Patent Abstract:
Devices, systems and methods for mixing and stirring paints and the like having an axial shaft with a means for moving the liquid mounted on the axial shaft and a cage-like frame surrounding the means for moving the liquid and surrounding at least a portion of the axial shaft, and a combination device for mixing and stirring paints and the like and for holding a roller paint brush cover for cleaning.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field 
     The invention generally relates to the field of painting using roller paint brush covers and more specifically relates to the field of removing roller paint brush covers still containing wet paint from the handle framework and removing paint from and cleaning these roller paint brush covers. The invention further relates to methods and systems for handling roller paint brush covers containing wet paint, methods and systems for removing wet paint from roller paint brush covers, and methods and systems for cleaning wet paint from roller paint brush covers. The invention further relates to a devices and combinations of devices that can be used to stir and mix paint, remove roller paint brush covers from the handle framework, remove paint from and clean roller paint brush covers, and methods and systems for accomplishing these actions. 
     2. Prior Art 
     Likely the most well-known method of dealing with roller paint brush covers is to grasp the wet roller paint brush cover, pull it off of the handle framework, throw it away, and go out and purchase a new roller paint brush cover for the next painting job. Those that are more adventurous will wash the roller paint brush cover in the appropriate cleaning solution (such as water or soapy water for water-based paints, and suitable other solvents for water-insoluble paints), air dry it, and reuse it for the next painting job. Either way, removing the roller paint brush cover when wet from the handle framework can be a messy adventure, and cleaning the roller paint brush cover for reuse even more so. 
     Similarly, likely the most well-known method of stirring or mixing paint is either by using a stirring stick, which can be messy, or by vigorously shaking the paint can, which can be difficult to do properly unless you happen to have a can shaker, which can be expensive. Stirrers are known, including powered stirrers and stirrers attached to power drills. However, these stirrers do not have a protective cage surrounding the impellers to prevent damage and injury and to allow stirring proximal to the side of the container. 
     The economically and/or ecologically minded prefer washing and reusing the roller paint brush cover. For them, several different devices are available. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,436,264 to Allen discloses an apparatus for cleaning paint roller covers. The Allen &#39;264 device comprises an expandable spindle for inserting into and holding the roller paint brush cover. The spindle is mounted on a power drill and the roller paint brush cover is rotated within a bag or other disposable device to remove the paint by centrifugal force. However, the Allen &#39;264 device uses an expandable spindle, which adds to the complexity of the device, and does not comprise a device for removing the roller paint brush cover from the handle framework or the spindle, and therefore does not prevent the messes associated with such an operation. 
     Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,545,395 to Kolb discloses a paint roller apparatus with inherent cleaning capability. The Kolb &#39;395 device is a unitary device that can be used for roller brush painting and, when the painting is finished, cleaning the roller brush. Specifically, the Kolb &#39;395 device comprises a handle and a roller on which a roller paint brush cover is mounted. The roller comprises means for attaching to a power drill such that after painting, the roller can be spun clean. However, the Kolb &#39;395 device is a unitary device, and does not appear to be suitable for the common roller painting apparatus. Further, the Kolb &#39;395 device also does not have a device for removing the roller paint brush cover from the handle. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,263,055 to Permar and U.S. Pat. No. 5,539,948 to McCauley disclose simple devices that can be inserted into the center of a roller paint brush cover and mounted on a power drill for spin cleaning. U.S. Pat. No. 6,116,255 to Walter, U.S. Pat. No. 5,626,158 to Gratopp, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,311,158 disclose stand alone devices for spinning and cleaning roller paint brush covers. U.S. Pat. No. 6,088,933 to Mallalieu discloses a hand-operated spin cleaning device for roller paint brush covers. However, none of these devices combine the spin cleaning device with a device for removing the roller paint brush cover from the handle framework. 
