Patent Publication Number: US-2005115012-A1

Title: Slideable nonrolling spreader

Description:
This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/505,498 filed Sep. 23, 2003, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into this application. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention relates generally to a slideable nonrolling spreader apparatus, particularly to a spreader apparatus having a relatively great amount of spreading material that comes at one time into contact with a work surface, and specifically to a spreader apparatus having a great amount of spreading material that comes at one time into contact with a work surface where the spreading material is a cushion or network of fibers.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      A paint brush unloads paint relatively quickly where the ends of the bristles of the paint brush are not flagged. Flagged paint brushes are extremely expensive. A paint brush, even a flagged paint brush, leaves a trail because a paint brush is rectangular and paints a) like a boat with a square rear end running rearwardly in water so as to leave a relatively great wake (the wake effect) or b) like a plow which leaves a noticeable trail (the plow effect). Also, a paint brush has a relatively great amount of drag. A paint brush, even a flagged paint brush, leaves linear streaks (or linear bumps in the nature of ridges). Loading a paint brush is an art, known by few and practiced by even less. Loading a paint brush involves setting the paint up on the bristles above the flagging (or split ends or catches) without wiping the bristles on the rim of the can. Wiping the bristles on the side of the can to remove “excess” paint, practiced by most homeowners, is actually an unloading. In other words, the homeowner loads and unloads and then attempts to paint.  
      Further as to a paint brush, a relatively great amount of pressure cannot be applied to a surface with the brush. First, the bristles of a paint brush bend if a relatively great amount of pressure is applied. Second, the handle and hence one&#39;s hand is located a relatively great distance from the surface being worked upon such that pressure cannot be immediately applied from the handle to and through the bristles and to the surface. A wall has surface tension of its own. The surface tension is created by dirt and dust and residue on the wall. This surface tension must be overcome for the brushed on paint to coat and stick to the wall.  
      A paint roller a) leaves a trail on both sides (the wake or plow effect) and b) further makes an orange peel effect between the trails. The high part of the bump does not dry well because it is too thick at such point. As one rolls, the roller lifts the paint from the surface because of the surface tension of the fiber, leaving a series of bumps.  
      A paint pad includes a foam backing and a layer of bristles glued onto the foam. The foam has some resiliency to permit a give to the layer of bristles as the layer of bristles run over the surface that is being painted. The foam further isolates the layer of bristles from the handle grasped by the user. The foam does not hold paint. The bristles unload paint instantly.  
      Paint may be sprayed with air, without air (airless), with air assist (air assist airless). Such painting produces the high/low (orange peel) effect. Airless is high volume, high pressure so one cannot create a fine finish. Again, a wall has surface tension of its own. The surface tension is created by dirt and dust and residue on the wall. This surface tension has to be overcome for the sprayed paint to coat and stick to the wall. Further, the transfer efficiency of an air spray gun is about 25% to about 45%, of an airless spray gun is about 60%, of an air assist airless is about 75%, because with these methods much of the paint bounces off. With spray painting, everything in the room to be painted must be covered. With spraying, the end effect is a surface having a plurality of miniature nails sticking out from the surface. Such a rough surface immediately begins to collect dust and dirt. With spraying, a mask is best used.  
      Electrostatic (automotive) painting does not produce the high/low effect. Electrostatic painting leaves an almost perfectly smooth finish. However, one cannot ground sheetrock or wood or glass or plastic (without first providing an electrostatic coating onto the substrate).  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      A paradigm is a set of assumptions, concepts, values, and practices that constitutes a way of viewing reality for the community that shares them, especially in an intellectual discipline.  
      The present invention provides a finish that is almost exactly like an electrostatic finish. The finish provided by the apparatus of the present invention is flat.  
      The present invention is a new paradigm. This paradigm spreads paint:  
      Evenly and smoothly. The present invention unloads paint evenly and spreads paint evenly and smoothly due at least in part to the high surface tension of the spreading material. The high surface tension is provided by a very fine network of fibers that run in all directions. In contrast, a brush has bristles that line up parallel, causing parallel highs and lows. A roller may have a network, but this network pulls paint away from a wall as it rolls, causing the orange peel (high/low profile) effect. With a high/low effect, the peak of the high or hump or bump may sag under the influence of gravity, causing a run. Paint pads cause highs and lows because the cells of the typical foam paint pad dump paint immediately. With the present invention, paint coverage is maximized with a minimum amount of paint because there are no highs and no lows.  
      Fast. The present invention spreads paint quickly because one pass is all one needs, because there are no trails to smooth out or re-spread, and because there are no ridges or holidays or misses to recover.  
      Efficiently. Transfer efficiency is between about 98% and 99.9%. Dripping and loss of paint is minimized because the paint is held in the network of fibers and is unloaded only when pressure is applied to the cushion of fibers from the relatively wide base exerting pressure over the relatively wide cushion of fibers. The only paint that is left behind is the residual in the spreading material.  
      With no masking. The present invention includes an edger. Hence there is no reason to cover the woodwork or anything in the room to be painted because there is no splatter or dripping such as with brushing, rolling and spraying.  
      By a direct fixing to the substrate itself, not an indirect fixing to dirt and dust and residue on the substrate. By manually pushing the spreading material onto the wall, with one&#39;s hand relatively close to the wall, with a relatively wide surface of spreading material (about three inches), one breaks through the dirt and dust, which is mixed up with the fluid or coating or paint, and applies the fluid or coating or paint directly to the substrate itself. In contrast, a brush has a spreading surface about one-half inch thick and one&#39;s hand is relatively far from the wall and the brush bends to minimize the force that one can apply to the wall.  
      By a fixing with a minimum amount of flow and wetting agents. Flow and wetting agents minimize beading and permit a spreading of the paint. However, flow agents are undesirable in that flow agents cut down on adhesion properties. Another side effect is that the bond between adjacent molecules is lessened such that the skin of the paint is not very strong. The manual energy or pressure supplied by the user of the present invention provides the flow energy to make the paint spread out. While a paint brush user supplies manual energy, such is minimal because the bristles bend and there is only one-half inch of spreading bristles. While a paint roller user supplies manual energy, such is like a rock skipping across the water: only one-eighth of an inch of the roller is making contact with the wall and such one-eighth of an inch is not sliding (which is preferable) but is instead rolling like a wheel.  
      Another advantage of the present invention is that the handle, base and spreading material can be formed of relatively inexpensive materials such that the spreader is inexpensive to the manufacturer.  
      Another advantage of the present invention is that the handle and base can be formed inexpensively and engaged in an inexpensive process to the spreading material such that the spreader as a whole is inexpensive to manufacture. The present spreader can be manufactured so inexpensively that the present spreader is intended to be a disposable item, where the fiber network or cushion is not intended to be removable from its attendant base and handle.  
      The present spreader is a fast spreader or fast brush where such brush includes a cushion or network of fibers instead of bristles. A conventional set of bristles provides no cushion and no network.  
      The present spreader moves past pad painter technologies. Instead of a pad foam formed of closed or open cells, the present invention uses a network or cushion to spread a coating. Instead of a square or rectangular paint pad or edge painter, the present invention uses a rectangular portion and adds to such rectangular portion a first end having a ninety degree angle and further adds to such rectangular portion a second end having a ninety degree angle. With a ninety degree angle on each of the ends, a user may slide the present spreader backwards, as well as forwards, and keep from catching on the woodwork or ceiling texture. One ninety degree end is structured to create a smooth finish along an edge with no masking. The other ninety degree end can be slid or wiped on siding and paint the face of the siding as well as the under lip of the next row up. Or this other ninety degree end can paint the adjacent wall in a corner without catching or causing a chatter-step action as the tool is wiped along the corner.  
