TEXTURE MATERIAL DISPENSING SYSTEM INCLUDING AN ADJUSTABLE OUTLET OPENING

Described herein is a texture material dispensing system. The system includes a container assembly, an actuator assembly, and an outlet assembly. The container assembly includes a container and a valve assembly. The actuator assembly includes a trigger actuator pivotably attached to an actuator housing. The outlet assembly includes a flexible tube fluidically connected to the trigger actuator and an adjustable outlet opening. The adjustable outlet opening is adjustable between a position that is aligned substantially parallel to a container assembly axis and a position that is aligned substantially non-parallel to a container assembly axis. Also described herein is a method of using the texture material dispensing system for dispensing a texture material onto a target surface.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is directed to a texture material dispensing system that includes an adjustable outlet opening. The texture material dispensing system may be used for dispensing a texture material onto a target surface.

BACKGROUND

Liquid spray dispensers can be utilized in a variety of applications. For instance, spray dispensers may utilize aerosol to dispense coatings such as texture material, paint, or household cleaners. Handheld liquid spray dispensers generally utilize aerosol as a propellant to propel liquid through a nozzle, in response to actuation of a valve that results in pressurized liquid being propelled out of an attached spray can. For instance, a trigger or other mechanism may be used to actuate the valve, with liquid in the can being propelled through a nozzle and out of an orifice of the spray dispenser onto a surface.

While useful for a variety of applications, known spray dispensers may suffer from a rigid flow path and a lack of an adjustable orifice. Such known spray dispensers have limited configurability and adjustability. In addition, rigid flow paths have sharp turns that promote clogging. Users of such known spray dispensers may be required to stop the application mid-task to exchange the known spray dispensers for other known spray dispensers or make time-consuming and elaborate adjustments.

In addition, known spray dispensers may be unsuitable for spraying different surfaces, such as surfaces that are orthogonal to one another. Such known spray dispensers are incapable of such spraying and attempts at such spraying may result in harm to the fluidics of the known spray dispensers, particularly for large differences in the angles of the surfaces.

These and other matters have presented challenges to the manufacture and implementation of liquid spray dispensers for a variety of applications. Further, these challenges are particularly relevant to texture material dispensers, which contain and dispense viscous and hardenable compositions. For at least these reasons, there is a need in the industry for a readily adjustable texture material dispensing system.

Described herein is a readily adjustable texture material dispensing system. The texture material dispensing system includes an adjustable outlet that may include an adjustable orifice to provide an adjustable and desired amount of texture material in a variety of texture patterns.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, provided herein is a texture material dispensing system including a container assembly, an actuator assembly, and an outlet assembly. The container assembly includes a container and a valve assembly. The actuator assembly includes a trigger actuator pivotably attached to an actuator housing. The outlet assembly includes a flexible tube fluidically connected to the trigger actuator and an adjustable outlet opening. The adjustable outlet opening is adjustable between a position that is aligned substantially parallel to a container assembly axis and a position that is aligned substantially non-parallel to a container assembly axis.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, provided herein is a method of using a texture material dispensing system including a container assembly, an actuator assembly, and an outlet assembly. The container assembly includes a container and a valve assembly. The actuator assembly includes a trigger actuator pivotably attached to an actuator housing. The outlet assembly includes a flexible tube fluidically connected to the trigger actuator and an adjustable outlet opening. The adjustable outlet opening is adjustable between a position that is aligned substantially parallel to a container assembly axis and a position that is aligned substantially non-parallel to a container assembly axis. The method includes using the texture material dispensing system for dispensing a texture material onto a target surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While various embodiments discussed herein are amenable to modifications and alternative forms, aspects thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention of the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure including aspects defined in the claims.

Described herein is a texture material dispensing system. The texture material dispensing system may be used for dispensing a texture material onto a target surface.

Particularly described herein is a texture material dispensing system including a container assembly, an actuator assembly, and an outlet assembly. The container assembly includes a container and a valve assembly. The actuator assembly includes a trigger actuator pivotably attached to an actuator housing. The outlet assembly includes a flexible tube fluidically connected to the trigger actuator and an adjustable outlet opening optionally including an adjustable orifice to control a flow rate and/or pattern of the dispensed texture material. The adjustable outlet opening is adjustable between a position that is aligned substantially parallel to a container assembly axis and a position that is aligned substantially non-parallel to a container assembly axis.

