Abstract:
A laparoscopic spray device for selectively applying a multiple component material dispensed from a multiple component material applicator to a surgical site in vivo is disclosed. The device comprises an interface member capable of engaging a multiple component applicator, a body having at least two lumens therein, and a detachable spray tip in fluid communication with the body. The detachable spray tip includes a mixing chamber having at least one flexible mixing member positioned therein which is capable of creating a turbulent flow within a mixing chamber. In addition, the at least one mixing member prevents a back flow of material from the mixing chamber to the at least two lumens. The present invention is particularly useful in remotely applying multiple component tissue adhesives to an internal incision.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    In recent years, minimally invasive surgical techniques have emerged as an alternative to conventional surgical techniques to perform a plurality of surgical procedures. Minimally invasive procedures differ from conventional surgical procedures in that a plurality of devices may be introduced into the body through a small incision. As a result, trauma to the body is greatly reduced, thereby decreasing the recovery time of the patient.  
           [0002]    One example of a common minimally invasive surgery involves laparoscopic surgical procedures. Laparoscopic procedures may be used to treat hernias, colon dysfunctions, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and gallbladder disorders. Typically, the patient undergoing the procedures will return home hours after undergoing surgery.  
           [0003]    Generally, laparoscopic procedures require making at least one small incision in the patient&#39;s abdomen near the area of interest. A cannula or trocar may be inserted into to the incision to limit blood loss and reduce the likelihood of infection. Thereafter, various surgical instruments are introduced into the patient&#39;s body through the incision. Generally, these instruments enable the surgeon to visualize the inside of the patient&#39;s body and access the internal organs of the patient. Current laparoscopic surgical instruments include cameras, scissors, dissectors, graspers and retractors. Generally, these instruments include a handle attached to an elongated body having a distal tip used to execute the particular procedure. The handle, which remains outside the patient&#39;s body, is used by the surgeon to control the operation of the instrument during the procedure.  
           [0004]    One challenge presented when performing minimally invasive surgical procedures relates to closing an incision made within the patient&#39;s body by a cutting laparoscopic instrument. As opposed to conventional surgical procedures, the surgeon&#39;s access to the site of the incision is greatly reduced during minimally invasive procedures. As a result, several knot pushing devices capable of advancing suture knots formed outside the patient&#39;s body to an area of interest in vivo have been developed. Typically, a suturing laparoscopy device is inserted into the patient&#39;s body and advanced to the incised area. A needle is advanced through the various tissue portions proximate the incision, thereby securing the suture material to the tissue. Thereafter, the suturing device is removed from the patient&#39;s abdomen leaving the suture material attached to the tissue. A knot is formed in the suture material and advanced along the suture material by the knot pusher to the incision, thereby applying the suture knot. The extraneous suture material is trimmed with laparoscopic scissors once the incision is adequately sutured. Occasionally, the suture knot becomes entangled in the suture material during the advancement process. The surgeon is then required to remove the entangled suture material from the incision area and reattach new suture material, thereby increasing the likelihood of infection and the patient&#39;s exposure to anesthesia.  
           [0005]    Recently, the use of tissue sealants and other biological adhesive materials has emerged as an alternate technique of closing incisions. Preferred tissue sealants include fibrin, which is comprised of thrombin and a fibrinogen material, although other multiple component materials are available. Typically, the individual components of the adhesive material are stored in isolated reservoirs. When mixed, these components may coagulate very quickly, yielding an adhesive gel within perhaps 10 or 20 seconds. When applied to the exterior of the body, or when considerable access to the application site is possible, the rapid coagulative properties of the tissue sealant are welcomed. Though desirable for use during minimally invasive procedures, such fast-acting properties of conventional tissue sealants and adhesive have presented potential problems of fouling or clogging during the application of tissue sealants through laparoscopic devices, which typically results in the destruction of the device.  
