Abstract:
A roller painting kit comprising a roller cage adapter engageable over a roller section of a paint roller and having a substantially continuous cylindrical outer surface when engaged over the roller section, and a flexible roller cover insertable over the roller cage adapter, the roller cover being flexible so it can be rolled onto itself for storage. The roller cage adapter is radialy expandable to provide retention action between the roller cover and roller cage in an operative position.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 USC §119(e) of U.S. provisional patent application 60/976,493 filed on Oct. 1, 2007, the specification of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates to paint rollers and, more particularly, to a paint roller cage and a paint roller cover. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART  
       [0003]    Paint rollers permit to apply relatively quickly and economically coatings such as paint and stain. Nearly every paint roller in commercial use includes a frame which terminates at one end in a handle and, at the other end, in a core and cover support rod having a core (or cage) supporting frame extending radially. The core supporting frame typically includes spaced apart and longitudinally extending rods. A rigid cylindrical core having a roller cover permanently mounted thereto is typically removably receivable on the support rod and the core supporting frame. The roller support rod and the core and cover assembly are thus typically assembleable and disassembleable components. Therefore, once used, the core and cover assembly is removed from the roller support rod and either washed and stored or thrown away. 
         [0004]    For storing and transport purposes, the rigid core and cover assemblies are relatively bulky components. Moreover, when thrown away, they are not ecologically friendly. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    It is therefore an aim of the present invention to address the above mentioned issues. 
         [0006]    According to a general aspect, there is provided a paint roller cage for receiving a paint roller cover thereto. The paint roller cage comprises: a barrel member having an outer surface, a length corresponding substantially to a length of the paint roller cover, and being movable between a contracted state for engaging and disengaging the paint roller cover from the outer surface and an expanded state securing the paint roller cover to the barrel member. 
         [0007]    According to another general aspect, there is provided a roller painting kit, comprising: a cylindrical paint roller cage movable between a storage configuration and an operative configuration and having a plurality of adjacent cage sections defining a substantially cylindrical barrel member in the operative configuration; and a roller cover slidable over the paint roller cage in the storage configuration and secured over the paint roller cage in the operative configuration. 
         [0008]    According to another general aspect, there is provided a flexible paint roller cover mountable to a paint roller cage, comprising a cylindrical cover element defining a cylindrical channel for receiving therein the paint roller cage, the roller cover being flexible along at least one of a longitudinal axis and a transversal axis when disengaged from the paint roller cage. 
         [0009]    According to another general aspect, there is provided a roller cover adapter for a paint roller having a roller section. The roller cover adapter comprises: a barrel member securable to the roller section of the paint roller and configurable in a storage configuration allowing to slide a roller cover over an outer surface of the barrel member and remove the roller cover from the outer surface and an operative configuration securing the roller cover to the outer surface, the barrel member having a substantially continuous and cylindrical outer surface in the operative configuration for supporting the paint roller cover along its length. 
         [0010]    According to a further general aspect, there is provided a roller painting kit, comprising: a roller cage adapter engageable over a roller section of a paint roller and having a substantially continuous and cylindrical outer surface when engaged over the roller section; and a flexible roller cover insertable over the roller cage adapter and including a cylindrical cover element defining a cylindrical channel for receiving therein the roller cage adapter, the roller cover being flexible along at least one of a longitudinal axis and a transversal axis when disengaged from the roller cage adapter, the roller cage adapter providing a substantially continuous support to the roller cover when inserted therein. 
