  1011  generally as shown. Applicator  1012  is constructed with a slot that traverses the entire length of internal projection  1015 , which conforms to the shape of internal projection  1015  and allows internal projection  1015  to contact the surface being painted when apparatus  1010  is applied to the surface and applicator  1012  has compressed, as shown in  FIG. 20C . Compression of applicator  1012  reduces the available volume within the applicator for paint retention and forces the release of paint onto the surface being painted. Since the rate of paint release is proportional to the degree of applicator  1012  compression, control of the paint release rate is provided by the length of the internal projection  1015  and its function of limiting the compression of applicator  1012 . Apparatus  1010  may possess multiple internal projections, and these projections can have shapes different than that shown, such as (but not limited to) a regular or oblong cylinder; and, the projections can be formed to contact the surface being painted in symmetric or non-symmetric patterns; and, the contact area of the projections with the surface can be tapered to prevent scratch of the surface. 
       FIG. 20D  shows an alternative embodiment of apparatus  1010  with a fluid channel  1016  that is fluidly connected to a paint feed source (such as with a syringe, cartridge or via a pressurized feed tube connected to a larger container of paint), and a paint release opening  1017  located adjacent to applicator  1012  which provides a flow of paint directed to applicator  1012 . Apparatus  1010  may possess channel and paint release openings of different configurations than that shown. The configuration (size, geometry and location) of the paint release openings can be modified to deliver varying amounts of paint to specific areas of the applicator, with resulting controlled localized paint flow rates from different areas of the applicator. 
     Further illustration of the invention is shown in a front view in  FIG. 21 , representing the same embodiments as shown in  FIG. 20 .  FIG. 21B  shows a multiplicity of internal projections  1015 , with the applicator  1012  in an uncompressed state.  FIG. 21C  shows the same embodiment of  FIG. 21B  in a compressed state when apparatus  1010  is applied to the surface being painted.  FIG. 21D  shows one configuration of paint release openings of an alternative embodiment with a fluid channel  1016 . 
       FIG. 22  is a front view of an alternative embodiment that has external projections identified as side walls  1014 .  FIG. 22B  is a cross-section view of such an embodiment with the applicator  1012  in an uncompressed state recessed within housing  1011 .  FIG. 22C  shows a cross-section view, of the same embodiment of  FIG. 22B , except with the applicator  1012  in a compressed state, such as would occur when apparatus  1010  is applied to the surface being painted. In  FIG. 22C , the side walls  1014  contact the surface being painted, thereby controlling and limiting the degree of compression of the applicator  1012  against the surface being painted. In this configuration, the side walls  1014  can also act as seals or barriers to substantially contain and prevent paint from releasing onto adjacent trim elements. The location, size, and shape of the side walls  1014  can be varied to control where the paint is substantially contained versus where the paint is substantially allowed to release. Side walls may also comprise materials that aid in sealing against the surface being painted, such as elastomeric silicone, polyurethane, or similar in order to further contain and prevent excess paint from wicking under the side wall and staining the trim element or intersecting wall. By using the housing and side walls to contain and control paint release, the need for masking tape can be avoided. 
     Each of the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 19 through 22  utilizes an applicator  1012  with generally flat surface shapes, creating a generally rectangular shape when viewed from the side. Applicators can have surface shapes, however, in order to provide different fluid flow and paint release characteristics when compressed. One embodiment using an alternative shape is shown in  FIG. 23 , where the superior surface of applicator  1012  has a convex shape when viewed from the side.  FIG. 23A  shows the convex shape of applicator  1012  and how it will contact the flat interior surface of housing  1011  when inserted into the housing, as shown in  FIG. 23B . Due to the compressive nature of applicator  1012  and the unmatched shapes of the applicator  1012  and interior surface of housing  1011 , when forced into a compressed state when apparatus  1010  is applied to the surface being painted, the amount of localized compression of applicator  1012  will vary across the profile of the applicator.  FIG. 23C  is the embodiment shown in  23 B, shown with the applicator compressed when applied to a surface being painted and the projections in contact with the surface. The profile graph under the applicator shown in  23 C generally illustrates the degree of maximum possible applicator compression (limited by the projections) that corresponds with the relative position of the applicator. The effect of this varying compression profile is the release of paint at a higher rate at the central portion of the applicator than at the outer edges of the applicator. With proper control of fluid flow, either through an integral paint feed source or by controlled uptake in an apparatus without an integral paint feed source, paint can be applied to the surface primarily at the central portion of the applicator, with excess paint reabsorbed by the applicator at the outer edges where the internal fluid-retaining volume of the applicator is greater. The applicator in alternative embodiments may have a convex shape in multiple axes and not just from the side, and may have shapes other than convex. Alternatively, the interior surface of the housing may have a shape other than flat, in conjunction with an applicator with a flat surface, or both housing and applicator may have non-flat surfaces. In another embodiment, the relative shapes of the applicator and housing may be such in order to provide higher localized paint application to certain areas other than the central region of the applicator, such as the applicator edge farthest from the trim element or intersecting wall. 
