Patent Publication Number: US-9845185-B2

Title: Systems and methods for applying texture material

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/084,498 filed Nov. 19, 2013, currently pending. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/084,498 is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/682,706 filed Nov. 20, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,584,898, which issued on Nov. 19, 2013. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/682,706 is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/323,668 filed Dec. 12, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,313,011, which issued on Nov. 20, 2012. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/323,668 is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/962,574 filed Dec. 7, 2010, now abandoned. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/962,574 is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/973,734 filed Oct. 9, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,845,523 which issued on Dec. 7, 2010. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/973,734 is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/353,794 filed Feb. 14, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,278,590, which issued on Oct. 9, 2007. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/353,794 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/102,205 filed Apr. 9, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,240,857, which issued on Jul. 10, 2007. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/102,205 is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/396,059 filed Mar. 25, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,883,688, which issued on Apr. 26, 2005. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/396,059 is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/989,958 filed Nov. 21, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,536,633, which issued on Mar. 25, 2003. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/989,958 is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/458,874 filed Dec. 10, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,185, which issued on Dec. 11, 2001. 
     The contents of all related applications listed above are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to the art of spray texturing, and more particularly to systems and methods by which spray texturing can be accomplished to provide spray patterns of varying texture (i.e. with either finer or more coarse particle size). 
     BACKGROUND 
     When drywall panels are installed in a building, and the seams taped, prior to painting the wall surface, there is often applied a spray texture, which is followed by painting. The spray texture will provide a desirable background pattern, and also obscure some of the seams that might appear in the drywall surface. 
     Various spray texturing tools or devices utilize pressurized air to spray the texture material onto the wall surface. Some of these use compressed air as the gaseous medium to spray the textured material, with the pressurized air being derived from a remote source that feeds the air through a hose to the tool. There are also tools which are totally handheld, with the pressurized air being produced by manually reciprocating the piston of an air pump that is built into the tool. 
     When an existing drywall surface is being repaired, quite often a small section of drywall will be patched. If the texture surround the patched area is textured, texture material is applied to the patched area. It is, of course, desirable to have the spray pattern on the patch match that of the surrounding surface. 
     Also, when a rather small “patch” of drywall is to be spray textured, there is the matter of convenience. One approach has been simply to provide the spray texture material in an aerosol can, and the textured material is dispensed directly from the can to be sprayed onto the drywall surface. However, one of the considerations is how this can be accomplished in a manner to provide proper matching of the texture with that which is on the surrounding drywall. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,037,011 (Woods) discloses such an aerosol texture spraying device where the spray texture material is dispensed directly from the nozzle of the aerosol can. In a commercial embodiment of a device such as this, when there is higher pressure in the container, there is a relatively fine spray pattern. For a more coarse pattern (i.e. with larger particle sizes), the can is inverted and the nozzle depressed to dispense a certain amount of the propellant gas for a few seconds. Then the can is turned upright and the spray texture material dispensed at a lower pressure to provide the spray pattern with larger particle sizes. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,310,095 issued to the present Applicant discloses an apparatus for discharging a spray texture material through a nozzle means having a nozzle discharge opening to dispense this material. There is further provided a first delivery tube means having a first discharge passageway of a first predetermined cross-sectional area. The material discharge apparatus is operated to cause the textured material to be discharged through the tube means. Then a second discharge tube means is positioned to receive material from the discharge nozzle means, and this second tube means has a second discharge passageway with a second predetermined cross-sectional area different from the first cross-sectional area. Thus, the &#39;095 patent disclosed obtaining a finer spray pattern by utilizing a tube means with a passageway having a lesser cross-sectional area and a coarse pattern by discharging said material through the tube means having a greater cross-sectional area. 
     The formulation of texture material dispensed by conventional aerosol texturing devices may not be appropriate for vertical surfaces. In particular, the viscosity profile of the conventional texture material may not allow the texture material to be deposited on a ceiling surface without dripping or sagging or in a desired texture pattern. 
     The need thus exists for improved spray texturing systems and methods and, in particular, to spray texturing systems and methods adapted to apply texture material to a ceiling surface or a ceiling surface and a wall surface. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention may be embodied as an aerosol actuator, comprising a main body member, a nozzle member defining an outlet opening, and a selector member. The outlet opening defines a fluid flow direction. The selector member is moved to obtain different fluid spray patterns. The selector member is distal to the nozzle member and the fluid flow direction. 
     The present invention may also be embodied as a dispenser for dispensing liquid material from an aerosol system, comprising a main body member; an nozzle member defining an outlet opening, where deformation of the nozzle member alters a cross-sectional area of the outlet opening; a selector member; and movement of the main body member in a depress direction operates the aerosol system; and the main body member threadingly engages the nozzle member and the selector member such that rotation of the selector member relative to the main body member causes deformation of the nozzle member, and the selector member may be rotated relative to the main body member to cause deformation of the nozzle member without moving the main body member in the depress direction. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention applying a spray texture material to a patch on a drywall surface; 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a sectional view taken along  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 , this being done to illustrate the inside diameter of the discharge tube which is made relatively small to provide a spray texture pattern of a more fine particle size; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates somewhat schematically a spray texture pattern in a wall surface which has relative fine particle size. 
         FIGS. 5 and 6  are views similar to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , with  FIG. 5  showing a discharge passageway of a larger inside diameter, and  FIG. 6  showing the spray pattern with a larger particle size; 
         FIGS. 7 and 8  are similar to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , respectively, with  FIG. 7  showing the cross section of a discharge tube of yet larger inside diameter for the flow passageway, and  FIG. 8  showing the spray pattern with a yet larger particle size; 
         FIGS. 9, 10 and 11  correspond to, respectively,  FIGS. 3, 5 and 7  and show a different arrangement of discharge tubes where the outside diameter varies; 
         FIGS. 12, 13 and 14  illustrate the apparatus having tubes  24  of different lengths; 
         FIG. 15  is a side elevation view of the apparatus as shown being positioned closer to or further from a wall surface. 
         FIG. 16  is a cross sectional view taken through the actuator of the aerosol container, with this plane being coincident with the lengthwise axis of the dispensing tube and the vertical axis of the actuator, showing only the discharge orifice portion of the actuator, and further with the smaller inside diameter tube shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a view similar to  FIG. 16 , but showing the actuator having the medium inside diameter tube of  FIG. 5  positioned therein; 
         FIG. 18  is a view similar to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , but showing the dispensing tube of  FIG. 7  having the largest inside diameter, as shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of another exemplary spray texturing apparatus constructed in accordance with, and embodying, the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 20  is a partial cut-away view taken along lines  20 - 20  in  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of another exemplary spray texturing apparatus constructed in accordance with, and embodying, the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 22  is a partial cut-away view taken along lines  22 - 22  in  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of another exemplary spray texturing apparatus constructed in accordance with, and embodying, the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 24  is a partial cut-away view taken along lines  24 - 24  in  FIG. 23 ; 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of another exemplary spray texturing apparatus constructed in accordance with, and embodying, the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 26  is a partial cut-away view taken along lines  26 - 26  in  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of another exemplary spray texturing apparatus constructed in accordance with, and embodying, the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 28  is a partial cut-away view taken along lines  28 - 28  in  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of another exemplary spray texturing apparatus constructed in accordance with, and embodying, the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 30  is a partial cut-away view taken along lines  30 - 30  in  FIG. 29 ; 
         FIG. 31A  depicts an isometric view of a spray texturing apparatus constructed in accordance with, and embodying, the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 31B  is a section view taken along lines  31   b - 31   b  in  FIG. 31A ; 
         FIG. 32  is a perspective view of yet another exemplary embodiment of an aerosol texture material dispensing apparatus; 
         FIG. 33A  is a perspective view showing a portion of a discharge assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 33B  are section views taken along lines  33   b  in  FIG. 33A ; 
         FIG. 34A  is a section view depicting yet another exemplary discharge assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 34B  is a perspective view showing one component of the discharge assembly shown in  FIG. 34A ; 
         FIG. 35  is a section view showing yet another discharge assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIGS. 36A and 36B  are section views showing yet another exemplary embodiment of a discharge assembly constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 37A  is a section view showing still another exemplary discharge assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 37B  is a perspective view showing one member of the assembly shown in  FIG. 37A ; 
         FIG. 38A  is a section view of yet another exemplary discharge assembly; 
         FIG. 38B  is a front view of one of the components of the discharge assembly shown in  FIG. 38A ; 
         FIG. 39A  is a section view showing yet another exemplary discharge assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 39B  is a front view showing one component of the discharge assembly shown in  FIG. 39A ; 
         FIG. 40  is a section view of yet another exemplary discharge assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 41  depicts a discharge member constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIGS. 42A and 42B  are section views showing the details of construction and operation of yet another exemplary discharge assembly; 
         FIGS. 43A and 43B  are section views showing the construction and operation of a discharge assembly constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 44  is a section view showing yet another exemplary discharge assembly adapted to dispense texture material on a ceiling surface or the like; 
         FIG. 45  is a section view showing a discharge assembly adapted to apply texture material to upper regions of a wall or a ceiling or the like; 
         FIG. 46  is an isometric view showing yet another discharge assembly constructed in accordance with, and embodying, the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 47  is a front view showing a number of possible passageway configurations constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 48  is a section view of yet another discharge assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIGS. 49 and 50  are section views of discharge members adapted to apply texture material to a wall region or a ceiling while still using a conventional discharge member; 
         FIG. 51  depicts a somewhat schematic view showing an assembly comprising an aerosol container and a supplemental container adapted to maintain the pressure within the aerosol container at a desired level to provide a consistent texture pattern in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 52  is a perspective view of part of an aerosol texturing assembly employing an outlet assembly constructed in accordance with, and embodying, the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 53  is a section view of the outlet assembly used by the aerosol assembly of  FIG. 52 ; 
         FIG. 53A  is a section view of the adjustment member of the outlet assembly of  FIG. 53   
         FIG. 54  is an end elevation view of the outlet assembly as shown in  FIG. 53 ; 
         FIG. 55  is a section view of the outlet assembly of  FIG. 52  in a narrowed down configuration; 
         FIG. 56  is a front elevation view of the outlet assembly as shown in  FIG. 55 ; 
         FIG. 57  is a sectional view of an alternate outlet assembly that may be used with the aerosol assembly shown in  FIG. 52 ; 
         FIG. 58  is a sectional view depicting the outlet assembly of  FIG. 57  in a narrowed down configuration; 
         FIG. 59  is a sectional view of yet another outlet assembly that may be used with the aerosol assembly of  FIG. 52 ; 
         FIG. 60  is a sectional view depicting the outlet assembly of  FIG. 59  in a narrowed down configuration; 
         FIG. 61  is a sectional view of yet another outlet assembly that may be used with another aerosol assembly of  FIG. 52 , this outlet assembly being shown in a reduced diameter configuration in  FIG. 61 ; 
         FIG. 62  is a sectional view showing a portion of the outlet assembly of  FIG. 61  in a slightly increased diameter configuration; 
         FIG. 63  is a sectional view of a portion of the outlet assembly of  FIG. 61  in an enlarged cross-sectional area configuration; 
         FIG. 64  is a perspective view of yet another outlet assembly that may be used in connection with the aerosol assembly of  FIG. 52 ; 
         FIG. 65  is an end elevation view showing an enlarge diameter configuration of the assembly of  FIG. 64 ; 
         FIG. 66  is a sectional view showing the outlet assembly of  FIG. 64  in its enlarged diameter configuration; 
         FIG. 67  is an end elevation view showing the outlet assembly of  FIG. 64  in a reduced outlet area configuration; 
         FIG. 68  is an end elevation view of another outlet assembly similar to that of  FIG. 64 , with  FIG. 68  depicting the outlet assembly in its increased diameter configuration; 
         FIG. 69  is an end elevation view of the outlet assembly of  FIG. 68  in a reduced outlet area configuration; 
         FIG. 70  is an end elevation view of yet another outlet assembly in its increased diameter configuration; 
         FIG. 71  is a side elevation view of the outlet assembly of  FIG. 70 ; 
         FIG. 72  is an end elevation view of the outlet assembly of  FIG. 70  in a reduced outlet area configuration; 
         FIG. 73  is an end elevation view of yet another exemplary outlet assembly that may be used with the aerosol assembly of  FIG. 52 ; 
         FIG. 74  is a sectional view of the outlet assembly shown in  FIG. 73  depicting this outlet assembly in its increased outlet configuration; 
         FIG. 75  is an end elevation view of the outlet assembly of  FIG. 73  in a reduced outlet area configuration; 
         FIG. 76  is a sectional view of the outlet assembly as shown in  FIG. 75 ; 
         FIG. 77  is an end elevation view of yet another outlet assembly similar to the outlet assembly shown in  FIG. 73 , that may be used with the aerosol assembly of  FIG. 52 . 