In many embodiments, the dispenser may be in the form of any suitable dispenser known in the art. In some embodiments, the dispenser is in a form selected from the group consisting of cans, canisters, bottles, containers, applicators, mechanical applicators, electric applicators, and pneumatic applicators. In some embodiments, the dispenser is a canister.

The outlet assembly may be connected to the actuator assembly through attachment mechanisms known in the art. Example attachment mechanisms include physical couplings, adhesives, overmolding, snap connections, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the outlet assembly snaps onto the actuator assembly. In some embodiments, the outlet assembly snaps onto the actuator assembly via a plurality of snap features. In some embodiments, the outlet assembly snaps onto the actuator assembly via a plurality of snap features and locating posts.

Similarly, the actuator assembly may be connected to the container assembly through attachment mechanisms known in the art. Example attachment mechanisms include physical couplings, adhesives, overmolding, snap connections, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the actuator assembly snaps onto the container assembly. In some embodiments, the actuator assembly snaps onto the container assembly via a plurality of snap features. In some embodiments, the actuator assembly snaps onto the container assembly via a plurality of snap features and locating posts.

In general, the trigger actuator controls actuation of the dispenser. In some embodiments, depression of the trigger actuator causes the trigger actuator to engage the valve assembly to alter the valve assembly from a closed configuration to an open configuration. When the dispenser is in a closed configuration, no texture material is able to flow through the dispenser. When the dispenser is in an open configuration, texture material is able to flow through the dispenser. In some embodiments, the trigger actuator comprises a spring to assist the trigger actuator in returning to a non-use position after depression of the trigger actuator.

The adjustable outlet opening allows a user to use the dispenser for a variety of purposes while making real-time adjustments as required by an application. For example, this allows a user to easily spray a texture material onto a surface at any angle.

In many embodiments, the adjustable outlet opening is adjusted through an adjustment means selected from the group of pivoting, sliding, rotating, and combinations thereof. In many embodiments, the adjustable outlet opening is an adjustable outlet opening selected from the group consisting of a pivotable outlet opening, a rotatable outlet opening, a slidable outlet opening, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the adjustable outlet opening is a pivotable outlet opening. In some embodiments, the pivotable outlet opening pivots around an outlet pivot within the actuator housing. In some embodiments, the pivotable outlet opening pivots around an outlet pivot outside the actuator housing. In some embodiments, the outlet pivot comprises a detent portion to hold the pivotable outlet opening at a desired angle. In some embodiments, the detent portion comprises at least one location that clicks when the pivotable outlet opening is pivoted into the at least one location. In some embodiments, a detent portion between the outlet and cap allows for at least one, at least two, or at least three discrete locations that click. This allows a user to find a desired angle setting and provides uniformity of texture material delivery.

In many embodiments, the pivotable outlet opening is fully pivotable relative to the container assembly axis. In this regard, fully pivotable is understood to mean the outlet opening can be pivoted between positions having opposite angles that are each orthogonal to the container assembly axis.

In some embodiments, the pivotable outlet opening is fully pivotable along one axis. In some embodiments, the pivotable outlet opening is fully pivotable along two axes. In some embodiments, the pivotable outlet opening is fully pivotable along three axes. In some embodiments, the pivotable outlet opening is partially pivotable along one axis. In some embodiments, the pivotable outlet opening is partially pivotable along two axes. In this regard, partially pivotable is understood to mean that the pivoting of the outlet opening is restricted such that full pivotability is not present. In some embodiments, the pivotable outlet opening is pivotable along at least one axis between an angle of 90° and 270° relative to the container assembly axis.

In many embodiments, the pivotable outlet opening is pivotable between a position that is aligned substantially parallel to a container assembly axis and a position that is aligned substantially non-parallel to a container assembly axis. In some embodiments, the pivotable outlet opening is pivotable along at least one axis between an angle of 90° and 180° relative to the container assembly axis.

