Abstract: An adjustable roller holder (10) that can be selectively adjusted to hold rollers of various lengths is disclosed. The adjustable roller holder includes a pair of spaced-apart roller-engaging arm assemblies (14) configured for holding a roller therebetween and a rack (58) and pinion-type (60) adjusting mechanism for selectively adjusting the distance between the arm assemblies for permitting the roller holder to hold rollers of different lengths.

Abstract: A tool reach extension pole includes an inner slider tube 12 telescopically received in an open end of an outer handle tube 10 for relative longitudinal shifting movement. The slider tube 12 includes a radially extending hole within which a locking pin 48 is received, and the pin extends through a slot 22 formed in the handle tube 10. The pin 48 includes a head 50 having a width greater than that of the slot 22, and is received in a circumferentially extending eccentric slot of a locking grip 52 that is rotatable and longitudinally shiftable relative to the handle tube 10.

Abstract: An extension handle apparatus includes an elongated sliding member telescopically received within a tubular receiving member, and a lock assembly for releasably locking the sliding member in any selected axial position relative to the receiving member upon relative rotation between the sliding member and the receiving member. The lock assembly includes a cam supported on the sliding member within the receiving member and includes an elongated body defining a longitudinal axis of the cam and possessing a non-circular cross-sectional shape presenting major and minor diameters through the longitudinal axis that are offset from one another by 90. The assembly also includes a shoe of generally C-shaped cross-section supported on the cam body. The shoe includes an axial opening of non-circular cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the cam body, and the opening presents major and minor diameters through the longitudinal axis of the shoe that are offset from one another by 90.degree..

Abstract: An extension handle is provided for extending the reach of a tool such as a paint roller or the like. The handle includes a first end presenting an axial opening, and is provided with a locking mechanism for locking the tool on the extension handle. The locking mechanism includes a housing supported on the extension handle at the first end and including a stepped inner surface presenting a plurality of axially extending teeth. A pin is supported by the housing for shifting movement in a direction transverse to the length of the extension handle between a locked position extending into the opening and an unlocked position withdrawn from the opening, and a biasing member biases the pin toward the locked position. A release button releases the biasing member and shifts the pin to the unlocked position.

Abstract: An extension handle is provided for extending the reach of a tool such as a paint roller or the like. The handle includes a first end presenting an axial opening, and is provided with a locking mechanism for locking the tool on the extension handle. The locking mechanism includes a housing supported on the extension handle at the first end, a pin supported by the housing for shifting movement in a direction transverse to the length of the extension handle between a locked position extending into the opening and an unlocked position withdrawn from the opening, a biasing member for biasing the pin toward the locked position, and a release button for releasing the biasing member and shifting the pin to the unlocked position.

Abstract: A threaded snap-fit coupling assembly is provided for use in attaching a handle to an implement, such as a paint brush, paint pad, light bulb changer, cleaning brush or the like. The assembly includes an adaptor provided with a cylindrical receptacle and a male fastening member that is externally threaded and sized for threaded receipt in a threaded opening of the implement so that the adaptor may be connected to the implement. The assembly also includes a coupling provided with a first end that is retained on the handle, and a cylindrical male portion that is externally threaded and sized for threaded receipt in the opening of the implement and for sliding receipt within the receptacle of the adaptor. The coupling is retained on the adaptor via a snap-fit connection when the male portion of the coupling is received in the receptacle of the adaptor.

Abstract: A liquid reservoir brush apparatus includes an elongated body provided with opposed upper and lower surfaces, and a reservoir formed in the upper surface. A fluid inlet is provided which is adapted to be connected through a flow-through handle to a source of fluid, and a fluid outlet is formed in the lower surface of the brush which communicates with the inlet. The reservoir is connected to the fluid passageway by a restricted passageway so that a cleaning fluid in the reservoir is drawn into the flow through the brush during use. A cover is secured to the upper surface of the body and encloses the reservoir. The cover includes a threaded opening in which a valve is positioned. The valve is movable within the threaded opening between a flow-permitting position in which the valve is spaced from the restricted passageway so that the reservoir and fluid passageway are in fluid communication with one another, and a flow-blocking position in which the valve blocks the restricted passageway.

Abstract: A flow-through telescoping pole apparatus is provided for use in dispensing fluid from a suitable fluid source, such as a common garden hose. The apparatus includes an elongated hollow outer pole and an inner pole received in the outer pole for axial telescoping movement. A seal is provided in the space between the inner and outer poles to prevent leakage of fluids from between the poles. A locking assembly is also provided, and permits the inner pole to be locked against axial movement relative to the outer pole. The locking assembly includes a cam mounted on the inner pole and a friction member supported between the cam and the outer pole. The cam pinches the friction member against the outer pole when the inner pole is rotated relative to the outer pole to lock the axial position of the inner pole.

Abstract: Corner paint pad assembly (10) includes a painting pad (12) having a handle (14) which are interconnected by a rotatable joint including ears (28) and (30) on the rear surfaces (24) and (26) of the pad (12), each ear having a hole therein (28) and (30), there being an axle (62) received in said holes. The handle (14) includes a tubular stretch (48) adjacent the tip end (46), the tubular stretch (48) being internally threaded, there being a shank (50) and a base (44) of the hollow handle (14) which are tapered to receive the end of an extension pole or, in the alternative, a threaded insert (70) which may receive the threaded end of an extension pole.

Abstract: A tool reach extender includes a pair of elongated, telescopically coupled, first and second, extension members and a locking assembly for releasably locking the members in a selected position. The second member is slidably received within the first member and also includes a locking hole defined therein. The preferred locking assembly includes a tubular housing coaxially mounted to the first member supporting a transversely shiftable locking pin for receipt in the locking hole for locking the members in a selected relative position.

Abstract: An apparatus useful for changing light bulbs includes a suction cup for forming a suction attachment by way of a partial vacuum between the cup and a smooth surface when the cup is pressed against the surface wherein the suction cup includes structure defining at least one aperture. A sealing device for sealing the aperture is provided, the sealing device includes structure for selectively releasing the seal from the aperture in order to relieve the partial vacuum thereby allowing detachment of the apparatus from the surface.

Abstract: Tool system (10) advantageously provides tool (12), adapter (14) and extension member (16) successively coupled so that groove (34) mates with rib (44) in the assembled position. Groove (34) and rib (44) are engaged so that tool (12) is axially fixed relative to adapter (14) yet is axially rotatable relative thereto. In preferred embodiments adapter body (36) includes a shoulder (42), and adapter (36) and handle member (20) are correspondingly tapered with increasing radius from top to bottom so that the snapping, engaging action of handle member (20) on adapter head (36) is enhanced when the system (10) is assembled.