         FIG. 78  is an end elevation view of the outlet assembly of  FIG. 77  in a reduced outlet area configuration; 
         FIG. 79  is a perspective view of yet another outlet assembly that may be used with the aerosol assembly of  FIG. 52 ; 
         FIG. 80  is a top plan sectional view of the outlet assembly of  FIG. 79 ; 
         FIG. 81  is an end elevation view of yet another outlet assembly that may be used with the aerosol assembly of  FIG. 52 ; 
         FIG. 82  is an end elevation view of the outlet assembly of  FIG. 81  in a reduced outlet area configuration; 
         FIG. 83  is a side elevation view depicting an example dispensing system being used to apply texture material to a ceiling surface; 
         FIG. 84  is a perspective view of the example dispensing system of  FIG. 83 ; 
         FIG. 85  is an elevation, cut-away view of the dispensing system of  FIG. 83 ; 
         FIG. 86  is a perspective view of another example dispensing system for applying texture material to a ceiling surface; 
         FIG. 87  is an elevation, cut-away view of an outlet assembly of the dispensing system of  FIG. 86  in a first configuration; 
         FIG. 88  is a top plan view of the outlet assembly in the first configuration shown in  FIG. 87 ; 
         FIG. 89  is a section view of a collar member of the outlet assembly of  FIG. 87 ; 
         FIG. 90  is a an elevation, cut-away view of the outlet assembly of  FIG. 87  in a second configuration; 
         FIG. 91  is a top plan view of the outlet assembly in the second configuration shown in  FIG. 90 ; 
         FIG. 92  is a side elevation view of an example dispensing system for applying texture material to a wall surface and a ceiling surface; 
         FIG. 93  is an elevation view of the outlet assembly of the dispensing system of  FIG. 92 ; 
         FIG. 94  is a section view depicting a portion of the outlet assembly depicted in  FIG. 93  in a first configuration; 
         FIG. 95  is a section view depicting a portion of the outlet assembly depicted in  FIG. 93  in a second configuration; and 
         FIG. 96  is an exploded elevation view of the outlet assembly depicted in  FIG. 93 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  depicts an example apparatus or system  10  of the present invention being used in spraying the texture material onto a section of wallboard  12  having a previously sprayed surface portion  14  surrounding an unsprayed portion  16  which could be, for example, a more recently applied piece of wallboard that serves as a “patch”. The spray itself is indicated at  18 , and the spray material deposited on the wall portion  16  as a sprayed texture is indicated at  20 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , the present invention is shown, in one exemplary form, incorporated with an aerosol spray containing device  22 , the basic design of which is or may be conventional in the prior art. Used in combination with this container  22  is a dispensing tube  24 . It has been found by utilizing this dispensing tube  24  in particular arrangements to discharge the spray texture material, more precise control of the spray texture pattern can be achieved. Further, there are other advantages, in that not only is a more controllable spray pattern achieved, but this consistency of the spray pattern can be accomplished for a relatively long period of use. In other words, even after a substantial amount of the spray texture material has been already discharged from the aerosol dispensing container  22 , the spray pattern remains rather consistent. The manner in which this is achieved will be described more fully later herein. 
     It is recognized that in the prior art tubular members have been used in combination with an aerosol spray can to deliver a material, such as a lubricant. To the best knowledge of the applicants, however, this use has been primarily to enable the aerosol container to deliver the fluid, such as a lubricating oil, to a somewhat inaccessible location, and not to achieve the ends of the present invention. 
     In the following detailed description of the invention, a number of embodiments of the present invention are described. These embodiments illustrate the present invention incorporates two features that may be used singly or together. These two features are the use of an elongate passageway through which texture material may pass before it exits an aerosol device and the use of a plurality of outlet orifice configurations, where by outlet orifice has a different cross-sectional area for each of the configurations. The technical advantages obtained by these features will be described in detail below. 
     The embodiments of the present invention described in this application illustrate that a given embodiment can contain one or both of these features and that these features can be implemented in a variety of different configurations. 
     Accordingly, the present application illustrates that, for a given set of design criteria, the designer has significant flexibility to construct an aerosol device for dispensing texture material that accomplishes the design goals inherent in the set of criteria. 
     To return to our description of the aerosol dispensing device  22 , as indicated above, the basic design is or may be conventional. As shown herein, the device  22  comprises a cylindrical container  26  and a dispensing nozzle member  28  positioned at the top of the container  26 . As is common in the prior art, this dispensing member  28  in its upright position blocks flow of material from the container  26 . This dispensing member  28  is attached to a downwardly extending stem  30 , and when the member  28  is depressed, a valve opens within the container  22  so that the material in the container  22  flows upwardly through the stem  30  and laterally out a nozzle formed in the dispensing nozzle member  28 . Since the manner in which this is achieved is well known in the prior art, this will not be described in detail herein. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 16 through 18 , and it can be seen that the stem  30  provides a passageway  32  through which the spray texture material flows upwardly, and then is directed laterally to be discharged through a lateral nozzle opening  34 . The passageway  32  and nozzle  34  can have their dimensions and configuration optimized for proper performance, and the manner in which this is done is also known in the prior art. 
     In the present invention, the nozzle member  28  is provided with a counterbore  36  having a moderately enlarged diameter, relative to the diameter of the nozzle opening  34 . Both the nozzle opening  34  and the counter-bore  36  have a cylindrical configuration. The dispensing tube  24  has an outside diameter so that its end portion is able to fit snugly within the counterbore  36 , with the end surface of the tube  34  bearing against the forwardly facing annular shoulder  38  defined by the counterbore  36  with the nozzle opening  34 . 
     In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of dispensing tubes  24  are provided, and in the present embodiment, there are three such tubes,  24   a ,  24   b  and  24   c . It can be seen from examining  FIGS. 3, 5 and 7  (and also  FIGS. 16, 17 and 18 ) that the outside diameter of all three tubes  24   a ,  24   b , and  24   c  have the same outside diameter, but different inside diameters for the discharge passageway  40 . 
     It has been found that by selecting different diameters for the discharge passageway  40 , the spray texture pattern can be controlled more accurately. With the smaller diameter  40   a  of the discharge tube  24   a , shown in  FIG. 3 , a relatively fine spray texture pattern can be achieved, as shown in  FIG. 4 , where the particles of spray texture material are of a small particle size, as shown in the wall section  42   a.    
     In  FIG. 5 , the interior discharge passageway  40   b  is of a more intermediate size, and this results in a discharge pattern which has a somewhat larger particle size, as shown in the wall section  42   b . Then, with the yet larger diameter discharge opening  40   c , as can be seen in  FIG. 8 , the wall section  42   c  having a spray texture pattern with a yet larger particle size. The particles of the board section  42   a ,  42   b , and  42   c  are designated as, respectively,  44   a ,  44   b  and  44   c.    
     With regard to the spray texture material itself, if has been found that quite desirable results can be achieved where the basic composition of the spray texture material comprises a resin or resins, particulate filler material and a propellant. Also, there is a solvent, and desirably dryers to accelerate the drying reaction of the resin with oxygen. 
     More specifically, the resin or resins desirably comprise alkyd resins, and more specifically those which are generally called bodying alkyds or puffing alkyds. Such alkyds are sometimes used for what are called “architectural coatings”. The resins are made somewhat more gelatinous than would be used in other applications, this depending upon the spray characteristics that are desired. If the alkyd resins are made more gelatinous or viscous, a coarser spray pattern would be expected for a particular set of conditions. 
     The particulate filler material desirably has various particle sizes, and this can be a filler material or materials which are well known in the prior art, such as calcium carbonate, silica, talc, wollastonite, various types of pigments, etc. 
     The propellant is desirably a liquefied hydrocarbon gas, with this liquefied gas being dispersed throughout the texture material composition, such as being dissolved therein or otherwise dispersed therein. The propellant is characterized that under the higher pressure within the container the propellant remains dispersed or dissolved as a liquid throughout the spray texture material, and upon release of pressure, the propellant begins going back to its gaseous form to act as a propellant and push the material up the stem passageway  32  and out the nozzle opening  34 . 
     The solvent is desirably aromatic and/or aliphatic hydrocarbons, ketones, etc. 
     The dryer or dryers would normally be a metallic dryer, such as various metal salts. These are already well known in the art, so these will not be described in detail herein. 
     It has been found that this type of texture material can be sprayed by using the present invention to provide a reasonably consistent spray texture for a given configuration of the tube  24 . Also, it has been found that this consistency of spray pattern can be accomplished throughout the discharge of the great majority of the spray texture material within the container  26 . 
     With regard to the particular dimensions utilized in this preferred embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to  FIGS. 16 through 18 . The diameter “d” of the nozzle orifice  34  is in this particular embodiment 0.102 inch, and the diameter of the counter-bore (indicated at “e”) is 0.172 inch; the diameter “f” of the passageway  40   a  (i.e. the smallest diameter passageway) is 0.050 inch; the diameter “g” of the intermediate sized passageway  40   b  (see  FIG. 17 ) is 0.095 inch; and the diameter “h” of the largest tube passageway  40   c  is 0.145 inch. 
     Thus, it can be seen in the arrangements of  FIGS. 16 through 18  that in  FIG. 16 , there is a substantial reduction in the cross-sectional area of the passageway  40   a , with this having about one half the diameter of the nozzle opening  34 , so that the passageway area  40   a  is about one quarter of the nozzle opening  34 . 
     In the intermediate size of  FIG. 17 , the diameter and cross-sectional area of the passageway  40   b  (indicated at “g”) is nearly the same as that of the nozzle  34 . 
     In  FIG. 18 , the diameter of the passageway  40   c  (indicated at “h”) is slightly less than one and one half of the nozzle opening  34 , and the cross sectional area is about twice as large. 
       FIGS. 9, 10 and 11  show an alternative form of the tubes  24   a - c , and these tubes in  FIG. 9 through 11  (designated  24   a ′,  24   b ′ and  24   c ′) have the same internal passageway cross-sectional area as the passageways  24   a ,  24   b  and  24   c , respectively, but the outside diameter of these are made smaller, relative to the passageway size. If there is such varying outside diameters, then a plurality of mounting collars could be used, with these having consistent outside diameters, but varying inside diameters to fit around at least the smaller tubes of  FIGS. 9 and 10 . 
       FIGS. 12 through 14  are simply shown to illustrate that the length of the tube  24  can be varied. It has been found that a rather desirable length of the tube  24  is approximately four inches. While a longer tube length could be used, in general there is no particular advantage in doing so since the proper consistency can be obtained with a tube of about four inches. Also, experiments have indicated that the length of the tube  24  can be reduced lower than four inches, possibly to two inches and even as low as one inch) without causing any substantial deterioration of the consistency and quality of the formation of the spray pattern. However, it has been found that somewhat more consistent results can be obtained if the length of the tube  24  is greater than one inch and at least as great or greater than two inches. 