           [0006]    Thus, there is a need for a device capable of effectively delivering a multiple component tissue sealant to a location in vivo through from a remote location.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    The present invention solves the problem of effectively delivering multiple sealant components through a laraoscopic device to a location in vivo. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention enables a user to apply a multiple component material to an incision site within the patient&#39;s body from a remote location without the fouling or clogging problems associated with prior art devices.  
           [0008]    In one aspect, the present invention provides a laparoscopic spray device comprising an interface member capable of detachably coupling to a multiple component material applicator, an elongated body having at least two lumens formed therein in fluid communication with the interface member, and a detachable spray tip having a mixing chamber therein coupled to the elongated body useful in generating a spray to apply the material in vivo. The at least one flexible mixing member of the present invention is capable of generating a turbulent flow within the mixing chamber, thereby resulting in impingement mixing of the components of the multiple component material. In addition, the at least one flexible mixing member may be used to prevent a back flow of material from the mixing chamber to the at least two lumens within the elongated body. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a material applicator may be coupled to the present invention in a plurality of ways, including, without limitation, in slip-fit relation, in luer-lock relation, and in screw-like relation.  
           [0009]    In another embodiment of the present invention, the laparoscopic spray device comprises an interface member capable of detachably coupling to a material applicator, an elongated body having at least two lumens therein in fluid communication with the at least two transport lumens within the interface member, and a spray tip having a mixing chamber containing at least one mixing member therein detachably coupled to and in fluid communication with the elongated body. The interface member further comprises at least two coupling members having at least two receiving apertures formed therein. The receiving apertures are capable of coupling to the material applicator and are in fluid communication with at least two transport lumen positioned within the interface member. The elongated body comprises a stationary inner body member positioned within a longitudinally slide-able outer body member. The stationary inner body includes a spray tip receiver adapted to receive a detachable spray tip. The slide-able outer body is capable of being advanced and retracted to cover and expose, respectively, the spray tip receiver. The at least one flexible mixing member of the present invention is capable of generating turbulent flow within the mixing chamber, thereby resulting in impingement mixing of the components of the multiple component material. In addition, the at least one flexible mixing member may be used to prevent a back flow of material from the mixing chamber to the at least two lumens within the elongated body.  
           [0010]    The present invention also provides a method of mixing a multiple component material with at least one flexible mixing member. To practice the present invention the user positions at least one flexible mixing member proximate to the entrance of a material mixing chamber. The mixing chamber is attached to at least two component lumens which are in fluid communication with a multiple component source. The individual components are advanced through the separate lumens towards the mixing chamber. Thereafter, the at least one flexible mixing member engages the individual components and forces the components together, thereby generating turbulent flow within the mixing chamber. The generation of turbulent flow within the mixing chamber results in impingement mixing of the components which yields a mixed material. In addition to enhancing the impingement mixing effects, the at least one flexible mixing member prevents the back flow of material from the mixing chamber to the at least two component lumens. Thereafter, the mixed material is advanced through an aperture formed in the mixing chamber and applied to a work surface.  
           [0011]    Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]    The apparatus of the present invention will be explained in more detail by way of the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the laparoscopic spray device of the present invention;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the interface member the present invention;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the interface member the present invention;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the interface member attached to the elongated body the present invention;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a multiple syringe material applicator useful in applying a multiple component material to a work surface;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a multiple syringe material applicator coupled to the interface member of the present invention;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 7 shows a expanded cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the interface member of the present invention engaging a dispensing tip of a multiple syringe material applicator;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 8 shows a perspective of another embodiment of the interface member of the present invention engaging a dispensing tip of a multiple syringe material applicator;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 8 wherein the interface member of the present invention is engaging a dispensing tip of a multiple syringe material applicator;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 10 shows a perspective of yet another embodiment of the interface member of the present invention engaging a dispensing tip of a multiple syringe material applicator;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 10 wherein the interface member of the present invention is engaging a dispensing tip of a multiple syringe material applicator;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 12 is a cross-section view of the elongated body of the present invention wherein the slidable outer sleeve is positioned over the spray tip receivers;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 13 is a cross-section view of the elongated body of the present invention wherein the slidable outer sleeve is positioned over the attachment channel;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 14 is a cross-section view of the at least two lumens located within the elongated body of the present invention;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 15 is a cross-section view of an alternate embodiment of the at least two lumens located within the elongated body of the present invention;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 16 is a cross-section view of another embodiment of the at least two lumens located within the elongated body of the present invention;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 17 is a side view of the detachable spray tip of the present invention; and  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 18 is a cross-section view of the detachable spray tip of the present invention; 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0031]    Disclosed herein is a detailed description of various illustrated embodiments of the present invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention. The section titles and overall organization of the present detailed description are for the purpose of convenience only and are not intended to limit the present invention.  
