Abstract: An improved fluid control system for a paint brush or applicator system that includes a flexible barrel-type reservoir is disclosed. The disclosed valve systems may be of a ball-valve type, a trumpet-type or a duck-bill type. The valve or control systems help the user regulate the flow of fluid from a flexible barrel reservoir to a brush or applicator tip by adequately restricting flow in response to squeezing pressure applied by the user to the flexible barrel reservoir.

Abstract: A marking instrument includes a body formed with a first end and a second end and sealed at the second end to define a fluid reservoir. The marking instrument includes a tip assembly positioned at the first end having a rigid nib with a fluid path formed longitudinally therethrough. The rigid nib has a first end forming a first spreader surface and a second end adjacent to the fluid reservoir and cooperates with a shiftable valve positioned within the fluid path. The shiftable valve includes a valve actuator having a contact surface position substantially adjacent to the first spreader surface. The tip assembly may further include an adjustable nib having a second spreader surface adapted to be positioned adjacent the first spreader surface to form a composite spreader surface.

Abstract: An improved fluid control system for a paint brush or applicator system that includes a flexible barrel-type reservoir is disclosed. The disclosed valve systems may be of a ball-valve type, a trumpet-type or a duck-bill type. The valve or control systems help the user regulate the flow of fluid from a flexible barrel reservoir to a brush or applicator tip by adequately restricting flow in response to squeezing pressure applied by the user to the flexible barrel reservoir.