     Thus it can be seen that there is a need for a simple and economical device, method and system for cleaning roller paint brush covers and for handling the roller paint brush covers during the cleaning process. It can also be seen that there is a need for an improved device for stirring and/or mixing paints, stains and other coatings and liquids. It is to these needs and other related needs that the present invention is directed. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention briefly described is a device, method and system for cleaning paint from paint roller brushes. The invention comprises a gripping device for removing a paint roller brush from the handle framework, a holding device for holding the paint roller brush during the paint removing and cleaning process, and a mounting device for connecting the holding device with the paint roller brush to a motor or other motion imparting means. The invention further comprises a device attached to the holding device for stirring and mixing paint. 
     The gripping device comprises a generally cylindrical tube mounted on a handle. The generally cylindrical tube comprises open ends and can comprise a solid cylindrical wall or a cylindrical wall having an open slot along its length. The open slot can extend along the entire length of the generally cylindrical tube to provide a passageway for a support rod of the handle framework to pass as the roller paint brush cover and the gripping device are moved to remove the roller paint brush cover from the handle framework. The inner diameter of the generally cylindrical tube should be approximately the same as or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the roller paint brush cover. Alternatively, the inner diameter of the generally cylindrical tube can be relatively large so as to be able to accommodate different roller paint brush covers having a wide variety of diameters. 
     One end, the insertion end, of the gripping device preferably is completely open so as to allow the insertion of the roller paint brush cover. The other end, the tail end, can also be completely open, but optionally can be closed, partially closed, or comprise a tab for contacting and pushing the roller paint brush cover off of the handle framework. The handle is attached to the generally cylindrical tube along the cylindrical wall in such location allowing the user to hold the generally cylindrical tube but not interfering with the open ends of the generally cylindrical tube. Grippers of various diameters can be made for paint roller brushes of various diameters, or a single gripper having a relatively large, or having a variable, diameter can be made for use with several different diameters of roller paint brush covers. 
     The holding device comprises a cage-like frame similar or identical to the known cage-like frames on which paint roller brushes are mounted for use. The cage-like frame generally is cylindrical in shape, the cylindrical shape being formed by a plurality of wires or rods extending the length of the cylindrical shape. End caps, rings or other devices can be used to hold the plurality of wires or rods together in the generally cylindrical shape. The outer diameter of the holding device preferably is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the paint roller brush such that the paint roller brush can be mounted and held securely on the holding device. Optionally, the holding device can have an outer diameter slightly larger than the inner diameter of the paint roller brush, or can be a flexible or spring-like construction, to increase the holding power. 
     The mounting device comprises a shaft or rod that is attached securely to and extends axially from the holding device. The mounting device can extend along the entire or partial length of the holding device, in which case it would be positioned as the central axis, or it can be attached at an end of the holding device and extend outwardly and axially from the holding device. In any construction, the mounting device extends a suitable distance outwardly and axially from the holding device so as to mountable in the motor or other motion imparting device. 
     The motor or other motion imparting device preferably provides rotational motion to the mounting device, and thus to the holding device and any paint roller brush on the holding device. A hand or power drill or other such motor-driven device is suitable. 
     In use, a house, wall, ceiling or other structure or surface has been painted using a roller paint brush cover, the roller paint brush cover generally remains loaded with some paint. Rather than removing the loaded roller paint brush cover from the handle framework with the hands, gloves or other means that would then become soiled and/or ruined, the user of the invention grasps the handle of the gripping device and slides the gripping device over the loaded roller paint brush cover. Handle frameworks typically have a singe shaped rod extending from a handle and terminating in a roller paint brush cover holding end after bending through a series of curves, thus holding the roller paint brush cover from one end. A typical representation of a handle framework is shown in FIG.  1 . The griping device is placed over the loaded roller paint brush cover with the support rod of the handle framework passing through the slot in the generally cylindrical tube. If the gripping device comprises a closed or partially closed end, or a pushing tab, this will assist in pushing the roller paint brush cover off of the handle framework. Alternatively, the gripping means can be structured to hold the roller paint brush cover securely enough to remove the roller paint brush cover from the handle framework without the need for a closed or partially closed end, or a pushing tab. 