     Limiting and controlling the compression of the applicator has several advantages. It is common for paint to excessively discharge out of an applicator when it is compressed against a surface without compression limitations. By limiting and controlling the compression of the applicator, the excessive paint discharge can be reduced or eliminated. Additionally, to achieve a uniform coating it is typically important to maintain uniform pressure of the applicator against the surface being painted. Uniform pressure tends to result in uniform paint release rate from the applicator. By limiting and controlling the compression of the applicator, the housing provides a means to maintain uniform pressure of the applicator against the surface being painted. 
     Recessing an applicator within a housing has several advantages. The housing can incorporate side walls to control paint release. The location, size, and shape of the side walls can be varied to control where the paint is substantially contained versus where the paint is substantially allowed to release. By containing and controlling paint release from the applicator, precise edging can be accomplished and masking can be avoided. 
     Recessing an applicator within a housing also provides means to fluidly couple the applicator with an integral paint feed source. In this configuration, the housing provides a path for supplying paint to the applicator. Delivering paint to the applicator can eliminate pauses to reload the applicator with paint. 
       FIG. 25  is a stylized embodiment of an apparatus, incorporating an integral paint feed source. The apparatus shown in  FIG. 25  may include any of the features relating to the paint applicators  1012  discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 19-24  such as internal projections  1015 . The apparatus shown in  FIG. 25  may also include any of the features relating to the painting devices incorporating an integral paint feed source discussed with respect  FIGS. 1-18 . In this example embodiment, the apparatus utilizes a syringe  1020  filled with paint serving as the paint source. An urging mechanism  1021  acts on the syringe to dispense paint. The urging mechanism  1021  may, for example, be spring driven, motor driven, or manually advanced by the operator. A trigger  1022  may selectively allow the urging mechanism  1021  to dispense paint out of the paint syringe  1020  thereby delivering paint to the applicator  1012 . A flow control  1023  may be incorporated to vary the volume and rate of paint being delivered to the applicator. 
       FIGS. 26-47  illustrate another embodiment of an apparatus or device  1100  having features similar to those of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 25 . As in the embodiment of  FIG. 25 , the painting apparatus  1100  is a paint tool that incorporates an integral paint feed source  1102 . This embodiment may also utilize a syringe filled with paint serving as the paint source  1102 . An urging mechanism  1104  is configured to act on the syringe  1102  to dispense paint. In the depicted embodiment, the urging mechanism  1104  is spring driven. A trigger  1106  is incorporated into the painting apparatus  1100  that may selectively allow the urging mechanism  1104  to dispense paint out of the paint syringe  1102  thereby delivering paint to the applicator portion  1108  of the device  1100 . In the depicted embodiment, a flow control system  1110  is also incorporated to vary the volume and rate of paint being delivered to the applicator portion  1108  of the device  1100 . 
     It will be understood that many of the inventive concepts featured on the painting devices or apparatuses illustrated in  FIGS. 1-18  can be utilized on the apparatus  1100  of  FIGS. 26-47 . For example, as will be discussed in further detail below, the painting apparatus  1100  of  FIGS. 26-47 , in the depicted embodiment, is a vibrating paint tool that includes a motor  1112  for providing vibration to the paint applicator  1108  of the device  1100 . Moreover, any of the features that are applicable to the different embodiments of the painting apparatus  1010  described above may be featured on the apparatus  1100  illustrated in  FIGS. 26-47 . For example, the painting apparatus  1100  illustrated in Figured  26 - 47 , in the depicted embodiment, includes an applicator  1108  having external projections  1114  that control the degree of compression of the applicator  1108  against a surface being painted. As will be discussed in further detail below, in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 26-47 , the external projections  1114  are in the form of angled side walls  1116  defined by a removable manifold structure  1120  of the device  1100 . Since the general configuration and operation of the paint apparatus  1100  of 
       FIGS. 26-47  may parallel that of the embodiments discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 1-25 , at least in certain aspects, generally only the differences therebetween will be addressed below, with the understanding that the embodiment of  FIGS. 26-47  can fully incorporate any of the features discussed with respect to the previous embodiments. 
