US3708821A

US3708821A - Paint edger

Info

Publication number: US3708821A
Application number: US00109905A
Authority: US
Inventors: F Wood; B Wood; D Chase; M Maloney
Original assignee: SHUR LINE Manufacturing CO Inc
Current assignee: SHUR LINE Manufacturing CO Inc
Priority date: 1971-01-26
Filing date: 1971-01-26
Publication date: 1973-01-09
Anticipated expiration: 1990-01-09

Abstract

A paint edger for edging paint applied to one of two surfaces such as a wall and ceiling which form an inside angle including a frame plate having a front surface and a rear surface, a handle extending outwardly from the rear surface and including a key selectively insertable into the handle for permitting it to pivot relative to the frame plate or for locking it relative to the frame plate, a spring connecting the handle and the frame plate for biasing the handle to a central position when it is mounted for pivotal movement, a backing plate selectively mountable on the front surface of the frame plate by means of a sliding fit which includes channel flanges on end of the backing plate for engaging inclined side edges of the rear surface of the frame plate, which when engaged with an interference fit by the channel flanges cause the central portion of the backing plate to fit snugly against the front surface of the frame plate, an absorbent pad adhesively secured to the backing plate and a plurality of rollers at the upper edge of the frame plate for engaging one of the two adjacent surfaces which form the inside angle for guiding the paint edger along the other surface.

Description

United States Patent [1 1 Chase et a1.

[ 1 Jan.9,1973

[54] PAINT EDGER [75] Inventors: David 0. Chase; Martin V. Maloney, both of Skaneateles; Frederick J. Wood, Jr., Lancaster; Barry B. Wood, Williamsville, all of NY.

[73] Assignee: Shur-Llne Manufacturing Co., Inc.,

Lancaster, N.Y.

22 Filed: Jan. 26, 1971 211 Appl. No.: 109,905

[52] US. Cl. ..15/2l0 R, 15/144 A [51] Int. Cl. ..A46b 11/00 [58] Field of Search ..15/210, 2105, 231, 104.94,

FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 2/1970 Great Britain ..15/2l0 R Primary ExaminerLeon G. Machlin Att0meySommer, Weber & Gastel [57] ABSTRACT A paint edger for edging paint applied to one of two surfaces such as a wall and ceiling which form an inside angle including a frame plate having a front surface and a rear surface, a handle extending outwardly from the rear surface and including a key selectively insertable into the handle for permitting it to pivot relative to the frame plate or for locking it relative to the frame plate, a spring connecting the handle and the frame plate for biasing the handle to a central position when it is mounted for pivotal movement, a backing plate selectively mountable on the front surface of the frame plate by means of a sliding fit which includes channel flanges on end of the backing plate for engaging inclined side edges of the rear surface of the frame plate, which when engaged with an interference fit by the channel flanges cause the central portion of the backing plate to fit snugly against the front surface of the frame plate, an absorbent pad adhesively secured to the backing plate and a plurality of rollers at the upper edge of the frame plate for engaging one of the two adjacent surfaces which form the inside angle for guiding the paint edger along the other surface.

16 Claims, 15 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJAN' 9 I915 3,708,821

SHEET 1 UF 3 -26 INVENTORS DAVID o. CHASE MARTIN v. MALONEY FREDERICK J. wooo, JR. BYBARRY 8. W000 ATTORNEYS PATENTED AN 9 7 3,708,821

SHEET 2 BF 3 INVENTORS DAVID O. CHASE MARTIN V. MALONEY FREDERICK J. WOOD, JR.

ATTORNEYS PATENTEDJAN 9 I975 SHEET 3 0F 3 INVENTORS DAVID O. CHASE MARTIN V. MALONEY FREDERICK J. W000, JR. BY BARRY B- WOOD MAM ' ATTORNEYS PAINT EDGER The present invention relates to an improved paint edger of the type which is used to edge paint applied to one of two adjacent surfaces which form an inside angle, such as a ceiling and a wall.