     The user then transfers the loaded roller paint brush cover onto the holding device in generally the opposite manner as the roller paint brush cover was removed from the handle framework. The user slides the roller paint brush cover onto the cage-like structure of the holding device and then removes the gripping device, leaving the roller paint brush cover on the holding device. The holding device either already is mounted on or then is mounted on the motor or motion imparting device. The motor or motion imparting device can be a power drill or a similar device. 
     The loaded roller paint brush cover then is placed into a bucket or other container of water or soapy water (for water soluble paints) or other solvent (for water insoluble paints) and the motor or other motion imparting device activated. The roller paint brush cover is spun around in the cleaning solution for a period of time sufficient to remove the paint from the roller paint brush cover. This step can be repeated any number of times to achieve the level of cleaning desired. The roller paint brush cover then can be spun in a bucket of clean water to rinse cleaning solution from the roller paint brush cover. After the roller paint brush cover has been cleaned, the roller paint brush cover then can be spun in an empty bucket, cylinder or other structure, or in the open, to remove any excess water or cleaning solution and to spin dry the roller paint brush cover. The roller paint brush cover now has been restored to a clean or cleaner state for reuse. 
     The invention also includes a device for stirring and/or mixing paints, stains and other coatings and fluids. The stirring device is a modification of the holding device and comprises a cage-like frame similar or identical to the known cage-like frames on which paint roller brushes are mounted for use. The cage-like frame generally is cylindrical in shape, the cylindrical shape being formed by a plurality of wires or rods extending the length of the cylindrical shape. End caps, rings or other devices can be used to hold the plurality of wires or rods together in the generally cylindrical shape. The stirring device has rod as the central axis, which generally is a continuation of the shaft or rod of the mounting device. The stirring device can be one or more impellers or other suitable mixing component. In use, the stirring device is mounted via the mounting device on a motor or other motion imparting device and the stirring device is placed in the liquid to be stirred or mixed. The motor or other motion imparting device is activated and the stirring device acts on the liquid. The cage-like frame also can assist in stirring and/or mixing the liquid, and further allows stirring and/or mixing right up to the side of the container as the cage-like frame can contact the container without damaging the container. 
     The invention also is a system for cleaning roller paint brush covers comprising the gripping device, the holding device and the motor or motion imparting device, and a method for cleaning roller paint brush covers using the devices and systems of the invention. The features and advantages of the present invention will become even more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art when the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments is read in conjunction with the appended figures in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the several views. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates the position of the gripping device of the present invention prior to being placed over a loaded roller paint brush cover on a typically handle framework. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates the gripping device of the present invention being placed over a loaded roller paint brush cover. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates the removal of a loaded roller paint brush cover from a typical handle framework using the gripping device of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates the placement of the loaded roller paint brush cover onto the holding device of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates the removal of the gripping device of the present invention from the loaded roller paint brush cover after the loaded roller paint brush cover has been placed on the holding device of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates the spinning of the loaded roller paint brush cover mounted on the holding device of the present invention in a bucket of water or other solvent or cleaning solution. 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of one embodiment of the gripping device of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is an end view of one embodiment of the gripping device of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a sectional side view of the embodiment of the gripping device as shown along line  9 ′— 9 ′ of  FIG. 8  with a roller paint brush cover inserted therein. 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of another embodiment of the gripping device of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is an end view of another embodiment of the gripping device of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a sectional side view of the embodiment of the gripping device as shown along line  12 ′— 12 ′ of  FIG. 11  with a roller paint brush cover inserted therein. 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of one embodiment of a combined holding device and mounting device of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a sectional side view of the embodiment of the combined holding device and mounting device as shown in  FIG. 13  with a roller paint brush cover placed thereon. 
         FIG. 15  is a side view of one embodiment of a combined stirring device and mounting device of the present invention that also functions as a holding device. 
         FIG. 16  is a sectional side view of the embodiment of the combined stirring device and mounting device as shown in FIG.  15 . 