In many embodiments, the adjustable outlet opening comprises a flexible tube. Any suitable flexible tube known in the art may be used. In some embodiments, the flexible tube is composed of a plastic material. The flexible tube can be made of known flexible material, including a material selected from fluoropolymers, polyolefins, silicones, rubbers, ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) rubber, perfluoroalkoxy alkane (PFA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), vinyl polymers, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and combinations thereof. The flexible tube maintains fluidic connection between the actuator and the adjustable outlet opening for all adjustment and/or pivot angles. In some embodiments, the flexible tubing delivers texture material in an anti-clogging manner. In these embodiments, the flexible tubing provides a continuous flow path lacking sharp turns inherent to molded designs.

In many embodiments, the container assembly comprises a container. In some embodiments, the container stores a texture material and a propellant material. The texture material and propellant material may be present separately or in a mixture. In some embodiments, the container stores a composition comprising a texture material and a propellant material.

Generally, the texture material dispensing system is configured to deliver suitable texture materials known in the art. In some embodiments, the texture materials comprise a water-based texture material, a solvent-based texture material, or combinations thereof. In many embodiments, the texture material dispensing system is configured for dispensing an aerosol comprising a texture material. In some embodiments, the aerosol comprises a texture material and a propellant.

Generally, any suitable texture material known in the art may be used in the texture dispensing system. Suitable texture materials known in the art are capable of delivering a variety of textures. In some embodiments, the texture material comprises a texture selected from the group consisting of a knockdown texture, an orange peel texture, a popcorn texture, and combinations thereof.

Generally, any suitable propellant known in the art may be used in the texture dispensing system. Suitable propellants known in the art are capable of delivering a variety of materials, including texture materials. In some embodiments, the propellant comprises a propellant selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbon propellants, A-85 propellant, ether propellants, dimethyl ether (DME) propellant, chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) propellants, hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) propellants, hydrofluorocarbons (HFC), and combinations thereof.

Generally, the texture material dispensing system is configured to deliver suitable texture materials to surfaces known in the art. In many embodiments, the texture material dispensing system is configured for dispensing a texture material onto a target surface. In some embodiments, the target surface is selected from the group consisting of a horizontal surface, a vertical surface, an angled surface, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the target surface is selected from the group consisting of a ceiling, a wall, an interior wall, an exterior wall, a construction surface, a floor, and combinations thereof. When the target surface is a floor, the texture materials provide skid resistance.

In some embodiments, the surface is smooth. In some embodiments, the surface is rough. In some embodiments, the surface is pre-textured. In some embodiments, the surface is a repaired surface. In some embodiments, the surface is a repaired surface, wherein the repaired surface is a smooth surface that is surrounded by a textured surface. In some embodiments, the surface has a texture selected from the group consisting of a knockdown texture, an orange peel texture, a popcorn texture, and combinations thereof.

Generally, the texture material dispensing system includes an orifice that is an adjustable orifice or non-adjustable orifice. In many embodiments, the texture material dispensing system includes an adjustable orifice to control a flow rate and/or pattern of texture material. In many embodiments, the adjustable orifice comprises a threaded outlet, a screw cap, a deformable outlet tube, and at least one deformable finger. In some embodiments, the flow rate of dispensed texture material is proportional to the tightness of the screw cap on the threaded outlet. When the screw cap is tightened, the deformable finger is deformed and restricts the deformable outlet tube within the adjustable orifice. In some embodiments, a cross-sectional area of the deformable outlet tube within the adjustable orifice is proportional to the tightness of the screw cap on the threaded outlet.

In many embodiments, the orifice is adjusted through an adjustment means selected from the group of pivoting, sliding, rotating, and combinations thereof. In many embodiments, the orifice is an adjustable orifice selected from the group consisting of a pivotable orifice, a rotating orifice, a slidable orifice, and combinations thereof.

In many embodiments, the adjustable orifice comprises a backstop to prevent overtightening of the screw cap. The backstop prevents damage to the adjustable orifice. The backstop also prevents a user from closing the outlet off completely and prevents a user from passing the desired texture for a surface.