     A tube length as short as one half inch has been tried, and this is able to provide a substantial improvement of performance over what would have been obtained simply by discharging the spray texture directly from the nozzle opening  34 , without any tube, relative to controlling spray pattern. The shorter tube  24  (as small as one half inch) provides a significant benefit, but not the full benefit of the longer tube  24 . The very short tube (e.g. one half inch) has a lesser quality of performance when used with the larger diameter passageway  40  than with the smaller passageway. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates that the texture pattern can also be controlled to some extent by moving the apparatus  10  closer to or farther away from the wall surface. If the apparatus  10  is moved rather close to the wall surface, the density of the applied material is increased for a given time of exposure. It has been found that in general satisfactory results can be obtained if the apparatus  10  is held approximately three feet from the wall surface. However, this will depend upon a number of factors, such as the pressure provided by the propellant, the character of the spray texture material, and other factors. 
     To describe now the operation of the present invention, an aerosol dispensing device  22  is provided as described previously herein with the spray texture material contained within the can  26  at a desired pressure. As is common with aerosol cans, it is desirable to shake the device  22  for a few seconds prior to depressing the nozzle control member  28 . 
     If a relatively fine texture is desired, then a smaller diameter tube such as at  24   a  is used. For spray texture patterns having larger particle size, the larger diameter tube is used. 
     The person directs the nozzle opening  34  and the tube  24  toward the wall surface to be sprayed and depresses the nozzle member  28 . As the spray texture material is discharged, the container  26  is moved back and forth and is tilted to different angles to spray the desired area. 
     As indicated earlier, it has been found that not only can a “fineness” or “coarseness” (i.e. smaller particle size or larger particle size, respectively) be controlled with reasonable precision by the present invention, but this consistency of the spraying pattern can be maintained throughout the discharge of the great majority of the spray material within the container  26 . While these phenomena are not totally understood, it is believed that the following can be reasonably hypothesized to provide at least a partial explanation. 
     First, the separation of the texture material into particles of smaller or larger size is due in part to the character of the material itself, and also due in part to the way the forces are exerted on the material to tend to break it up into particles. More particularly, it can be hypothesized that if there is a greater shear force tending to separate the particles, it would be expected that there would be a finer pattern. 
     It is also recognized that when a fluid is moving through a conduit or tube, there is commonly what is called a velocity gradient along a transverse cross section of the flow of material. More precisely, the material immediately adjacent to the wall surface may have a very low velocity or practically no velocity. The adjacent material just a small distance away from the wall will have a somewhat greater velocity, but will still be retarded significantly due to the shear force provided by the material that is closer to the wall surface. As the cross section of the liquid material is analyzed closer toward the center, the shear force becomes less and the velocity becomes more uniform. 
     With the foregoing in mind, it also has to be recognized that if the diameter of the tube or conduit is reduced by one half, the cross-sectional area is reduced by one quarter. Thus, for the smaller tube (i.e. one half diameter) the surface area that provides a retarding force is doubled relative to the volume of flow at the same velocity). This would indicate that for a given cross-sectional segment of the fluid material being discharged, there is relatively greater shear force exerted for the smaller inside diameter tube. This would lead to the conclusion that for the discharge of a given amount of fluid at a certain velocity and at the same pressure, there would be a smaller particle size than if a tube of greater inside diameter were used. 
     Another phenomenon to be considered is with regard to the pressure which is forcing the textured material out of the tube  24 . It can be surmised that if the pressure is greater, the velocity of the material traveling through the tube  24  would be greater, so that the shear forces exerted on the texture material would be greater so that smaller particle sizes would result. 
     It can be seen in  FIG. 16  that the relatively small diameter passageway  40   a  serves as a restriction for the material flowing out the nozzle  34 . This would tend to cause the velocity of the material flowing up the stem passageway  32  and out the nozzle opening  34  to decrease to some extent, but to have a relatively higher velocity out the passageway  40   a . Further, it can be expected that the pressure of the propelling gas in the passageway  40   a  would be somewhat higher than if a larger diameter passageway such as  40   b  or  40   c  were utilized. Experimental results using different size tubes seem to verify this conclusion. 
     In  FIG. 17 , the diameter and cross-sectional area of the passageway  40   b  is nearly the same as that of the nozzle opening  34 . Therefore it can be surmised that the velocity and pressure in the passageway  40   b  would be somewhat less than in the passageway  40   a , this resulting in a somewhat larger particle size, and also a somewhat lower discharge velocity. Experimental results have verified this also. 
     Finally, with reference to  FIG. 18 , when the passageway diameter is larger than that of the nozzle opening  34  (as it is with the passageway  40   c ), it can be expected that the fluid discharged from the nozzle  34  would have a lower velocity and that there would be a lower propelling force provided by the propellant. Experimental results have indicated that this results in the coarser particle size. 
     However, it has to be recognized that while the above hypothesis can be proposed with reasonable justification, there are likely other phenomena involved which the applicants are either not aware of or have not fully evaluated. For example, with the propellant being disbursed in (and presumably dissolved in) the texture composition, it can be surmised that this propellant continues to go out of solution or dispersion into its gaseous form and expand to provide the propellant force, and this continues as the quantity of texture material continues to be reduced. This may also have a desirable effect on the formation of the particles and of the particle size, relative to consistency. 
     Nevertheless, regardless of the accuracy or correctness of the above explanations, it has been found that with the present invention, the spray pattern (and more particularly the particle size of the spray pattern) can be achieved with greater consistency and within relatively greater limits of particle size, than the prior art devices known to the applicants. Further, the consistency of the spray pattern can be maintained for the discharge of a large proportion of spray texture material from the apparatus  10 . 
     It is to be recognized, of course, that various relative dimensions could be changed without departing from the basic teachings of the present invention. For example, it has been found that with spray texture material of a character which are acceptable in present day use, that a range of tube inside diameters of approximately one half of a tenth of an inch to one and one half tenth of an inch would give a reasonable range of texture spray patterns. However, it can be surmised that tube diameters outside of this range (e.g. one quarter of a tenth of an inch to possibly as high as one quarter of an inch would also provide acceptable texture spray patterns, depending upon a variety of circumstances, such as the viscosity and other characteristics of the spray texture material itself, the discharge pressure, the volumetric rate at which the spray texture material is delivered to the tube  24 , and other factors. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 19 and 20 , depicted therein at  120  is another exemplary spray texturing apparatus constructed in accordance with, and embodying, the principles of the present invention. The spray texturing apparatus  120  basically comprises an aerosol container  122 , a valve assembly  124  mounted on the container  122 , and an outlet member  126  attached to the valve assembly  124 . 
     The outlet member  126  has first, second, and third outlet orifices  128   a ,  128   b , and  128   c  formed therein. As shown in  FIG. 19 , these outlet orifices  128   a ,  128   b , and  128   c  have of different diameters. Further, the outlet member  126  is so attached to the valve assembly  124  that each of the orifices  128   a ,  128   b , and  128   c  aligned with a nozzle passageway  130  of the valve assembly  124  through which the texture material is dispensed or discharged. Aligning the orifices  128   a ,  128   b , and  128   c  as just-described effectively extends the length of the nozzle passageway  130  in a manner that allows the operator to vary the cross-sectional area of a discharge opening  131  through which the texture material is discharged. 
     To operate the spray texturing apparatus  120 , the valve assembly  124  is operated to allow the spray material within the container  122  to pass through the nozzle passageway  130 . The texture material thus exits the spray texturing apparatus  120  through whichever of the outlet orifices  128   a ,  128   b , or  128   c  is aligned with the nozzle passageway  130 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 20 , the nozzle passageway  130  has a diameter of d o . Similar to the dispensing tubes  24   a ,  24   b , and  24   c  described above, the outlet orifices  128   a ,  128   b , and  128   c  of different diameters d a , d b , and d c  result in different spray texture patterns  20  being applied to the wallboard  12 . One of the outlet orifices  128   a ,  128   b , and  128   c  is selected according to the type of texture pattern desired and arranged to form a portion of the nozzle passageway  130 , thereby varying the effective cross-sectional area of the discharge opening  131 . The outlet orifice  128   a  is of the smallest diameter and results in a spray pattern having the small particles  44   a  as shown in  FIG. 4 . The outlet orifice  128   b  is of medium diameter and results in a spray pattern having the somewhat larger particles  44   b  shown in  FIG. 5 . The outlet orifice  128   c  is of the largest diameter, which results in a spray pattern having the large particles  44   c  shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     The spray texturing apparatus  120  obtains the same basic result as the apparatus  10  described above and the prior art assembly shown in  FIGS. 27 and 28 ; however, as will be apparent from the following discussion, the apparatus  120  allows a reduction in the number of parts employed to achieve this result and substantially eliminates the possibility that individual parts will be lost by the end user. Also, the apparatus  120  is completely assembled at the factory and thus alleviates the potential for the operator to be sprayed with texture material during assembly. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 20 , the operation of the spray texturing apparatus  120  will now be described in further detail. The container  122  basically comprises a generally cylindrical base  132  and a cap  134 . The base  132  and cap  134  are conventional and need not be described herein in detail. 
     The valve assembly  124  basically comprises: (a) the outlet member  128  described above; (b) an actuator member  136  having a valve stem  138 ; (c) a valve seat  140 ; (d) a valve housing  142 ; (e) a valve member  144 ; (f) a valve spring  146 ; and (g) a collection tube  148  that extends into the spray material within the container  122 . Essentially, the valve assembly  124  creates a path that allows the pressure within the container  122  to cause the texture material to flow through the nozzle passageway  130 . 
     The valve assembly  124  is constructed and operates basically as follows. The valve seat  140  and valve housing  142  mate with and are held by the container cap  134  near a valve hole  150  in the cap  134 . The valve member  144  and valve spring  146  are mounted within the valve housing  142  such that the valve spring  146  urges the valve member  144  towards the valve seat  140 . The valve stem  138  extends through the valve hole  150  and is attached to the valve member  144 ; pressing the actuator member  136  towards the container  122  into an open position forces the valve member  144  away from the valve seat  140  against the urging of the valve spring  146 . 
     When the valve member  144  is forced away from the valve seat  140 , an exit passageway  152  for the spray material is created. This exit passageway  152  allows the spray material to exit the apparatus  120  by passing: through the collection tube  148 ; through the center of the valve housing  142 ; around the valve member  144 ; through a slot  154  formed in the valve stem  138 ; through a vertical passageway  156  formed in the actuator member  136 ; through the nozzle passageway  130  described above; and through the one of the outlet orifices  128   a ,  128   b , or  128   c  aligned with the nozzle passageway  130 . At this point, the spray material forms the spray  18  as described above. 
     The exemplary outlet member  126  basically comprises a disc portion  158  and a cylindrical portion  160 . The first, second, and third outlet orifices  128   a ,  128   b , and  128   c  are formed in the disc portion  158 . Center axes A, B, and C of the outlet orifices  128   a ,  128   b , and  128   c  are equidistant from a center axis D of the disc portion  158 ; the distances between the center axes A, B, and C of these outlet orifices  128   a ,  128   b , and  128   c  and the center axis D of the disc portion  158  are represented by the reference character X in  FIG. 20 . 
     The cylindrical portion  160  of the outlet member  126  has a center axis E which is aligned with the center axis D of the disc portion  158 . Additionally, an outlet portion  162  of the actuator member  126  through which the nozzle passageway  130  extends has a generally cylindrical outer surface  164 . A center axis F of the actuator member outer surface  164  is aligned with the center axes D and E described above. 
     Also, a center axis G of the nozzle passageway  130  is arranged parallel to the center axis F of the actuator member outer surface  164 . The center axis G of this nozzle passageway  130  is spaced away from actuator member center axis F the same distance X that exists between the center axes A, B, and C of the nozzle exit orifices and the center axis D of the disc portion  158 . 