         FIG. 17  is a sectional side view of the embodiment of the combined stirring device and mounting device as shown in  FIG. 15  with a roller paint brush cover placed thereon. 
         FIG. 18  illustrates the spinning of the stirring device of the present invention in a container of paint or other fluid. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention is a device, method and system for cleaning paint and other liquid coatings and the like from paint roller brushes.  FIGS. 1-6  illustrate a preferred embodiment of a method for using the devices and system of the present invention.  FIGS. 7-12  illustrate preferred embodiments of the gripping device of the present invention.  FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate a preferred embodiment of a combined holding device and mounting device of the present invention.  FIGS. 15-17  illustrate a preferred embodiment of a combined stirring device and mounting device of the present invention that can also function as a holding device.  FIG. 18  illustrates a preferred embodiment of the operation of the stirring device of the present invention. 
     Referring now generally to the FIGS., the invention comprises a gripping device  30  for removing a paint roller brush  12  from the handle framework  14  of a painting device, a holding device  50  for holding the paint roller brush  12  during the paint removing and cleaning process, and a mounting device  70  for connecting the holding device  50  with the paint roller brush  12  to a motor or other motion imparting means  90 . The invention further comprises a propeller device  92  attached to the holding device  50  for stirring and mixing paint. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7-12 , the gripping device  30  comprises a generally cylindrical tube  32  mounted on a handle  34 . Handle  34  is for grasping by the user and can be any suitable shape, such as the exemplary pistol grip shape shown in the FIGS. The generally cylindrical tube  32  comprises two ends, insertion end  36  and tail end  38  and can comprise either a solid cylindrical wall  40  or preferably a cylindrical wall  40  having an open slot  42  along its length. Although the length of cylindrical tube  32  generally is unimportant, it preferably is no longer than the length of a typical roller paint brush cover  12 , which is between approximately 2 inches (5 cm) and 9 inches (23 cm), depending on the size and type of roller paint brush cover  12  used. Thus, the cylindrical tube  32  can be made of many different lengths to accommodate many different lengths of roller paint brush covers  12 . For the typical 9 inch (23 cm) roller paint brush cover  12 , the cylindrical tube  32  more preferably no longer than 6 inches (15 cm), and even more preferably between 2 inches (5 cm) and 6 inches (15 cm) in length. A cylindrical tube  32  having a length of 2 inches (5 cm) can be used for most lengths of roller paint brush cover  12 . Having a length shorter than the length of the roller paint brush cover can allow the user to pull the roller paint brush cover  12  out of the gripping device  30  if necessary. 
     The inner diameter of the generally cylindrical tube  32  preferably is approximately the same as or slightly smaller or larger than the outer diameter of the typical roller paint brush cover  12 , including the nap, which is between approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) and 3 inches (7.5 cm). Alternatively, the inner diameter of the generally cylindrical tube  32  can be relatively large, such as for illustrative purposes 3 inches (7.5 cm) or larger up to 4 inches (10 cm) or 5 inches (12.7 cm), so as to be able to accommodate different roller paint brush covers  12  having a wide variety of diameters. Having a diameter greater than the diameter of the roller paint brush cover  12  can prevent the roller paint brush cover  12  from becoming lodged in the gripping device  30 . Similarly, having a diameter less than the diameter of the roller paint brush cover  12  can assist in retaining the roller paint brush cover  12  within the gripping device  30 . Thus, gripping devices  30  of various diameters can be made for paint roller brushes  12  of various diameters, or a single gripping device  30  having a relatively large, or having a variable, diameter can be made for use with several different diameters of roller paint brush covers  12 . 