In many embodiments, the adjustable orifice comprises a stop to prevent removal of the screw cap from the adjustable orifice. In some embodiments, the stop comprises an indicator of the flow rate of the texture material. The indicator may be present as an indicator arrow, line, dot, or other marker. The indicator may act as a spring, lifting over a one-way cam clutch feature on the cap and/or over a shoulder. Once the spring lifts over the cam clutch and/or shoulder in this way, it cannot lift back over, thereby preventing the cap from being completely removed from the outlet assembly. The indicator can be labeled to describe the desired flow output, such as “fine”, “medium”, or “heavy”. The indicator prevents a user from passing the desired texture for a surface.

Described herein is a method of using a texture material dispensing system including a container assembly, an actuator assembly, and an outlet assembly. The container assembly includes a container and a valve assembly. The actuator assembly includes a trigger actuator pivotably attached to an actuator housing. The outlet assembly includes a flexible tube fluidically connected to the trigger actuator and an adjustable outlet opening optionally including an adjustable orifice to control a flow rate and/or pattern of the dispensed texture material. The adjustable outlet opening is adjustable between a position that is aligned substantially parallel to a container assembly axis and a position that is aligned substantially non-parallel to a container assembly axis. The method comprises using the texture material dispensing system for dispensing a texture material onto a target surface.

Aspects of the present disclosure are applicable to a variety of different types of assemblies, systems and methods involving dispensing of texture materials via aerosols from pressurized containers. Various embodiments are directed to a texture material dispensing system having an adjustable outlet which moves to allow spraying of a spray texture material onto multiple surfaces (horizontal, vertical, or any angle between) while maintaining the can in an upright position to create an ergonomic applicator. Such a system is readily adaptable to a variety of applications, uses, and environments. In addition, an upright can promotes dispensing of a proper mix of texture material and propellant, so that pressure does not drop prematurely.

Other embodiments are directed to a texture material dispensing system having an adjustable outlet which moves to allow spraying of a spray texture material onto multiple surfaces (horizontal, vertical, or any angle between) while maintaining the can in an upside-down position. In these embodiments, the texture material dispensing system does not include a dip tube. Such a system is readily adaptable to a variety of applications, uses, and environments. In addition, an upside-down can promotes dispensing of a proper mix of texture material and propellant, so that the potential for clogging is reduced. Moreover, an inverted arrangement without a dip tube is particularly useful for high viscosity materials because it avoids head losses in a dip tube.

In some particular embodiments, an actuator assembly for a texture material dispenser in accordance with the present disclosure includes an actuator housing having a lower housing and an upper housing. The lower and upper housing are fastened together using plastic hook and groove features. The lower housing has a snap feature which allows for a trigger actuator to be rotatably coupled to the housing. There are two posts extending outward from the trigger actuator, which allows the trigger actuator to be snapped into the housing and rotate about the housing. The trigger actuator includes an integral spring that functions to move the trigger actuator back to its original position after being rotated in the housing during spraying. The trigger actuator further includes a lock that prevents it from rotating in an incorrect direction (i.e. out of the housing). The trigger actuator may also include a lock, such as a break-away tab, that prevents the trigger from being depressed unintentionally. The trigger actuator, when depressed, mates with a valve of a dispenser (e.g. can) of aerosol spray texture to provide a passageway from the valve of the dispenser to a flexible tubing. In other words, when the trigger actuator is rotated, the valve on the dispenser is depressed, thereby allowing material to flow into the actuator, then into the flexible tubing, and finally out of an outlet assembly.

In some particular embodiments, an actuator assembly for a texture material dispenser in accordance with the present disclosure includes a monolithic actuator housing. The monolithic actuator housing may be a solitary molded piece. The housing has a snap feature which allows for a trigger actuator to be rotatably coupled to the housing. There are two posts extending outward from the trigger actuator, which allows the trigger actuator to be snapped into the housing and rotate about the housing. The trigger actuator includes an integral spring that functions to move the trigger actuator back to its original position after being rotated in the housing during spraying. The housing includes a lock that prevents the trigger actuator from rotating in an incorrect direction (i.e. out of the housing). The housing may also include a lock, such as a tab, a break-away tab, or a bend tab, that prevents the trigger from being depressed unintentionally. The lock may be adjustable and/or moveable by a user and comprise a user interface. The lock may prevent movement of both the trigger and adjustable outlet assembly via posts extending off both the trigger and the adjustable outlet assembly. Preventing movement of the adjustable outlet assembly is particularly beneficial when the texture material dispenser is in production. When the lock is a bend tab, it is reusable and may be used to store the texture dispensing system after use. The trigger actuator, when depressed, mates with a valve of a dispenser (e.g. can) of aerosol spray texture to provide a passageway from the valve of the dispenser to a flexible tubing. In other words, when the trigger actuator is rotated, the valve on the dispenser is depressed, thereby allowing material to flow into the actuator, then into the flexible tubing, and finally out of an outlet assembly.