         [0011]    In this specification, the term “paint” is intended to mean “liquid coatings” such as and without being limitative paint, lacquer, varnish, base coats, clear coats, primers, enamel, wood finishes, adhesive, stains, etc. It encompasses a mixture of resin, pigment, and a suitable liquid vehicle that is reasonably fluid, and provides a thin and adherent coating when applied to a substrate. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a paint roller in accordance with an embodiment wherein a roller cover is removed from a roller cage; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the paint roller shown in  FIG. 1  with an exploded view of the paint roller cage in accordance with an embodiment; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a cage section of the paint roller cage shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a side elevation view of the cage section shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a front elevation view of the cage section shown in  FIG. 3 ; and 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is bottom plan view of the cage section shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a proximal end cap of the paint roller shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a side elevation view of the proximal end cap shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a front elevation view of the proximal end cap shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a distal end cap of the paint roller shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a side elevation view of the distal end cap shown in  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a front elevation view of the distal end cap shown in  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of a cover and cage portion of the paint roller shown in  FIG. 1 , wherein the roller cover is mounted to the roller cage and the roller cage is configured in a contracted configuration; 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of a cover and cage portion of the paint roller shown in  FIG. 1 , wherein the roller cover is mounted to the roller cage and the roller cage is configured in an expanded configuration; 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view, enlarged and fragmented, of a cover and cage portion of the paint roller shown in  FIG. 1  in the contracted configuration showing the proximal and the distal ends; 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view, enlarged and fragmented, of a cover and cage portion of the paint roller shown in  FIG. 1  in the expanded configuration showing the proximal and the distal ends; 
           [0028]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a paint roller in accordance with another embodiment wherein a roller cover is removed from a roller cage; 
           [0029]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the paint roller cage shown in  FIG. 17  wherein cage sections have been removed; 
           [0030]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the paint roller shown in  FIG. 17  wherein all the cage sections have been removed; 
           [0031]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a cage section of the paint roller cage shown in  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 21  is a side elevation view of the paint roller cage shown in  FIG. 17  in the contracted configuration; 
           [0033]      FIG. 22  is a cross-sectional view of the paint roller cage shown in  FIG. 17  in the expanded configuration; 
           [0034]      FIG. 23  is a cross-sectional view of the paint roller cage shown in  FIG. 17  including only one cage section and configured in the contracted configuration; 
           [0035]      FIG. 24  is a side elevation view of the paint roller cage shown in  FIG. 17  including only one cage section and configured in the expanded configuration; 
           [0036]      FIG. 25  is a perspective view of a flexible cover in accordance with an embodiment; 
           [0037]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view of the flexible cover shown in  FIG. 25 , partly folded along a transversal axis; 
           [0038]      FIG. 27  is a cross-sectional view of the flexible cover shown in  FIG. 25 ; and 
           [0039]      FIG. 28  is a perspective view of a paint roller cage adapter for traditional paint roller cages in accordance with an embodiment. 
       
    
    
       [0040]    It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0041]    Referring now to the figures, and more particularly referring to  FIG. 1 , it will be seen a paint roller  10  including a support frame  12  having a handle section  14 , an extension section  16 , and a roller section  18 . The support frame  12  extends between a handle end  20  and a roller end  22 , opposite to the handle end  20 . A handle  24  is mounted over the handle section  14  of the support frame  12 . A paint roller cage  26  and a paint roller cover  28  are mounted over the roller section  18  of the support frame  12 . The extension section  16  extends between the handle section  14  and the roller section  18 . 
         [0042]    The roller cage  26  includes a cylindrical barrel member  30  with a substantially continuous outer surface  32 , as it will be described in more details below. The roller cover  28  defines a cylindrical channel  34  and, in an embodiment, is flexible along a longitudinal axis and a transversal axis. The roller cage  26  is insertable in the channel  34  of the roller cover  28  for painting purposes. Thus, the substantially continuous outer surface  32  of the cage  26  provides a substantially continuous support to the roller cover  28  when mounted thereto. 
         [0043]    Now referring to  FIG. 2 , an embodiment of the cylindrical barrel member  30  of the roller cage  26  will be described in more detail. The barrel member  30  has four longitudinally extending cage sections  36 , a proximal end cap  38 , and a distal end cap  40 . The proximal end cap  38  is insertable over the support rod  12 , proximate to the extension section  16 , and the distal end cap  40  is also insertable over the support rod  12  proximate to the roller end  22 , opposite to the proximal end cap  38 . Both end caps  38 ,  40  connect the four cage sections  36  together to define the barrel member  30  with the cylindrical outer surface  32 . 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 to 6 , the cage sections  36  will be described in more details. Each cage section  36  has an outer surface  32   a , an opposite inner surface  42 , and a web  44  protruding inwardly from the inner surface  42  to provide structural rigidity to the cage section  36 . The web  44  includes a longitudinally extending central ridge  46  and a plurality of transversally extending ridges  48 . Each cage section  36  has two opposite lateral walls  50  both having a quarter of an annular shape. The lateral wall  50   a , proximate to the proximal end cap  38 , is spaced from the edge of the cage section  36 , thereby defining an annular cavity  49  when the four cage sections  36  are assembled together. The purpose of the cavity  49  ( FIG. 14   a ) will be described in more details below. The lateral wall  50   b , proximate to the distal end cap  40 , extends inwardly from the edge of the cage section  36 . As mentioned above, the lateral walls have a quarter of an annular shape. When the four cages sections  36  are assembled together to define the barrel member  30 , a central opening  51  is defined centrally ( FIG. 13 ). The central opening  51  extends from the distal end cap  40  to the proximal end cap  38 . The cavity  49 , defined by the lateral wall  50   a , is adjacent to the central opening  51  and is concentric therewith. 