      A conventional paint pad with rollers or edger with rollers does not paint right up to the edge. Instead, such a rolling device paints only up to the distance permitted by the wheels or rollers that are rolling along the edge. With the present spreader, a relatively thin shroud slides along the trim or woodwork, thereby permitting paint to be applied almost immediately at the edge of the trim or woodwork. If desired, the present network of fibers may be angled outwardly from a fiber backing and in the direction of such trim or woodwork to reach even closer to the trim or woodwork.  
      The present invention uses fabric, not bristles. Such a choice lowers the cost of the spreader material and increases the loading capacity of the spreader. For example, a knitted fabric has a network to hold more paint than an array of bristles. The fiber network of the present spreader is essentially a tank into which paint is loaded. The fiber network has a great amount of surface area and individual fibers have scales, loops, and other irregularities to increase the amount of surface area and to increase one fiber&#39;s interaction with an adjacent fiber. A woven fabric too has a network of fibers to hold paint. For example, a ten denier yarn is combed out to create ten fibers out of each yarn. Given a certain set of factors, a woven fabric may not hold as much paint as a knitted fabric. However, given the same set of factors, the woven fabric may be preferred for some applications because a woven fabric may produce an almost perfectly flat layered application of paint that comes close to duplicating an automotive finish. Woven fabrics and knitted fabrics do not release bristles like a brush or like a pad painter. Woven fabrics and knitted fabrics do not flare out of shape.  
      With the present spreader and its network of fibers, dripping of paint is minimized relative to a conventional paint brush. With the present spreader and its network of fibers, flipping of paint is minimized relative to a conventional paint brush.  
      The present spreader includes a hinged shroud that is lifted up before dipping and then put back into place to perform the task of edging in and around woodwork, a ceiling, or base shoe of a typical wall.  
      The present spreader is about three inches wide and about nine inches in length between the points of the ninety degree ends, thereby creating accomplishing with one stroke of energy what is accomplished with six normal strokes of energy with a conventional paint brush having bristles. Further, a sufficient amount of paint has been brought to the particular area being painted to create a fine flat finish in one pass with no need for a second pass. The present spreader is thus efficient. On glass, with the present spreader having a soft-woven fabric such as a polyester fabric, one pass provides perfect coverage and a perfect film layer. In the past, the only way to obtain such a finish was to spray the paint with a fine-finish tip.  
      The present spreader may include a cushion or network of fibers that is of various depths. For example, a network of fibers that is about one-quarter of an inch in depth may be used for spreading stain or enamel. A network of fibers that is about three-quarters of an inch deep may be used with a semi-smooth wall or siding.  
      The present spreader may be used with water-based coatings and oil-based coatings. For example, a polyester/wool blend for the fiber network (or fabric) may be selected for water-based varnish. Such a blend with such a coating spreads with good coverage and causes no air bubbles to form in the varnished surface.  
      As noted above, the present spreader can be manufactured relatively inexpensively. Such a factor, combined with an endless variety of fiber networks, provides a spreader or set of spreader for an endless variety of applications.  
      The present spreader is relatively narrow and elongate such that the spreader can cut-in, edge, paint in small or tight areas, on adjacent walls, in corners, and under lips.  
      Another advantage of the present invention is that air entrainment into the paint or coating is minimized because the coating or painting action is a spread or a wipe or a slide. In contrast, rolling or brushing is an action that entraps or entrains air into the paint or coating. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the present slideable nonrolling spreader.  
       FIG. 2A  is a side view of the slideable nonrolling spreader of  FIG. 1 , with a shroud in an operating position.  
       FIG. 2B  is a side view of the slideable nonrolling spreader of  FIG. 2A , with the shroud in an out-of-the-way position.  
       FIG. 3A  is a top view of a body of an alternate embodiment of the slideable nonrolling spreader, having threaded receptacles for the reception of an extension rod, and having a pivot attachment for a shroud.  
       FIG. 3B  is a side view of the body of the slideable nonrolling spreader of  FIG. 3A .  
       FIG. 4A  is a top view of a body of an alternate embodiment of the slideable nonrolling spreader, having threaded receptacles for the reception of an extension rod, without a pivot attachment for a shroud.  
       FIG. 4B  is a side view of the body of the slideable nonrolling spreader of  FIG. 4A .  
       FIG. 5A  is an end view of the body of the slideable nonrolling spreader of  FIG. 4A .  
       FIG. 5B  is a section of the body of the slideable nonrolling spreader of  FIG. 4A .  
       FIG. 5C  is a section of a body with a fiber cushion or network of fibers engaged to the lower surface of the body, with the lower surface of the body being generally flat and with the lower surface of the fiber cushion or network of fibers curving from a side edge of the fiber cushion or network of fibers to a lower edge of the fiber cushion or network of fibers.  
       FIG. 6A  is a top view of a shroud for the slideable nonrolling spreader of  FIG. 3A .  
       FIG. 6B  is a side, partially phantom, view of the shroud of  FIG. 6A .  
       FIG. 7A  is a bottom view of the spreader of  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 7B  is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the present spreader.  
       FIG. 7C  is a bottom view of the spreader of  FIG. 7B .  
       FIG. 8  is a detail view of the spreader of  FIG. 2A  where the fiber network is structured so as to angle into a plane of the shroud so as to paint even closer to a surface that is not to be painted.  
       FIG. 9A  is a section of the spreader of  FIG. 1  and shows an alternate form of the spreading material.  
       FIG. 9B  is a section of the spreader of  FIG. 1  and shows an alternate form of the spreading material.  
       FIG. 10  is a section of the spreader of  FIG. 1  and shows an alternate form of the spreading material.  
       FIG. 11A  is a top view of a paint tray for the spreader of  FIG. 1  or any other spreader of the present invention, where the paint tray is in an open position, and shows a geogrid material in one-half of the paint tray.  
       FIG. 11B  is an end view of the paint tray of  FIG. 11A  when the paint tray is in a closed position.  
       FIG. 11C  is an end view of the paint tray of  FIG. 11A  when the paint tray is in an open position.  
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the spreader of  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 13  is a perspective, exploded view of the spreader of  FIG. 12 .  
       FIG. 14A  is a perspective, detail, partial view of the spreader of  FIG. 12 .  
       FIG. 14B  is a perspective, detail view of the spreader of  FIG. 12 .  
       FIG. 15A  shows a top view of the spreading material of  FIG. 12 , prior to a fabrication process.  
       FIG. 15B  shows a top view of the spreading material of  FIG. 12  during a fabrication process.  
       FIG. 15C  shows a top view of the spreading material of  FIG. 12  during a fabrication process.  
       FIG. 15D  shows a top view of the spreading material of  FIG. 12  at the end of a fabrication process.  
       FIG. 16  is a perspective, exploded view of an alternate base portion for the spreader of  FIG. 12 .  
       FIG. 17A  is a top view of a paint tray for any of the spreaders of the present invention.  
       FIG. 17B  is an end view of the paint tray of  FIG. 17A . 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
      As shown in  FIG. 1 , reference numeral  200  generally indicates the present slideable nonrolling spreader  200 . Spreader  200  generally includes 1) an ergonomic body  202 , 2) with the body  202  including a corner spreader end  204 , 3) with the body  202  further including an edger end  206 , 4) which the edger end  206  including a shroud  208  and 5) a wide surface spreading material  210  engaged on a lower surface of the body  202 .  
      More particularly, as shown in  FIG. 1 , ergonomic body  202  includes a handle  212 , an elongate base  214  to which is engaged the wide surface spreading material  210 , and a neck  216  integrally interconnecting the handle  212  and elongate base  214 . The handle  212 , neck  216  and base  214  are one-piece and integral with each other. Preferably, the handle  212 , neck  216  and base  214  are formed from one-piece. Preferably, such one-piece is a polypropylene foam. The polypropylene foam is resistant to solvents and may be extruded. The polypropylene foam is resilient, lightweight and aesthetic.  