Prior paint edgers included a frame plate having a handle thereon and a backing plate mounted on the frame plate and carrying a mohair patch or the like for applying paint to a surface. The foregoing type of paint edgers had certain deficiencies. More specifically, the backing plate mounting the absorbent pad often bowed away from the frame plate, that is, it did not lie flush thereon and this prevented the edging from being as precise as desired. Furthermore, the handle on prior edgers was mounted in a rigid manner so that in the event the user had to reach beyond a certain point, he could experience discomfort in his hands due to the strain inherent in such reaching which, in turn, could cause the edger to lose engagement with the ceiling or other guiding surface so as to destroy the straightness of the edging. It is with an improved paint edger which overcomes the above enumerated shortcomings of the prior edger that the present invention is concerned.

It is accordingly one object of the present invention to provide an improved paint edger in which the handle can pivot about an axis which is substantially perpendicular to the surface being edged, thereby under certain conditions, relieving the users hand from the strain which accompanied the holding of a fixed handle. A related object of the present invention is to provide an improved paint edger in which the handle may be selectively locked in a fixed position or may be pivotally mounted thereon, at the option of the user.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved paint edger in which the backing plate carrying the absorbent pad is caused to lie flush against the frame plate to thereby produce improved edging.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved paint edger having three laterally aligned guide rollers at the upper edge thereof for engaging one of the adjacent surfaces thereby enhancing the maintaining of a straight line during the edging because of the availability of three rollers for maintaining contact with the guiding surface. Other objects and attendant advantages of the present invention will readily be perceived hereafter.

The improved paint edger for edging one of two adjacent surfaces includes a frame plate having a front surface and a rear surface, handle means extending outwardly relative to said rear surface, a flexible backing plate, a paint absorbent pad adhesively secured to said backing plate, mounting means for mounting said backing plate in contiguous relationship to said front surface and for causing said plate to be biased toward said front surface of theframe plate and to lie flat thereon for enhancing contact between the paint absorbent pad and one of said adjacent surfaces, and guide means on the frame platefor engaging the other of said adjacent surfaces. The improved paint edger of the present invention also includes a construction for selectively mounting the handle either in a locked rigid position relative to the frame plate or for pivotal movement about an axis which is substantially perpendicular to the frame plate and to the surface being edged. The various aspects of the present invention will be more fully understood when the following portions of the specification are read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the improved paint edger of the present invention looking downwardly at the upper edge thereof;

FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of the paint edger shown in FIG. 1 and revealing the rear surface on which the handle is mounted;

FIG. 3 is a end elevational view of the paint edger of FIG. 2 taken from the right thereof; v

FIG. 4 is a vertical view partially in cross section taken generally along line 44 of FIG. 2 and showing the handle mounting structure and the guide rollers;

FIG. 5 is a vertical view partially in cross section taken generally along line 5--5 of FIG. 2 and showing the manner in which the backing plate fits onto the inclined edge of the frame plate;

FIG. 6 is a horizontal view partially in cross section taken generally along line 6-6 of FIG. 2 and showing the handle mounting structure and the inclined surfaces on the edge of the frame plate and related structure;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the key member which forms part of the handle mounting structure, the key member occupying the orientation which effects locking of the handle to the frame plate;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the key member of FIG. 7 but showing its orientation when it permits pivotal movement between the handle and the frame plate;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary perspective view of the shaft of the handle attached to the frame plate;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary view, partially in cross section, taken generally along line l(ll0 of FIG. 4 and showing the position which the key member occupies relative to the handle when it locks the handle relative to the frame plate;

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10 but showing the position whichthe key member occupies relative to the handle when it permits pivotal movement between the handle and the frame plate;

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 11 but showing the handle pivoted in a counterclockwise direction against the bias of the spring which extends between thehandle and theframe plate;

FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 12 but showing the handle pivoted in a clockwise direction;

FIG.- 14 is a front elevational view, on a reduced scale, of the paint edger showing its front surface, said view being partially in cross section and taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken generally along line I515 of FIG. 6 and showing the channel flange of the backing plate in its normal unstressed condition.

The improved paint edger 10 of the present invention is intended for the purpose of applying a straight edge of paint to one of two surfaces which form an inside angle with each other, such as on the portion of wall W adjacent ceiling C.

The improved paint edger 10 includes a molded plastic frame plate 11 having a rear surface 12 and a front surface 13 which is basically planar in the sense that there are two coplanar portions 14 and 15 (FIG. 6). These portions merge into raised portion 16 via connecting

portions

17 and 18. Raised portion 16 provides a chamber 19 for receiving part of the handle -mounting mechanism, as will be described in greater detail hereafter.