         [0032]    The laparoscopic spray device of the present invention is used in conjunction with a multiple component applicator to dispense a multiple component fluid to a work surface located within the body of a patient. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is particularly well suited to dispense a multiple component tissue sealant, such as Fibrin, which is capable of effecting hemostasis or achieving other therapeutic results.  
         [0033]    The laparoscopic spray device of the present invention is designed to permit the remote application of a multiple component fluid. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be adapted to functionally couple to a plurality of applicators, including, for example, multiple reservoir syringe-type applicators such as the DUPLOJECT™ syringe-type applicator manufactured by the Baxter Healthcare Corporation. It is anticipated as being within the scope of the present invention to produce a laparoscopic spray device capable of functionally coupling with a plurality of applicators in a plurality of sizes.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the present invention. As shown, the laparoscopic spray device  10  comprises an interface member  12  in fluid communication with an elongated body  14  having a spray head  16  attached thereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be manufactured from a plurality of materials, including, without limitation, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, or a like material. A plurality of materials having different physical properties may be used to manufacture various portions of the present invention. For example, the interface member  12  and elongated body  14  may be made rigid, while the spray tip  16  is resilient. In an alternate embodiment, the interface member  12  may be manufactured from a rigid material while the elongated body  14  and spray tip  16  is resilient.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the interface member  12  of the present invention. The interface member  12  comprises a member body  16  in communication with at least two coupling members  18 A,  18 B. A first receiving aperture  20 A is formed within the first coupling member  18 A. Similarly, a second receiving aperture  20 B is formed within the second coupling member  18 B. The receiving apertures  20 A,  20 B are sized to receive a material applicator (not shown). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the interface member  12  may be manufactured in a plurality of sizes to receiving a plurality of material applicators. The interface member  12  further includes an elongated body receiver  22  which is in communication with an attachment device aperture  24  sized to receive an attachment device  26  therein. The attachment device  26  removably couples the interface member  12  to the elongated body  14 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the exemplary attachment devices  26  may include, without limitation, screws and buttons.  
         [0036]    FIGS.  3 - 4  show several cross sectional views of the interface member  12  of the present invention. The receiving apertures  20 A,  20 B located within the coupling members  18 A,  18 B are in fluid communication with at least two transport lumens  28 A,  28 B located within the member body  16 . As shown, the transport lumens  28 A,  28 B have a uniform diameter. In an alternate embodiment the transport lumens  28 A,  28 B may have different diameters. The transport lumens  28 A,  28 B terminate within the elongated body receiver  22 . As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the elongated body receiver  22  includes at least one aligning member  30  therein. The aligning member  30  ensures that the at least two lumens  32 A,  32 B formed in the elongated body  14  are aligned with and are in fluid communication with the transport lumens  28 A,  28 B within the interface member  12 . In addition, the aligning member  30  may apply a constrictive force to the elongated body  14 , thereby assisting in the retention thereof.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary material applicator  34  capable of coupling to the present invention. As shown, the material applicator  34  comprises at least a first syringe device  36  and a second syringe device  38  coupled by a syringe coupler  40 . It should be understood that the material applicator  34  of the present invention may comprise a plurality of material reservoirs, and the present embodiment should not be construed as limiting.  
