Abstract: A paint applicator configured for use in combination with a hollow-core paint roller cover includes a handle and a pair of pivot arms extending therefrom. Each pivot arm includes a proximate end rotatably mounted to the handle and an opposite, distal end to which is pivotably mounted a hub assembly. A pivot arm actuator is cooperatively linked to the pivot arms such that movement of the actuator in opposed first and second directions causes the pivot arms to rotate toward and away from one another. Each hub assembly includes a rotatable hub frictionally engage the inside surface of the roller cover such that, when the pivot arms are rotated toward one another, the hubs enter and retain the roller cover therebetween. An actuator lock carried by the handle assembly includes a lock slide displaceable between locked and unlocked positions that, respectively, prevent and permit movement of the pivot arm actuator.

Abstract: A combination paint receptacle and handle for lifting and carrying the paint receptacle includes (i) a handle with first and second handle prongs depending from a hand-grip portion and (ii) a substantially rigid paint tray including a bottom wall and four side walls joined to, and extending upwardly from, the bottom wall toward an open receptacle top end. Two opposed side walls extend longitudinally along a tray axis. A top-end periphery defining the open receptacle top end includes at least one outwardly extending receptacle lip extending along each of the opposed side walls, and each receptacle lip has a lip underside. A deviated lip portion with a component of spatial extension perpendicular to the top end periphery is defined along each of the two opposed side walls and has defined therethrough a prong-receiving aperture configured for insertably and removably receiving one of the first and second handle prongs.

Abstract: A paint applicator configured for use in combination with a hollow-core paint roller cover includes a handle and a pair of pivot arms extending therefrom. Each pivot arm includes a proximate end rotatably mounted to the handle and an opposite, distal end to which is pivotably mounted a hub assembly. A pivot arm actuator is cooperatively linked to the pivot arms such that movement of the actuator in a first direction causes the pivot arms to rotate toward one another and movement of the actuator in a second direction causes the pivot arms to rotate away from one another. Each hub assembly includes a rotatable hub with an outer surface configured to frictionally engage the inside surface of the roller cover such that, when the pivot arms are rotated toward one another, the hubs enter and retain the roller between the pivot arms.

Abstract: A paint applicator configured for use in combination with a hollow-core paint roller cover includes a handle and a pair of pivot arms extending therefrom. Each pivot arm includes a proximate end rotatably mounted to the handle and an opposite, distal end to which is pivotably mounted a hub assembly. A pivot arm actuator is cooperatively linked to the pivot arms such that movement of the actuator in a first direction causes the pivot arms to rotate toward one another and movement of the actuator in a second direction causes the pivot arms to rotate away from one another. Each hub assembly includes a rotatable hub with an outer surface configured to frictionally engage the inside surface of the roller cover such that, when the pivot arms are rotated toward one another, the hubs enter and retain the roller between the pivot arms.

Abstract: A pole system for holding a tool includes a manually activated mechanism, an extendable pole apparatus, and a clamp mechanism. The clamp mechanism includes a receiver with a locked configuration to retain a tool and a released configuration to release the tool. The pole apparatus operably couples the actuator mechanism to the clamp mechanism such that manual operation of the actuator mechanism causes operation of the tool.

Abstract: A paint applicator configured for use in combination with a hollow-core paint roller cover includes a handle and a pair of pivot arms extending therefrom. Each pivot arm includes a proximate end rotatably mounted to the handle and an opposite, distal end to which is pivotably mounted a hub assembly. A pivot arm actuator is cooperatively linked to the pivot arms such that movement of the actuator in a first direction causes the pivot arms to rotate toward one another and movement of the actuator in a second direction causes the pivot arms to rotate away from one another. Each hub assembly includes a rotatable hub with an outer surface configured to frictionally engage the inside surface of the roller cover such that, when the pivot arms are rotated toward one another, the hubs enter and retain the roller between the pivot arms.

Abstract: An extension pole having a tool-actuating connection between a lever on the pole handle end and a tool on the pole distal end that remains operational by action of a lever on the pole proximal end through pole adjustment. A quick release mechanism on the pole distal end receives a tool matching that mechanism through which the movement of the lever is communicated to the tool causing the tool to operate in its normal function.

Abstract: A modular coatings sprayer includes a valve housing in which there is defined a nozzle orifice and a valve-shaft bore opposite the nozzle orifice. A housing side wall extends between the orifice and bore and defines an internal fluid passage. The side wall includes an opening through which pressurized fluid is introduced into the fluid passage. A valve including a valve shaft with opposed back and nozzle-closing ends is sealably supported within the bore such that (i) the nozzle-closing end is situated within the housing and the back end is situated external to the housing and (ii) the valve shaft can axially reciprocated between a first position in which the nozzle-closing end does not seal the nozzle orifice and a nozzle-closing position in which the nozzle-closing end seals the nozzle orifice such that pressurized fluid within the fluid passage is prevented from exiting through the nozzle orifice.