     The open slot  42  can extend along the entire length of the generally cylindrical tube  32  to provide a passageway for a support rod  16  of the handle framework  14  to pass as the roller paint brush cover  12  and the gripping device  30  are moved to remove the roller paint brush cover  12  from the handle framework  14 . As can be seen in the FIGS., a typical handle framework  14  comprises a metal or other material rod  16  bent to accommodate the roller paint brush cover  12 . Rod  16  typically is on the order of ¼ inch (0.6 cm) to ⅝ inch (1.3 cm) in diameter or thickness. Therefore, to accommodate the majority of rods  16 , open slot  42  preferably is between ¼ inch (0.6 cm) and ¾ inch (1.9 cm) wide, that is, from one edge of cylindrical tube  32  to the other edge. Further, as the open structure of cylindrical tube  32  due to slot  42  can cause cylindrical tube  32  to be somewhat flexible, that is cylindrical tube  32  and open up slightly to a larger diameter due to the presence of slot  42 , the width of slot  42  itself can be increased by sliding rod  16  through it if the diameter of rod  16  is larger than the width of slot  42 . 
     The insertion end  36  of the gripping device  30  preferably is completely open so as to allow the insertion of the roller paint brush cover  12 . The tail end  38  can also be completely open, but optionally can be closed, partially closed, or comprise one or more stopping devices  44  for contacting and pushing the roller paint brush cover  12  off of the handle framework  14 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , stopping devices  44  can be tabs  44 A extending radially inwardly proximal to tail end  38 . Preferably, tabs  44 A extend inwardly from cylindrical tube  32  between approximately {fraction (3/16)} inch (0.5 cm) and ½ inch (1.3 cm). As shown in  FIG. 11 , stopping device  44  can be a toroidal or doughnut shaped inwardly extending extension  44 B of cylindrical tube  32 , or a toroidal or doughnut shaped insert that is secured within cylindrical tube  32 , proximal to or at tail end  38 . The use of a toroidal or doughnut shaped stopping device  44  has some advantages in that the slope of the structure, such as for example having an increasing diameter from proximal to tail end  38  inward along cylindrical tube  32 , generally matches the side slope of many roller paint brush covers  12  and provides a continuous touch point for the inner cylindrical tube of the typical roller paint brush cover  12 . However, for illustrative purposes, the tail end  38  can be completely closed, be partially closed with a central or radial holes, a series of tabs, a grill or mesh, one or more radial or chordal slats extending across tail end  38 , or a toroidal or doughnut shaped inwardly extending extension or insert secured within cylindrical tube  32 , as stopping devices  44 . For ease of cleaning, it is preferable for tail end  38  to have some open portion. 
     The handle  34  is attached to the generally cylindrical tube  32  along the cylindrical wall in such location allowing the user to hold the generally cylindrical tube  32  but not interfering with the ends  36 ,  38  of the generally cylindrical tube  32 . As shown in the FIGS., handle  34  is located opposite slot  42  and proximal to tail end  38 . However, handle  34  can be located at any position on the circumference and along the length of cylindrical tube  32 . Further, handle  34  can be molded as part of cylindrical tube  32  or can be attached later, either permanently or releasably. 
     The holding device  50  as shown illustratively in  FIGS. 4 and 10  comprises a cage-like frame  52  similar or identical to the known cage-like frames on which paint roller brushes are mounted for use during painting. Such cage-like frames  52  are known in the art and generally cylindrical in shape, the cylindrical shape being formed by a plurality of wires or rods  54  extending the length of the cylindrical shape. Optionally, the cage-like frame  52  can be replaced with a solid or perforated cylinder or the equivalent. End caps  56 ,  58  rings or other devices can be used to hold the plurality of wires or rods  54  together in the generally cylindrical shape, and can have flow holes  62  therethrough to allow liquid within the interior of roller paint brush cover  12  to flow out. The outer diameter of the holding device  50  preferably is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the paint roller brush  12  such that the paint roller brush  12  can be mounted and held securely on the holding device  50 . Optionally, the holding device  50  can have an outer diameter slightly larger than the inner diameter of the paint roller brush  12 , or can be a flexible or spring-like construction, to increase the holding power. 