         [0038]    The first syringe device  36  comprises a first syringe reservoir  42  storing a first component  44  and a first syringe piston  46 , positionable within the first syringe reservoir  42 . The first syringe device  36  has a first syringe dispensing tip  48  connected to the first syringe reservoir  42  extending beyond the syringe coupler  40  and a first syringe pusher  50 , which is attached to the first piston rod  52 .  
         [0039]    Likewise, second syringe device  38  comprises a second syringe reservoir  54  storing a second component  56  and a second syringe piston  58 , positionable within the second syringe reservoir  54 . The second syringe device  38  has a second syringe dispensing tip  60  connected to the second syringe reservoir  54  extending beyond the syringe coupler  40 , and a second syringe pusher  62 , which is attached to the second piston rod  64 .  
         [0040]    The coupling members  18 A,  18 B of the present invention may couple to the material applicator  34  in a plurality of ways, including, in screw-able relation or snap-fit relation. FIG. 6 shows one embodiment of the interface member  12  of the present invention coupled to a material applicator  34 . As shown, the syringe dispensing tips  48 ,  60  are slidably positioned within the coupling members  18 A,  18 B, in a luer-lock relation. In one embodiment the coupling members  18 A,  18 B are manufactured from a resilient material such as a biologically compatible elastomer, thereby permitting the coupling members  18 A,  18 B to resiliently receive the dispensing tips  48 ,  60 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the receiving apertures  20 A,  20 B formed in the coupling members  18 A,  18 B may be tapered to ensure that a sealable interface between the interface member  16  and the applicator  34  is obtained. In an alternate embodiment, the receiving apertures  20 A,  20 B is not tapered.  
         [0041]    An alternate embodiment of the coupling members  18 A,  18 B is shown in FIG. 7. A coupling member  18 A is shown, which comprises a rotate-able threaded sleeve  65  and includes a lock member  66  positioned within the receiving aperture  20 A. The lock member  66  engages a tip thread  68  located on the dispensing tip  48  in a screw-like relation.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIGS. 8 and 9 show an alternate embodiment of the coupling members of the present invention. As shown, the coupling members  18 A,  18 B may comprise engaging channels  70 A,  70 B formed in the member body  16 . The receiving channels  70 A,  70 B include at least one lock ridge  72 A,  72 B positioned within each receiving channel  70 A,  70 B. The lock ridge  72 A,  72 B slide-ably engages at least one engaging channel  74 A,  74 B formed on the dispensing tips  48 ,  60  of the material applicator  34 .  
         [0043]    [0043]FIGS. 10 and 11 show yet another embodiment of the coupling members  18 A,  18 B of the present invention. As shown, the coupling members  18 A,  18 B each include a compressible collet  76 A,  76 B therein. Each collet  76 A,  76 B, which defines a receiving aperture  20 A,  20 B sized to be a slightly larger diameter than the inside diameter of the threaded outer sleeve  80 A,  80 B, includes a threaded base  78 A,  78 B. As shown, each collet  76 A,  76 B is tapered and includes a plurality of compression slits  82  positioned radially around the collet. During use each dispensing tip  48 ,  60  is inserted into the receiving aperture  20 A,  20 B defined by the individual collet  76 A,  76 B. Thereafter, the threaded outer sleeve  80 A,  80 B is positioned to engage the threaded base  78 A,  78 B and rotated. As a result, the threaded outer sleeve  80 A,  80 B forcibly compresses the collet  76 A,  76 B thereby decreasing the diameter of the receiving aperture  20 A,  20 B and applying a retentive force to the dispensing tips  48 ,  60  of the material applicator  34  positioned therein. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the dispensing tips  48 ,  60  of the material applicator  34  may, but need not, include a retaining channel (not shown) thereon.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the elongate body  14  of the present invention. As shown, the elongated body  14  includes a longitudinally slide-able outer sleeve  84  positioned around a stationary inner body  86 . At least two elongated body lumens  32 A,  32 B are positioned within the inner body  86 . The at least two elongated body lumens  32 A,  32 B are capable of engaging the transport lumens  28 A,  28 B positioned within the interface member  12 . An attachment channel  88  is formed on the elongated body  14  thereby enabling the elongated body to engage attachment device  26  positioned on the interface member  12 . The distal portion of the elongated body  14  includes a spray tip receiver  90  capable of receiving a detachable spray tip (not shown) thereon. As shown in FIG. 13, the outer sleeve  84  may be slidably retracted towards the attachment channel  88  thereby exposing the spray tip receiver  90 .  