         [0045]    Two tabs  52  extend longitudinally from each central ridge  46 : a first tab  52   a  extends towards the proximal end cap  38  and a second tab  52   b  extends towards the distal end cap  40 . Each tab  52  has an arcuate shape. The proximal end tab  52   a  extends outwardly of the lateral walls  50   a , in the longitudinal direction of the cage section  36 . On the opposite, the distal end tab  52   b  does not extend outwardly of the lateral walls  50   b . The purpose of the tabs  52  will be described in more details below. 
         [0046]    The central ridge  46  has two engaging grooves  72  (or female members) defined therein. The grooves  72  are located under a corresponding tab  52 . The grooves  72  are designed to engage a corresponding protruding or male member, as it will be described in more details below. 
         [0047]    Referring back to  FIG. 2 , it will be seen that the proximal and distal end caps  38 ,  40  are designed to assemble the cage sections  36  together to define the cylindrical barrel member  30 . Referring next to  FIGS. 7 to 12 , it will be seen that each end cap  38 ,  40  has a cylindrical channel  54  defined centrally therein. The support rod  12  is insertable in the channel  54  to mount to end caps  38 ,  40  thereto. 
         [0048]    The proximal end cap  38  also includes a circular depression  56  surrounding the cylindrical channel  54 , as shown in  FIGS. 7 to 9 . The bottom wall  60  of the depression  56  includes four tab openings  58  in which the proximal tabs  52   a  of the cage sections  36  are slidably insertable. The annular peripheral wall  62  circumvents outwardly the depression  56  and the cylindrical channel  54 . The proximal end cap  38  also includes an annular protruding member  74   a  extending outwardly from the lateral walls  76  of the end cap  38 , the purpose of which will be described in more details below. 
         [0049]    The distal end cap  40  also includes a peripheral wall  63 , as shown in  FIGS. 10 to 12 , with four radially extending slots  78 , and four cavities  79  (only two are shown) in which the distal tabs  52   b  of the roller sections  36  are insertable. 
         [0050]    As it will be described in more details below, in the operative configuration of the paint roller, the end caps  38 ,  40  are disposed and fitted in the ends of the roller sections  36  for preventing paint from entering the hollow interior of the barrel member  30  or between the outer surface  32  of the cage  26  and an inner wall  70  of the roller cover  28 . 
         [0051]    Referring now to  FIGS. 13 to 16 , the roller cage  26  with the roller cover  28  mounted thereto will be described. The support rod  12  extends centrally through the roller cage and cover assembly. The roller cover  28  extends outwardly and surrounds the roller cage  26 , mounted to the support rod  12 . As shown, the support rod  12  is inserted in the cylindrical channels  54  of both end caps  38 ,  40 . The proximal end cap  38  is mounted outwardly of the cage sections  36  while the distal end cap  40  is mounted inwardly of the cage sections  36 . The tabs  52   a ,  52   b , as male members, are engaged in a respective tab opening  58 , or a respective cavity  79 , as female members, in one of the end caps  38 ,  40 . The purpose of which will be described in more details below. 