In particular embodiments, a flexible tubing runs from a trigger actuator and connects directly to an outlet assembly. The flexible tubing allows for the outlet assembly to rotate so it may spray onto multiple surfaces. The flexible tubing also provides a smooth fluid flow path. The lack of sharp directional changes minimizes material buildup and clogs. There are two posts extending outward from the outlet assembly, which snap directly into a top housing or monolithic housing of an actuator assembly. The outlet assembly may rotate in the top housing or monolithic housing, thereby providing a range of angles for spraying onto multiple surfaces. A mechanical detent is provided between the outlet assembly and top housing or monolithic housing, thereby providing means for discrete positioning of the outlet assembly while rotating. In an alternative embodiment, the outlet assembly may be assembled to the top housing or monolithic housing through a means of a slidable interface.

In particular embodiments, a cap is attached to an outlet assembly having deformable fingers and an orifice via threaded coupling. Adjusting the cap along the threads allows for size adjustment of the orifice. When the cap is threaded clockwise, it interferes with the deformable fingers. The deformable fingers squeeze a flexible tube, narrowing the orifice size. Changing the size of the orifice directly changes the size of an aerosol spray texture as it flows out of the orifice onto a surface. A mechanical detent is provided between the outlet assembly and the cap, allowing for discrete positioning of the cap such that a user may return to a desired texture size setting easily for a chosen application. Multiple discrete positions of the cap may be chosen freely by the user. An indicator arrow provided on the outlet assembly helps identify which discrete texture size is selected and serves as a backstop for the cap to prevent the cap from being unthreaded from the outlet assembly. The indicator arrow acts as a spring, lifting over a one-way cam clutch feature on the cap. Once the spring lifts over the cam clutch, it cannot lift back over, thereby preventing the cap from being completely removed from the outlet assembly.

In particular embodiments, an outlet switch is attached to the outlet assembly that moves parallel to the outlet assembly. The outlet switch includes a taper that when pressed against the deformable or flexible fingers of the actuator, causes the fingers to collapse and pinch the tube inside the actuator which changes the outlet size. In some embodiments, the outlet switch is a slidable attachment and operates using a detent mechanism between the outlet switch and the actuator housing to keep the switch in a single position for a specific setting. In other embodiments, the outlet switch may move parallel to the outlet assembly and have a series of switch teeth. The switch teeth mesh with cap teeth on the cap surrounding the actuator. When the outlet switch is moved, meshing of cap teeth and switch teeth force the cap, which is threaded onto the actuator, to rotate. The outlet switch in this embodiment is a rotatable attachment. The cap is threaded onto the actuator via a taper and when the taper presses against the flexible fingers of the actuator, the fingers collapse and pinch the tube inside the actuator to change the outlet size.

Turning now to the figures,FIG.1Ashows a front view of a first texture material dispensing system100whileFIG.1Bshows a perspective view of the system100.FIG.2AandFIG.2Bshow perspective and cross-sectional views of a second exemplary embodiment of a texture material dispensing system200.FIG.3AandFIG.3Bshow perspective and cross-sectional views of a third exemplary embodiment of a texture material dispensing system300.FIG.4shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a container assembly400.FIG.5AFIG.5B,FIG.5C,FIG.5D,FIG.5E,FIG.5F,FIG.5G,FIG.5H,FIG.5I,FIG.5J, andFIG.5Kshow a variety of views of a fourth embodiment of a texture dispensing system500.FIG.6A,FIG.6B,FIG.6C,FIG.6D,FIG.6E,FIG.6F,FIG.6G,FIG.6H, andFIG.6Ishow a variety of views of a fifth embodiment of a texture dispensing system600.FIG.7A,FIG.7B,FIG.7C,FIG.7D,FIG.7E,FIG.7F,FIG.7G,FIG.7H, andFIG.7Ishow a variety of views of a sixth embodiment of a texture dispensing system700.