     Referring now specifically to  FIGS. 26-30 , the painting apparatus  1100  generally includes a main body  1122  defining a first end  1124 , a second end  1126 , a first side  1128  and a second side  1130 . The main body  1122  may also be referred to herein as a main housing  1122 . The first end  1124  may also be referred to as the back or the rear end  1124  and the second end  1126  may also be referred to as the front end  1126 . The first side  1128  may be referred to herein as the right side  1128  and the second side  1130  may be referred to herein as the left side  1130  of the main body  1122 . The main body  1122  defines a longitudinal axis A MB  extending in a direction from the rear end  1124  toward the front end  1126 . The main body  1122  is generally formed from a right body half  1132  that is configured to be fastened to a left body half  1134  to capture the internal features of the apparatus  1100  therein during assembly of the device  1100 . 
     Referring now specifically to FIGS.  31  and  35 - 45 , the depicted example of the painting apparatus  1100  is configured with a removable painting module  1136  that generally includes a removably mounted paint source  1102  and a removable paint applicator  1108 . As will be discussed in further detail below, the device  1100  and the removable features thereof are configured such that the entire fluid/paint path is disposed within the removable painting module  1136  such that paint is prevented or limited from coming into contact with non-disposable parts of the device  1100 , such as the main body  1122  of the device  1100 . 
     The paint source  1102 , in the depicted example, is in the form of a removable paint reservoir such as a syringe having a plunger portion  1140 . The plunger  1140 , in the depicted example, includes a seal  1142  in the form of an O-ring for providing the proper vacuum seal to allow for paint filling and dispensing. Please see  FIG. 31 . The syringe  1102 , removed from the main body  1122  of the device  1100 , may be used with a fill sleeve in filling the reservoir with paint. Further details of such a fill sleeve including the structure and the function thereof are described in U.S. Patent Application entitled “Apparatus for Reducing Syringe Fill Pressures”, having Attorney Docket No. 16916.0002USU1, being filed concurrently herewith on the same day as the present application, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     Now, referring back to  FIGS. 26-30 , similar to the previous embodiments described, the plunger  1140  of the syringe  1102 , after the syringe  1102  has been loaded into a syringe cavity  1144  defined on the main body  1122  of the apparatus  1100 , is configured to be advanced by an urging mechanism  1104 . The urging mechanism  1104  is biased toward the front end  1126  of the main body  1122  for advancing the plunger  1140  during operation of the device  1100 . In the depicted example, the biasing force is provided by a constant force spring  1146 . At least a portion of the spring  1146  including the first end  1148  is coiled within an enclosure  1152  defined by the urging mechanism  1104 . A second end  1154  of the spring  1146  is attached to a toe portion  1156  of the trigger  1106 , as will be discussed in further detail below. 
     As also noted above, a constant force spring such as spring  1146  is configured to provide a substantially constant, uniform advance force on the plunger  1140 , which is substantially maintained throughout the advance stroke. In this way, a relatively constant paint output rate can be achieved by using the constant force spring  1146 , which can result in a substantially uniform supply of paint to the paint applicator  1108  to allow substantially uniform application of paint to the work surface. Although the constant force spring  1146  is described herein for use with the urging mechanism  1104  of the depicted embodiment, other examples of urging components can be used to advance the plunger  1140 , which are also contemplated herein. 
     The urging mechanism  1104 , in the depicted example, includes a pull handle  1160  for pulling the mechanism  1104  rearwardly during the loading of the syringe  1102  into the syringe cavity  1144 . In the depicted example, the urging mechanism  1104  is configured to slide within a track  1162  defined on the main body  1122  in pushing the plunger  1140  toward the front end  1126  of the device  1100  for dispensing the paint. The urging mechanism  1104  includes a pair of track followers  1164  on each side of the enclosure  1152  that are configured to ride along a portion of the track  1162  defined by each of the main body halves  1132 ,  1134 . The urging mechanism  1104  also includes a lateral projection  1166  on each side of the enclosure  1152 . The lateral projections  1166  are configured to be positioned above the track  1162  when the urging mechanism  1104  slides in moving the plunger  1140 . The lateral projections  1166  can be used for temporarily docking the urging mechanism  1104  at the rear of the device  1100  by inserting the projections  1166  into slots  1168  (e.g., c-shaped in the given embodiment) at the rear end  1124  of the main body  1122 . In this manner, the urging mechanism  1104 , which is normally biased forwardly by the constant force spring  1146 , can be temporarily positioned out of the way of the syringe  1102  when the syringe  1102  is being loaded/reloaded into or unloaded from the syringe cavity  1144  of the device  1100 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 26 and 29 , the track  1162  includes an enlarged portion  1170  at each side of the device  1100  for accommodating the track followers  1164  when removing the urging mechanism  1104  off the track  1162  and engaging the slots  1168  with the lateral projections  1166  in docking the urging mechanism  1104 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 29-32 , the urging mechanism  1104  may also include a protrusion  1172  received within a bore  1174  formed on the plunger  1140  of the syringe  1102  to provide stability to and centering of the syringe  1102  resting in the syringe cavity  1144 . The interaction of the protrusion  1172  and the bore  1174  might also serve a keying function. As will be described in further detail below, the keying feature provided by the protrusion  1172  and the bore  1174  is just one of the numerous keying features that might be provided between the main body  1122  of the device  1100  and some of the removable or disposable portions of the device  1100  (such as the syringe  1102 ) so as to associate a particular removable or disposable feature with a given device. 