A flexible plastic backing plate 20 having a rectangular patch of mohair 21 adhesively secured thereto can be selectively mounted and demounted from frame plate 11. In this respect,

channel flanges

22 and 23 are formed integrally at the ends of backing plate 20 for mounting on inclined

side edge portions

24 and 25, respectively, which are molder integrally with frame plate 11, and which essentially extend from the lower edge 26 toward the upper edge or top wall 27 but terminate at end

wheel housing portions

26 and 27, respectively.

The backing plate 20 is installed onto frame plate 11 by aligning the

upper ends

28 and 29 of

channel flanges

22 and 23, respectively, with

inclined edges

24 and 25, respectively, when the top of backing plate 20 is located at the lower edge 26 of frame plate 11 and thereafter moving the backing plate 20 upwardly while

channel flanges

22 and 23 engage

inclined edges

24 and 25, respectively, in complementary mating relationship. The sliding of

channel flanges

22 and 23 onto

inclined edges

24 and 25, respectively, is facilitated by the

inclined ramp portions

24' and 25 at the lower ends of

inclined edges

24 and 25, respectively, which are the first portions of said inclined edges to be engaged by the

upper edges

28 and 29, respectively, of

channel flanges

22 and 23, respectively. The sliding action is continued until

upper edges

28 and 29 abut the undersides of

wheel housing portions

26 and 27, respectively, and at this time a detent 30 which is upset from backing plate 20 is received in aperture 31 in the front surface of frame plate 11 (FIG. 14), it being appreciated that detent 30 is slightly smaller than aperture 31 so that it conveniently fits into it andfurther that it does not in any way create a bump on the planar surface of backing plate 20, that is, the surface on which the mohair patch 21 is adhesively secured. The combined action of

upper edges

28 and 29 and detent 30 locks the backing plate securely in position on frame plate 11. Furthermore, an interference fit between

channel flanges

22 and 23 and inc-lined

edges

24 and 25, respectively, causes the central portion of backing plate 20 to bow inwardly toward the front surface 13 of frame plate 11, thereby forcing the backing plate to lie flat against this front surface. This is achieved by virtue of the fact that the channel flanges 22 and 23 (FIG. in their unmounted and unstressed condition are generally parallel to the mohair mounting portion of backing plate 20, and the distance or spacing 32 is less than the maximum thickness of

inclined edges

24 and 25 so that when the

flanges

22 and 23 are stressed to assume the position shown in FIG. 6 from the unstressed position shown in FIG. 15, the central portion of backing plate will bow toward the front face of frame plate 11 to achieve the above discussed flat contact. This flat contact not only enhances the efficiency of the edging operation but also insures that detent 30 remains firmly seated in aperture 31. Furthermore, the friction fit between

channel flanges

22 and 23 and

inclined edges

24 and 25, respectively, aids in providing a secure fit of the backing plate 20 on frame plate 11.

A molded plastic handle 33 can be secured to frame plate 11 either rigidly or for pivotal movement, at the option of the user. Handle 33 is essentially a hollow elongated shell having top wall 34, side walls 35, bottom wall 36 and upper inclined wall 37. The side opposite to

walls

34 and 37 is open. Formed integrally on the inside of wall 34 and extending perpendicularly from wall 34 is a hollow shaft 39 having an enlarged interrupted flange 38 on its inner or free end. Flange 38 snaps through aperture (FIG. 14) in frame plate 11 and retains shaft 39 in position. Further penetration of shaft 39 through aperture 40 is prevented by the abutting engagement of bearing

surfaces

41 and 42 against wall 16 (FIGS. 1, 3 and 4). These surfaces are of similar shape and formed as land surfaces of integral embossments on the edges of

wall

36 and 37 of handle 33. Bearing surfaces 41' similar in structure and function to bearing surface 41 are located on side walls 35 of handle 33.

A first post 43 (FIG. 6) is formed integrally with handle 33, is concentric with shaft 39 and arrange therewithin. Post 43 includes an upper slot 44 and a lower slot 45 which are diametrically opposite to each other for receiving a portion of leaf spring 46, as can be visualized from FIGS. 4 and 10-13. A lower portion of leaf spring 46 is received in diametrically

opposed slots

47 and 48 in post 49 which is formed integrally with frame plate 1 1 and extends rearwardly from portion 16. Leaf spring 46 thus biases handle 33 to the central position shown in FIGS. 2, l0 and 11.