      In section, the handle  212  is generally round or elliptical. The handle  212  fits in the palm of one&#39;s hand, with one&#39;s fingers curling into the recess provided by the neck  216  and with the thumb of the hand extending along the neck  216  on the other side of the handle  212 .  
      Body  202  is preferably formed of a material that is compressible, resilient, light in weight, and resistant to solvents or solvent-proof. Body  202  may be formed of a foam material or molded from plastic with an axially extending living hinge. The degree of compression is sufficiently great, and the degree of rigidity sufficiently low, such that a hand can firmly and comfortably grip handle  212 . The degree of compression is sufficiently low, and the degree of rigidity sufficiently high, such that base  214  remains in generally a planar form for the spreading of paint on a surface.  
      It should be noted that elongate base  214  includes a floor  218 . Floor  218  may be generally planar or generally flat (as shown in  FIG. 5C ). Or floor  218  may include a slight curvature or slight radius that extends from side to side, with the slight curvature or radius being formed along the length of the floor  218 . In other words, as shown in  FIG. 5B , a section view of the base  214  shows that the floor  218  forms slight arc segment that extends from one side  220  of the base  214  to the other side  220  of the base  214 . With the slight curvature or slight radius or slight arc segment, the spreading material  210  too takes up such slight curvature or slight radius or slight arc segment so as to minimize the edges of the spreading material  210  from catching on the surface being worked upon and to maximize a sliding of the spreading material over the surface being worked upon.  
      Or, as shown in  FIG. 5C , floor  218  can be generally flat and the lower face of the spreading material  210  is curved from a side edge of the spreading material  210  to a medial portion of the lower face of the spreading material  210 . The radius to the side edge (or the toboggan effect) relieves surface tension as the spreader  200  slides or is drawn or is wiped across a surface. In contrast, the face of a conventional paint brush is flat and behaves much like a flat bottom boat being lifted up from a body of water, a flat bottom boat being propelled across a body of water, or a flat ended boat being propelled across a body of water, where in each of the cases there is a stupendous amount of surface tension. The present spreader  200 , as shown in  FIGS. 5A, 5B  and  5 C, where there is an arc or curved or contoured feature to the sides (and ends if desired) of the spreading material  210  such that the spreader  200  slips smoothly along even a sticky body of fluid (such as paint) whether the spreader  200  is being wiped in a side to side fashion or an end to end fashion. Such a toboggan effect is a contour releasing surface tension effect. The lower face of the spreading material  210  can be rounded throughout so as to have a “peak” as shown in  FIG. 9A  or can have a curved portion and a flat portion as shown in  FIG. 5C .  
      It should be noted that, in  FIG. 5C , the spreading material  210  can include an inner foam and an outer fabric. The inner foam can be reticulated foam and can extend from the floor  218  to the outer fabric. The foam is a reservoir for fluid such as paint. The foam further functions as a bridge to cause the sled or toboggan effect when sliding the spreader  200 . The outer fabric can be nylon or other type of fiber network or fiber cushion, preferably of a type disclosed herein.  
      Sides  220  of the base  214  may run generally normal to floor  218 , as shown in  FIG. 5B , or the sides may have a radius, as shown by sides  222  in  FIG. 1 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 12 , the ends  204 ,  206  of the body  202  slope inwardly from a location near the floor  218  such that a sloping face  224  cuts across a portion of the base  214 , neck  216  and handle  212 . Such a slope provides a sight line to the surface being worked upon.  
      As shown in  FIG. 3A , corner spreader end  204  includes first and second end faces  226 ,  228  extending at a ninety degree angle relative to each other. A great many structures to be painted extend at ninety degree angles relative to each other, and hence the ninety degree relationship between faces  226 ,  228  is preferred. However, for other applications, faces  226 ,  228  can extend at other angles relative to each other.  
      Likewise, as shown in  FIG. 3A , edger end  206  includes first and second faces  230 ,  232  extending at a ninety degree angle relative to each other. Each of the end faces  226 ,  228 ,  230 ,  232  extend generally normal to the floor  218  of the base  214 .  
      Spreading material  210  covers end faces  226 ,  228  of corner spreader end  204 . End faces  230 ,  232  of edger end  206  are free of spreading material  210 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 1 , spreading material  210  includes a backing  234  and a fiber portion or cushion  236 . Spreading material  210  includes an end portion  238  that curls up over and extends beyond corner spreader end  204 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , spreading material  210  includes an end portion  239  that terminates at the perimeter of the floor  218  of base  214  so as to terminate at the edges of faces  230 ,  232  of edger end  206 .  
      Spreader  200  further includes the shroud  208  that is pivotally engaged to base  214 . As shown in  FIG. 2A , shroud  208  covers at least a portion of the fiber portion  236  on the edger end  206  when the shroud  208  is in an operating position. As shown in  FIG. 2B , shroud  208  may be pivoted to an out-of-the-way position when a faster, but less than perfect, painting operation is preferred.  
      As shown in  FIG. 6A , shroud  208  includes first and second protecting plate portions  240 ,  242  that are disposed at a ninety degree angle relative to each other. Shroud  208  further includes a lower edge  244  that may be disposed exactly or slightly above a face  246  of the fiber cushion  236 . Lower edge  244  preferably runs generally parallel to face  246 . The lower edge  244  may be disposed, in its operating position, at a position somewhat above the face  246  of the fiber cushion  236 , as shown in  FIG. 2A . In the operating position, the inner faces  241 ,  243  of protecting plate portions  240 ,  242  confront the faces  230 ,  232  and further confront like portions of the backing  234  and fiber cushion  236  of the spreading material  210 . Plate portions  240 ,  242  are relatively thin such that the fiber cushion  236 , containing paint or other coating, can spread paint or other coating up to, but not on, a structure that is not to be painted such that painting without masking or taping can be accomplished.  FIG. 2B  shows the shroud  208  swung to an out-of-the-way position.  
      As shown in phantom in  FIG. 6B , shroud  208  may include a first catch or detent  243  extending inwardly from the intersection of inner faces  241 ,  243  for engaging a second catch or detent  245 , shown in  FIG. 3B , extending from body  202  in the length direction along an upper face of base  218 . Second catch  245  is slightly spaced from the upper face of base  218  for permitting reception of a portion of catch  243 . Second catch  245  includes a curved upper edge to provide a snapping effect upon such reception. When so snapped in place, shroud  208  is releaseably locked into the operating position. The shroud  208  may take a number of configurations as, for example, a button to unlock a catch or latch. Further, the shroud  208  is preferably readily removable from the base  214  via the pin openings  247  such that another shroud  208  having a lower edge  244  of a different depth, or for a different fiber cushion  236  having a different fiber depth when said the fiber cushion  236  is removably attached to the base  214 . In other words, shrouds  208  can be different for fiber cushions  236  of different depths as well as for different applications.  
      Base  214  includes a pair of pin openings  247 , as shown in  FIG. 3B . The swinging or pivoting of shroud  208  is permitted via a pair of pins  248  that engage arms  249  of the shroud  208  and that further engage pin openings  247 . The pins  248  extend into the base  214  and may include a ball and detent arrangement or other arrangement so as to releaseably lock the shroud  208  in each of the operating and out-of-the way positions.  
      It should be noted that shroud  208  may be formed so as to include a plurality of holes at different locations such that the depth of shroud lower edge  244  may be adjusted. Further, the shroud  208  may be formed so as to be flipped such that lower edge  244  becomes an upper edge and such that a formerly upper edge becomes a lower edge albeit at a different depth than formerly lower edge  244 .  