     Finally, an inner surface  166  of the outlet member cylindrical portion  160  is cylindrical and has substantially the same diameter d, taking into account tolerances, as the cylindrical outer surface  164  of the outlet portion  162  of the actuator member  136 . An outlet surface  168  of the outlet portion  162  is disc-shaped and has substantially the same diameter d as the outlet member inner surface  166  and the actuator member outer surface  164 . 
     Accordingly, as shown in  FIG. 20 , the outlet member  126  is attached to the actuator member  136  by placing the cylindrical portion  160  of the outlet member  126  over the outlet portion  162  of the actuator member  136  such that the actuator member outlet surface  168  is adjacent to an inner surface  170  on the disc portion  158  of the outlet member  126 . 
     When the outlet member  126  is so mounted on the actuator member  136 , an annular projection  172  formed on the inner surface  166  of the outlet member cylindrical portion  160  engages an annular indentation  174  formed in the outer surface  164  of the actuator member outlet portion  162 . The projection  172  and indentation  174  are arranged parallel to the actuator member outlet surface  168  and thus allow rotation of the outlet member  126  relative to the actuator member  136 . Further, the engagement of the projection  172  with the indentation  174  prevents inadvertent removal of the outlet member  126  from the actuator member  136 ; however, both the projection  172  and indentation  174  are rounded to allow the outlet member  126  to be attached to and detached from the actuator member  136  when desired. The outlet member cylindrical portion  160 , the projection  172 , and indentation  174  thus form an attachment means  176  for rotatably attaching the outlet member  126  to the actuator member  136 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 20 , when the outlet member  126  is attached to the actuator member  136 , the center axes D, E, and F described above are aligned. Further, the outlet orifice center axes A, B, and C are parallel to the nozzle passageway center axis G. 
     Accordingly, any one of these outlet orifice center axes A, B, and C can be aligned with the nozzle passageway center axis G by rotation of the outlet member  126  about the axes D, E, and F relative to the actuator member  136 . In  FIG. 20 , the center axis A of the first outlet orifice  128   a  is shown aligned with the nozzle passageway center axis G. 
       FIG. 20  also shows that an intermediate surface  178  is formed at one end of the first exit orifice  128   a . This intermediate surface  178  brings the diameter of the exit passageway  152  gradually down from a diameter d o  of the dispensing passageway  130  to the diameter d a  of the first exit orifice  128   a . A similar intermediate surface exists at one end of the second exit orifice  128   b . An intermediate surface is not required for the third exit orifice  128   c  as, in the exemplary apparatus  120 , the diameter d c  of the third exit orifice is the same as that of the diameter d o  of the nozzle passageway  130 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 21 and 22 , depicted therein at  220  is yet another exemplary spray texturing apparatus constructed in accordance with, and embodying, the principles of the present invention. The spray texturing apparatus  220  operates in the same basic manner as the apparatus  120  just-described; accordingly, the apparatus  220  will be described herein only to the extent that it differs from the apparatus  120 . The characters employed in reference to the apparatus  220  will be the same as those employed in reference to the apparatus  120  plus 100; where any reference characters are skipped in the following discussion, the elements referred to by those skipped reference characters are exactly the same in the apparatus  220  as the elements corresponding thereto in the apparatus  120 . 
     The spray texturing apparatus  220  basically comprises an aerosol container  222 , a valve assembly  224  mounted on the container  222 , and an outlet member  226  attached to the valve assembly  224 . The valve assembly  224  further comprises an actuator member  236 . The primary difference between the apparatus  120  and the apparatus  220  is in the construction of the outlet member  226  and the actuator member  236  and the manner in which these members  226  and  236  inter-operate. 
     In particular, the outlet member  226  simply comprises a disc portion  258 . An attachment means  276  for attaching the outlet member  226  to the actuator member  236  basically comprises an indentation or hole  272  formed in the outlet member disc portion  258  and a projection  274  formed on an outlet surface  268  formed on the actuator member  236 . The hole  272  and projection  274  lie along a center axis D of the disc portion  258  and a center axis F extending through the actuator member  236 . The interaction of the hole  272  and the projection  274  allow the outlet member  226  to be rotated about the axes D and F. A rounded end  280  of the projection  274  prevents inadvertent removal of the outlet member  226  from the actuator member  236 . 
     Accordingly, it should be clear from the foregoing discussion and  FIGS. 21 and 22  that the attachment means  276  accomplishes the same basic function as the attachment means  176  described above and thus that the apparatus  220  operates in the same basic manner as the apparatus  120  described above. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 23 and 24 , depicted therein at  320  is yet another exemplary spray texturing apparatus constructed in accordance with, and embodying, the principles of the present invention. The spray texturing apparatus  320  operates in the same basic manner as the apparatus  120  described above; accordingly, the apparatus  320  will be described herein only to the extent that it differs from the apparatus  120 . The characters employed in reference to the apparatus  320  will be the same as those employed in reference to the apparatus  120  plus 200; where any reference characters are skipped in the following discussion, the elements referred to by those skipped reference characters are exactly the same in the apparatus  320  as the elements corresponding thereto in the apparatus  120 . 
     The spray texturing apparatus  320  basically comprises an aerosol container  322 , a valve assembly  324  mounted on the container  322 , and an outlet member  326  attached to the valve assembly  324 . The valve assembly  324  further comprises an actuator member  336 . The primary difference between the apparatus  120  and the apparatus  320  is in the construction of the outlet member  326  and the actuator member  336  and the manner in which these members  326  and  336  inter-operate. 
     In particular, the outlet member  326  simply comprises a disc portion  358 . An attachment means  376  for attaching the outlet member  326  to the actuator member  336  basically an annular ring  374  having a center axis E fastened to the actuator member  236 . An annular projection  380  extends inwardly from the ring  374 . The diameter of the disc portion  358  is substantially the same as that of the ring  374 , taking into account tolerances, and slightly larger than that of the projection  380 . 
     The outlet member  326  is attached to the actuator member  336  by placing the outlet member  326  within the ring  374  and attaching the ring  374  onto the actuator member  336  with: (a) the outlet member  326  between the annular projection  380  and an outlet surface  368  of the actuator member  336 ; and (b) a center axis D of the disc member  358  aligned with the axis E of the ring  374  and a center axis F of the actuator member  336 . The outlet member  326  can rotate within the ring  374  about the axes D, E, and F, and the annular projection  380  prevents inadvertent removal of the outlet member  326  from the actuator member  336 . A handle  382  is provided on the outlet member  326  to facilitate rotation outlet member  326 . 
     The attachment means  376  accomplishes the same basic function as the attachment means  176  described above. The apparatus  320  thus operates in all other respects in the same basic manner as the apparatus  120  described above. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 25 and 26 , depicted therein at  420  is yet another exemplary spray texturing apparatus constructed in accordance with, and embodying, the principles of the present invention. The spray texturing apparatus  420  operates in the same basic manner as the apparatus  120  described above; accordingly, the apparatus  420  will be described herein only to the extent that it differs from the apparatus  120 . The characters employed in reference to the apparatus  420  will be the same as those employed in reference to the apparatus  120  plus 300; where any reference characters are skipped in the following discussion, the elements referred to by those skipped reference characters are exactly the same in the apparatus  420  as the elements corresponding thereto in the apparatus  120 . 
     The spray texturing apparatus  420  basically comprises an aerosol container  422 , a valve assembly  424  mounted on the container  422 , and an outlet member  426  attached to the valve assembly  424 . The valve assembly  424  further comprises an actuator member  436 . The primary difference between the apparatus  120  and the apparatus  420  is in the construction of the outlet member  426  and the actuator member  436  and the manner in which these members  426  and  436  inter-operate. 
     In particular, the outlet member  426  comprises a disc portion  458  having a lower surface  466  and a cylindrical portion  460  having an inner surface  470 . In the exemplary apparatus  420 , the actuator member  436  has an upper surface  464  and a cylindrical outer surface  468 . When the valve assembly  424  is assembled, a center axis D of the disc portion  458 , a center axis E of the cylindrical portion  460 , and a vertical center axis F of the stem portion  436  are aligned. 
     An attachment means  476  for attaching the outlet member  426  to the actuator member  436  basically comprises an annular ring  472  formed on the outlet member cylindrical portion  460  and a notch or indentation  474  formed around the cylindrical outer surface  468  of the actuator member  436 . This attachment means  476  allows the outlet member  426  to rotate relative to the actuator member  436  about the axes D, E, and F but prevents inadvertent removal of the outlet member  426  from the actuator member  436 . 
     With this configuration, the first, second, and third outlet orifices  428   a ,  428   b , and  428   c  are formed in the cylindrical portion  460  of the outlet member  426 . These orifices  428   a ,  428   b , and  428   c  are formed with their center axes A, B, and C orthogonal to, arranged at a given vertical point H along, and radially extending outwardly from the vertical center axis F of the stem portion  436 . A center axis G of a nozzle passageway  430  formed in the actuator member  436  also is orthogonal to, radially extends from, and intersects at the given point H the vertical center axis F of the stem portion  436 . 
     To facilitate rotation of the outlet member  426  relative to the actuator member  436 , a peripheral flange  480  is formed at the bottom of the actuator member  436 . The user can grasp this flange  480  to hold the actuator member  436  in place as the outlet member  426  is being rotated about its axis D. 
     Thus, rotation of the outlet member  426  relative to the actuator member  436  about the axes D, E, and F allows any one of these orifices  428   a ,  428   b , and  428   c  to be aligned with a center axis G of a nozzle passageway  430  formed in the actuator member  436 . The first outlet orifice  428   a  is shown aligned with the nozzle passageway  430  in  FIG. 26 . 
     The attachment means  476  thus also accomplishes the same basic function as the attachment means  176  described above. Accordingly, the apparatus  420  operates in all other respects in the same basic manner as the apparatus  120  described above. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 27, 28, 29, and 30 , depicted therein at  520  is another exemplary spray texturing apparatus constructed in accordance with, and embodying, the principles of the present invention. The spray texturing apparatus  520  operates in the same basic manner as the apparatus  120  described above; accordingly, the apparatus  520  will be described herein only to the extent that it differs from the apparatus  120 . The characters employed in reference to the apparatus  520  will be the same as those employed in reference to the apparatus  120  plus 400; where any reference characters are skipped in the following discussion, the elements referred to by those skipped reference characters are exactly the same in the apparatus  420  as the elements corresponding thereto in the apparatus  120 . 
     The spray texturing apparatus  520  basically comprises an aerosol container  522 , a valve assembly  524  mounted on the container  522 , and an outlet member  526  attached to the valve assembly  524 . The valve assembly  524  further comprises an actuator member  536 . The primary difference between the apparatus  120  and the apparatus  520  is in the construction of the outlet member  526  and the actuator member  536  and the manner in which these members  526  and  536  inter-operate. 
     In particular, in the apparatus  520  a nozzle passageway  530  formed in the actuator member  536  terminates at the top rather than the side of the actuator member  536 . The outlet member  526  comprises a disc member  558  attached to an outlet surface  568  on the upper end of the actuator member  536 . A hole  572  formed in the disc member  558  and a projection  574  formed on the outlet surface  568  comprise an attachment means  576  for attaching the outlet member  526  onto the actuator member  536 . 
     The attachment means  576  allows the outlet member  526  to be rotated about a center axis D thereof relative to the actuator member  536  such that any one of the center axes A, B, or C of outlet orifices  528   a ,  528   b , and  528   c  can be aligned with a center axis G of the nozzle passageway  520 . 
     Finger engaging wings  580  and  582  are formed on the actuator member  536  to allow the user to depress the actuator member  536  and spray the texture material within the container without getting texture material on the fingers. 