If it is desired to lock handle 33 in the position shown in FIG. 2, it is merely necessary to cause molded plastic key member 50 to assume the orientation shown in FIGS. 4, 7 and 10. In this respect, key member 50 includes an elongated annular member 51 which is of a diameter to fit snugly about post 43 after its open end 52 FIG. 7) is inserted into the open end 53 of shaft 39.

Slots

54 and 55 in diametrically opposed portions of elongated member 51 will align themselves with

slots

44 and 45, respectively, to receive spring 46. Elongated key member 51 is mounted on post 43 so that diametrically opposed knife-edged

horizontal keys

56 and 57, which are formed integrally with member 51, will be received in complementary mating relationship in keyways 58' and 59' respectively, in shaft 39, thereby locking elongated member 51 to shaft 39. Key 58, which is also integrally formed with key member 50, will enter keyway 59 in portion 16 of frame plate 11 and this fit will be one which does not permit relative circumferential movement between key 58 and keyway 59. Thus, since

keys

56 and 57 are locked in slots 58 and 59', respectively, and since key 58 is locked in keyway 59, handle 33 will be locked relative to frame plate 11. The enlarged disc. 60 on key member 50 lies within chamber 19 of frame plate 11 and therefore does not interfere with backing plate 20. It will be appreciated of course that in order to insert and remove key member 50 from its assembled position relative to handle 33, backing plate 20 must be removed from its fully mounted position on frame plate 1 1.

When it is desired to mount the handle 33 for pivotal movement so that it can swing between the positions shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, it is merely necessary to remove backing plate 20 and then remove key member 50 from its assembled position shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 by grasping disc 60 and pulling it away from the front surface of frame plate 11 and turning it 180 from the orientation shown in FIG. 7 to the orientation shown in FIG. 8 and thereafter reinserting it. This essentially causes key 58 to be located on the bottom of elongated member 51 whereas it formally was at the top. After the key member 50 has been reinserted it occupies the position shown in FIG. 11. Key 58, which is integrally formed with key member 50, is now located in enlarged slot 61 in portion 16 of frame plate 11. Furthermore,

spring receiving slots

54 and 55 are now reversed from the position shown in FIG. 10. Furthermore

keys

56 and 57 are now reversed from the position shown in FIG. and they are received in keyways 58' and 59, but there is still no relative movement between them and shaft 39. However, it can be seen that key 58 is no longer in keyway 59 between key member 50 and frame plate 11. Therefore, the handle 33 can pivot about the longitudinal axis of shaft 39 either counterclockwise as shown in FIG. 12 or clockwise as shown in FIG. 13. However, the limit of counterclockwise movement is determined by abutment 62 at the end of slot 61 and a limit of clockwise movement in FIG. 13 is determined by abutment 63 at the end of slot 61,

abutments

62 and 63 being engageable by key 58 for this purpose. When rotative force is removed from handle 33, it will return to the neutral position shown in FIG. 11 under the bias'of spring 46.

As noted above, the reason for the pivotal connection between handle 33 and frame plate 11 is to permit the user to experience maximum comfort when using the edger and also to permit him to reach a little farther than he could have reached had the handle been rigid. In this respect, it will be appreciated that as the edger is moved back and forth on a surface, and the handle is grasped by placing the thumb on one wall 35 and the other fingers on the opposite wall 35, the handle 33 will pivot to the position which is most comfortable for the user while the edger maintains its desired relationship relative to the surface which is being edged. In order to maintain the paint edger in the desired position on one of two surfaces which form an inside angle, as on wall W which is adjacent ceiling C, a plurality of

rollers

65, 66 and 67 are journalled proximate the upper edge or top wall 27 of frame plate 1 1. It is to be noted from FIG. 1 that this upper edge 27 is a top wall which spans the space between frame plate 1 1 and raised front portion 16, having

openings

85, 86 and 87 through which the upper portions of

rollers

65, 66 and 67 project, respectively.