      The ends  204 ,  206  of base  214  define a length of the spreader  200 . The sides  222  of base  214  define a width of the spreader  200 . The spreading material  210  is engaged, such as by an adhesive, at least to the floor  218  of the base  214 . The floor  218  is disposed opposite of the handle  212  such that, via the handle  212 , the spreading material  210  can work upon a surface. The length of the spreading material  210  is generally the length of the base  214  such that the spreading material  214  extends generally from end to end of the base  214 , with the spreading material  210  extending onto the triangular portions of the floor  218  formed by faces  230 ,  232  and faces  226 ,  228 . The width of the spreading material  210  is generally the width of the base  214  such that the spreading material  210  extends generally from side to side of the base  214 . Accordingly, the spreading material  210  is relatively long and relatively wide to load and unload a relatively great amount of paint and to come into contact with a relatively great amount of a surface at one time. The base  214  generally covers the spreading material  210  such that pressure upon the base  214  translates immediately to pressure upon the spreading material  210  which in turn translates immediately to pressure upon the surface being worked upon to cut through the dirt and dust on the surface and to apply the paint or coat directly to the surface.  
      The width of the spreading material  210  is preferably between about two and about five inches, more preferably between about two and about four inches, even more preferably between about two and one-half inches and about three and one-half inches, and most preferably about three inches wide.  
      The length of the base  214 , where the length is defined as the distance between the point of intersection of faces  226 ,  228  and the point of intersection of faces  230 ,  232 , is preferably between about seven and eleven inches, more preferably between about eight and ten inches, and most preferably about nine inches. The length of the spreading material  210  on the floor  218  of the base  214  is preferably the length of the base  214 .  
      Given one spreading material  214  and one paint or coating, the combined width and length of the spreading material  210  is preferably sufficiently great to pick up a sufficient quantity of the paint or coating to provide a relatively fast painting or coating operation for a surface. Given one spreading material  214  and one paint or coating, the combined width and length of the spreading material  210  is preferably sufficiently small to permit an adult male of average size and build to apply sufficient pressure to the spreading material  214  through the handle  212  to cut through any dirt or dust or surface tension on the surface being worked upon to apply the paint or coating directly to the surface.  
      The spreading material  210  includes generally two structures: the backing  234  and the fiber cushion or network  236 . The backing  234  engages the fibers of the fiber cushion  236  and provides a surface for adhesive or other bonding method to fix the spreading material  210  to the base  214 . The fiber cushion  236  is a network of fibers where some of the fibers run in a direction toward and away from the floor  218  of the base  214  and where some of the fibers run in a direction crosswise relative to the floor  218  of the base  214 . The fiber cushion  236  is preferably a noncell cushion. The fiber cushion  236  is preferably a nonfoam cushion. A network of fibers picks up a relatively great load of paint or coating and deposits such paint or coating when a pressure is exerted upon the network.  
      The fiber cushion  236  is gently resilient as a whole and each of the individual fibers of the fiber cushion  236  may be elastic and resilient. The fiber cushion  236  includes a relatively great density or concentration of fibers. The concentration of the fiber may be as concentrated as wool, that is, up to generally about 10,000 fibers per square centimeter.  
      The shape of a fiber of the fiber cushion  236  may be in the form of a hollow or solid tube or cylinder. More preferably, the shape of a fiber of the fiber cushion  236  is irregular such that the fiber includes laterally extending features as well as longitudinally extending features, such as does a wool fiber, which has a three dimensional corkscrew pattern, or helical crimp. Such a fiber occupies more space than if it was a simple tube or cylinder. Further, such a fiber interacts with other fibers to provide networks or pockets to which and in which paint and coatings can cling and collect. Simple tube or cylinder like fibers provide significantly no such networks and pockets. Further, the fiber may include scales or loops on the exterior of the fiber. The scales, loops and other irregular features provide a means for fibers to engage each other to provide a network of fibers. Such a network has a great amount of surface area or wetting area for a coating.  
      The fiber of the fiber cushion  236  is preferably as flame and shrink resistance as natural wool, has the water/oil repellency of natural wool but is also as absorbent as natural wool, has the anti-static properties of natural wool, and is as resistant to the generation of moths as is natural wool.  
      The preferred fiber of the fiber cushion  236  is as inherently non-flammable as wool and is as difficult to ignite as wool, has the low flame spreading and heat release properties of natural wool, and further has the little smoke and toxic gas emission properties of wool.  
      The fiber of the fiber cushion may be a thermoplastic fiber. Some thermoplastic fibers are polyester fibers and polypropylene fibers.  
      The fiber cushion  236  may include fibers in unblended form or in a form blended with other fibers.  
      The fiber cushion  236  may include animal fibers such as wool fibers, alpaca fibers, mohair fibers and silk fibers, plant fibers such as cotton fibers, flax fibers, hemp fibers, and jute fibers, synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester, polyolefin, acrylic, dacron, and rayon fibers. “Shirpa” fabric includes a network of plastic fibers, though for the present spreader “shirpa” fabric leaves fine distortions in a paint film rather than the preferred electrostatic like flat finish.  
      Among synthetic fibers, nylon is less preferred because nylon has relatively poor surface tension. Among natural fibers, cotton is less preferred because it is absorbent as to some materials.  
      Among synthetic fibers, polyester fibers are preferred because polyester fibers have relatively good surface tension properties for coating materials.  
      The fiber cushion  236  preferably does not include bristles. A bristle is stiff. A bristle is a stiff hair. A bristle stands erect. Bristles run generally parallel to each other. A bristle is sharp. A bristle is cylindrical in shape. The present fiber cushion  236  is soft and includes fibers running in generally all directions.  
      With fibers extending from the backing  234 , the fiber cushion  236  is in the nature of a carpet. The fiber cushion  236  has a relatively high recovery rate from substantial deformations. The fiber cushion has a relatively high density. The fiber cushion  236  possesses good dimensional stability under environmental changes and twist-sets well. The fiber cushion  236  has superior handle and resistance to static development.  
      The fiber cushion  236  may be textured. In texturing, filaments are crimped and looped at random, and finally heat-set, to give the fiber cushion  236  as a whole greater volume or bulk. Such a treatment may provide a permanent helical deformation to the filament in the nature of wool.  
      The fiber cushion  236  may be a woven fiber cushion or a nonwoven fiber cushion.  
      The fiber cushion  236  is absorbent as to water, water-based paints and coating, oil, oil-based paints and coatings, polar solvents and nonpolar solvents, latex, coatings for floors, walls, ceilings, and coatings for wood, plaster, cement, sheet rock and other substrates.  
      Preferably the fiber cushion  236  includes fibers that are merely surface wetted and are not absorbent. In other words, the fiber cushion  236  as a whole is absorbent; however, the individual fiber is preferably not absorbent so that paint or other coating or water does not penetrate the fiber. Some natural fibers are absorbent; others are nonabsorbent. Some synthetic fibers are absorbent; others are nonabsorbent. Some natural fibers may be coated so as to make the individual fiber nonabsorbent. Wool fiber be coated so as to be nonabsorbent.  
      Unlike wool, the network of fibers  236  does not bunch up or knot up or pack up when wet. It is believed that wool behaves as such because the individual wool fiber is porous. With the present spreader, the individual fiber of the fiber network  236  is preferably nonabsorbent and nonporous to water, oil, latex, resin, paint, varnish, stripper, enamel, paste, glue, polish, stain, and cement.  
      The fiber network or cushion  236  may be a knitted pile fabric with the pile portion 100% wool not lower in grade than 56&#39;s U.S. Standard. Backing  234  may be 100% spun polyester. The finished cloth may weigh as little as 13 ounces per square yard.  