         [0052]    The roller cage  26  is movable or configurable in two configurations, more particularly, a contracted configuration ( FIGS. 13 and 15 ) and expanded configuration ( FIGS. 14 and 16 ). In the contracted configuration (or storage configuration), a narrow cylindrical free space  68  is defined between the outer surface  32  of the roller cage  26  and the inner wall  70  of the roller cover  28 , i.e. the outer diameter of the barrel member  30  is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical channel  34 . An annular space  66  is defined between the inner surface  64  of the proximal end cap peripheral wall  62  and the lateral wall  50   a  of the roller cage  26 . Therefore, the roller cover  28  can be easily slid in and slid out over the roller cage  26  in the contracted configuration. The distal end  40  is spaced-apart from the lateral wall  50   b  of the roller cage  26 . The tabs  52   a  protrude slightly outwardly in the tab openings  58 . Therefore, the roller cage  26  can be more deeply engaged over the support rod  12  by pushing the roller cage  26  in a configuration where the inner surface  64  of the proximal end cap peripheral wall  62  abuts the lateral wall  50   a  of the roller cage  26 , and the distal end cap  40  is aligned with the lateral wall  50   b . In that second configuration, the tabs  52  protrude more outwardly in the tab openings  58  as shown in  FIGS. 14 and 16 . In the contracted configuration, the tabs  52   b  abut the bottom wall of the cavities  79  ( FIG. 15 ) and the peripheral wall  63  of the distal end cap  40  is spaced-apart from the lateral wall  50   b . In the expanded configuration, the tabs  52   b  are spaced apart from the bottom wall of the cavities  79  ( FIG. 16 ) and the peripheral wall  63  of the distal end cap  40  abuts the lateral wall  50   b.    
         [0053]    The tabs  52  have a substantially arcuate shape and they are made of a relatively flexible material. As mentioned above, the engaging groove  72  of each cage section  36  is defined to receive a section of the protruding member  74   a  (or male member) which is defined in the lateral wall  76  of the proximal end cap  38  and a section of the protruding member  74   b  defined in the distal end cap (see  FIGS. 8 and 11  for more details). In the expanded configuration of the roller cage  26 , the protruding members  74  are engaged in the engaging grooves  72  to maintain the roller cage  26  in the expanded (or operative) configuration as shown in  FIGS. 14 and 16 . In other words, they act as stoppers. 
         [0054]    By pushing the roller cage  26  over the support rod  12  towards the proximal end cap  38  until the protruding members  74  engage the engaging grooves  72  and the inner surface  64  of the proximal end cap peripheral wall  62  abuts the lateral wall  50  of the cage  26 , the roller cage  26  is configured from the first or contracted configuration into the second or expanded configuration. As shown in  FIGS. 14 and 16 , in the expanded configuration, the peripheral wall  62  is inserted in the cavity  49  defined by the roller sections  36  assembled together. The tabs  52  slide in the tab openings  58  and straighten, pushing outwardly the cage sections  36  defining the roller cage  26 . Therefore, the diameter of the resulting roller cage  26  is larger in the expanded configuration than in the contracted configuration. From the contracted configuration to the expanded configuration, the diameter of the roller cage  26  expands from a smaller diameter (first diameter) to a larger diameter (second diameter). The outer surface  32  of the roller cage  26  abuts the inner wall  70  of a roller cover  28  extending over the cage and preventing the roller cover  28  from being easily withdrawn from the roller cage  26 . In other words, it engages the roller cover  28  to the roller cage  26 . 
         [0055]    To disengage the roller cover  28  from the roller cage  26 , the tabs  52  are pushed outwardly against the lateral walls  76  of the end cap depressions  56  and the roller cover and cage assembly is pulled towards the roller end  22  of the support rod  12 . The protruding members  74  and the engaging grooves  72  are disengaged from one another. The tabs  52  slide inwardly in the tab openings  58 . The cage sections  36  slide inwardly towards the rod member  12  thereby redefining the cylindrical free space  68  between the outer surface  32  of the cage  26  and the inner wall  70  of the roller cover  28 . Therefore, the roller cover  28  can easily be removed or slid out from the roller cage  26 . 
         [0056]    Now referring to  FIGS. 17 to 24 , there is shown an alternative embodiment of a paint roller  110  wherein the roller cage  126  has a different design and a different mechanism for being configurable in the expanded and contracted configurations. The features of this embodiment are numbered with reference numerals in the 100 series which correspond to the reference numerals of the previous embodiment. 
         [0057]    The barrel member  130  has five longitudinally extending cage sections  136 , a proximal end cap  138 , and a distal end cap  140 . Both end caps  138 ,  140  connect the five cage sections  136  together to define the barrel member  130  with the cylindrical outer surface  132  and have a central channel  154  defined therein. As shown in  FIG. 19 , the support rod  112  is insertable in the channel  154  to mount to end caps  138 ,  140  thereto. 