.Roller 65 is a molded plastic member having a central roller portion, a pair of integral spacer members 68 on opposite sides thereof and shaft portions 69. Spacers 68 space the central wheel portion from

walls

70 and 71 of wheel housing 27, and one shaft portion 69 is journalled in aperture 72 in'wheel housing 27 and the other shaft portion 69 is journalled in aperture 73. In order to insert roller 65 into housing 27 it is merely necessary to insert one shaft portion 69 into aperture 72 and thereafter slide the other shaft portion 69 through slot 75 until it comes to rest in aperture 73 the entrance to which is slightly restricted so as to retain shaft portion 69 when arranged in this aperture. The intermediate roller 66 and the other end roller 67 are identical in structure to roller 65 and are journalled in wheel housings, such as 74 and 26, respectively, in an analogous manner and it is not deemed necessary to repeat this at the present time in the interest of brevity.

An integral horizontal web 88 between frame plate 11 and raised front portion 16 and spaced below top wall 27' closes off the bottoms of

wheel housings

26, 27 and 74. Vertical webs 89 extending between the frame plate 11 and raised front portion 16, at opposite ends of each of

wheel housings

26, 27 and 74, close in these housings. Frame plate 11 above horizontal web 88 is provided with

rectangular openings

78, 31 and 77 adjacent the bottoms of

wheel housings

26, 27 and 74, and also an enlarged opening 90 between

housings

26 and 74 and another similar enlarged opening 91 between

housings

74 and 27.

The use of three aligned

rollers

65, 66, and 67 improves the edging operation because it provides three aligned points of contact, thereby stabilizing the edger during its travel. Furthermore with three rollers the adjacent surfaces of an archway can be edged efficiently by permitting one of the rollers to go beyond one of the walls of the archway while the remaining two rollers continue to maintain engagement. This insures that the wall of the archway can be edged to its very end. It can be seen from FIGS. 2 and 3 that the tops or crests of

rollers

65, 66 and 67 are laterally aligned and slightly higher than the top edge of the backing plate 20, so that the paint will not be applied to the ceiling.

While it is desired to remove backing plate 20 wit patch 21 adhering thereto from frame plate 11, for cleaning or replacement with a similar pad, the user lifts backing plate 20 away from surface 13 adjacent intermediate roller 66 so as to disengage detent hook 30 from the lower edge of aperture 31, and then the backing plate is free to be slid toward the bottom of the frame plate and completely removed therefrom.

What is claimed is:

1. A paint edger for edging paint applied to one of two wall surfaces which form an inside angle comprising a frame plate having a flat uniplanar front surface and a rear surface, handle means extending outwardly relative to said rear surface, guide means on said frame plate for engaging one of said wall surfaces, a flexible backing plate, a 'paint absorbent pad adhesively secured to said backing plate, and mounting means for mounting said backing plate in contiguous relationship to said front surface and causing said backing plate to be flexurally and resiliently biased toward said front surface of said frame plate and to lie flat thereon for enhancing contact between said paint absorbent pad and the other of said wall surfaces.

2. A paint edger for edging paint applied to one of two wall surfaces which form an inside angle as set forth in claim 1, wherein said frame plate also includes an upper edge, a lower edge, and spaced side edges, and wherein said mounting means comprises inclined edge means on said rear surface proximate said side edges including rearwardly facing marginal surfaces which incline inwardly and rearwardly relative to said front surface, and channel flange means on said backing plate for engaging said inclined edge means in a stressed complementary mating engagement.

3. A paint edger for edging paint applied to one of two wall surfaces which form an inside angle as set forth in claim 2 including detent means effectively located between said backing plate and said front surface of said frame plate for effecting locking therebetween.

4. A paint edger for edging paint applied to one of two wall surfaces which form an inside angle as set forth in claim 1 wherein said frame plate includes an upper edge and wherein said guide means comprises three spaced rollers journalled in lateral alignment on said frame plate proximate said upper edge 5. A paint edger for edging paint applied to one of two wall surfaces which form an inside angle as set forth in claim 1 including second mounting means for selectively mounting said handle means in fixed relationship relative to said frame plate during use of the edger or for pivotal movement about an axis extending substantially perpendicularly thereto during use of the edger 6. A paint edger for edging paint applied to one of two wall surfaces which form an inside angle as set forth in claim 5 wherein said frame plate also includes an upper edge, a lower edge, and spaced side edges, and wherein said mounting means comprises inclined edge means on said rear surface proximate said side edges including rearwardly facing marginal surfaces which incline inwardly and rearwardly relative to said front surface, and channel flange means on said backing plate for engaging said inclined edge means in a stressed complementary mating relationship.

