Abstract: A diaphragm pump for pumping a fluid, such as paint, includes a diaphragm separating a first chamber for accommodating and dispensing the paint from a second chamber for accommodating a drive fluid, and a piston that reciprocates to drive the drive fluid within the second chamber in order to flex the diaphragm to provide the pumping action within the first chamber. The diaphragm pump also includes a backing ring mounted adjacent the diaphragm that is configured to distribute the drive fluid across the diaphragm to cause a flexible region of the diaphragm to flex toward the first chamber from the outer perimeter inward toward a central pumping surface in a rolling manner. This diaphragm movement results in substantially all of the paint adjacent the diaphragm within the first chamber to move out of the first chamber when the diaphragm reaches its travel limit, and thus improves the efficiency of the diaphragm pump.

Abstract: An improved internal feed paint brush having a flexible liquid-impermeable paint distribution manifold interior of a plurality of filaments formed of a flat, woven nylon cloth conduit coated with polyurethane film and sealed to a rigid plastic end cap and having a plurality of channels in the distribution manifold formed by a plurality of spaced-apart, longitudinally extending bonds in the coated nylon material. The manifold is sonically welded to the end cap and the filament and manifold assembly is sealed with epoxy.

Abstract: A paint container retainer and convertible pump assembly cart for portable painting equipment. The retainer is adapted to support one of two differently sized paint containers in a generally upright position for providing a supply of paint for the sprayer. The paint container retainer also serves as a supporting foot and is interchangeable with a cart handle to convert the cart from a vertical to a horizontal orientation of the pump assembly.

Abstract: An improved check valve assembly of the type having a relatively flexible disc member retained between relatively rigid inflow and outflow housing portions. The inflow and outflow housing portions are removably threadably interengaged to permit serviceability of the check valve and the relatively flexible disc member has a generally perpendicular stem extending into the bore of one of the housing portions to avoid misalignment of the disc with the housing. A tongue and groove means circumferentially seals the housing portions together by deforming to a common taper angle between the tongue and groove to provide sealing therebetween.

Abstract: A convertible cart for a paint sprayer alternatively supports a sprayer pump assembly in either a horizontal or an upright position. When used in the upright position, the pump assembly is positioned for use with a smaller sized paint container, and the container can be securely moved about with the cart. When used in the horizontal position, the pump assembly is positioned for use with a larger sized paint container, and alternatively flexible suction and return hoses permit suction from larger paint containers.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a liquid to a surface comprising an applicator and a body member. The applicator is secured to an end of the body member, the body member defining a reservoir for housing a fluid. The body member includes a piston member for exerting a force on the fluid in the reservoir, and two channels, a first channel being in fluid communication with a channel in the applicator and a second channel being in fluid communication with an area outside the body member. The body member further including a valve for allowing fluid communication between the reservoir and either the first channel or second channel. An additional one-way valve which can be manually deactivated may be included in the second channel.