     The nozzle passageway identified by the reference character  530   a  in  FIG. 28  comprises a dog-leg portion  584  that allows a center axis G of the nozzle passageway  530   a  to be offset from a vertical center axis F of the stem portion  536  and the center axis D of the outlet member  526 . In  FIG. 30 , the nozzle passageway  530   b  is straight and the center axis D of the outlet member  526  is offset from the vertical center axis F of the stem portion  536 . In this case, the disc member  558   b  forming the outlet member  526  in  FIGS. 29 and 30  has a larger diameter than does the disc member  558   a  forming the outlet member  526  in  FIGS. 27 and 28 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 31A  and B, depicted at  600  therein is an aerosol device constructed in accordance with, and embodying, the principals of the present invention. The device  600  basically comprises an aerosol assembly  602  and an outlet assembly  604 . The aerosol assembly  602  is conventional and will be described below only briefly. 
     The aerosol assembly  602  comprises a container  606 , a valve assembly  608 , and an actuator member  610 . As is well known in the art, depressing the actuator member  610  moves the valve assembly  608  into its open position in which an exit passageway is defined from the interior to the exterior of the container  606 . This exit passageway terminates in a nozzle opening  612  formed in the actuator member  610 . 
     The outlet assembly  604  comprises a straw  614  and one or more constricting members  616 . The straw member  614  is adapted to fit into the nozzle opening  612  such that texture material exiting the aerosol portion  602  passes through a discharge opening  618  defined by the straw  614 . 
     The restricting sleeves  616  are adapted to fit onto the straw  614 . Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 31B , each of the constricting sleeves defines a sleeve passageway  620  into which the straw  614  is inserted. The sleeve passageways  620  each comprise a reduced diameter portion  622 . The straw  614  is made out of flexible material such that, when the straw is inserted into the sleeve passageway  620 , the reduced diameter portions  622  of the passageway  620  act on the straws  614  to create outlet portions  624  of the dispensing passageway  618  having different cross-sectional areas. Each of the outlet portions  624   a ,  624   b ,  624   c  defined as described above corresponds to a different texture pattern. 
     The outlet assembly  604  as described above thus results in at least four different texture patterns. One is formed by the straw  614  without any constricting sleeve mounted thereon, and three are formed by the different constricting sleeves  616   a ,  616   b , and  616   c  shown in  FIG. 31B . 
     Also, as shown in  FIG. 31A , the constricting sleeve  616  may be mounted on the end of the straw  614  as shown by solid lines or at a central location along the length of the straw  614  as shown by broken lines. 
     The aerosol device  600  thus employs an elongate discharge opening as formed by the straw  614  and provides constricting sleeves  616  that allow a cross-sectional area of the discharge opening  618  to be reduced, thereby allowing the device  600  to dispense texture material in a manner that forms different texture patterns. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 32 , depicted therein is an alternate outlet assembly  626  that may be used in place of the outlet assembly  604  described above. The outlet assembly  626  comprises a straw  628  and a constricting disc  630 . The straw  628  functions in a manner essentially the same as the straw  614  described above. The disc  630  defines three disc passageways  632   a ,  632   b , and  632   c  which function in the same basic manner as the passageways  620   a ,  620   b , and  620   c  described above. 
     The single constricting disc  630  thus performs essentially the same function as the three constricting sleeves  616   a ,  616   b , and  616   c  described above. A possible advantage to the outlet portion  626  is that it requires the fabrication and storage of only two parts (the straw  628  and the disc  630 ) rather than four parts (the straw  614  and the constricting sleeves  616   a ,  616   b , and  616   c ). 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 33A and 33B , depicted therein is yet another outlet assembly  634  that may be used instead of the outlet assembly  604  described above. 
     The outlet assembly  634  comprises a straw  636  and one or more constricting plugs  638 . The straw  636  is essentially the same as the straw  614  described above, although the straw  636  is preferably made out of more rigid material than that from which the straw  614  is made. 
     The straw  636  and plugs  638  define a discharge passageway  640  through which texture material must pass as it exits the aerosol portion  602 . The discharge passageway  640  comprises an outlet portion  642  defined by a central bore  644  formed in the plugs  638 . As shown in  FIG. 33B , the plugs  642   a ,  642   b , and  642   c  have bores  644   a ,  644   b , and  644   c  of different cross-sectional areas. As the outlet portions  642   a ,  642   b , and  642   c  of the exit passageway  640  are defined by the bores  644   a ,  644   b , and  644   c , these outlet portions also have different cross-sectional areas. The constricting plugs  638   a ,  638   b , and  638   c  are mounted on the straw  636  in a manner that allows the outlet portion  634  to be reconfigured to define an exit passageway at least a portion of which can be increased or decreased. This allows the outlet portion  634  to cause the texture material to be deposited on a surface in different patterns. 
     A number of mechanisms can be employed to mount the constricting plugs  638  on to the straw  636 . The exemplary configuration shown in  FIGS. 33A and 33B  employs a reduced diameter portion  646  adapted to fit snugly within a central bore  648  defined by the straw  636 . The tolerances of the reduced diameter portion  646  and the walls defining the bore  648 , along with the material from which the straw  636  and plug  638  are made, result in a friction fit that holds the constricting plug within the straw  636  as shown in  FIGS. 33A and 33B . 
     An external flange  650  is formed on each of the constricting plugs  638  primarily to facilitate removal of these plugs  638  from the straw  636  when different spray texture patterns are required. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 34A and 34B , depicted therein is yet another exemplary method of implementing the principles of the present invention. In particular, shown in  FIG. 34A  is yet another outlet assembly  652  adapted to be mounted on the aerosol assembly  602  in place of the outlet assembly  604  shown above. 
     In particular, the outlet assembly  652  comprises a straw  654  and a constricting disc  656 . The straw  654  is mounted onto the actuator member  610 , and the constricting disc  656  is mounted on a distal end of the straw  654 . 
     The straw  654  is similar in shape to the straw  614  described above and it is similar in both shape and function to the straw  636  described above. In particular, the straw  654  is made out of semi-rigid material that allows a pressure fit to be formed that will mechanically engage the straw  654  both to the actuator member  610  and to the constricting disc  656 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 34B , it can be seen that the constricting disc  656  has three holes  658   a ,  658   b , and  658   c  formed therein. These holes  658  have a wide diameter portion  660  and a reduced diameter portion  662 . As perhaps best shown in  FIG. 34A , the wide diameter portion is sized and dimensioned to receive the straw  654  to form a pressure fit that mounts the disc  656  onto the straw  654  in a manner that prevents inadvertent removal of the disc  656  from the straw  654 , but allows the disc  656  to be manually removed from the straw  654  when a different spray texture pattern is desired. 
     The reduced diameter portion  662  define an outlet portion  664  of a discharge passageway  666  defined by the outlet portion  652 . As can be seen from  FIG. 34B , each of the reduced diameter portions  662  has a different cross-sectional area, resulting in a different cross-sectional area of the outlet portion  664 . 
     The embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 34A  and  FIG. 34B  thus allows the formation of different texture patterns as described in more detail above. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 35 , depicted therein is yet another outlet portion  668  constructed in accordance with, and embodying, the principles of the present invention. This outlet portion  668  is similar to the portion  652  described above. The outlet portion  668  comprises a straw  670  that can be the same as the straw  654  described above and a constricting cylinder  672 . The constricting cylinder  672  is in many respects similar to the constricting disc  656  described above; the cylinder  672  has three holes formed therein, each having a large diameter portion adapted to form a pressure fit with the straw  670  and a reduced diameter portion for allowing a cross-sectional area of an outlet portion  674  of an exit passageway  676  to be selected. The primary difference between the cylinder  672  and the disc  656  is that the outlet portion  674  of the exit passageway  676  is elongated. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 36A and 36B , depicted therein is yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In particular,  FIGS. 36A and 36B  depict yet another exemplary outlet assembly  678  adapted to be mounted onto an aerosol assembly such as the aerosol assembly  602  described above. 
     The outlet assembly  678  comprises a straw  680 , a fixed member  682 , and a movable member  684 . The exit portion  678  defines a discharge passageway  686  that extends through the straw  680  and is defined by a first bore  688  defined by the fixed member  682  and a second bore  690  defined by the movable member  684 . 
     The fixed member  682  is mounted onto the end of the straw  680  using a pressure fit established in a manner similar to that formed between the cylindrical member  672  and straw  670  described above. The movable member  684  is mounted within the fixed member  682  such that the movable member  684  may be rotated about an axis  692  transverse to a dispensing axis  694  defined by the discharge passageway  686 . 
     As shown by a comparison of  FIGS. 36A and 36B , rotation of the movable member  684  relative to the fixed member  682  can alter an effective cross-sectional area of the discharge passageway  686 . By altering the discharge passageway in this manner, different texture patterns may be formed by the texture material being discharged through the discharge passageway  686 . Rather than providing a plurality of discrete cross-sectional areas, the outlet portion  678  allows a continuous variation in the size of the cross-sectional area of the exit passageway  686 . It should be noted that the discharge passageway  686  may be closed. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 37A and 37B , depicted therein is yet another example of a device incorporating the principles of the present invention. In particular, depicted in  FIG. 37A  is yet another discharge assembly  700  adapted to be mounted onto the actuator member  610  of the aerosol assembly  602 . 
     The discharge assembly  700  comprises a straw  702  and a plug disc  704 . The outlet portion  700  includes a discharge passageway  706  defined in part by the straw  702  and in part by one of a plurality of bores  708  formed in the plug disc  704 . In particular, as shown in  FIG. 37B  the plug disc  704  comprises a disc portion  710  and three plug portions  712   a ,  712   b , and  712   c . The bores  708  extend through the plug portions  712 . The plug portions  712  extend into a bore  714  defined by the straw  702  and form a pressure fit with the straw  702  that prevents inadvertent removal of the plug disc  704  from the straw  702  but allow the plug disc  704  to be manually removed when different spray texture patterns are desired. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 38A and 38B , depicted therein is yet another device embodying the principles of the present invention. In particular, shown therein is an outlet member  716  adapted to be substituted for the outlet assembly  704  described above. The outlet member  716  is similar in construction and operation to the plug disc  704  described above. But the outlet member  716  is adapted to connect directly onto the actuator member  610  of the aerosol portion  602 . The system shown in  FIGS. 38A and 38B  thus does not include a straw; a plurality of discharge passageways  718  are entirely formed by bores  720  formed in the discharge member  716 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 38B , the cross-sectional area of these bores  720   a ,  720   b , and  720   c  are different, resulting in discharge passageways  718   a ,  718   b , and  718   c  having different cross-sectional areas. 
     The discharge member  716  comprises a plate portion  722  and a plurality of plug portions  724  extending therefrom. The bores  720  extend through the plugs  724 , and outer surfaces  726  of the plugs are adapted to fit within the actuator member  610  such that texture material leaving the aerosol portion  602  passes through the discharge passageway  718  defined by one of the bores  720 . A selected one of the plugs  724  is inserted into the actuator member  610  depending on the texture pattern desired. 
     The embodiment shown in  FIGS. 38A and 38B  discloses a simple method of obtaining a plurality of texture patterns and includes a somewhat elongated discharge passageway. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 39A and 39B , depicted therein is yet another outlet assembly  728  adapted to be mounted onto the actuator member  610  of the aerosol device  602 . 
     The outlet assembly  728  comprises a fixed member  730 , a rotatable member  732 , and a plurality of straws  734 . The fixed member  730  has a plug portion  736  adapted to form a pressure fit with the actuator member  610  and a plate portion  738 . The rotatable member  732  comprises a cavity adapted to mate with the plate portion  738  of the fixed member  730  such that a plurality of bores  740  in the movable member  732  may be brought into alignment with a bore  742  formed in the plug portion  736 . This is accomplished by rotating the movable member  732  about an axis  744  relative to the fixed member  730 . Detents or other registration means can be provided to positively lock the movable member  732  relative to the fixed member  730  when the bores  740  are in alignment with the bore  742 . 
     Each of the bores  740  has an increased diameter portion  746  sized and dimensioned to receive one of the straws  734 . Each of the straws  734  has an internal bore  748 . 