         [0058]    Referring to  FIG. 20 , there is shown that, as for the cage sections  36 , each cage section  136  has an outer surface  132   a , an opposite inner surface  142 , and a web  144  protruding inwardly from the inner surface  142  to provide structural rigidity to the cage section  136 , amongst others. The web  144  includes a longitudinally extending ridge  146  and a plurality of transversally extending ridges  148 . In the embodiment shown, the longitudinal ridge  146  does not extend radially. It extends at a predetermined angle as it will be explained in more details below. Each cage section  136  has two opposite edges  150  insertable in an annular groove  156  of a corresponding one of the proximal end cap  138  and the distal end cap  140  when assembled together to define the barrel member  130  ( FIG. 18 ). When the five cage sections  136  are assembled together to define the barrel member  130 , a central opening  151  is defined centrally and extends from the distal end cap  140  to the proximal end cap  138 . 
         [0059]    Referring to  FIG. 20 , there is shown that each cage section  136  includes two spaced-apart abutting ramps  158   a ,  158   b , juxtaposed to the longitudinal ridge  146 . Each abutting ramp  158   a ,  158   b  has a lower section and an upper section with a ramp section extending therebetween. In the embodiment shown, the upper section of the proximal abutting ramp  158   a  is proximate to the proximal end cap  138  and the upper section of the distal abutting ramp  158   b  is proximate to the distal end cap  140 . Thus, the ramp sections of both abutting ramps  158  are oriented in opposite directions. The opposed ends of the lower and upper sections of the abutting ramps  158   a ,  158   b  have stoppers or abutting members. The purpose of the abutting ramps  158   a ,  158   b  will be described in more details below. 
         [0060]    Referring to  FIGS. 18 and 19 , there is shown that the paint roller  110  also includes two spaced apart rings  160   a ,  160   b  mounted to the support rod  112 . The proximal ring  160   a  is connected to the proximal end cap  138  through a cylindrical cover member  162  having a central channel  164  extending therethrough. The proximal ring  160   a  and the proximal end cap  138  are respectively mounted at opposite ends of the cylindrical cover member  162 . The support rod  112  extends through the central channel  164  of the cylindrical cover member  162 . As it will be described in more details below, the cylindrical cover member  162  can slide over the support rod  112  between two configurations corresponding respectively to the expanded configuration and the contracted configuration of the roller cage  126 . 
         [0061]    The distal ring  160   b  is mounted at a predetermined and fixed position to the support rod  112 , towards the distal end cap  140 . 
         [0062]    The design of the proximal and distal rings  160   a ,  160   b  is similar and only one will be described below. Each ring  160  includes five fingers  165 , one for each cage section  136 , extending outwardly in a substantially spiral shape. Each finger  165  is spaced apart from an adjacent finger  165  by a substantially straight slot  167 . The fingers  165  and the slots  167  of the proximal ring  160   a  are in register with the fingers  165  and the slots  167  of the distal ring  160   b.    
         [0063]    The longitudinal ridge  146  of each cage section  136  is slidably insertable in a respective slot  167  of the rings  160   a ,  160   b  when the roller cover  126  is assembled. Thus, the barrel member  130  is maintained assembled by inserting the longitudinal ridges  146  of the cage sections  136  in a slot  167  of the rings  160   a ,  160   b  and the edges  150  of the cage sections  136  in the annular grooves  156  of the end caps  138 ,  140 . When assembled, the tips of the fingers  165  abut a respective one of the abutting ramps  158   a ,  158   b . The distal end cap  140  is secured to the support rod  112  while the proximal end cap  138  is slidably mounted to the support rod  112  through cylindrical cover member  162 . 
         [0064]      FIGS. 21 and 23  show the roller cage  126  in the storage configuration. The tips of the fingers  165  abut the lower sections of the abutting ramps  158   a ,  158   b . Spaces are defined between the cage sections  136  and portions of adjacent cage sections  136  are overlapped.  FIGS. 22 and 24  show the roller cage  126  in the operative configuration. The tip of the fingers  165  abuts the upper sections of the abutting ramps  158   a ,  158   b . The longitudinal edges of cages sections  126  abut the longitudinal edges of the adjacent cages sections  136 , thereby defining a substantially continuous outer surface with a cylindrical shape, as shown in  FIG. 22 . It is appreciated that the longitudinal edges of adjacent cage sections  136  can be slightly spaced-apart from one another. The external diameter of the roller cage  126  in the operative configuration is wider than in the storage configuration. 