     Many different sized holding devices  50  can be made to accommodate the various different sized roller paint brush covers  12 . For example, roller paint brush covers  12  having inner diameters of 1 inch (2.5 cm) would require a holding device  50  with a similar outer diameter, while roller paint brush covers  12  having an inner diameter of 2 inches (5 cm) would require a holding device  50  with a similar larger outer diameter. Likewise, for example, roller paint brush covers  12  having a length of 3 inches (7.5 cm) would require a holding device  50  with a similar length, while roller paint brush covers  12  having a length of 9 inches (23 cm) would require a holding device  50  with a similar longer length. A holding device  50  having a length of 9 inches (23 cm) could accommodate a wide range of lengths of roller paint brush covers  12 , including roller paint brush covers  12  having lengths longer and shorter than 9 inches (23 cm). 
     The mounting device  70  as shown illustratively in  FIGS. 13 and 14  comprises a shaft or rod  72  that is attached securely to and extends axially from the holding device  50 . The mounting device  70  can extend along the entire or partial length of the holding device  50 , in which case it would be positioned as the central axis, or it can be attached at an end of the holding device  50  and extend outwardly and axially from the holding device  50 . In any construction, the mounting device  70  extends a suitable distance outwardly and axially from the holding device  50  so as to mountable in the motor or other motion imparting device  90 . 
     As can be seen in more detail in  FIG. 14 , mounting device  70  comprises shaft or rod  72  that extends from one end cap  56  of holding device  50  through a second end cap  58  of holding device  50 , and then outward radially a certain distance from second end cap  58 . The length of shaft or rod  72  extending outwardly from holding device  50  is such that it can be inserted securely into any mounting part of motor or other motion imparting device  90 . For example, if motor or other motion imparting device  90  is a power drill, shaft or rod  72  preferably should be at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) so as to fit within power drill chuck  92 . Preferably, shaft or rod  72  is between 2 inches (5 cm) and 10 inches (25 cm) in length, and more preferably between 6 inches (15 cm) and 9 inches (23 cm). It has been found that an 8 inch (20 cm) length provides a suitable compromise between allowing the user to maintain the invention at a suitable distance from the user to prevent splattering of paint and cleaning solution and allowing for a smooth rotation. 
     The end of the mounting device  70  distal from the holding device  50  can comprise a formed end  74  for secure mounting within the motor or other motion imparting device  90 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 4 ,  5  and  13 , formed end  74  is formed to complement the chuck of a power drill used as the motor or other motion imparting device  90 . Such a formed end is optional, and can be custom formed for a particular motor or other motion imparting device  90  or type of motor or other motion imparting device  90 , and can be used to assist in the rotational motion transfer from the motor or other motion imparting device to the mounting device  70 . 
     The motor or other motion imparting device  90  preferably provides rotational motion to the mounting device  70 , and thus to the holding device  50  and any paint roller brush  12  on the holding device  50 . A hand or power drill, screwdriver, or other such motor-driven device is suitable. 
     An illustrative use of the invention is shown in  FIGS. 1-6 . In use, a house, wall, ceiling or other structure or surface has been painted using a roller paint brush cover  12 , the roller paint brush cover  12  generally remains loaded with some paint. Rather than removing the loaded roller paint brush cover  12  from the handle framework  14  with the hands, gloves or other means that would then become soiled and/or ruined, the user of the invention grasps the handle  34  of the gripping device  30  and slides the cylindrical tube  32  portion of the gripping device  30  over the loaded roller paint brush cover  12 . Handle frameworks  14  typically have a singe shaped rod  16  extending from a handle  18  and terminating in a roller paint brush cover holding end  20  after bending through a series of curves  22 , thus holding the roller paint brush cover  12  from one end. A typical representation of a handle framework  14  is shown in FIG.  1 . 
     The griping device  30  is placed over the loaded roller paint brush cover  12  with the support rod  16  of the handle framework  14  passing through the slot  42  in the generally cylindrical tube  32 . The user pushes the gripping device  30  over the loaded roller paint brush cover  12  until the roller paint brush cover  12  presses against stopping device  44  or other stopping means. The user then continues to push the loaded roller paint brush cover  12  off of the handle framework  14 . If the gripping device  30  comprises a stopping device  44 , this will assist in pushing the roller paint brush cover  12  off of the handle framework  14 . Alternatively, the gripping device  30  can be structured to hold the roller paint brush cover  12  securely enough to remove the roller paint brush cover  12  from the handle framework  14  without the need for a closed or partially closed tail end  38 , or a stopping device  44 . 