Abstract: An extension pole having a tool-actuating connection between a lever on the pole handle end and a tool on the pole distal end that remains operational by action of a lever on the pole proximal end through pole adjustment. A quick release mechanism on the pole distal end receives a tool matching that mechanism through which the movement of the lever is communicated to the tool causing the tool to operate in its normal function.

Abstract: An extension pole having a tool-actuating connection between a lever on the pole handle end and a tool on the pole distal end that remains operational by action of a lever on the pole proximal end through pole adjustment. A quick release mechanism on the pole distal end receives a tool matching that mechanism through which the movement of the lever is communicated to the tool causing the tool to operate in its normal function.

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 modular coatings sprayer includes a valve housing in which there is defined a nozzle orifice and a valve-shaft bore opposite the nozzle orifice. A housing side wall extends between the orifice and bore and defines an internal fluid passage. The side wall includes an opening through which pressurized fluid is introduced into the fluid passage. A valve including a valve shaft with opposed back and nozzle-closing ends is sealably supported within the bore such that (i) the nozzle-closing end is situated within the housing and the back end is situated external to the housing and (ii) the valve shaft can axially reciprocated between a first position in which the nozzle-closing end does not seal the nozzle orifice and a nozzle-closing position in which the nozzle-closing end seals the nozzle orifice such that pressurized fluid within the fluid passage is prevented from exiting through the nozzle orifice.

Abstract: A spray nozzle mounts to an extension pole end in a swivel joint. A swivel nozzle base connects to the pole and a manifold swivelly couples the base to a swivel nozzle head such that pressurized fluid passing through the pole passes into the base, through the manifold, into the head and then out of an orifice in the head through a spray tip attached to the head at the orifice. To effect head rotation and to hold the head in a preferred orientation relative to the base, an articulated lever is attached to the head to the manifold firmly attached to the head. To move the lever on the distal end of an extension pole, it is connected to a rod that runs between the lever and an actuator on the pole. Typically, the actuator comprises a grip around the pole that slides along the pole when exercised by an operator. A spray gun is normally attached to the pole proximal end with a trigger that regulates high-pressure fluid into the pole.

Abstract: A spray nozzle mounts to an extension pole end in a swivel joint. A swivel nozzle base connects to the pole and a manifold swivelly couples the base to a swivel nozzle head such that pressurized fluid passing through the pole passes into the base, through the manifold, into the head and then out of an orifice in the head through a spray tip attached to the head at the orifice. All fluid seals, O-rings, are also protected within the base. To effect head rotation and to hold the head in a preferred orientation relative to the base, a lever is attached to the head to the manifold firmly attached to the head. To move the lever on the distal end of an extension pole, it is connected to a rod that runs between the lever and an actuator on the pole. Typically, the actuator comprises a grip around the pole that slides along the pole when exercised by an operator. A spray gun is normally attached to the pole proximal end with a trigger that regulates high-pressure fluid into the pole.

Abstract: A spray nozzle mounts to an extension pole end in a swivel joint. A swivel nozzle base connects to the pole and a manifold swivelly couples the base to a swivel nozzle head such that pressurized fluid passing through the pole passes into the base, through the manifold, into the head and then out of an orifice in the head through a spray tip attached to the head at the orifice. All fluid seals, O-rings, are also protected within the base. To effect head rotation and to hold the head in a preferred orientation relative to the base, a lever is attached to the head to the manifold firmly attached to the head. To move the lever on the distal end of an extension pole, it is connected to a rod that runs between the lever and an actuator on the pole. Typically, the actuator comprises a grip around the pole that slides along the pole when exercised by an operator. A spray gun is normally attached to the pole proximal end with a trigger that regulates high-pressure fluid into the pole.

Abstract: A C-clamp including a two-member back with a first member telescoping from a second member to a selective position where it is releasably secured. A securing mechanism, such as a cross pin or a ratchet a pawl in a rack on the first member, releasably secures the members together at a preferred position. In the preferred embodiment, the second member comprises a channel with the first member passing into the channel. Thus, the cross pin at the channel entry end engages one of a plurality of grooves in the top of the first member. To adjust the extent of the inner member from the outer member, it rotates out of the channel to separate the pin from the selective groove, allowing the inner and out members to adjust their relative position. Equivalently, the cross pin may remove from a groove of a nonrotating inner member.