         [0065]    In both configurations, the support rod  112  extends centrally through the roller cage and cover assembly. The roller cover (not shown in  FIGS. 21 to 24 ) can extend outwardly and surrounds the roller cage  126 , mounted to the support rod  112 . As shown, the support rod  112  is inserted in the cylindrical channels  154  of both end caps  138 ,  140 . 
         [0066]    For configurating the roller cage in the operative configuration ( FIGS. 22 and 24 ) from the storage configuration ( FIGS. 21 and 23 ), the cylindrical cover member  162  is pulled in a direction opposite from the roller end  22 . The proximal ring  160  moves simultaneously with the cylindrical cover member  162  since it is mounted thereto. The finger tips of the proximal ring  160  slide from the lower section of the proximal abutting ramp  158   a  towards the upper section until they abut the stoppers located at the end of the upper section. The stoppers prevent further displacement of the fingers  165  relatively to the abutting member  158 . The cage sections  136  remain stationary along the longitudinal axis during this first sliding movement of the cylindrical cover member  162 . The barrel member  130  is then configured into an intermediate configuration between the contracted configuration and the expanded configuration. The cylindrical cover member  162  is further pulled in the direction opposite from the roller end  22 . Since the finger tips of the proximal ring  160  abut the stoppers, the cage sections  136  and both end caps  138 ,  140  slide simultaneously with the cylindrical cover member  162  in the direction opposite from the roller end  22 . The distal ring  160  being secured to the support rod  112 , the finger tips of the distal ring  160  slide upwardly towards the upper section of the distal abutting ramp  158   b  until they abut the stoppers located at the end of the upper section. The barrel member  130  is then configured into the expanded configuration shown in  FIGS. 22 and 24 . 
         [0067]    As mentioned above, the longitudinal ridges  146  and the corresponding slots  167  do not extend radially relatively to the center of the roller cage  126 . They extend at an angle. Thus, in the contracted state, portions of two adjacent cage sections  136  are overlapped as shown in  FIG. 21 . When configurating the roller cage  126  into the expanded configuration from the contracted configuration, the cage sections  136  slide outwardly relatively to a central longitudinal axis of the roller cage  126 , in the direction of the slots  167 . In the expanded configuration, the longitudinal edges of the cage sections  136  are juxtaposed (slightly spaced-apart from one another or not) to define a substantially continuous outer surface having a substantially cylindrical shape as shown in  FIG. 22 . 
         [0068]    For configurating the roller cage in the contracted configuration ( FIGS. 21 and 23 ) from the operative configuration ( FIGS. 22 and 24 ), a similar operation is performed in the reverse order. The cylindrical cover member  162  is pushed towards the roller end  22 . The proximal ring  160   a  moves simultaneously with the cylindrical cover member  162  since they are mounted thereto. The finger tips of the proximal ring  160   a  slide from the upper section of the proximal abutting ramp  158   a  towards the lower section until they abut the stoppers located at the end of the lower section. The cage sections  136  remain stationary along the longitudinal axis during this first sliding movement of the cylindrical cover member  162 . The barrel member  130  is then configured into an intermediate configuration between the contracted configuration and the expanded configuration. The cylindrical cover member  162  is further pushed towards the roller end  22 . Since the finger tips of the proximal ring  160   a  abut the stoppers, the cage sections  136  and both end caps  138 ,  140  slide simultaneously with the cylindrical cover member  162  towards the roller end  22 . The distal ring  160   b  being secured to the support rod  112 , the finger tips of the distal ring  160   b  slide downwardly towards the lower section of the distal abutting ramp  158   b  until they abut the stoppers located at the end of the lower section. The barrel member  130  is then configured into the contracted configuration shown in  FIGS. 21 and 23 . 
         [0069]    In the operative configuration of the paint roller  110 , the end caps  138 ,  140  are disposed and fitted in the ends of the roller sections  136  for preventing paint from entering the hollow interior of the barrel member  130  or between the outer surface  132  of the cage  126  and an inner wall  70  of the roller cover  28 . It is appreciated that, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the paint roller cage can be end cap free, i.e. it does not include end caps. The cage sections  136  can be slidably mounted to the rings or other components of the paint roller cage assembly or the paint roller cage assembly can include a protective sleeve that maintains the cage sections assembled together as it will be described in more details below. 