      Whereas with a conventional paint brush or paint roller a relatively great amount of vehicle (water or oil) must be used, relatively less vehicle is required with the present fiber network  236 . Accordingly, painting is more efficient.  
      Since the fiber network  236  includes individual fibers that are nonporous and nonabsorbent, the fiber network  236  is relatively easy to clean with water or a solvent.  
      The preferred fiber network or cushion  236  can be provided by woven spreading materials, polyester spreading materials, lint free and woven polyester spreading materials, knitted polyester spreading materials, wool spreading materials, knitted polyester and wool spreading materials, polyester wool blends.  
      The depth of the fiber network  236  may be from about one-eighth of an inch to about one and one-half inches. For painting conventional sheetrock surfaces, the fiber network  236  preferably has a depth of about one-half inch. For painting textured surfaces, the fiber network  236  preferably has a depth of about three-quarters of an inch. For applying varnish or stain to a surface, such as a rough cedar deck, the fiber network  236  preferably has a depth of about three-quarters of an inch. For applying a coating to block or stucco, the fiber network  236  preferably has a depth of about one and one-quarter inches. In each of these cases, a preferred fiber network  236  is a polyester or acrylic knitted fabric or fiber network.  
      The fiber cushion or network  236  may be a woven or knitted velour or velvet of, for example, 10-12 denier. A woven velour fiber cushion or network  236  is preferred for varnish and for glass surfaces.  
      For relatively coarse or rough surfaces, fibers of a relatively large diameter are preferred. For relatively smooth surfaces, finer fibers having a lesser diameter are preferred so as to provide a flatter finish.  
      The fiber cushion or network  236  is preferably free of lint or includes minimal content of lint. A fiber that includes an acrylic or modified acrylic is one preferred lint-free fiber or fiber having a lint content that has been minimized. A fiber that includes polyester is another preferred lint-free or minimal-lint fiber.  
      The fiber cushion or network  236  preferably includes a fiber that does not shed.  
      The fiber cushion or network  236  may be a woven fiber cushion or network  236 . The fiber cushion or network  236  may be a nonwoven fiber cushion or network. The fiber cushion or network  236  may be a nonwoven knitted fiber cushion or network  236 . A knit is a structure where fibers or yarns are looped around each other, and such loops may or may not be broken. The knit of the fiber cushion or network  236  may be a sliver knit.  
      The fiber cushion or network  236  may have a denier of about 3 to about 60. The fiber cushion or network  236 , or the spreading material  210 , may have from about 16 to about 28 stitches per inch. The fiber cushion or network  236  may have from about 40 to about 52 piques per inch.  
      The fiber cushion or network  236  is preferably a cushion of fibers that works relatively quietly on a surface. Painting with a conventional paint brush or conventional paint roller is a relatively noisy method of painting.  
      At least some, and preferably all, of the fibers of the fiber network  236  include a coating to reduce drag when the fiber cushion  236  works upon a surface. Such a coating preferably is 1) a silicon based coating or 2) a chemically stable perfluorinated high polymer such as polyhexafluoropropylene or a copolymer of hexafluoropropylene and tetrafluoroethylene such as Teflon® (from DuPont) or Scotchguard® from Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing. Such coatings decrease the surface tension of the fiber network  236  so as to decrease the drag of the fiber network  236  over a surface being worked upon. At the same time, a fiber network  236  treated with such a coating maintains a large capacity for loading paint. Fluoro polymer and silicon coatings, as indicated above, further provide the individual fiber with a nonporous and nonabsorbent structure to permit the fiber to retain its resiliency. In other words, prior to fibers of the fiber cushion being coated, the fibers have a given drag upon a given surface with a given pressure. However, after each of the fibers are coated with a drag reducing coating as indicated above, then the given drag upon said given surface with said given pressure is reduced.  
      As indicated above, with the slight curvature or slight radius or slight arc segment, the spreading material  210  too takes up such slight curvature or slight radius or slight arc segment so minimize the edges of the spreading material  210  from catching on the surface being worked upon (minimizing drag) and to maximize a sliding of the spreading material over the surface being worked upon. Accordingly, the noncell and nonfoam fiber cushion  236  may be one of i) generally planar between the sides  222  and ii) slightly curved between the sides  222 .  
      The spreading material  210  preferably includes a depth less than each of width and length of the spreading material  210  (or less than each of the width and length of the base  214 ), such as less than one-half or less than one-third of the width of the spreading material  210 . The depth of the spreading material  210  is preferably between about 0.1% and 50% less than the width of the spreading material  210  with a more preferred range being between about 10% and 45%, with an even more preferred range being between about 20% and 40%, with an even more preferred range being between about one-fourth (generally 25%) and about one-third (generally 33%) less than a width of the spreading material  210 . The width of the spreading material  210  is preferably less than a length of the spreading material  210 , more preferably less than about one-half or 50% of the length of the spreading material  210 , more preferably less than about 40% of the length of the spreading material  210 , and most preferably about one-third of the length of the spreading material  210 .  
      End  204  of base  214  is designated a first end. This first end is the corner spreader end and includes spreading material  210  on each of the faces  226  and  228  such that paint may be applied on three surfaces at the same time, with each of the three surfaces being normal to each of the other two surfaces. Face  226  is normal to each of face  228  and the face of the spreading material  210  (which is generally flat or slightly curved).  
      End  206  of base  214  is designated a second end. This second end is the edger end and includes the shroud  208 . The shroud  208  can ride along, for example, wood trim and shield the wood trim from the spreading material  210 . End  206  includes two faces  230 ,  232  extending at generally right angles to each other and at generally a right angle relative to the floor  218  (which is generally flat or slightly curved). The spreading material  210  terminates immediately at the floor portions of floor  218  that lead immediately into the faces  230 ,  232  such that the spreading material  210  can come as close as possible to, for example, wood trim without painting the wood trim. The two faces  230 ,  232  are free of spreading material  210 .  
      As indicated above, the shroud  208  is engaged to the body  202 . The shroud  208  includes a pair of inner faces  241 ,  243 , as shown in  FIG. 6A , and a lower edge  244 , as shown in  FIG. 2A . Shroud  208  is movable to an operating position, as shown in  FIG. 2A  where the inner faces  241 ,  243  confronts an end of the spreading material  210  and where the edge  244  is disposed beyond floor  218  of base  214  and confronts the end of the spreading material  210 . The shroud  208  is movable to an out-of-the way position as shown in  FIG. 2B  where the inner faces  241 ,  243  are out of the way of the end of the spreading material  210 . As indicated above, shroud  208  is pivotally engaged to body  202 .  
      Body  202  includes neck  216  disposed between handle  212  and base  214 . As shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 5B , neck  216  includes a neck having a width less than a width of each of handle  212  and base  214 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , each of the handle  212 , neck  216 , and base  214  is elongate in a first common direction. Handle  212  confronts the base  214  which in turn confronts the base  214  which in turn confronts the spreading material  210  such that control of handle  212  translates immediately to control of the spreading material  210  and such that, with pressure upon the handle  212 , the pressure is relatively close to the surface being worked upon such that the spreading material  210  breaks through dirt and dust and other contaminants on the surface and applies coating directly to the surface instead of to dirt, dust, contaminants and other fine particles on the surface.  
      The body  202  includes a pair of threaded receptacles  250  for receiving an extension or extension handle  252 , as shown in  FIG. 3B . Each of the threaded receptacles  250  extend inwardly from inclined faces  224  and themselves extend at an oblique angle relative to the floor  218  of base  214 . Extension handle  252  includes a cooperating threaded end for engaging threaded receptacles  250 . With extension handle  252 , spreader  200  may work upon relatively distant surfaces such as ceiling or the upper portions of relatively tall walls.  
