NZ264194A - Paint roller with collapsible handle - Google Patents

Abstract

The roller consists of a stirrup-shaped holder (4) for the roller, and a handle (1) which is made in two lengthwise sections (2,3) which can clip together when in use and be folded parallel to the lengthwise axis of the holder, e.g. for packaging. The handle and holder are moulded from plastics in one piece with hinges (42,43) for the two handle sections. A projection (44) on the holder engages with two cavities (11) in the handle sections when they are clipped together.

Description

1 2 6 4 1 0/, Priority Date(s): ....<4x1.3.3 Complete Specification Filed: .?..j.?.i9.f£.

Ctean: P.O. Journal No: N.Z. PATDM- ■ >- ; -c.r - 8 AUG 1994 RECEIVED Patents Form No. 5 Patents Act 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION PAINT ROLLER DEVICE AND CYLINDRICAL SLEEVE SUPPORT We, ETS RIDREMONT BROSSERIE NOUVELLE S.A. of 6, rue du Stade, 08150 Renwez, France, a company organised and existing under the laws of France hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: 1 264194 * * /* P The object of the present invention is a support device for the cylindrical sleeve of a paint roller.

Currently known paint rollers usually have a T-shape and comprise a cylindrical sleeve mounted in free rotation between discs on a stirrup, usually a bent wire fitted with a handle at its end.

These rollers are very cumbersome, especially when they are displayed for sale on a line where usually they are suspended from a rod by a hole carried out at the end of the handle.

The present invention aims to remedy this disadvantage by proposing a support device for paint rollers which apart from taking up far less space when displayed for sale, also has the advantage of being less costly to manufacture and weighing less than existing devices.

The present invention provides a support device for a cylindrical sleeve of a paint roller, wherein said support is injection moulded in a plastics material and comprises a handle divided lengthwise into two parts joinable to each other by means of a snap-fit inter-engagement, said parts being articulated on a stirrup intended to support the cylindrical sleeve.

The support is able to be displayed for sale by rotating the separated handle parts by 90 °, from a position perpendicular to the stirrup to a position parallel to the stirrup; said parts of the handle being hinged to the stirrup by hinge portions which are moulded onto a boss protruding from the centre of the stirrup. The display configuration of the support permits a major gain in space on the line.

By way of example only, preferred embodiment of the pr< 2 264194 * described in detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- - Figure 1 represents a partial front view of a first embodiment of the invention, where the handle is in the two extreme positions, open and closed.

- Figure 2 represents a side view of Figure 1 where the two handles are joined.

- Figure 3 represents an upper view, in the extension of the joined handle, of Figure 1.

- Figure 4 represents a front view of a second embodiment of the invention.

- Figure 5 represents a front view of the device of Figure 4 in another configuration.

Referring to Figures 1,2 and 3, a support device for a cylindrical sleeve of a paint roller (not shown) is thereshown. The support is formed by injection moulding a polypropylene plastics material and consists of two distinct parts; a handle 1 being substantially cylindrical and divided longitudinally into two parts 2 and 3, and a stirrup 4 in the shape of a gutter having at each of its ends a disc 40 provided as a means for attaching the cylindrical sleeve .

The handle 1, made up by snap-fitting together the two parts 2 and 3, has a square section base 10, housing a cavity 11 which is also square in shape.

Parts 2 and 3 of the handle 1 are joined to the stirrup 4 on a boss 41 situated in the centre of the stirrup 4, by two hinge portions 42 and 43 respectively, injection moulded, which permit a 90° rotation of parts 2 and 3, allowing them to go from a position parallel to the stirrup to a position perpendicular to the stirrup 4.

A second boss 44, also of square section, protruding from the centre of boss O ~ .oo°o V: r<' \ 1' .£■ 264194 41, and of exterior dimensions equal to the interior dimensions of the cavity 11 of handle 1, is tightly covered by the base 10 of the handle when bringing the two parts 2 and 3 together, thus reinforcing the joining and maintaining of handle 1 on the stirrup 4.

After manufacture, the handle 1 is placed in an open position, the parts 2 and 3 are placed parallel to the stirrup 4, and fastened to it by divisible bridges (45, Figure 1), so that the support can be displayed for sale suspended on a line with less space required, holes 20 and 30 being provided with this suspension in mind at the end of parts 2 and 3 respectively of handle 1.

Alternatively, the stirrup 4 has protruding perpendicular both to the stirrup 4 and the axis of the handle 1, two moulded parallel lugs 47 and 48, permitting the paint roller (not shown) to be placed horizontally on the edge of the paint pot for its drainage. The spacing of these two lugs 47 and 48 permits them to snap-fit onto a pot of standard thickness.

Referring to Figures 4 and 5, a second preferred embodiment of the present invention is thereshown. The handle 1 is made up of 2 non identical parts 2' and 3', joinable to each other by a snap-fit inter-engagement.

Parts 2' and 3' are hinged to the stirrup 4, with possibility of rotation, as hereinbefore described.

Part 2' has at its free end a tubular portion 21 for adaption of an extension (not shown) to facilitate painting from a distance - for example, to paint a ceiling.

Parts 2' and 3' each have adjacent the hinge portions (42 and 43) and perpendicular to them, a flat rib, (42 and 32) intended, when bringing together parts 4 264194 ♦ 2' and 3' to make up the handle 1, to be engaged in a slot formed longitudinally in the boss 41.

The flat ribs 22 and 32 together with the slot 46 thus permit the reinforcement of joining of the handle 1 to the stirrup 4, in the direction of use of the roller, namely perpendicular to these flat ribs 22 and 32.

It should be noted that each of the parts 2' and 3' can have several parallel flat ribs 22, 32 intended to be engaged in several parallel slots made in boss 41.

Apart from being less cumbersome when displayed for sale the device according to the invention has other advantages.

First, the gutter shape of the stirrup 4 prevents paint spilling onto the handle 1, and thus onto the user's hand.

Second, due to the fact that the device according to the invention is entirely made out of plastics material, there is no risk of electrocution of the user, as is the case in commonly-used metal paint rollers when they are used close to a source of current P ?6419&

Claims (6)

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:-

1. A support device for the cylindrical sleeve of a paint roller, wherein said support, formed by moulding of a plastics material, comprises a handle divided lengthwise into two parts joinable to each other by means of a snap-fit inter-engagement, said parts being articulated on a stirrup intended to support the cylindrical sleeve, and able to rotate by 90°, from a position parallel to the stirrup to a position perpendicular to the stirrup; said parts of the handle being hinged to said stirrup by hinge portions which are moulded onto a first boss protruding from the centre of said stirrup.

2. A support device according to claim 1 wherein said handle has inside its base a cavity, in which is tightly inserted, when the two parts of the handle are joined, a second boss protruding from the centre of said first boss of exterior dimensions equal to the interior dimensions of the cavity formed in the base of the handle.

3. A support device according to claim 1 wherein each handle part is formed with a flat rib adjacent the base thereof; and said first boss is formed with at least one slot extending longitudinally perpendicular to the hinge portions; said ribs and said slot being dimensioned and arranged so that when the handle parts are joined, said ribs are engaged in the slot.

4. A support device according to any one of the previous claims wherein said support includes two parallel lugs perpendicular to the stirrup and to said handle. 254194

5. A support device according to any one of the previous claim characterised in that one of the parts making up the handle has at its free end a tubular portion for fitting of an extension.

6. A support device substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to Figures 1-3 or Figures 4 and 5 of the accompanying drawings. ETS RIDREMONT BROSSERIE NOUVELLE S.A. by their authorised agents, P.L. BERRY & ASSOCIATES. ~'£U bJL^ 7