         [0070]    As for the above-described embodiment, in the contracted configuration, a narrow cylindrical free space is defined between the outer surface  132  of the roller cage  126  and the inner wall  70  of the roller cover  28 , i.e. the outer diameter of the barrel member  130  is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical channel  134 . Therefore, the roller cover  28  can be easily slid in and slid out over the roller cage  126  in the contracted configuration. In the expanded configuration, the paint roller cover  28  is secured to the roller cage  126  having a larger diameter than in the contracted configuration. 
         [0071]    It is appreciated that, in an alternative embodiment, the cylindrical cover member  162  can be located at the distal end with the distal ring  160   b  being mounted thereto. In that embodiment, the proximal ring  160   a  can be secured to the support rod  112 . 
         [0072]    In another alternative embodiment (not shown), both rings  160  are secured to the support rod  112  and the assembly is cylindrical cover member free. The slopes of both abutting ramps  158  are oriented in the same direction. Thus, for configurating the barrel member in the operative configuration from the storage configuration, the cage sections  136  are pushed from the lower section of the abutting ramps  158  towards the upper section. On the opposite, for configurating the roller cage in the contracted configuration from the operative configuration, a similar operation is performed in the reverse order. The cage sections  136  are pushed from the upper section of the abutting ramps  158  towards the lower section. 
         [0073]    Referring now to  FIGS. 25 to 27 , the roller cover  28 , which is flexible in the longitudinal and transversal axes, will be described. The roller cover  28  includes a flexible substrate  80 , which defines the inner wall  70  of the cover  28 , and outer circumferential surface material  82  mounted to the flexible substrate  80  and adapted for carrying paint or other material to be applied to the work surface. 
         [0074]    As shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26 , in an embodiment, the roller cover  28  is flexible in both the longitudinal and transversal directions. Therefore, it can be folded or rolled for storage and transport purposes. It can be wrung while cleaning for substantially rapidly removing paint and water. 
         [0075]    The flexible substrate  80  can have elastic properties to ensure a tight engagement with the roller cage in the expanded configuration. Moreover, it can have water-repellent properties or it can include a barrier material layer to substantially prevent paint from being in contact with the outer surface of the roller cage. Furthermore, it can have a closed end (not shown), which abuts the distal end cap of the roller cage when mounted thereto, and include an elastic strap (not shown) at the opposed end, the elastic strap being juxtaposed to the proximal end cap of the roller cage when mounted thereto, the elastic strap substantially preventing paint infiltration between the roller cage and the roller cover. In an embodiment, the surface material  82  can be adhesively mounted to the flexible substrate  80 . 
         [0076]    The substrate material  80  can be a canvas, a flexible polymer or any other appropriate material, for instance. It can be made from either woven or non-woven materials. 
         [0077]    The surface material  82  can be made of sponge, cotton, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, wool or the like and is highly capable of absorbing paint or other liquid to be applied. 
         [0078]    The thickness of both the substrate material  80  and the surface material  82  can vary in accordance with the user&#39;s needs. In an embodiment, at least one of the substrate material  80  and the surface material  82  can be made of a recyclable material or a biodegradable material. 
         [0079]    The roller cover  28  and the corresponding roller cage can have a width and a diameter substantially equally to those of standards 2, 4, and 9-inch roller, for instance. However, other widths and diameters may be used. 
         [0080]    The support member and the roller cage can be made from any suitable materials, such as substantially rigid polymers, aluminum or steel, for instance. 
         [0081]    The outer surface of the roller cage can be substantially smooth or it can include a protuberance pattern providing an improved adherence of the roller cover to the cage. In the embodiment shown, the barrel member is continuous in that it provides substantially continuous support to the roller cover mounted thereto for a substantially uniform paint application. The roller cage can include more or less cage sections. 
         [0082]    Thus, flexible roller covers can be used in combination with a roller cage (or a roller cage adapter) having a substantially continuous, rigid, and cylindrical outer surface. The roller cage (or the adapter) provides a substantially continuous support to the flexible roller cover for application of paint or other similar substances. The roller cage (or the adapter) can be used with several roller covers. For instance, when a roller cover is worn, one can buy a new roller cover and use it with the same roller cage or adapter. Moreover, when applying two different paints (or similar substances), the same roller cage (or adapter) can be used with two different roller covers, each carrying a different paint. 