     Referring now specifically to  FIG. 29 , the apparatus main body  1122  defines a handle portion  1176  that extends rearwardly and downwardly at a generally acute angle Σ with respect to the longitudinal axis A MB  defined by the main body  1122 . As will be discussed in further detail below, the handle portion  1176 , the depicted embodiment, defines a generally hollow structure configured to house therein the power source  1178  (e.g., batteries) for powering the vibration motor  1112  of the device  1100 . Wiring  1118  provided within the main body  1122  of the device  1100  electrically connects the power source  1178  with the motor  1112 . An open end  1180  of the handle portion  1176  is closed by a battery cover  1182  to capture the batteries  1178  therein. In the depicted embodiment, the battery cover  1182  includes an electric contact  1184  attached thereto that is configured to continue the current flow from one set of batteries  1178 A within a battery chamber  1186  to a third battery  1178 B that is spaced apart from the first set  1178 A. The battery cover  1182  may be coupled to the handle portion  1176  via any mechanical means such as a snap-fit interlock. 
     The handle portion  1176  also provides ergonomic support to a user of the apparatus  1100  in pressing/actuating the trigger  1106  of the apparatus  1100  and applying paint during use of the device  1100 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 29 , the trigger  1106  of the apparatus  1100  is pivotally coupled to the main body  1122  via a hinge portion  1188  that is captured between the right and left main body halves  1132 ,  1134 . The trigger  1106  is biased to a non-actuated position via the spring  1146  housed within the main body  1122 . Please see  FIG. 30A  for the spring  1146 . As will be discussed in further detail below, the trigger is configured to perform multiple functions when actuated. 
     Firstly, in the depicted embodiment, the trigger  1106  includes a switch contact portion  1190  that is configured to abut and move a contact switch  1192  of the device  1100  when actuated to establish current flow to the motor  1112  through the wiring  1118 . A close-up view of the switch contact portion  1190  of the trigger  1106  is shown in  FIG. 33 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 29 , secondly, the trigger  1106  defines a cam surface  1194  residing within the interior of the main body  1122  that is configured to form a part of the flow control system  1110  of the device  1100 . 
     As will be described in further detail below, the flow control system  1110  includes a pinch blade  1196  that defines a pinching surface  1198 , a pair of lateral projections  1200 , and a curved cam follower surface  1202 . The flow control system  1110  also include a pinch bar or linkage  1204  that operatively connects the trigger  1106  to the pinch blade  1204 , wherein the pinch bar  1204  defines a first end  1206 , a second end  1208 , and a longitudinal axis A PB  that extends from the first end  1206  to the second end  1208 . The flow control system  1110  further includes a control mechanism  1210  that interacts with the pinch blade  1196  in controlling the paint flow rate or volume being dispensed from the paint source  1102  to the paint applicator  1108 . 
     The control system  1110  is arranged such that the pinching surface  1198  of the pinch blade  1196  is configured to contact and collapse the paint feed tube  1138  against a surface  1212  defining at least a portion of a tube cavity  1214  of the device  1100  to reduce the lumen of the paint feed tube  1138  to inhibit paint flow through the lumen when the trigger  1106  is not actuated. When the trigger  1106  is in the non-actuated position, the pair of lateral projections  1200  of the pinch blade  1196  contact the first end  1206  of the pinch bar  1204 , wherein the opposite second end  1208  of the pinch bar  1204  is contacted by the cam surface  1194  of the trigger  1106  in restraining any movement of the pinch blade  1196  rearwardly along its longitudinal axis A PB . Thus, when the trigger  1106  is in a non-actuated state, the pinch blade  1196  is at a fully forward position, collapsing the lumen of the paint feed tube  1138  within the tube cavity  1214 . The pinch blade  1196  is prevented from moving back by the pinch bar  1204  that contacts the lateral projections  1200 . 