     Texture material exiting the aerosol device  602  passes through a discharge passageway  750  formed by the bores  742 ,  740 , and  748 . Additionally, as perhaps best shown by  FIG. 39B , each of the bores  748   a ,  748   b , and  748   c  defined by the straws  734   a ,  734   b , and  734   c  has a different bore cross-sectional area. Accordingly, by rotating the movable member  732  relative to the fixed member  730 , a different one of the bores  748   a ,  748   b , and  748   c  can be arranged to form a part of the discharge passageway  750 . Thus, the outlet portion  728  allows the use of a plurality of straws, but does not require any of these straws to be removed and stored while one of the straws is in use. 
     The outlet portion  728  otherwise allows the selection of one of a plurality of texture patterns and does so using an elongate discharge passageway to provide the benefits described above. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 40 , depicted therein is yet another exemplary discharge assembly  752  constructed in accordance with, and embodying the principles of the present invention. The discharge assembly  752  is adapted to be mounted on a modified actuator member  754 . The actuator member  754  is similar to the actuator member  610  described above except that the member  754  comprises a cylindrical projection  756  formed thereon. The cylindrical projection  756  functions in a manner substantially similar to the fixed member  730  described above, but is integrally formed with the actuator member  754  to eliminate one part from the overall assembly. The discharge portion  752  comprises a cap  758  having a hollow cylindrical portion  760  and a plate portion  762 . The cylindrical portion  760  is adapted to mate with the cylindrical portion  756  such that the cap  758  rotates about an axis  764  relative to the actuator member  754 . Extending from the plate portion  762  is a plurality of straws  766 . 
     By rotating the cap  758  about the axis  764 , bores  768  of the straws  766  may be brought into registration with a portion  770  of an exit passageway  772 . The portion  770  of the exit passageway  772  extends through the cylindrical portion  756 . 
     Additionally, each of the bores  768  has a different cross-sectional area. A desired texture pattern may be selected by placing one of the straws  768  in registration with the passageway portion  770 . The overall effect is somewhat similar to that of the discharge portion  728 . While the discharge portion  752  eliminates one part as compared to the discharge portion  728 , the discharge portion  752  requires a specially made actuator member. In contrast, the discharge portion  728  uses a standard actuator member. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 41 , depicted therein is yet another discharge member  774  adapted to be mounted on the actuator member  610 . This system shown in  FIG. 42  is very similar to the system described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-18  in that, normally, a plurality of discharge members  774  will be sold with the aerosol portion  602 , each straw corresponding to a different texture pattern. 
     But with the discharge members or straws  774 , a bore  776  of each of the straws  774  will have the same cross-sectional area except at one location identified by reference character  778  in  FIG. 41 . At this location  778 , the straw  774  is pinched or otherwise deformed such that, at that location  778 , the cross-sectional area of the bore  776  is different for each of the straws. While the location  778  is shown approximately at the middle of the straw  774 , this location may be moved out towards the distal end of the straw  774  to obtain an effect similar to that shown and described in relation to  FIG. 31B . 
     The system shown in  FIG. 41  allows the manufacturer of the device to purchase one single size of straw and modify the standard straws to obtain straws that yield desirable texture patterns. This configuration may also be incorporated in a product where the end user forms the deformation  778  to match a preexisting pattern. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 42A and 42B , depicted therein is yet another discharge assembly  780  adapted to be mounted on an actuator member  782  that is substituted for the actuator member  610  described above. 
     The discharge assembly  780  comprises a flexible straw  784 , a rigid hollow cylinder  786 , and a tensioning plate  788 . The straw  784  is securely attached at one end to the actuator member  782  and at its distal end to the tensioning plate  788 . A central bore  790  defined by the straw  784  is in communication with a bore  792  formed in the tensioning plate  788 . Thus, texture material flowing out of the aerosol portion  602  passes through the bores  790  and  792 , at which point it is deposited on the surface being coated. 
     The outer cylinder  786  is mounted onto the actuator member  782  such that it spaces the tensioning plate  788  in one of a plurality of fixed distances from the actuator member  782 . More specifically, extending from the tensioning plate  788  are first and second tabs  794  and  796 . Formed on the cylinder  786  are rows of teeth  798  and  800 . Engaging portions  802  and  804  on the tabs  794  and  796  are adapted to engage the teeth  798  and  800  to hold the tensioning plate  788  at one of the plurality of locations along the cylinder  786 . 
     As the tensioning plate moves away from the actuator member  782  (compare  FIGS. 42A and 42B ), the resilient straw  784  becomes stretched, thereby decreasing the cross-sectional area of the bore  790  formed therein. By lifting on the tab  794  and  796 , the engaging portions  802  and  804  can be disengaged from the teeth  798  and  800  to allow the tensioning plate  788  to move back towards the actuator member  782 . By this process, the cross-sectional area of the bore  790  defined by the flexible straw  784  can be varied to obtain various desired texture patterns. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 43A and 43B , depicted therein is an output assembly  810  adapted to be mounted on an actuator member  812 . The actuator member  812  functions in the same basic manner as the actuator member  610  described above but has been adapted to allow the discharge assembly  810  to be mounted thereon. 
     In particular, the discharge portion  810  comprises a straw  814  and a tensioning cylinder  816 . The straw  814  is flexible and is connected at one end to the actuator member  812  and a distal end to the tensioning cylinder  816 . The tensioning cylinder  816  is threaded to mount on a spacing cylinder  818  integrally formed with the actuator member  812 . 
     When the tensioning cylinder  816  is rotated about its longitudinal axis, the threads thereon engage the threads on the spacing cylinder  818  to cause the tensioning cylinder  816  to move towards and away from the actuator member  812 . Additionally, as the ends of the straw  814  are securely attached to the actuator member and the tensioning cylinder, rotation of the tensioning cylinder  816  causes the straw  814  to twist as shown in  FIG. 43B . This twisting reduces the cross-sectional area of a central bore  820  defined by the straw  814  and thus allows texture material passing through this bore  820  to be applied in different texture patterns. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 44 , depicted therein is yet another exemplary discharge assembly  822 . This discharge portion  822  is adapted to be mounted on an actuator member  824 . The actuator member  824  performs the same basic functions as the actuator member  610  described above but has been adapted to direct fluid passing therethrough upwardly rather than laterally. To facilitate this, the actuator member  824  comprises first and second gripping portions  826  and  828  sized and dimensioned to allow the user to pull down on the actuator member  824  while holding the aerosol portion  602  in an upright position. The actuator member  824  further comprises an upper surface  830 . An exit passageway  832  at least partially defined by the actuator member  824  terminates at the upper surface  830 . 
     The discharge assembly  822  comprises a mounting cap  834  adapted to be attached to the actuator member  824  such that a plurality of bores  836  in the cap  834  can be brought into registration with the exit passageway  832 . Mounted on the mounting cap  834  are a plurality of straws  838  having central bores  840  of different cross-sectional areas. These straws  838  are mounted onto the mounting cap  834  such that the bores  840  are in communication with a corresponding one of the bores  836  formed in the mounting cap  834 . By rotating the mounting cap  834  relative to the actuator member  824 , one of the central bores  840  is brought into registration with the exit passageway portion  832  such that texture material passing through the exit passageway  832  exits the system through the aligned central bore  840 . Each of the straws  838  thus corresponds to a different texture pattern, and the desired texture pattern may be selected by aligning an appropriate central bore  840  with the exit passageway  832 . 
     The system shown in  FIG. 44  is particularly suited for the application of texture material in a desired pattern onto a ceiling surface or the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 45 , depicted therein is an output portion  842  designed to apply texture material at an angle between vertical and horizontal. This discharge portion  842  is adapted to be mounted on an actuator member  844 . The actuator member  844  functions in a manner similar to the actuator member  824  described above. In particular, the actuator member has a canted surface  846  that is angled with respect to both horizontal and vertical. An exit passageway  848  defined by the actuator member  844  terminates at the canted surface  846 . 
     The discharge portion  842  comprises a mounting cap  850  and a plurality of straws  852  mounted on the cap  850 . Each of these straws defines a center bore  854 . The cross-sectional areas of the central bores  854  are all different and thus allowed the formation of different texture patterns. 
     The mounting cap  850  has a plurality of bores  856  formed therein, with each bore  856  having a corresponding straw  852 . Additionally, the bores  856  are spaced from each other such that rotation of the mounting cap  850  relative to the actuator member  854  aligns one of the bores  856 , and thus the central bore  854  of one of the straws  852  such that texture material exiting the aerosol portion  602  passes through a selected central bore  854  of one of the straws  852 . 
     The system shown in  FIG. 45  is particularly suited for applying texture material to an upper portion of a wall. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 46 , depicted therein is yet another exemplary output assembly  854  that may be mounted onto an actuator member such as the actuator member  610  recited above. 
     The actuator assembly  854  comprises three straw members  856  each having a central bore  858 . These straw members  856  are joined together to form an integral unit, but are spaced from each other as shown at  860  in  FIG. 46  to allow them to be mounted onto an actuator member such as the actuator member  610 . 
     The cross-sectional areas of the bores  858   a ,  858   b , and  858   c  are different, and different spray texture patterns may be obtained by inserting one of the straws into the actuator member such that texture material flows through central bore  858  associated therewith. In this context, it should be apparent that the output portion  854  is used in the same basic manner as the plurality of straws described in relation to  FIGS. 1-18 , but decreases the likelihood that unused straws will be lost when not in use. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 47 , depicted therein are a plurality of central bore configurations that may be employed in place of the cylindrical configurations described above. For example, shown at  862  is a structure  864  defining a square central bore  866 . This bore  866  may be square along its entire length or may be made square only at the end portion thereof to reduce the cross-sectional area through which the texture material must pass as it is dispensed. 
     Shown at  868  is yet another structure  870  defining a bore  872  having a triangular cross section. Shown at  874  is a structure  876  having a bore  878  configured in a rectangular shape. At  880  in  FIG. 47  is shown yet another structure  882  that defines a bore  884  having an oval configuration. 
     Bores such as the bores  878  and  884  described above that are wider than they are tall may, in addition to defining a certain cross-sectional area, also create desirable spray characteristics such as a fan shape. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 48 , depicted therein is yet another output portion  886  adapted to be mounted on the actuator member  610 . The output portion  886  comprises a straw  888  and a box member  890 . The straw  888  is connected at one end to the actuator member  610  such that texture material exiting the actuator member  610  passes through a central bore  892  defined by the straw  888 . The box member  890  is attached to the distal end of the straw  888 . 
     The box member  890  defines a chamber  894  through which texture material must pass before it passes through a discharge opening  896 . The chamber  894  acts as a pressure accumulator that will smooth out any variations in pressure in the texture material as it is dispensed through the opening  896 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 49 , there is a discharge member or straw  900  adapted to be mounted on the actuator member  610 . The discharge straw  900  defines a central bore  902  through which texture material must pass as it exits the actuator member  610 . The straw member  900  is curved such that the texture material leaving the bore  902  moves at an angle relative to both horizontal and vertical. From the discussion of the other embodiments above, it should be clear that a plurality of curved straws such as the straw  900  may be provided each having an internal bore with a different cross-sectional area. This would allow the texture material not only to be applied upwardly with the aerosol portion  602  being held upright but would allow different spray texture patterns to be applied. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 50 , depicted at  904  therein is a discharge member or straw similar to the straw  900  described above. The difference between the straw  904  and the straw  900  is that the straw  904  is curved approximately 90° such that the texture material passing through a central bore  906  thereof is substantially parallel to vertical as it leaves the straw  904 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 51 , depicted therein is an aerosol assembly  910  constructed in accordance with, and embodying, the principles of the present invention. This assembly  910  comprises a main aerosol container  912 , a secondary container  914 , a conduit  916  allowing fluid communication between the containers  912  and  914 , and a valve  918  arranged to regulate the flow of fluid through the conduit  916 . 