Referring now toFIG.1AandFIG.1B, a texture material dispensing system100including an actuator housing102, an actuator assembly118, and an outlet assembly116are shown. The outlet assembly116includes an orifice108that delivers texture material onto a target surface. The target surface may be a surface selected from the group consisting of a horizontal surface, a vertical surface, an angled surface, and combinations thereof. The target surface may be a ceiling, a wall, or a floor. The texture may be selected from a group consisting of a knockdown texture, an orange peel texture, a popcorn texture, and combinations thereof. The actuator assembly118includes an actuator110and a trigger114. The outlet assembly116snaps onto the actuator assembly118. The actuator housing102has a snap feature which allows for the trigger114to be rotatably coupled or pivotably attached to the actuator housing102. This is accomplished via trigger posts120extending outward from the trigger114, which allows the trigger114to be snapped into the actuator housing102and rotate about the actuator housing102. Depression of the trigger114causes the actuator110to engage a valve assembly (not shown) to alter the valve assembly from a closed configuration to an open configuration. A tube112is located inside actuator110that when the trigger is engaged, texture material is delivered through it out of the outlet assembly116onto a surface. The trigger114includes a spring (not shown) to assist the trigger114in returning to a non-use position after depression of the trigger114.

Referring now toFIG.2AandFIG.2B, a texture dispensing system200is shown. However, in this embodiment, an outlet assembly216includes an outlet switch218that moves parallel to the outlet assembly216. The outlet switch218includes a taper228that when pressed against the flexible fingers230of the actuator110and cause the flexible fingers230to collapse and pinch the tube inside the actuator110, thus changing the outlet size of orifice108. A detent mechanism is provided between the between the outlet switch218and the actuator housing102to keep the outlet switch218in a single position for a specific texture setting for a chosen application.

Referring now toFIG.3AandFIG.3B, a texture dispensing system300is shown. However, in this embodiment, an outlet assembly316includes an outlet switch318like the outlet switch218of system200that moves parallel to the outlet assembly216. The outlet switch318has a series of switch teeth320which mesh with cap teeth322on the cap326surrounding the actuator110. When the outlet switch318is moved, meshing of cap teeth322and switch teeth320force the cap326to rotate. In this embodiment the cap326is threaded onto the actuator110via a taper328. When the taper328on the cap326presses against the flexible fingers330of the actuator110, the flexible fingers330collapse and pinch the tube (not shown) inside the actuator110, thus changing the outlet size of the orifice108. Similarly, to previous embodiments discussed above, a detent mechanism may be used between the outlet switch318and the cap326to keep the outlet switch318in a single position for a specific texture setting.

Referring now toFIG.4, an embodiment of a container assembly400that may be used with any of the embodiments of texture dispensing systems described above. As the trigger114is depressed and pivots about the housing102the trigger114depresses an interface member404connecting the trigger114to a valve406of a container402. In other words, depression of the trigger114causes the trigger114to engage the valve406to alter the valve406from a closed configuration to an open configuration. The interface member404actuates the valve406linearly and parallel to the container402via a disk component408. In other words, the pivoting motion of the trigger114causes the trigger114to engage the disk component408linearly and parallel to the container402which then actuates the container402into an open configuration, thus causing texture material to flow out of the container402. The trigger114snaps to the housing102. The container402stores a texture material and a propellant material.