7. A paint edger for edging paint applied to one of two wall surfaces which form an inside angle comprising a frame plate having a front surface and a rear surface and side edges, a backing plate, a paint absorbent pad secured to said backing plate, means for attaching said backing plate to said frame plate in contiguous relationship tosaid front surface, handle means com prising an elongated member lying between and extending generally in the direction of said side edges, and mounting means for selectively mounting said handle means in fixed relationship relative to said frame plate during use of the edger or for pivotal movement about an axis extending substantially perpendicularly thereto during use of the edger, said mounting means including spring means for biasing said handle means to a central position about which said pivotal movement occurs.

8. A paint edger for edging paint applied to one of two wall surfaces which form an inside angle comprising a frame plate having a front surface and a rear surface, a backing plate, a paint absorbent pad secured to said backing plate, means for attaching said backing plate to said frame plate in contiguous relationship to said front surface, handle means, and mounting means for selectively mounting said handle means in fixed relationship relative to said frame plate during use of the edger or for pivotal movement about an axis extending substantially perpendicularly thereto during use of the edger, said mounting means comprising a shaft attached to said handle means, means for pivotally mounting said shaft on said frame plate, and key means for locking said shaft to said frame plate, said key means comprising a second elongated member including a first key portion and a second key portion,

said shaft including first keyway means for receiving said first key portion with a fit which does not allow relative circumferential movement therebetween, and said frame plate including second keyway means for receiving said second key portion with a fit which does not allow relative circumferential movement therebetween, whereby said handle means may be locked relative to said frame plate,

9. A paint edger for edging paint applied to one of two wall surfaces which form an inside angle as set forth in claim 8 wherein said frame plate includes an.

enlarged opening spaced from said second keyway means for selectively receiving said second key means, whereby said pivotal movement is permitted.

10. A paint edger for edging paint applied to one of two wall surfaces which form an inside angle as set forth in claim 9 wherein said enlarged opening comprises a slot circumferentially spaced from said second I .wherein said means for pivotally mounting said shaft includes an opening associated with said frame plate for journalling said shaft, said second elongated member extending into said shaft, and whereinsaid first keyway means comprises keyway means extending axially on the inside of said shaft.

12. A paint edger for edging paint applied to one of two wall surfaces which form an inside angle as set forth in claim 11 wherein said second keyway means and said slot are diametrically opposed and said first keyway means are oriented substantially from said second keyway means when said handle means is in a central position.

13. A paint edger for edging paint applied to one of two wall surfaces which form an inside angle as set forth in claim 11 including limit means on said key means for limiting the extent to which said key means penetrates said shaft.

14. A paint edger for edging paint applied to one of two wall surfaces which form an inside angle as set forth in claim 13 wherein said limit means comprises a disc on the end of said key means which is located proximate said front surface when assembled with said shaft 15. A paint edger for edging paint applied to one of two wall surfaces which form an inside angle as set forth in claim 14 including a depression in said front surface for receiving said disc.

16. A paint edger for edging paint applied to oneof two wall surfaces which form an inside angle as set forth in claim 7 wherein said spring means comprises a leaf spring located within said handle means, a first post extending outwardly from said rear surface of said frame plate, a second post'attached to said handle means and lying within said handle means, and slot means in said first and second posts for receiving spaced portions of said leaf spring.

Claims

1. A paint edger for edging paint applied to one of two wall surfaces which form an inside angle comprising a frame plate having a flat uniplanar front surface and a rear surface, handle means extending outwardly relative to said rear surface, guide means on said frame plate for engaging one of said wall surfaces, a flexible backing plate, a paint absorbent pad adhesively secured to said backing plate, and mounting means for mounting said backing plate in contiguous relationship to said front surface and causing said backing plate to be flexurally and resiliently biased toward said front surface of said frame plate and to lie flat thereon for enhancing contact between said paint absorbent pad and the other of said wall surfaces.

4. A paint edger for edging paint applied to one of two wall surfaces which form an inside angle as set forth in claim 1 wherein said frame plate includes an upper edge and wherein said guide means comprises three spaced rollers journalled in lateral alignment on said frame plate proximate said upper edge.