     When the trigger  1106  is actuated, the second end  1208  of the pinch bar  1204  starts to encounter a change in the cam profile of the cam surface  1194  of the trigger  1106  and is allowed to move rearwardly along its longitudinal axis A PB . The pinch blade  1196  is normally biased rearwardly along the longitudinal axis A PB  of the pinch bar  1204  by the material properties (e.g., rigidity/elasticity) of the paint feed tube  1138 . Thus, when the pinch bar  1204  encounters a change in the cam profile of the cam surface  1194  of the trigger  1106 , the pinch bar  1204  is allowed to move rearwardly, which in turn allows the pinch blade  1196  to move rearwardly due to the recovery bias force of the paint feed tube  1138 . 
     It should be noted that the cam surface  1194  of the trigger  1106  can include a variable cam profile such that partial actuation of the trigger  1106  can allow the pinch blade  1196  to move partially rearwardly under the bias force of the paint feed tube  1138  without necessarily fully opening the lumen of the paint feed tube  1138 . In this manner, a user can use the trigger  1106  to control the amount of paint passing through the lumen. When the trigger  1106  is fully pivoted, the lumen of the paint feed tube  1138  can be fully opened. However, as will be described in further detail below, even when the trigger  1106  is fully pivoted, the device is configured such that the amount of paint flow through the lumen can be adjusted to be less than the maximum rate. It is the flow control mechanism  1210  of the control system  1110  that can allow a user to adjust the paint flow to less than the maximum flow through the lumen of the paint feed tube  1138 , even when the trigger  1106  is fully opened. 
     The rearward movement of the pinch blade  1196  allows opening at least a portion of the collapsed lumen of the paint feed tube  1138  to establish paint flow. As will be described in further details below, the flow control mechanism  1210  of the control system  1110  can dictate how far the lumen can be allowed to be opened by the pinch blade  1196 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 29 , the flow control mechanism  1210  is configured to control the paint flow rate and volume by controlling how far rearwardly the pinch blade  1196  can move along the longitudinal axis A PB  of the pinch bar  1204  after it has been freed by actuation of the trigger  1106 . The control mechanism  1210  defines an eccentric cam portion  1220  defining a cam face  1222 , the profile of which is adjustably by a flow control knob  1224 . After the trigger  1106  is actuated, how far the pinch blade  1196  can be allowed to move rearwardly is controlled by the profile of the cam face  1222  of the control mechanism  1210  (please see  FIG. 34 ). The curved cam follower surface  1202  of the pinch blade  1196  interacts with the cam face  1222  of the eccentric cam portion  1220  of the flow control mechanism  1210  in limiting movement of the pinch blade  1196 . The abutment of the curved surface  1202  of the pinch blade  1196  with the cam face  1222  of the control mechanism  1210  determines how far the pinch blade  1196  can move rearwardly along the longitudinal axis A PB  of the pinch linkage  1204 . Thus, actuation of the trigger  1106  establishes paint flow for the device  1100  by opening the lumen of the paint feed tube  1138 , the size of the opening adjustable by the flow control mechanism  1210  via the flow control knob  1224 . 
     As discussed above with regard to previous embodiments, the flow control knob  1224  may be provided in the form of an adjustable thumb screw to impede paint flow through the paint feed tube  1138  by incrementally collapsing the paint feed tube  1138  in the tube cavity  1214 . In certain examples, the flow control knob  1224  can include user adjustable settings to allow the flow to be tuned to varying paint viscosities and the user&#39;s rate of painting or trimming. For instance, the pitch on the thumb screw of the flow control mechanism  1210  can be such that one revolution results in range from zero to substantially completely occluded flow. In one example, tuning increments can be provided, such as increments that can correspond to, for instance, a quarter turn resulting in approximately 25% occlusion of the lumen of the paint feed tube  1138 , a half turn resulting in approximately 50% occlusion of the lumen of the paint feed tube, etc. In this way, combining a substantially consistent paint dispense rate with a user adjustable paint flow volume control can allow the user to relatively consistently apply a substantially uniform amount of paint to the work surface. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 29 , thirdly, as will be described in further detail below, the trigger  1106  is also configured to provide an initial “kick-start” to the movement of the plunger  1140 . The trigger  1106  is configured to provide a break-away force or jolt to the constant force spring  1146  of the device  1100  to move the spring  1146  from a static non-flow position to a dynamic flow position. Since the second end  1154  of the constant force spring  1146  is attached to the toe portion  1156  of the trigger  1106 , when the trigger  1106  is actuated and pivoted forwardly, the toe  1156  also moves slightly forwardly, providing a pulling force on the constant force spring  1146 . Even though the constant force spring  1146  is configured to bias the plunger  1140  of the syringe  1102  forwardly during operation of the device  1100 , it is advantageous to provide an initial break-away force to the spring  1146  to cause the spring  1146  to start coiling and to start advancing the plunger  1102  forwardly. If the forward motion of the urging mechanism  1104  has been interrupted for any reason and is, thus, in a static state, such as by, for example, the plunger  1140  encountering an opposing frictional force due to dry paint, the slight break-away force provided by the trigger  1106  is enough to overcome such a halting force and move the urging mechanism  1104  forwardly. It is believed that at least part of the reason that a forward movement of the toe  1156  results in the providing a forward force on the urging mechanism  1104  is that the force to uncoil the depicted constant force spring  1146  is normally greater than the force provided by the spring  1146  when the spring  1146  is coiling up. 