     The main container  912  is similar to a conventional aerosol container as described above except that it has an additional port  920  to which the conduit  916  is connected. The secondary container  914  is adapted to contain a pressurized fluid such as air or nitrogen. The pressurized fluid is preferably inert. 
     The compressed fluid within the secondary container  914  is allowed to enter the primary container  912  to force texture material out of the main container  912 . The valve  918  controls the amount of pressure applied on the texture material by the compressed fluid within the secondary container  914 . 
     Thus, rather than relying on an internally provided propellant gas to stay at a desired pressure associated with a consistent spray texture pattern, an external gas source is applied with a valve to ensure that the pressure remains at its desired level while the texture material is being dispensed. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 52 , depicted at  1020  therein is an aerosol assembly for applying texture material onto a wall surface constructed in accordance with, and embodying, the principles of the present invention. The aerosol assembly  1020  and the texture material dispensed thereby are in most respects similar to other embodiments that have been described above and will be described herein only to the extent necessary for a complete understanding of the present invention. 
     The primary difference between the aerosol assembly  1020  and the other aerosol assemblies described above is the manner in which texture material leaves the assembly  1020 . The aerosol assembly  1020  comprises an outlet assembly that can be adjusted to dispense texture material in a manner that allows the user to match existing texture patterns. 
     As perhaps best shown in  FIG. 53 , the outlet assembly  1022  comprises an actuator member  1024 , and outlet member  1026 , and an adjustment member  1028 . 
     The actuator member  1024  defines an actuator passageway  1030 , and the outlet member  1026  defines an outlet passageway  1032 . The actuator passageway  1030  and the outlet passageway  1032  define a portion of a dispensing path  1034  through which texture material passes as it is dispensed from the aerosol assembly  1020 . More specifically, the actuator passageway  1030  comprises an actuator inlet opening  1036  and an actuator outlet opening  1038 . The outlet passageway  1032  similarly comprises an inlet portion  1040  and an outlet opening  1042 . The outlet member  1026  is arranged relative to the actuator member  1024  such that the actuator outlet opening  1038  is arranged within the inlet portion  1040  of the outlet passageway  1032 . 
     The actuator member  1024  comprises a stem portion  1044  that is received within the aerosol assembly  1020  such that texture material released from the aerosol assembly  1020  enters the actuator passageway  1030  through the actuator inlet opening  1036 , exits this actuator passageway  1030  through the actuator outlet opening  1038  into the outlet passageway  1032 , and then exits this outlet passageway  1032  through the outlet opening  1042 . 
     With the basic flow of texture material through the outlet assembly  1022  in mind, the specific operation of this outlet assembly  1022  will now be described in more detail. 
     As discussed above and is now generally known in the art of applying texture material, the pattern formed by the texture material as it is deposited onto a wall can be changed by changing the effective cross-sectional area of the last opening through which the texture material passes as it exits the dispensing system. In the invention embodied in the aerosol assembly  1020 , the texture material last passes through the outlet opening  1042  described above. The outlet assembly  1022  is configured to allow the cross-sectional area of the outlet opening  1042  to be altered simply by axially displacing the adjustment member  1028  relative to the actuator member  1024  and outlet member  1026 . 
     In particular, the outlet member  1026  is formed of a resilient, compressible material such as natural or synthetic rubber. The exemplary outlet member  1026  is in the form of a hollow cylinder. The effective cross-sectional area of the outlet opening  1042  can thus be changed by deforming, or in this case squeezing, the outlet member  1026 . The actuator member  1024  and adjustment member  1028  are designed to interact to deform or squeeze the outlet member  1026  and thereby decrease the effective cross-sectional area of the outlet opening  1042  from a predetermined initial configuration. 
     Referring back for a moment to  FIG. 52 , it can be seen that the actuator member  1024  comprises a plurality of actuator fingers  1046 A-E that generally extend along a dispensing axis  1048  defined by the outlet member  1026 . Two of these fingers,  1046 A and  1046 D, are shown in  FIG. 53 .  FIG. 53  shows these fingers in an initial configuration in which inner wall  1050  of the finger  1046 A is generally parallel to the dispensing axis  1048 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 54 , these inner wall surfaces  1050  are generally arcuate and, together, define a cylinder of approximately the same dimensions as an outer surface  1052  of the outlet member  1026 .  FIG. 53  shows that the actuator fingers  1046  define outer surface portions  1054  and  1056 . These outer surface portions  1054  and  1056  are also shown in  FIG. 52 . 
     The outer surface portions  1054  and  1056  of the actuator fingers  1046  are curved and slanted such that they together define a conical shape that is coaxially aligned with the dispensing axis  1048 . More specifically, the outer surface portions  1054  define a conical surface that is at a first angle α with a respect to the dispensing axis  1048 , while the outer surface portions  1056  define a conical shape that extends at a second angle β with a respect to the dispensing axis  1048 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 53A , depicted therein is a sectional view of the adjustment member  1028 . The adjustment member  1028  comprises a generally cylindrical exterior wall  1058  and an interior wall  1060 . This interior wall  1060  comprises a threaded portion  1062 , a generally cylindrical portion  1064 , and a frustaconical portion  1066 . The interior wall  1060  defines an adjustment passageway  1068 . 
     The adjustment member  1028  further defines an annular front surface  1070 . An adjustment edge  1072  is defined at the juncture of the annular front surface  1070  and the frustaconical portion  1066  of the interior wall  1060 . 
     Referring for a moment back to  FIGS. 52 and 53 , it can be seen that the actuator member  1024  has a threaded surface portion  1074  that is coaxially aligned with the dispensing axis  1048 . 
     As is perhaps best shown by comparing  FIGS. 53 and 54  with  FIGS. 55 and 56 , the cross-sectional area of the outlet opening  1042  can be changed as follows. Initially, the outlet member  1026  is attached to the actuator member  1024  with the longitudinal axis of the outlet member  1026  aligned with the dispensing axis  1048 . In the exemplary outlet assembly  1022 , the outlet member  1026  is received within a groove  1076  that extends into the actuator member  1024  in a direction opposite that of the acuator fingers  1046 . Adhesives may be used to further secure the outlet member  1026  to the actuator member  1024 . 
     With the outlet member  1026  so attached to the actuator member  1024 , the actuator fingers  1046  extend along a substantial portion of the outlet member  1026  and overlap a substantial portion of the outer surface  1052  of the outlet member  1026 . 
     The adjustment member  1028  is then attached to the actuator member  1024  by engaging the threaded surface portions  1062  and  1074  and rotating the adjustment member  1028  about the dispensing axis  1048 . Further rotation of the adjustment member  1028  will displace this member relative to the actuator member  1024  such that the adjustment edge  1072  of the adjustment member  1028  engages the outer surfaces  1056  defined by the actuator fingers  1046 . 
     Rotating the adjustment member  1028  still further causes the adjustment edge  1072  to act on the outer surfaces  1056  such that, as shown in  FIG. 55 , the actuator fingers  1046  are deformed and moved from their original positions to one in which they are angled slightly towards the dispensing axis  1048 . The actuator fingers  1046  in turn act on the outlet member  1026  to pinch the end thereof such that, as perhaps best shown by comparing  FIGS. 54 and 56 , the outlet opening  1042  has a substantially smaller cross-sectional area. 
     The outlet assembly  1022  is infinitely and continuously adjustable between the positions shown in  FIGS. 53 and 55 , but a system may be provided to direct the user to certain predetermined positions that correspond to common, standard, or preexisting texture patterns. For example, simply marking the outer surface of the actuator member  1024  and/or adjustment member  1028  may be enough to indicate at what point the relationship between the actuator member  1024  and adjustment member  1028  is such that a given texture pattern will be obtained. Another way to accomplish this is to provide projections and depressions on adjacent surfaces such that the actuator member  1024  positively snaps into place at desired locations. But even without means to indicate desired relative locations between the adjustment member  1028  and the actuator member  1024 , the user may simply adjust and spray on a test surface several times until the texture pattern obtained by the aerosol assembly  1020  matches that of the preexisting pattern. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 57 and 58 , yet another exemplary outlet assembly is depicted at  1080  therein. The outlet assembly  1080  is used and operates in much the same way as the outlet assembly  1022  described above; the outlet assembly  1080  will thus be described herein only to the extent that it differs in construction from the outlet assembly  1022 . 
     The outlet assembly  1080  comprises an actuator member  1082 , an outlet member  1084 , an adjustment block  1086 , and an adjustment cap  1088 . In this outlet assembly  1080 , fingers  1090  that engage the outlet member  1084  in a manner similar to that of the actuator fingers  1046  described above are formed on the adjustment block  1086  rather than the actuator member  1082 . The adjustment cap  1088  is threaded to engage the actuator member  1082  to displace the adjustment block  1086  relative to the actuator member  1082 . 
     Accordingly, simply by rotating the adjustment cap  1088 , the adjustment block  1086  is moved forward relative to the actuator member  1082 . The actuator member  1082  defines an actuator edge  1092  that acts on the fingers  1090  to deform the outlet member  1084  and thus change a cross-sectional area of an outlet opening  1094  defined by the outlet member  1084 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 59 and 60 , depicted therein is yet another exemplary outlet assembly  1100  that may be used in place of the outlet assembly  1022  described above. The outlet assembly  1100  comprises an actuator member  1102 , an outlet member  1104 , an adjustment sleeve  1106 , and adjustment cap  1108 . The actuator member  1102  is similar to the actuator member  1024  described above except that the actuator member  1102  is not threaded. Instead, the adjustment sleeve  1106  fits over the actuator member  1102  and engages the adjustment cap  1108  such that rotating the adjustment cap  1108  slides the adjustment sleeve  1106  from an initial configuration shown in  FIG. 59  to a retracted configuration shown in  FIG. 60 . 
     The adjustment sleeve  1106  defines an adjustment edge  1110 . The actuator member  1102  comprises a plurality of finger portions  1112 . The outlet member  1104  terminates in an outlet opening  1114 . 
     The adjustment edge  1110  engages the finger portions  1112  as the adjustment cap  1108  is rotated to move the adjustment sleeve  1106  between the positions shown in  FIGS. 59 and 60 . In particular, as the adjustment sleeve  1106  is pulled back towards the adjustment cap  1108  by the engagement of mating threaded portions on the members  1106  and  1108 , the adjustment edge  1110  engages the finger portions  1112  and deforms the free ends of these finger portions  1112  towards each other. As shown by comparison of  FIGS. 59 and 60 , the movement of the fingers  1112  towards each other squeezes or deforms the end of the outlet member  1104 . The cross-sectional area of the outlet opening  1114  defined by the outlet member  1104  is thus changed. As the adjustment edge  1110  moves relative to the finger portions  1112 , the outlet opening  1114  passes the adjustment edge  1110 . 
     The adjustment sleeve  1106  and adjustment cap  1108  thus form an adjustment assembly or means that acts on the actuator member  1102  to deform the outlet member  1104  and thus change the cross-sectional area of the outlet opening  1114 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 61 through 63 , depicted therein at  1120  as yet another outlet assembly that may be used instead of the outlet assembly  1022  with the aerosol assembly  1020  described above. 
     The outlet assembly  1120  comprises an actuator member  1122  and an outlet assembly  1124 . 
     The actuator member  1122  is or may be conventional. In this respect, it is noteworthy that the actuator member  1122  defines an actuator passageway  1126  having an inlet portion  1128  and an outlet portion  1130 . The outlet portion  1130  comprises a reduced diameter portion  1132  and an increased diameter portion  1134 . The increased diameter portion  1134  engages the outlet assembly  1124  as will be described in further detail below. 
     The outlet assembly  1124  comprises a first outlet member  1136 , a second outlet member  1138 , and a third outlet member  1140 . As perhaps best shown in  FIG. 63 , the first outlet member  1136  defines a first outlet passageway  1142 , the second outlet member  1138  defines a second outlet passageway  1144 , and the third outlet member  1140  defines a third outlet passageway  1146 . 