      As shown in  FIG. 5A , body  202  may be relatively hollow, formed by molding two half-sections having a living hinge  262 , and engaging the two half-sections via a seam  264 . As shown in  FIG. 5B , body  202  may be relatively solid, and such a solid body  202  may be formed by molding.  
      As shown in  FIG. 7A , spreading material  210  includes a peripheral face  270  having at least two generally straight faces  272 ,  274  meeting at a point or edge  276 . The inner angle  278  between the faces  272 ,  274  is greater than ninety degrees to minimize the problematic wake or plow effect described above. Spreader  200  having a spreading material  210  of the structure shown in  FIG. 7A  provides four such points or edges  276  such that the wake or plow effect is minimized in most directions. It is noted that portion  280  of peripheral face  270  is curved, since spreading material  210  is being turned up to engage faces  226 ,  228 , and such curved portion  280  provides minimal wake or plow effect. Even point or edge  282 , formed by edges running normal to each other, generates minimal wake or plow effect since each of its adjacent points or edges  276  are formed by edges at an angle greater than ninety degrees.  
      From  FIG. 7A , a bottom view, it can be noted that fiber cushion  236  includes a generally rectangular portion defined by the four points or edges  276 , a first generally triangular portion at one end defined by point or edge  276  on one side, point or edge  276  on the other side, and point or edge  280  (the corner spreading end having faces  301 ,  302 ), and a second generally triangular portion at the other end defined by point or edge  276  on one side, point or edge  276  on the other side, and point or edge  282  (the edger end having faces  274  and  299 ).  
      In other words, the slideable nonrolling spreader  200  includes base  214  that in turn includes a rectangular portion (to support the rectangular portion defined by edges  276 ) and two generally triangular portions (to support the triangular portions of the fiber cushion  236  referred to above), with the triangular portions of the base  214  being opposite of each other, with each of the triangular portions of the base  214  being set at opposite ends of the rectangular portion of the base  214 , such that one of the triangular portions of the base  214  forms a support for the fiber cushion corner spreader end and such that the other of the triangular portions of the base  214  forms a support for a fiber cushion edger end.  
      Inner angle  278 , shown in  FIG. 7A , is preferably 135 degrees, and each of the other corresponding angles (having points  276  thereon) are preferably 135 degrees. Such an angle relative to face  272  if extended is a 45 degree angle. Such an arrangement provides 90 degree angles to the ends or triangular portions.  
      As shown in  FIG. 7A  and as indicated above, the spreading material  210  includes a peripheral face  270 . This peripherally running face includes face  272 , face  274 , face  299 , face  300 , face  301  and face  302 . The angle between faces  272  and  274  is 135 degrees. The angle between faces  274  and  299  is ninety degrees. The angle between faces  299  and  300  is 135 degrees. The angle between faces  300  and  301  is 135 degrees. The angle between faces  301  and  302  is 90 degrees. The angle between faces  302  and  270  is 135 degrees. Face  274  is generally coplanar with face  230  of base  214 . Face  299  is generally coplanar with face  232  of the base  214 . Faces  270  and  300  run into sides  222  of the base  214  and are generally coplanar with such when sides  222  are generally flat. Faces  301  and  302  are somewhat curved in shape and are positioned beyond faces  226  and  228  of base  214  when backing  234  is engaged on faces  226  and  228 .  
      As indicated above, the spreading material  210  includes generally two structures: the backing  234  and the fiber cushion  236 . The fiber cushion  236  is a network of fibers where some of the fibers run in a direction toward and away from the floor  218  of the base  214  and where some of the fibers run in a direction crosswise relative to the floor  218  of the base  214 . The direction to and away from floor  218  is indicated by point  310  in  FIG. 7A . Crosswise directions relative to floor  218  are indicated by reference numbers,  312 ,  314 ,  316 , and  318 . Further crosswise directions extend obliquely to and from floor  218 . Generally, a network of fibers includes fibers running in a plethora of directions and the fiber cushion  236  includes such a network of fibers. The body of the fiber network or cushion  236  of the present spreading material of the present invention is considerably great and includes relatively great capability for loading and unloading of paint.  
      In operation, prior to using the spreader  200 , a surface to be painted or coated may be cleaned and is conventionally cleaned of dirt and dust. With the present spreader  200 , this step assumes less importance because manual pressure is utilized and because full manual pressure utilized, not manual pressure lessened by a great degree by a bending of the conventional bristles of a brush. With such full manual pressure, the coating or paint is driven through the dirt and the dust and directly to the surface to be coated. Then the spreader  200  is dipped into a paint can directly or into a paint tray to pick up paint. The fiber cushion  236  picks up a relatively great amount of paint. Then the spreader  200  is slid or swept across a surface. As the spreader  200  is pressed and slid against the surface, paint is driven through dirt and dust and deposited directly onto the surface without entrapment of air therein. As the spreader  200  is pressed and slide against the surface, minimal or no wake or plow effects can be seen, by virtue of the multi-point cushion fiber face  246  (having four points or four face intersections  276 , end or apex or point or face intersection  280 , and point or face intersection  282 ). Along the vertical intersection of two horizontal walls, corner spreader end  204  may be used. Along wood trim that is not to be coated, edger end  206 , with shroud  208  in either the operating or out-of-the-way position, may be used. The dipping and sliding (coating) operation is repeated until the surface to be worked upon is coated. Then the cushion fiber  236  is cleaned, such as with water or a solvent, and stored for subsequent use.  
      An alternate embodiment of the invention is shown by spreader  290  in  FIG. 7B . Spreader  290  includes a handle  292  having a round periphery and a base  294  having a round periphery. As shown in  FIG. 7C , spreader  290  further includes a piece  296  of spreading material  210  having the fiber cushion  236  with the network of fibers. This piece  296  of spreading material  210  includes a round periphery or round edge  298  that produces a minimal wake or plow effect when the spreader  290  is slid on a surface in any direction.  
      As shown in  FIG. 8 , the fiber network or cushion  236  may be cut or formed to extend beyond or outwardly of base  214  to apply paint on a wall  320  immediately along a surface of a trim or molding  322 , where the shroud  208  is running along the trim or woodwork  322 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , an edge  324  of fiber network  236  is oblique to the floor  218 . Further, a portion of the edge  324  is generally in a plane defined by the shroud  208  and terminates prior to a plane defined by an outer surface of the shroud  208 . The angled edge  324  tends to flow paint into the area immediately adjacent to the trim  322  in the manner of the wake of an angled slice of a boat.  
      As shown in  FIG. 9A , as to a spreader  328 , spreading material  210  is replaced by a spreading material  330 . Spreading material  330  includes the fiber network  236  as the semi-circular outer layer and a reticulated foam layer  332  as a semi-circular inner layer. Spreader  328  further includes an added base portion  334  having a semi-circular outer surface. The base portion  334  is preferably formed of the same material, polypropylene foam, as the base  214 . Base portion  334  may be one-piece and integral with base  214 . Each of the fiber network  236  and reticulated foam layer  332  is elongate to run the length of the base  214 . The ends of the fiber network  236 , reticulated foam layer  332  and base  214  may be substantially planar or form triangular like or pyramidal like ends. Backing  234  on the fiber network  236  is perforated to permit fluid, such as a coating or paint, to be exchanged between the fiber network  236  the reticulated foam  332 , which is a reservoir for the coating or paint to be spread by spreading material  330 . With the radius or curvature of the fiber network  236  on spreader  328 , a coating such as a waterproofing coating may be directed into depressions or holes or irregular surfaces of basement walls.  