         [0045]    The elongated body lumens  32 A,  32 B positioned within the elongated body  14  may be formed in a plurality of shapes, including, without limitation, circular lumens and D-shaped lumens. FIG. 14 shows one embodiment wherein the elongated body lumens  32 A,  32 B are D-shaped. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the D-shaped elongated body lumens  32 A,  32 B of the present embodiment allow a larger cross sectional area for the lumen in a smaller overall diameter shaft. As a result, less force is required to advance the individual components through the device with a flow rate sufficient to permit the sprayed application of the multiple component material.  
         [0046]    As shown in FIG. 14, the elongated body lumens  32 A,  32 B positioned within the elongated body  14  may have uniform diameters. Commonly, the individual components comprising the multiple component materials may have different viscosities and flow rates, or may require a disproportionate amount of one component in relation to another component. As such, in an alternate embodiment of the present invention the elongated lumens  32 A,  32 B may be different diameters to accommodate the different viscosities and flow rates of the component materials, or to account for the uneven distribution of one component in relation to another component. FIGS. 15 and 16 show cross-sectional views of alternate embodiments of the present invention wherein the elongated lumens  32 A,  32 B have different diameters to account for different viscosities and flow rate of individual components, or to dispense a disproportionate amount of one component in relation to another component. Similarly, the transport lumens  28 A,  28 B may also have different diameters or shapes as well. As shown in FIG. 15, the first elongated body lumen  32 A has a diameter considerably smaller then the diameter of the second elongated body lumen  32 B. Therefore, the device  10  will transport a greater volume of component material through the second elongated body lumen  32 B with respect to the first elongated body lumen  32 A. Similarly, FIG. 16 shows another embodiment of the present invention wherein the second elongated body lumen  32 B is capable of transporting a larger volume of material therethrough with respect to the first elongated body lumen  32 A.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIGS. 17 and 18 show various views of the detachable spray tip of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 17, the exterior of the spray tip  16  includes a tip body having a spray aperture  94  formed therein. The spray tip  16  further includes at least one low-profile mounting member  96  attached thereto, thereby enabling the spray tip  16  to detachably mount to the elongated body  14 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the spray tip may be manufactured from a plurality of materials, including, for example, biologically-compatible elastomers, plastics, and metals.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 18 shows a cross sectional view of the detachable spray tip  16  coupled to the elongated body  14  of the present invention. As shown, the at least one mounting member  96  is located between the outer body  84  and the stationary inner body  86  of the elongated body  14 , and is engaging the spray tip receiver  90 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the detachable spray tip  16  of the present invention may detachably couple to the elongated body  14  of the present invention in a plurality of ways, including, in snap-fit relation. At least two lumen receivers  98 A,  98 B receive the elongated body lumens  32 A,  32 B.  