         [0083]    Flexible roller covers are more ecologically friendly than traditional rigid roller covers since they do not include a rigid cylindrical member for maintaining the roller cover in a substantially cylindrical shape. Moreover, since they are foldable, rollable, and/or compactable, the shipping and the storage costs are reduced comparatively to traditional rigid roller covers. 
         [0084]    It is appreciated that the roller cage and the roller cover can be provided independently or as a kit, i.e. a roller cage and cover assembly. The roller cover can also be provided as a kit with an adapter (not shown) for mounting the flexible roller cover to a conventional roller cage (not shown). The adapter can be movable between two configurations: a contracted configuration allowing relatively easily engaging and disengaging the roller cover from the latter and an expanded configuration wherein the roller cover is substantially firmly maintained over the adapter. In an embodiment, the adapter includes a roller cage engaging member for securing the adapter to the convention roller cage and a cylindrical and rigid outer surface providing continuous support to the roller cover mounted thereto. 
         [0085]    Referring to  FIG. 28 , there is shown an embodiment of an adapter  190 . The adapter  190  has a spiral shape with a central opening  192  defined therein. It can be made of a substantially rigid material, such as and without being limitative, polymers. The adapter is expandable to be mounted to the cage supporting frame of a conventional roller frame. For instance and without being limitative, it can be inserted over the longitudinal extending rods defining the cage supporting frame of a conventional roller frame to provide a substantially continuous and rigid outer surface to support the flexible roller cover. Due to its spiral shape, the adapter  190  is slightly expandable to be relatively easily inserted over the cage supporting frame and secured thereto. The outer surface of the adapter  190  can be substantially smooth or include a protuberance pattern providing an improved adherence of the roller cover to the adapter  190 . 
         [0086]    The adapter for mounting the flexible roller cover  28  to a conventional roller cage (not shown) can also be provided independently. 
         [0087]    The roller cage and cover assembly can also include a protective sleeve configurable into a cylindrical shape and insertable over the barrel member, including or not the end caps. The protective sleeve can be made of a flexible and resilient material such as and without being limitative urethane and silicone. When inserted over the barrel member, it prevents paint insertion into the barrel member. It can entirely or partially cover the barrel member. Since it is made of a resilient material, it follows the shape of the barrel member between the expanded and contracted configurations. It can also be mounted over the adapters described above. 
         [0088]    Thus, between the contracted and expanded configurations, the cage sections of the roller cage are slidable between two configurations. For instance, they can carry out a substantially radial, spiral or translation movement between both configurations. In the expanded configuration, they define a substantially continuous and rigid outer surface providing support to the paint cover for painting purposes. 
         [0089]    As mentioned above, it is appreciated that the roller cage can be end cap free, i.e. it does not include end caps. For instance, if the roller cage and cover assembly includes a protective sleeve, the protective sleeve can maintain the cage sections together in an assembled configuration. Alternatively, the cage sections can be slidably mounted and secured to other members such as the rings  150  in the embodiment described above. 
         [0090]    The roller painting kit can easily be stored and transported by reducing the necessary volume, i.e. the roller cage can be configured in the contracted position and the flexible roller cover can be folded. Moreover, the flexible roller cover can be wrung during a washing process. 
         [0091]    The embodiments of the invention described above are intended to be exemplary only. 
         [0092]    It is appreciated that, in an alternative embodiment, the roller cage and/or the roller cage adapter can have several expanded configurations, with different diameters, to receive thereon roller covers of different diameters, adapted in accordance with the painting task to be performed. 
         [0093]    It is also appreciated that the mechanism to modify the roller cage and roller cage adapter diameter and the mechanism for maintaining the roller cage in the expanded configuration can vary from the ones described above. Moreover, the flexible roller cover can be engaged with the roller cage by a different mechanism than a cage diameter variation. 
         [0094]    It is also appreciated that a traditional roll cover including a rigid cylindrical cage with a roller cover permanently mounted thereto can be mounted to the expandable roller cage described above. 
         [0095]    The scope of the invention is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.