5. A paint edger for edging paint applied to one of two wall surfaces which form an inside angle as set forth in claim 1 including second mounting means for selectively mounting said handle means in fixed relationship relative to said frame plate during use of the edger or for pivotal movement about an axis extending substantially perpendicularly thereto during use of the edger.

6. A paint edger for edging paint applied to one of two wall surfaces which form an inside angle as set forth in claim 5 wherein said frame plate also includes an upper edge, a lower edge, and spaced side edges, and wherein said mounting means comprises inclined edge means on said rear surface proximate said side edges including rearwardly facing marginal surfaces which incline inwardly and rearwardly relative to said front surface, and channel flange means on said backing plate for engaging said inclined edge means in a stressed complementary mating relationship.

7. A paint edger for edging paint applied to one of two wall surfaces which form an inside angle comprising a frame plate having a front surface and a rear surface and side edges, a backing plate, a paint absorbent pad secured to said backing plate, means for attaching said backing plate to said frame plate in contiguous relationship to said front surface, handle means comprising an elongated member lying between and extending generally in the direction of said side edges, and mounting means for selectively mounting said handle means in fixed relationship relative to said frame plate during use of the edger or for pivotal movement about an axis extending substantially perpendicularly thereto during use of the edger, said mounting means including spring means for biasing said handle means to a central position about which said pivotal movement occurs.

8. A paint edger for edging paint applied to one of two wall surfaces which form an inside angle comprising a frame plate having a front surface and a rear surface, a backing plate, a paint absorbent pad secured to said backing plate, means for attaching said backing plate to said frame plate in contiguous relationship to said front surface, handle means, and mounting means for selectively mounting said handle means in fixed relationship relative to said frame plate during use of the edger or for pivotal movement about an axis extending substantially perpendicularly thereto during use of the edger, said mounting means comprising a shaft attached to said handle means, means for pivotally mounting said shaft on said frame plate, and key means for locking said shaft to said frame plate, said key means comprising a second elongated member including a first key portion and a second key portion, said shaft including first keyway means for receiving said first key portion with a fit which does not allow relative circumferential movement therebetween, and said frame plate including second keyway means for receiving said second key portion with a fit which does not allow relative circumferential movement therebetween, whereby said handle means may be locked relative to said frame plate.

9. A paint edger for edging paint applied to one of two wall surfaces which form an inside angle as set forth in claim 8 wherein said frame plate includes an enlarged opening spaced from said second keyway means for selectively receiving said second key means, whereby said pivotal movement is permitted.

10. A paint edger for edging paint applied to one of two wall surfaces which form an inside angle as set forth in claim 9 wherein said enlarged opening comprises a slot circumferentially spaced from said second keyway means for receiving said second key means, said slot including end portions which serve as stop means for said second key means thereby to limit the extent of pivotal movement of said handle means.

11. A paint edger for edging paint applied to one of two wall surfaces which form an inside angle as set forth in claim 10 wherein said shaft is hollow and includes an open end proximate said rear surface, and wherein said means for pivotally mounting said shaft includes an opening associated with said frame plate for journalling said shaft, said second elongated member extending into said shaft, and wherein said first keyway means comprises keyway means extending axially on the inside of said shaft.

12. A paint edger for edging paint applied to one of two wall surfaces which form an inside angle as set forth in claim 11 wherein said second keyway means and said slot are diametrically opposed and said first keyway means are oriented substantially 90* from said second keyway means when said handle means is in a central position.

14. A paint edger for edging paint applied to one of two wall surfaces which form an inside angle as set forth in claim 13 wherein said limit means comprises a disc on the end of said key means which is located proximate said front surface when assembled with said shaft.

15. A paint edger for edging paint applied to one of two wall surfaces which form an inside angle as set forth in claim 14 inclUding a depression in said front surface for receiving said disc.

16. A paint edger for edging paint applied to one of two wall surfaces which form an inside angle as set forth in claim 7 wherein said spring means comprises a leaf spring located within said handle means, a first post extending outwardly from said rear surface of said frame plate, a second post attached to said handle means and lying within said handle means, and slot means in said first and second posts for receiving spaced portions of said leaf spring.