     Now referring specifically to  FIGS. 35-42 , as noted above, in addition to a removable paint source  1102 , the painting module  1136  of the device  1100  also includes the removable paint applicator  1108 . The removable paint applicator  1108  generally includes a removable receiver structure  1226 , a removable manifold  1120  that is slidably and movably engaged with the receiver  1226 , a paint feed tube  1138 , and a paint pad  1228  attached to the manifold  1120 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 42 , the receiver  1226  is configured to be removably attached to the main body  1122  of the device  1100  with a snap-fit interlock. The receiver  1226  defines elastically flexible cantilever arms  1230  with ramped tabs  1232  that fit within grooves  1234  defined adjacent the front end  1126  of the main body  1122  for coupling the two structures together. The receiver structure  1226  is the portion of the removable paint applicator  1108  of the device  1100  that directly interacts with the body  1122  for coupling the paint applicator  1108  to the body  1122 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 35-42 , the receiver  1226  defines a socket portion  1236 . The manifold  1120  includes a manifold body  1238 . The manifold body  1238  defines a coupling portion  1240  for coupling to the socket  1236  of the receiver  1226 , a paint surface contact portion  1242  and an intermediate portion  1244  that connects the coupling portion  1240  to the surface contact portion  1242 . 
     The coupling portion  1240  is slidably and pivotably disposed within the socket  1236  of the receiver  1226 . In the depicted embodiment, the coupling portion  1240  defines a generally cylindrical configuration that is configured to slide within a complementarily shaped socket  1236  of the receiver  1226 . 
     The body  1238  of the manifold  1120  defines a dispensing chamber  1246  for dispensing paint to the paint pad  1228  attached to the manifold  1120 . As will be discussed in further detail below, the intermediate portion  1244  of the manifold body  1238  that connects the coupling portion  1240  to the surface contact portion  1242  includes a tube inlet  1248  that is configured to receive an end  1250  of the paint feed tube  1138  for fluidly connecting the dispensing chamber  1246  to the paint source  1102  through the paint feed tube  1138 . 
     The paint pad  1228 , in the depicted embodiment, is made up of a foam paint applicator  1252  and a foam wiper  1254  that are attached to the manifold  1120  so as to receive paint from the dispensing chamber  1246 . As shown in  FIG. 40 , the foam applicator  1252  communicates with the dispensing chamber  1246 , which may be blocked off from the foam wiper  1254  by a divider  1256  provided on the manifold  1120 . The porous nature of the foam applicator  1252  transfer paint from the dispensing chamber  1246  to an opposite side of the applicator  1252 . The foam applicator  1252  and the foam wiper  1254  are arranged such that during use of the device  1100 , as paint is applied, the foam wiper  1254  is able to clean surfaces to be painted prior to contact by the foam applicator  1252 . The foam wiper  1254  may also prevent drip of any paint when the device  1100  is being used. As discussed above, similar to the previous embodiments of the paint apparatuses described with respect to  FIGS. 19-25 , the surface contact portion  1242  of the manifold body  1238  may define angled side walls  1116  that serve as external projections  1114 . As described in detail previously, the external projections  1114  can help control the degree of compression of the foam paint applicator  1252  and foam wiper  1254  against the surface being painted and the angled profile of the sidewalls  1116  can help provide spacing for edging purposes. The external projections  1114  may prevent paint from flowing out as the foam applicator  1252  and foam wiper  1254  are compressed between the applicator  1108  and the work surface. According to one example embodiment, the foam applicator  1252  and the foam wiper  1254  may extend outwardly, preferably, not more than about 0.125 inches from a plane P defined by the surface contact portion  1242  of the manifold body  1238 , as shown in  FIGS. 35-39  to provide proper application. 