      As shown in  FIG. 9B , a spreader  340  replaces spreading material  210  with spreading material  341 . Spreading material  341  includes, as an inner layer, a geogrid material  342  and, as an outermost layer, the fiber network or cushion  236 . At one surface, the geogrid material  342  is engaged to base  214 . At an opposing surface, geogrid material  342  is engaged to backing  234  of fiber network or cushion  236 . Backing  234  may or may not be perforated. Geogrid material  342  is a resilient three dimensional network or mesh formed preferably of plastic strands or filaments. As to the geogrid material  342 , the following U.S. patent Numbers are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties: 1) the Harford U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,796 issued Sep. 23, 1997 and entitled Geogrid Composed Of Polyethylene Terephthalate And Polyolefin Bicomponent Fibers; 2) the Van Vliet et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,312,198 issued Nov. 6, 2001 and entitled Geogrid And Civil Engineering Structure Comprising Such A Geogrid; 3) the Mercer U.S. Pat. No. 6,423,394 issued Jul. 23, 2002 and entitled Plastics Material Mesh Structures.  
      As to geogrid material  342 , a geogrid is a manufactured polymer construction characterized by large openings made by either coating woven or knit products to form a grid, welding oriented strands to form a grid, or punching holes in flat sheets then drawing them to align the polymer molecules. Geogrids generally are made up of a “lattice” of longitudinal and transverse straps or strands bonded together at an angle, preferably of between 80 degrees and 100 degrees. Especially preferred are geogrids where the straps or strands are bonded together through the polymer of the straps or strands themselves, since such grids can be made comparatively easily without recourse to glue or other adhesives. Geogrids dry easily and are weatherproof.  
      A spreader  340  having such geogrid material  342  as a resilient inner layer permits the fiber network  236  to better follow irregular surfaces or slide or squeezed into tight areas, such as found on surfaces of basement walls or surfaces of stone walls. Spreader  340  may be used in “patting” operations where the coat or paint is applied by patting the paint on a surface.  
      As to spreader  340 , geogrid material  342  may be replaced by a reticulated foam and/or the fiber network or cushion  236  may be replaced by an abrasive material such as sandpaper, a sanding foam material, a cutting foam material, or a material where the abrasive surface is the outermost surface. Such abrasive material can be abrasive to sheet rock, plaster, and wood. Such abrasive material can be abrasive when wet with water or other fluid.  
      The ends of spreader  340  can be formed like the ends of spreader  200 . One end is an edger end. The other end is a corner spreader end.  
      It should be noted that the fiber cushion or network  236  can have, as a base, a relatively hard base (i.e., the base  214 ), a foam or reticulated base (i.e., portion  342  where such portion includes foam or reticulated foam), a relatively soft base (i.e., portion  342  when such is a geogrid material or portion  342  when such is foam), a relatively wide base (i.e., any of the bases noted above and below), and an expandable or squeezable base that takes up a minimum of space (i.e., the geogrid layer  342 ).  
      As to a spreader  350 , shown in  FIG. 10 , spreading material  210  may be replaced by a layer  352  of abrasive material or a layer  352  having an outer surface of abrasive material. The abrasive material can be sandpaper, a sanding foam material, or a cutting foam material. Such abrasive material can be abrasive to sheet rock, plaster, and wood. Such abrasive material can be abrasive when wet with water or other fluid. The ends of spreader  350  can be formed like the ends of spreader  200  where one end is an edger end and where the other end is a corner spreader end.  
      A paint tray  400  is shown in  FIGS. 11A, 11B  and  1 C. Paint tray  400  includes an elongate dipping portion  402  and an elongate cover portion  404 . Each of dipping portion  402  and cover portion  404  is generally parallelepiped in shape.  
      Portion  402  is receptacle shaped and may include a piece of mesh  406  also having a parallelepiped shape. Mesh  406  can be a piece of geogrid material such as the geogrid material  342  described above. Paint or another coating may be poured into dipping portion  402  with or without mesh  406  therein. If mesh  406  is contained therein, the fiber network  236  of any of the above spreaders may be pushed down into the mesh  406  to work the paint or other coating up into the fiber network  236 . Then the bottom surface of the fiber network  236  can be skimmed across the upper surface of the mesh  406  to skim off paint that would otherwise drip from the spreader as the spreader is being carried to the surface to be painted. Dipping portion  402  includes a peripheral endless lip  408 .  
      Cover portion  404  is receptacle shaped and includes a peripheral endless lip  410 . Spreader  200 , or any of the other spreaders of the present invention, can be placed laterally across portions of one or more of the lips  408 ,  410  such that lips  408 ,  410  act in the nature of platforms. Cover portion  404  can further include, as indicated in phantom in  FIG. 11A , platform portions  412  running laterally and obliquely between portions of lip  410  such that spreader  200 , or any other spreader of the present invention, can be set in a longitudinal position on portions  412  within peripheral lip  410 .  
      Tray  400  is preferably molded. Dipping portion  402  and cover portion  404  are one-piece and integral with each other via an elongate living hinge portion  414  and the height of the portions  402  and  404  are generally equal to one another such that, as shown in  FIG. 1C , when the tray is in the open position, a bottom  416  of dipping portion  402  lies in generally a common plane with a top  418  of cover portion  404  such that, when on a surface, dipping portion  402  supports itself and cover portion  404  supports itself.  
      It should be noted that the present spreader may be sold in a self contained kit, where the kit includes the tray  400 , the mesh  406 , and one of the spreaders of the present invention. When stored, the mesh  406  rests in dipping portion  402  and the spreader rests on top of the mesh  406 , with the tray  400  being stored in the closed position shown in  FIG. 11B , with the cover portion  404  being closed over the spreader, and with the lips  408 ,  410  confronting each other via a clip, adhesive, or shrink wrap about the closed tray  400  itself. Such a kit preferably does not include such platform portions  412 .  
      An alternate embodiment of the spreader of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 12, 13  and  14 . This alternate embodiment is indicated in general by reference numeral  500  and includes, as shown in the exploded view of  FIG. 13 , spreading material  502  that includes a fiber cushion  504  and a backing  506 , a base portion  508  that is permanently engaged to the spreading material  502 , a handle  510  having an integral second base portion  512 , and a shroud  514 .  
      Spreading material  502  includes the corner spreader end  204  and the edger end  206 . The corner spreader end  204  includes a first face  516  of the fiber cushion  504  and a second face  518  of the fiber cushion  504 . The faces  516  and  518  are disposed at about ninety degrees relative to each other and to a base face  520  running to and between the corner spreader end  204  and the edger end  206 .  
      Spreading material  502  includes a periphery formed by elongate side edges  522  running on either side of the base face  520 , edges  524  formed at about a ninety degree angle relative to each other and obliquely relative to their respective side edges  522 , and edges  526 ,  528  that form a portion of each of the faces  516 ,  518 . Edge  526  runs obliquely and upwardly relative to base face  520  and edge  528  runs generally coplanar relative to base face  520 .  
      First base portion  508  is permanently engaged to spreading material  502  such as by a sonic welding technique. First base portion  508  includes a flat section  530  having a flat face or flat underside for confronting and engaging the backing  506  of the spreading material  502 . First base portion  508  further includes a pair of ears  532 ,  534  rigidly formed at a right angle to each other and at right angles to the flat section  530 . Each of the ears  532 ,  534  is supported via a brace  536  integrally formed between one respective ear and flat section  530 . Ear  532  confronts and engages the portion of the spreading material  502  having face  516 , and ear  534  confronts and engages the portion of the spreading material  502  having face  518 . Each of the ears  532 ,  534  includes an edge  538  that is generally coplanar with base section  530  and that runs flush with edge  528  of spreading material  502  and further includes an edge  540  that runs obliquely to base section  530  and runs flush with edge  526  of spreading material  502 .  