     Once the loaded roller paint brush cover  12  is removed from the handle framework  14 , the user then transfers the loaded roller paint brush cover  12  onto the holding device  50  in generally the opposite manner as the roller paint brush cover  12  was removed from the handle framework  14 . The user slides the roller paint brush cover  12  onto the cage-like frame  52  or other structure of the holding device  50  and then removes the gripping device  30  by pulling it in the opposite direction, leaving the roller paint brush cover  12  on the holding device  50 . The holding device  50  either already is mounted on or then is mounted on the motor or motion imparting device  90  in much the same way a drill bit is mounted in the chuck of a power drill. 
     The loaded roller paint brush cover  12  then can be placed in an empty bucket and the motor or other motion imparting device  90  activated to spin the roller paint brush cover  12 . This optional first spin helps remove any extraneous paint from the roller paint brush cover prior to cleaning in the cleaning solution  96 . The roller paint brush cover then is placed into a bucket or other container  94  of water or soapy water (for water soluble paints) or other solvent (for water insoluble paints), generally referred to as a cleaning solution  96 , and the motor or other motion imparting device  90  activated. The roller paint brush cover  12  is spun around in the cleaning solution  96  for a period of time sufficient to remove the paint from the roller paint brush cover  12 . This step can be repeated any number of times to achieve the level of cleaning desired. The roller paint brush cover  12  then can be spun in a bucket of clean water to rinse cleaning solution  96  from the roller paint brush cover  12 . After the roller paint brush cover  12  has been cleaned, the roller paint brush cover  12  then can be spun in an empty bucket, cylinder or other structure, or in the open, to remove any excess water or cleaning solution  96  and to spin dry the roller paint brush cover  12 . The roller paint brush cover  12  now has been restored to a clean or cleaner state for reuse. 
     As shown in FIGS.  4  and  15 - 17 , the invention further includes a stirring device  80  for stirring and/or mixing paints, stains and other coatings and liquids. The stirring device  80  is a modification of the holding device  50  and comprises a cage-like frame  52  similar or identical to the known cage-like frames on which paint roller brushes are mounted for use. The cage-like frame  52  generally is cylindrical in shape, the cylindrical shape being formed by a plurality of wires or rods  54  extending the length of the cylindrical shape. End caps  56 ,  58 , rings or other devices can be used to hold the plurality of wires or rods  54  together in the generally cylindrical shape. The stirring device  80  also has rod  72  as the central axis, which generally is a continuation of the shaft or rod  72  of the mounting device  70 . The central axis can be the portion of shaft or rod  72  or a separate component. The stirring device further comprise one or more stirring or mixing means  82 , which can be one or more impellers or any other suitable mixing component, mounted on shaft or rod  72 . 
     An illustrative use of the stirring device  80  is shown in FIG.  18 . The stirring device  80  is mounted via the mounting device  70  on a motor or other motion imparting device  90  and the stirring device  80  is placed in the liquid  96  to be stirred or mixed. The motor or other motion imparting device  90  is activated and the stirring device  80  acts on the liquid  96 . Specifically, the stirring or mixing means  82 , through the rotary motion, causes the liquid  96  to circulate about the container  94 , thus stirring and/or mixing the liquid  96 . The cage-like frame  52  also can assist in stirring and/or mixing the liquid  96 , and further allows stirring and/or mixing right up to the side of the container  94  as the cage-like frame  52  can contact the container  94  without damaging the container  94  or causing the stirring or mixing means  82  to be damaged. 
     The above description sets forth the best mode of the invention as known to the inventor at this time, and is for illustrative purposes only, as one skilled in the art will be able to make modifications to this process without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1