Referring toFIG.5AFIG.5B,FIG.5C,FIG.5D,FIG.5E,FIG.5F,FIG.5G,FIG.5H,FIG.5I,FIG.5J, andFIG.5K, an embodiment of a texture dispensing system500is shown.FIG.5AandFIG.5Beach show a full view of the texture dispensing system500. An adjustable outlet assembly516includes a cap526, an adjustable orifice508, and a pair of posts520that connect to a housing502. An actuator trigger514is connected to the housing502via trigger posts542so the actuator trigger514is assembled directly into the housing502and will pivot directly on the trigger posts542. The housing502is connected to a container504that stores a texture material and a propellant material. When the actuator trigger514is depressed the texture material and propellant material go through the housing502via a tube (not shown) and through the adjustable outlet assembly516and out of the adjustable orifice508onto a surface.FIG.5Cshows a cross-sectional view of the housing502. The housing502includes an upper housing510and a lower housing512that are coupled together via a plurality of snap features522and locating posts524. The opening528is where a post520of the adjustable outlet assembly516is connected to the upper housing510.

As shown inFIG.5D, a flexible tube (not shown) attaches the actuator trigger514to the adjustable outlet assembly516. The actuator trigger514is depressed and the actuator trigger514actuates a valve530of the container504. Once the valve530is open, texture material flows from inside the container504, through the valve530, through the actuator trigger514, through the flexible tube (not shown), through the adjustable outlet assembly516, and finally out the adjustable orifice508onto a surface. The housing502is connected to the container504via a plurality of container snaps532.

As shown inFIG.5EandFIG.5F, the actuator trigger514pivots536about the housing502such that the valve530on the container504is actuated. A spring feature540is molded into the actuator trigger514to assist the actuator trigger514in returning to its original position after it being depressed. The spring feature removes any unwanted movement when transporting or shaking the container504during use. A prevention feature is included in the actuator trigger514that prevents the actuator trigger514from pivoting in the opposite direction and out of the housing502. The actuator trigger514pivots536about the trigger posts542.

As shown inFIG.5GandFIG.5H, the adjustable outlet assembly516pivots in the housing502which allows it to be pointed at multiple angles. The adjustable outlet assembly516can pivot fully vertically in reference to the axis of the container504and fully horizontally in reference to the axis of the container504. A detent mechanism544keeps the adjustable outlet assembly516at a desired angle in increments. The detent mechanism allows a user to spray texture material onto a surface at any angle without moving the container504. A flexible tube (not shown) connected to the adjustable outlet assembly516and allows the adjustable outlet assembly516to be used at any angle without impediment of the flow of texture out of the adjustable orifice508. As shown inFIG.5I, the cap526is threaded onto the adjustable orifice508. When the cap is threaded clockwise, the cap526interferes with the adjustable orifice508which causes deformable fingers552of the adjustable outlet assembly516to squeeze the adjustable orifice508, which is an outlet tube. This clockwise threading function varies the size of the texture material leaving the system500onto a surface. Detent features546between the adjustable outlet assembly516and the cap526allow discrete locations to be chosen by a user to find desired settings and provide uniformity of a desired texture size by rotating the cap526. In addition, a user has the ability to adjust to any position in between the discrete detents. As shown inFIG.5JandFIG.5K, an indicator arrow550shows which discrete texture position is selected. The indicator arrow550indicates the texture setting (HEAVY) and acts as a stop preventing the cap526from being removed from the adjustable outlet assembly516. A backstop548is included in the adjustable outlet assembly516that is connected to the indicator arrow550. The backstop548prevents overtightening of the cap526when selecting a texture size. Together the backstop548and the indicator arrow550act as a one-way spring, lifting over the cap526when assembled and preventing the cap526from being unscrewed from the adjustable outlet assembly516.