      First base portion  508  further includes a pair of tracks  540  running longitudinally or in the lengthwise direction on flat section  530 . Each of the tracks  540  is formed in the nature of an angle iron so as to be L-shaped and such that each of the tracks  540  forms a groove  542  with the upper face or upper side of flat section  530 . Grooves  542  oppose each other so as to receive therein second base portion  512  which is integrally formed with handle  510 . Each of the tracks  540  further includes a nub receptor  543  for receiving a nub  545  formed on second base section  512  and for locking second base portion  512  in place on first base section  508 . When so locked, an end  547  of second base portion  512  confronts ends  549  of braces  536 .  
      Flat section  530  further includes elongate side edges  544  that run parallel to each other and to the tracks  540  and that run flush with side edges  522  of spreading material  502 . Flat section  530  further includes edges  546  disposed at right angles relative to each other and obliquely relative to side edges  522  and that run flush with edges  524 .  
      First base portion  508  is a molded piece such that flat section  530 , ears  532 ,  534 , braces  536  and tracks  540  are one-piece and integral with each other.  
      As indicated above, second base section  512  is integral with handle  510 . Second base section  512  includes a pair of rails  550 , extending parallel to each other, and sized in a spaced apart width and sized in height for engaging the tracks  542  such that the rails  550  are slideable into and out of tracks  542  in a friction fit arrangement, with the friction fit arrangement being lockable via nub  545  locking into nub receptor  543 .  
      Handle  510  includes an elongate neck  552 , lesser in width than the distance between rails  550 , and lesser in width than a palm confronting body  554 . Body  554  has a pair of end faces  556  that slope inwardly. Body  510  is preferably molded in two portions that are mirror images of each other, and then adhered together, along a line  558 , with a line  560  indicating a living hinge that is integral with each of the mirror molded portions.  
      Handle  510  further includes a pair of shroud pin receptor housings  562  extending integrally and laterally from the neck region  552 . As shown in  FIG. 14A , each of the receptor housings  562  includes a pair of pin receptors or openings  564  for receiving a pin  566  of shroud  514 . Engagement of pin  566  in one or the other of the pin receptors  564  raises and lowers a lower edge  570  of shroud  514  relative to the face  520  of the fiber cushion  504  such that fiber cushions  504  having a lesser or greater depth may be used. Further, the engagement between pin  566  and receptor  564  is a removable engagement such that another shroud  514  having a different height relationship between pin  566  and lower edge  570  may be used to provide even further combinations or variables for fiber cushions  504  of greater and lower depths and shrouds  514  having lower edges  570  of greater or lower relative height.  
      Each of the receptor housings  562  has, about each of the pins  566 , a detent arrangement where aligned faces  572  position shroud  514  in an out-of-the-way position and where aligned faces  574  position shroud  514  in an operating position where lower edge  570  is disposed generally in the plane of fiber cushion  504  and perhaps in the plane of the lower face  520  of the fiber cushion  504 . Aligned faces  572 ,  574  cooperate with respective projections  576  axially extending from pin  566 . Each of the projections  576  has a pair of angled faces leading into a flat head.  
      Shroud  514  is an integral molded piece such that pins,  566 , via faces  578 ,  580  each being resilient on its own accord or via faces  578 ,  580  being resilient relative to each other, are resiliently drawable to and apart from each other. Pins  566 , via faces  578 ,  580  each being resilient on its own accord or via faces  578 ,  580  being resilient relative to each other, are biased toward each other so as to keep shroud  514  locked in housing  510  and so as to keep projections  576  locked at the desired position in the detent arrangement that includes faces  572 ,  574 .  
      Faces  578 ,  580  of shroud  514  shield a surface, such as woodwork, from edges  524  of fiber cushion  504  such that coating or paint on fiber cushion  504  is not transferred to such woodwork. Faces  578 ,  580  may be relatively thin, such as paper thin. Portions  582 ,  584  are braces that lend a factor in controlling the rigidity of shroud  514 .  
      FIGS.  15 A-D show one way in which the fiber cushion  504  may be prepared from a generally two-dimensional fiber cushion piece  586  to a generally three-dimensional piece  502  of spreading material shown in  FIG. 13 . Piece  586  includes a rectangular portion and triangular portion. Piece  586  may then be folded along a middle fold line  588 . Then piece  586  can be folded along a fold line  590 , as shown in  FIG. 15B . Then piece  586  can be cut at line  592 , as shown in  FIG. 15C . Then piece  586  can be unfolded along fold line  588  and two triangular portions  594 , where each of the triangular portions is bounded by middle fold line  588 , fold line  590 , and end line  591  can be drawn in and upwardly to an inside of a boat-like piece of spreading material  502  having spreading faces  596 ,  598 . In such a form, cut lines  592  are generally aligned with each other. In such a form, triangular portions  594  may be trimmed and sonically welded together such that piece  586  is locked into the boat-like form or the form that fits to first base portion  508 . In such a form, face  596 , shown in  FIG. 15D , is face  518  shown in  FIG. 13 . In such a form, face  598 , shown in  FIG. 15D , is face  504  shown in  FIG. 13 . The three-dimensional boat-like form is shown in  FIG. 13 .  
       FIG. 16  is an alternate form of the second base portion and is indicated by reference numeral  600 . Second base portion  600  includes a flat section  602  that is rectangular in shape and that includes rails  550  and nubs  545  that engage the tracks  542  and nub receptors  543 . Second base portion  512  may be slid from first base portion  508  and second base portion  600  may be slid into first base portion  508 . Second base portion  600  further includes a framework  604  integral with flat section  602 . Integrally mounted on the framework  604  is the pair of shroud pin receptor housings  562 . Further integrally mounted on the framework  604  is a pair of pin receptors  606  for receiving pins  608  of a cylindrical receptor  610  for receiving an elongate extension or stick. Cylindrical receptor  610  includes a threaded receptacle  612  for receiving a threaded end of an extension or stick, perhaps three to ten feet long or even longer, such that, when the extension is fixed in receptor  610 , which is mounted between pin receptors  606  of second base portion  600 , which carries the first base portion  508  having fiber cushion  504 , a ceiling or upper portions of high walls may be painted.  
      It should be noted that faces  614  of receptor  610  confront faces  616  of pin receptors  606  to minimize side to side wobble of second base portion  600 . Further, framework  604  is relatively open to permit a wide range of swinging of the receptor  610  relative to receptor  606 , and the annular face  616  permits such. Second base portion  600  is a molded piece such that opposite pin receptors  606  may be drawn apart resiliently for reception and disengagement of pins  608 .  
       FIG. 17A  shows a diagrammatic top view of a paint tray  630  and  FIG. 17B  shows a diagrammatic end view. Paint tray  630  includes an upper peripheral lip  632 , a floor  634 , and a side wall  636  between the lip  632  and the floor  634 . Formed in the lip  632  and, if desired, partially in wall  636 , are indents  644 ,  646 ,  648  and  650  where each of such indents is formed by a floor  638  and a pair of faces  640 ,  642  set at an angle relative to each other. Each of the indents  644 ,  646 ,  648 ,  650  may receive a portion of spreader  200  or spreader  500  where, for example, indents  644  and  650  each receive corners of a spreader and such spreader is rested angularly across the lip  632  of the tray  630  to permit drippings to fall into tray  630 . Likewise, indents  646 ,  648  may pair up to receive corners of a spreader. The engaged corners of the spreader are the “kitty-korner” portions of the spreader, particularly the fiber cushion corners of the spreading material of the spreader.  
      The peripheral lip  632  of the paint tray  630  includes a set of four dovetail shaped cutouts  652  for the insertion of one or more straps such that tray  630  may be carried up a ladder or across the room and back again. The straps may cross the top of the paint tray  630  in an X arrangement such that the straps intersect at one point and such that the tray  630  may be hung from such one point from a hook at the top of a ladder.