         [0049]    The spray tip  16  of the present invention further includes a mixing chamber  100  which is in communication with the at least two lumen receivers  98 A,  98 B. At least one flexible mixing member  102  is positioned within the mixing chamber  100 , proximate to the at least two lumen receivers  98 A,  98 B. The at least one flexible mixing member  102  assists in causing impingement mixing of the at least two material components by forming a turbulent flow within the mixing chamber  100 . During use, the individual components are advanced through the elongated body lumens  32 A,  32 B and individually engage the at least one mixing member  102  positioned within the mixing chamber  100 . The force applied by the advancement of the individual components forces the at least one flexible mixing member  102  to flex in response thereto. The at least flexible mixing member  102  provides sufficient resistance to the applied force so as to form a narrowing element within the mixing chamber  100  and thereby force the individual components together within the mixing chamber  100 . The resistance applied by the at least one flexible mixing member  102  in addition to the forward advancement of the material results in generation of turbulent flow within the mixing chamber  100 . In addition to forming turbulent flow within the mixing chamber  100 , the resilient nature of the at least one flexible mixing member  102  prevents a backflow of material from the mixing chamber  100  into the elongated body lumens  32 A,  32 B thereby acting as a directional flow valve. As shown in FIG. 18, the at least one mixing member  102  is capable of engaging the elongated body support member  103 , thereby restricting access of the material to the elongated body lumens  31 A,  32 B from the mixing chamber  100  and preventing a backflow of material. The at least one flexible mixing member  102  may be manufactured in a plurality of shapes, including, for example, washer-like shapes.  
         [0050]    A spray regulator  104  is positioned within the mixing chamber  100  proximate to the spray aperture  94 . The spray regulator  104  further ensures that the material located within the mixing chamber  100  are adequately mixed and provides an impedance within the mixing chamber  100  to aid in forming a material spray. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the position and size of the spray regulator, in cooperation with the size of the spray aperture  94 , effects the emitted spray volume.  
         [0051]    The present invention further comprises a method of using the present invention to apply a multiple component fluid to a work surface located within the body of a patient The illustrated embodiment comprises a method of practicing the present invention using syringe-type material applicator  34 , although those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may effectively couple to a plurality of other applicators.  
         [0052]    To use the present invention, the user attaches a spray tip  16  to the elongated body  14  by sliding the outer sleeve  84  of the elongated body  14  towards the interface member  12 , thereby exposing the spray tip receiver  90 . Thereafter, the user attaches the spray tip  16  to the elongated body  14 , wherein the at least one mounting member  96  of the spray tip  16  engages the exposed spray tip receiver  90  on the elongated body  14 . The outer sleeve  84  is then slid towards the spray tip  16 , thereby locking the spray tip  16  in place. The user may then insert the dispensing tips  48 ,  60  of the syringe-type material applicator  34  into the receiving apertures  20 A,  20 B formed on the coupling members  18 A,  18 B of the interface member  12 . Thereafter, the coupling members  18 A,  18 B are actuated to engage and retain the dispensing tips  48 ,  60 . Typically, syringe-type material applicators  34  are single-use disposable devices constructed of inexpensive plastics and polymers. The application of force to the first piston rod  52  and second piston rod  64  of the syringe-type material applicator  34  will result in the application of the fluid components.  
         [0053]    The spray tip  16  may then be inserted into the patient&#39;s body and advanced to the area of interest. Once suitably positioned the user applies force to the first piston rod  52  and second piston rod  64  of the syringe-type material applicator  34 . Material stored within the syringe reservoirs  42 ,  54  is advanced through the dispensing tips  48 ,  60  and into the transport lumens  28 A,  28 B. The continued application of force advances the material into the elongated body lumens  32 A,  32 B, which are in communication with the spray tip  16 . Thereafter, the material encounters the flexible mixing member  102  positioned within the mixing chamber  100  of the spray tip  16 . The mixing member  102  forces the individual materials together and forms a turbulent flow within the mixing chamber  100 . The continued application of force expels the mixed material as a spray mixture through the spray aperture  94 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention permits the user to easily detach and apply the spray tip  16  to the elongated body  14 , thereby permitting the user to easily replace the spray tip  16  should the device foul or clog.  
         [0054]    In closing it is understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are illustrative of the principles of the invention. Other modifications may be employed which are within the scope of the invention; thus, by way of example but not of limitation, alternative coupling devices, alternative spray tips, and alternative material applicator devices. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to that precisely as shown and described in the present invention.