Referring toFIG.6AFIG.6B,FIG.6C,FIG.6D,FIG.6E,FIG.6F,FIG.6G,FIG.6H, andFIG.6I, an embodiment of a texture dispensing system600is shown.FIG.6AandFIG.6Bshow full views of the system600. Texture dispensing system600is similar to the system500. However, the texture dispensing system600includes an actuator trigger614having a breakaway tab610. The breakaway tab610protrudes from the top portion of the actuator trigger614and is used to prevent actuation of the trigger. Additionally,FIG.6CandFIG.6Dshow cross-sectional views of the texture material dispensing system600where a flexible tube612is connected to the adjustable outlet assembly516, which allows the adjustable outlet assembly516to be used at any angle without impediment of the flow of texture out of the adjustable orifice508. The flexible tube612is further connected to the actuator trigger614so texture material is dispensed through the tube612when the actuator trigger614is depressed and the valve530of the container504is opened. The flexible tubing612helps prevent sharp bends or corners in the flow path of the texture material, which are unavoidable in known molded plastic actuators, as well as allowing the user to spray onto multiple surfaces. The flexible tubing612allows flexibility but also functions in delivering texture onto a surface in an anti-clogging manner.FIG.6Cshows the system600where the texture is dispensed orthogonal to the container504. InFIG.6D, the texture is dispensed approximately parallel to the container504.FIG.6Eshows a cross-sectional view of the system600without the flexible tubing612whileFIG.6Fshows the system600without the outlet assembly516or container504.FIG.6G,FIG.6H, andFIG.6Iare views of the outlet assembly516used in the system600.

Referring toFIG.7AFIG.7B,FIG.7C,FIG.7D,FIG.7E,FIG.7F,FIG.7G,FIG.7H, andFIG.7I, an embodiment of a texture dispensing system700is shown.FIG.7AandFIG.7Bshow full views of the system700. Texture dispensing system700is similar to system500and system600. However, the texture dispensing system700includes a monolithic housing702having a breakaway tab710. The breakaway tab710protrudes from the monolithic housing and is used to prevent actuation of the actuator trigger714and movement of the adjustable outlet assembly516. Additionally, texture dispensing system700includes an ergonomic grip portion716that allows a user to better grip the texture dispensing system700. Additionally,FIG.7CandFIG.7Dshow cross-sectional views of the texture material dispensing system700where a flexible tube712is connected to the adjustable outlet assembly516, which allows the adjustable outlet assembly516to be used at any angle without impediment of the flow of texture out of the adjustable orifice508. The flexible tube712is further connected to the actuator trigger714so texture material is dispensed through the tube712when the actuator trigger714is depressed and the valve530of the container504is opened. The flexible tubing712helps prevent sharp bends or corners in the flow path of the texture material, which are unavoidable in known molded plastic actuators, as well as allowing the user to spray onto multiple surfaces. The flexible tubing712allows flexibility but also functions in delivering texture onto a surface in an anti-clogging manner.FIG.7Cshows the system700where the texture is dispensed orthogonal to the container504. InFIG.7D, the texture is dispensed approximately parallel to the container504.FIG.7Eshows a cross-sectional view of the system700without the flexible tubing712whileFIG.7Fshows the system700without the outlet assembly516or container504.FIG.7G,FIG.7H, andFIG.7Iare views of the outlet assembly516used in the system700.

Based upon the above discussion and illustrations, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that various modifications and changes may be made to the various embodiments without strictly following the exemplary embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein. For example, the trigger, adjustable orifice, and actuator may be utilized for a multitude of different types of dispensers and dispensing approaches, for a variety of materials. Further, the embodiments noted herein may be combined, and further embodiments may be separated. Other shapes, such as an oblong shape, and other forms of rotation such as a truncated arc, may be utilized as well, with locking approaches as noted herein. Such modifications do not depart from the scope of various aspects of the invention, including aspects set forth in the claims.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having,” “contains”, “containing,” “characterized by” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, subject to any limitation explicitly indicated. For example, a composition, mixture, process or method that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such composition, mixture, process or method.

The transitional phrase “consisting essentially of” is used to define a composition or method that includes materials, steps, features, components, or elements, in addition to those literally disclosed, provided that these additional materials, steps, features, components, or elements do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed disclosure. The term “consisting essentially of” occupies a middle ground between “comprising” and “consisting of”.

Where a disclosure or a portion thereof is defined with an open-ended term such as “comprising,” it should be readily understood that (unless otherwise stated) the description should be interpreted to also describe such a disclosure using the terms “consisting essentially of” or “consisting of.”

Also, the indefinite articles “a” and “an” preceding an element or component of the disclosure are intended to be nonrestrictive regarding the number of instances (i.e. occurrences) of the element or component. Therefore “a” or “an” should be read to include one or at least one, and the singular word form of the element or component also includes the plural unless the number is obviously meant to be singular.

As used herein, the term “about” means plus or minus 10% of the value.