     As noted previously, providing a manifold structure  1120  that utilizes a surface contact portion  1242  having sidewalls  1116  that serve as external projections  1114  provides a number of advantages. The sidewalls  1116  contact the surface being painted, thereby controlling and limiting the degree of compression of the foam applicator  1252  against the surface being painted. The sidewalls  1116  can also act as seals or barriers to substantially contain and prevent paint from releasing onto adjacent trim elements. The location, size, and shape of the sidewalls  1116  can be varied to control where the paint is substantially contained versus where the paint is substantially allowed to release. Sidewalls  1116  may also comprise materials that aid in sealing against the surface being painted, such as elastomeric silicone, polyurethane, or similar in order to further contain and prevent excess paint from wicking under the sidewall  1116  and staining the trim element or intersecting wall. By using the sidewalls  1116  of the manifold  1120  to contain and control paint release, the need for masking tape can be avoided. 
     In certain embodiments, bristles can also be used along side edges  1258  defined by the surface contact portion  1242  of the manifold body  1238  that contact the work surface. Bristles can also be provided on a front edge  1260  defined by the surface contact portion  1242  of the manifold body  1238 . Bristles may help with paint drip and/or build-up. 
     Referring to  FIG. 42 , as noted above, in the depicted embodiment of the device, a motor  1112  (e.g., a DC electric motor) that is powered by an integral power source  1178  such as batteries, is mounted adjacent the front  1126  of the body  1122  of the device  1100  in a motor chamber  1262 . The motor  1112  includes an output in the form of a drive shaft  1264  that is generally oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis A MB  of the main body  1122 . The drive shaft  1264  extends outwardly from the main body  1122  so as to contact portions of the removable paint applicator  1108  of the device  1100 . The drive shaft  1264  defines a drive cam  1266  that is configured to cause movement to a cam follower surface  1268  (e.g., the cam follower surface  1268  defined by the coupling portion  1240  of the manifold body  1238 ) in a direction generally perpendicular to the drive shaft  1264  so as to cause a vibrating motion generally perpendicular to the drive shaft  1264 . 
     Oscillating or otherwise vibrating the paint applicator  1108  against the work surface, substantially in line with the direction the user is pulling the device, can inhibit drag and increase control of the device  1100 . However, as noted previously, it is further contemplated that the user can move the device  1100  in any direction with respect to the direction of vibration. 
     Referring specifically to  FIGS. 35 ,  38 , and  41 , the coupling portion  1240  of the manifold body  1238  includes the cam follower surface  1268  that is configured to follow the drive cam  1266  of the motor  1112 . The coupling portion  1240  can slidably move within the socket  1236  of the receiver  1226  for vibration in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A MB  of the device body  1122 . The receiver  1226  defines a clearance hole  1270  for accommodating the drive cam  1266  of the motor  1112 . The drive cam  1266  can communicate with the cam follower  1268  of the manifold  1120  through the clearance hole  1270 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 35 ,  38 ,  40 ,  41 , and  43 , the intermediate portion  1244  of the manifold body  1238  defines an internal channel  1272  that extends from the dispensing chamber  1246  to the tube inlet  1248 , as noted above. The tube inlet  1248  is configured to sealingly receive a first end  1250  of the paint feed tube  1138 . The second end  1274  of the paint feed tube  1138  extends to an adapter structure  1276  defined on the receiver  1226 . The adapter structure  1276  defines a tube inlet  1278  for sealingly receiving the second end  1274  of the tube  1138  coming from the dispensing chamber  1246  of the manifold  1120  and a syringe inlet  1280  that receives a syringe luer  1282  of the syringe  1102 . 
     As noted above, the ends  1250 ,  1274  of the paint feed tube  1138  may be retained with respect to the tube inlet  1278  of the receiver  1226  and the tube inlet  1248  of the manifold  1120  with an interference fit. In other examples, the connection could include a number of different connectors such as barbed fitting, a luer lock, a push-to-connect configuration, etc. 
     Now specifically referring to  FIG. 43 , in the depicted embodiment, the syringe inlet  1280  of the receiver  1226  defines an outer tapered sealing face  1284  that interacts with a tapered sealing face  1286  on the outer diameter (OD) of the syringe  1102 . The syringe inlet  1280  of the receiver  1226  also defines an inner tapered sealing face  1288  that interacts with a tapered sealing face  1290  on the inner diameter (ID) of the syringe  1102 . The interaction of the sealing faces between the syringe inlet  1280  and the syringe luer  1282  cause an inward compression of the OD of the luer  1282  and an outward expansion of the ID of the luer  1282  to create an automatic seal between the syringe inlet  1280  and the luer  1282  when the two structures are mated. Thus, a completely sealed path is formed all the way from the syringe  1102  to the dispensing chamber  1246 , without any paint contacting non-disposable parts of the apparatus (e.g., the main body  1122  of the apparatus  1100 ). 
