Abstract: A retractable blade scraper includes a handle body having a handle rear end and a handle forward end including a forward-end opening. An internal blade-slide cavity extends rearwardly from the forward-end opening toward the handle rear end and is configured to selectively receive a blade through—the forward-end opening. A blade slide housed by the blade-slide cavity includes lower and upper blade slide members between which the blade is selectively retained. A blade-slide actuator is accessible through an actuator slot defined through a wall of the handle body between slot first and second ends. Reciprocation of the actuator between the slot first and second ends reciprocates the blade slide between a rearward blade-storage position in which the blade is housed in the blade-slide cavity and a forward blade-changing position in which the blade protrudes through the forward-end opening to facilitate blade changing.

Abstract: A paint roller system includes a handle and an applicator support frame. The support frame has a base end by which it is connected to the handle and is configured to include an axle that is oriented generally orthogonally to the handle and includes a distal end. An interior frame channel extends between a first opening in the base end and a second opening in the distal end. A linkage snaked through the channel includes a first end coupled to an actuator carried by the handle and a second end terminating in a keyed lug. A roller disposed for rotation about the axle is configured to support for rotation a cylindrical paint applicator. The roller includes a keyed socket axially aligned with the second opening in the axle. The actuator is movable into a first position in which the keyed lug is disengaged from the keyed socket and that the roller is free to rotate, and a second position in which the lug protrudes from the second opening and into the keyed socket, thereby preventing roller rotation.

Abstract: A liquid loading and application apparatus includes a hub, a paint roller support element, and the hub receives the paint roller support element. The hub includes first and second frusto-conical surfaces subtending an angle, and oppositely disposed annular end surfaces contiguous with the respective first and second frusto-conical surfaces. A cover of a first material conforms to the frusto-conical surfaces. The cover has opposed circular openings, and elastic strips of a second material. The elastic strips engage the frusto-conical surfaces and grippingly secure the cover to the hub. The first material is more elastic than the second material so that the strips grippingly secure the cover to the hub.

Abstract: A roller hub that is designed to fit standard roller frames. The paint loading surface of the hub has two surfaces that are oriented on a generally 90-degree angle. The intersection of the surfaces is adapted to allow a channel for excess paint to flow when the roller is loaded and pressed into operation in a comer. A removable, reusable cover that slips over the hub is held in place by material with a high degree of elasticity. The length or thickness of the nap on the edges of the cover can be shorter than the length or thickness of the nap in the middle, thereby allowing more paint to be loaded in the area of the roller where it is most needed. The roller cover is made from lambs wool or similar synthetic fiber, and the back of the cover is a porous synthetic material allowing for an easier cleaning process than other rollers.