     The tight fit between the syringe luer  1282  and the syringe inlet  1280  to provide the automatic seal also acts as a keying feature for associating the particular removable disposable syringe  1102  with the given device  1100 . 
     In order to limit the contact of paint with non-disposable parts of the device (e.g., the main body  1122  of the apparatus  1100 ), the device  1100  has also been configured with certain features to provide a certain sequencing in loading the painting module  1136  into the main body  1122  of the device  1100 . For example, the device  1100  is configured such that removable paint applicator  1108  cannot be released from the body  1122  of the device  1100  when the syringe  1102  is present. As shown in  FIGS. 43 and 44 , when the receiver  1226  of the paint applicator  1108  is mounted to the body  1122 , the flexible cantilever arms  1230  of the receiver  1226  are positioned rearwardly far enough along the main body  1122  so that portions thereof overlap with a portion of the syringe  1102 . In this manner, the cantilever arms  1230  cannot be flexed inwardly to remove the paint applicator  1108  from the body  1122  without first removing the paint source  1102  from the body  1122 . This provides a safety mechanism to limit spilling of paint into the body  1122  of the device  1100  since the plunger  1140  is normally biased toward a paint dispensing position. 
     In certain embodiments, it might be desired to lock the pivoting motion of the manifold  1120  with respect to the receiver  1226  (allowed by the generally cylindrical shape of the coupling portion  1240  within a complementary shape of the socket  1236  of the receiver  1226 ) without affecting the up/down vibrating motion. As seen in  FIGS. 35 ,  38 ,  40 ,  41 , and  45 , a pivot lock  1292  may be used. In the depicted embodiment, the pivot lock  1292  defines a locking plate  1294  that is configured to slide within the socket  1236  of the receiver to restrain any pivotal movement of the coupling portion  1240  of the manifold  1120  within the socket  1236 . The locking plate  1294  defines side edges  1296  that contact opposing inner surfaces of the socket  1236  and also defines a slot  1298  that receives a tab  1300  defined on the coupling portion  1240  of the manifold  1120 . The slot  1298 , when engaged over the tab  1300 , restrains any pivotal movement of the manifold  1120  along plane(s) generally perpendicular to a line defined by the up/down vibrational path. A clearance hole  1302  in the pivot lock  1292  accommodates the paint feed tube  1138  so as to not interfere with the lumen of the paint feed tube  1138  in either the unlocked or the locked orientation of the pivot lock  1292 . A pair of arms  1304  of the pivot lock  1292  interact with complementary tracks  1306  on the receiver  1226  for slidable movement of the pivot lock  1292  along the outer surface of the receiver  1226 . The pair of arms  1304  and the complementary tracks  1306  define discrete locking structures  1308  for locking and unlocking the pivot lock  1292 . 
     As noted above, numerous keying features might be provided between the main body  1122  of the device  1100  and some of the removable or disposable portions of the device  1100  so as to associate particular removable or disposable features with a given device. For example, in addition to providing a syringe  1102  that only fits within the given syringe cavity  1144  of the body  1122 , providing a syringe  1102  that has a plunger  1140  that only keys to the given urging mechanism  1104 , providing a syringe  1102  that has a syringe luer  1282  that only fits a given profile of the syringe inlet  1280  of the receiver structure  1226  (e.g., blindly) and that also encounters tapered sealing faces on the OD and the ID of the luer  1282  for an automatic sealing function, the device  1100  may also key other parts of the removable painting module  1136 . 
     For example, in the depicted embodiment of the device  1100 , the removable paint applicator  1108  may be keyed to the main body  1122  of the device  1100 . In the given embodiment, the receiver  1226  includes stabilizing ribs  1310  that mate with a complementary keying feature  1312  on the front  1126  of the main body  1122  (please see  FIG. 46 ). As another example, the receiver  1226  includes at least one slot  1314  (a pair of slots  1314  on the given embodiment, one on each side) that mates with a rib  1316  on the body  1122  to stabilize the removable applicator  1108  (please see  FIG. 47 ). 
     It should be noted that the example structures described above are only some of the many features that can be used for keying purposes and other structures can be used. 
     The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown and described. However, the present inventor also contemplates examples in which only those elements shown and described are provided. 
     All publications, patents, and patent documents referred to in this document are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, as though individually incorporated by reference. In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and those documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated reference(s) should be considered supplementary to that of this document; for irreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in this document controls. 
     In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B.” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. 
     The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. Section 1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.