     A comparison of  FIGS. 61, 62, and 63  illustrates that the outlet assembly  1124  can take any one of three major configurations. The first configuration is shown in  FIG. 61 , in which an outlet opening  1148  of the outlet assembly  1124  has a first predetermined cross-sectional area. In a second configuration shown in  FIG. 62 , the outlet opening  1148  has a second predetermined cross-sectional area. And in a third configuration shown in  FIG. 63 , the outlet opening  1148  has a third predetermined cross-sectional area. 
     The outlet opening  1148  is changed by telescoping the outlet members  1136 ,  1138  and  1140  relative to each other. More specifically, the first outlet member  1136  is somewhat longer than the outlet members  1138  and  1140 . This extra length allows an end of the first outlet member  1136  to be inserted into the increased diameter portion  1134  of the outlet portion  1130  of the actuator passageway  1126 . A friction fit is formed between the first outlet member  1136  and the actuator member  1122  to affix the outlet assembly  1124  relative to the actuator member  1122 . Adhesives may also be employed to strengthen the attachment of the outlet assembly  1124  to the actuator member  1122 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 61 , in the first configuration the first outlet member  1136  is substantially within the second outlet passageway  1144  defined by the second outlet member  1138  and the second outlet member  1138  is within the third outlet passageway  1146  defined by the third outlet member  1148 . 
     To place the outlet assembly  1124  into the second configuration, the second and third outlet members are displaced away from the actuator member  1122  such that the first outlet member  1136  is substantially withdrawn from the second outlet passageway  1144 . 
     To prevent the second and third outlet members  1138  and  1140  from sliding completely off the first outlet member  1136 , a plurality of stop rings are formed on these outlet members  1136 ,  1138  and  1140 . In particular, a first stop ring  1150  is formed on an outer surface  1152  of the first outlet member  1136 . A second stop ring  1154  is formed on an inner surface  1156  defined by the second outlet member  1138 . A third stop ring  1158  is formed on an outer surface  1160  of the second outlet member  1138 . And finally, a fourth stop ring  1162  is formed on an inner surface  1164  of the third outlet member  1140 . 
     In the exemplary outlet assembly  1124 , the outlet members  1136 ,  1138 , and  1140  are generally cylindrical. The diameters of the surfaces  1152 ,  1156 ,  1160 , and  1164  as well as the stop rings  1150 ,  1154 ,  1158 , and  1162  are determined such that the various outlet members  1136 ,  1138 , and  1140  may slide relative to each other until the stop rings engage each other to prevent further relative movement in a given direction. In particular, the first stop ring  1150  engages the second stop ring  1154  when the outlet assembly  1124  is in its second configuration. When the outlet assembly  1124  is in its third configuration, the first and second stop rings  1150  and  1154  engage each other as do the third and fourth stop rings  1158  and  1162 . 
     As is shown by a comparison of  FIGS. 61, 62, and 63 , the point at which the texture material leaves the outlet assembly  1120 , identified as the outlet opening  1148 , is defined in the first configuration by the first outlet member  1136 , in the second configuration by the second outlet member  1138 , and in the third configuration by the third outlet member  1140 . In the first configuration, the texture material simply passes directly through the first outlet passageway  1142  and out of the outlet assembly  1120 . 
     In the second configuration, the texture material flows through the narrower first outlet passageway  1142  and then into the wider second outlet passageway  1144  and then through the outlet opening  1148 . This larger outlet passageway  1144  allows the texture material to form into larger discreet portions and thus form a rougher texture pattern than in the first configuration. 
     In the third configuration the texture material passes through the first and second outlet passageways  1142  and  1144  and then the third outlet passageway  1146 . Again, this third outlet passageway  1146  allows the texture material to form even larger portions which create an even rougher texture pattern than that created by the outlet assembly  1120  in its second configuration. The result is that three different texture patterns may be formed using the outlet assembly  1120 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 64-67 , depicted therein is yet another exemplary outlet assembly that may be used with the aerosol assembly  1120  described above in place of the outlet assembly  1124 . The outlet assembly  1170  comprises an actuator member  1172 , an outlet member  1174 , and an adjustment assembly  1176 . The outlet assembly  1170  allows the cross-sectional area of an outlet opening  1178  defined by the outlet member  1174  to be varied. 
     In particular, as shown in  FIG. 66 , the actuator member  1172  is generally conventional in that it defines an actuator passageway  1180  that forms part of a dispensing path  1182  along which texture material traverses as it is dispensed from the aerosol assembly. The texture material exits the outlet assembly  1170  along a dispensing axis  1184 ; the dispensing axis  1184  is aligned with a portion of the dispensing path  1182 . 
     The outlet member  1174  defines an outlet passageway  1186 ; in the exemplary outlet assembly  1170 , the outlet member  1174  is a cylindrical member made of resilient material. When undeformed, the outlet passageway  1186  is also cylindrical and defines an outlet opening  1178 . The undeformed configuration is shown in  FIGS. 64, 65 and 66 . 
     Operation of the adjustment assembly  1176  acts on the outlet member  1174  to deform this outlet member  1174  and thereby change the shape of the outlet passageway  1186  and thus the outlet opening  1178 . In particular, the adjustment assembly  1176  comprises a clamp member  1188  and a screw member  1190 . 
     The clamp member  1188  comprises a base portion  1192  from which extends a bracing finger  1194  and first and second clamping fingers  1196  and  1198 . The clamp member  1188  may be formed from a material such as plastic that is resilient and thus may be deformed from an original configuration but which tends to spring back to its original configuration. Alternatively, the clamp member  1188  may be formed of a non-springy material and provided with a compression spring that forces the clamping fingers  1196  and  1198  apart. 
     The clamp fingers  1196  and  1198  define clamp portions  1200  and  1202 . These clamp portions  1200  and  1202  are angled with respect to each other so that, when they engage the outlet member  1174 , they push the outlet member  1174  against the bracing finger  1194 . 
     The clamp fingers  1196  and  1198  are sufficiently resilient that they may be forced together as shown by comparing  FIGS. 65 and 67 . When they are forced together as shown, the outlet member  1174  is deformed such that the shape and/or cross-sectional area of the outlet opening  1178  is changed. Changing this outlet opening  1178 , in shape and/or in size, changes the spray pattern in the texture material is applied and thus allows the user to match a preexisting texture pattern. 
     To facilitate the pinching together of the clamp fingers  1196  and  1198 , the screw member  1190  is passed through the clamp finger  1196  and threaded into the clamp member  1198 . Turning the screw member  1190  in one direction pulls the clamp fingers  1196  and  1198  towards each other, while turning the screw member  1190  in the other direction allows these clamp fingers  1196  and  1198  to move away from each other. Alternatively, the screw member  1190  may pass through both of the clamp fingers  1196  and  1198  and be threaded into a nut such that rotation of the screw member  1190  relative to the nut moves the clamp fingers  1196  and  1198 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 68 and 69  depicted therein is a portion of yet another exemplary outlet assembly  1220  embodying the principles of the present invention. The outlet assembly  1220  includes an actuator member (not shown) and operates in a manner similar to that of the outlet assembly  1170  described above. 
     The outlet assembly  1220  comprises an actuator member (not shown in  FIGS. 68 and 69 ), an outlet member  1222 , and an adjustment assembly  1224 . The outlet assembly  1220  allows the cross-sectional area of an outlet opening  1226  defined by the outlet member  1222  to be varied as shown by a comparison of  FIGS. 68 and 69 . 
     In particular, the exemplary outlet member  1222  is a cylindrical member that is made of resilient, deformable material. When the outlet member  1222  is undeformed, the outlet member  1222  defines a cylindrical outlet passageway  1228  which terminates at the outlet opening  1226 . The undeformed configuration is shown in  FIG. 68 . 
     Operation of the adjustment assembly  1224  deforms the outlet member  1222  to change the shape of the outlet passageway  1228  and thus the outlet opening  1226 . In particular, the adjustment assembly  1224  comprises first and second clamp fingers  1230  and  1232 , a brace finger  1234 , and a screw member  1236 . The brace finger  1234  is fixed and braces a portion of the outlet member  1222 . The clamp fingers  1230  and  1232  move relative to the outlet member  1222  to pinch a portion of the outlet member  1222  that is opposite the portion braced by the brace finger  1234 . In particular, the screw member  1236  is threaded through the clamp fingers  1230  and  1232  such that axial rotation of the screw member  1236  cause the clamp fingers  1230  and  1232  to move relative to each other. 
     The adjustment assembly  1224  thus allows the cross-sectional area of the outlet opening  1226  to be changed to adjust the spray pattern of the texture material passing through the outlet passageway  1228 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 70, 71, and 72 , depicted therein is a portion of yet another exemplary outlet assembly  1250  constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The outlet assembly  1250  includes an actuator member (not shown) constructed in a manner similar to that of the actuator member  1172  on the outlet assembly  1170  described above. 
     The outlet assembly  1250  comprises an outlet member  1252  and an adjusting assembly  1254 . The outlet member  1252  is a hollow cylindrical member that defines an outlet opening  1258  and an outlet passageway  1256 . Texture material exits the outlet assembly  1250  through the outlet opening  1258 . The outlet member  1252  is also flexible and may be deformed as shown by a comparison of  FIGS. 70 and 72  to vary the shape and cross-sectional area of the outlet opening  1258 . 
     The adjustment assembly  1254  comprises a collar member  1260  and a roller member  1262 . The collar member  1260  comprises a collar portion  1264  that extends at least partly around the outlet member  1252 , first and second roller support flanges  1266  and  1268 , and first and second bracing fingers  1270  and  1272 . The roller support flanges  1266  and  1268  and bracing fingers  1270  and  1272  extend from the collar portion  1264  and are generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the outlet member  1252 . 
     First and second roller slots  1274  and  1276  are formed one in each of the roller support flanges  1266  and  1268 . These roller slots  1274  and  1276  receive portions  1278  and  1280  that extend from, and along the axis of, the roller member  1262 . Only one of the portions  1278  and  1280  may be used. The roller slots  1274  and  1276  and pins  1278  and  1280  interact such that the roller member  1262  can move between a first position shown by solid lines in  FIG. 71  and a second position shown by broken lines in  FIG. 71 . 
     The roller slots  1274  and  1276  are angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the outlet member  1252 . Accordingly, as the roller member  1262  moves between the first and second positions, the roller member  1262  moves closer to the center axis of the outlet member  1252 . 
     The bracing fingers  1270  and  1272  support the outlet member  1252  on the opposite side of the roller member  1262 . Thus, as the roller member  1262  moves closer to the outlet member center axis, the roller member  1262  presses the outlet member  1252  against the bracing fingers  1270  and  1272 . This deforms the outlet member  1252 , resulting in the different configurations of the outlet opening  1258 , as shown by comparing  FIGS. 70 and 72 . Changing the length and angle of the roller slots  1274  and  1276  changes the amount of deformation of the outlet member  1252 . 
     A plurality of stop notches  1282  are formed on an upper edge of the roller slots  1274  and  1276 . The resilient outlet member  1252  opposes the force applied by the roller member  1262  such that the pins  1278  and  1280  are forced into pairs of the stop notches  1282 . The exemplary stop notches  1282  define four predetermined positions of the roller member  1262  and thus correspond to four different configurations of outlet openings  1258 . 
     The bracing fingers  1270  and  1272  can be the same shape or differently shaped as shown in  FIGS. 70 and 72  to affect the shape of the outlet opening  1258  as the outlet member  1252  is deformed by the roller member  1262 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 73-76  depicted at  1320  is yet another outlet assembly constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The outlet assembly  1320  comprises an actuator member  1322 , an outlet member  1324 , and an adjustment member  1326 . The actuator member  1322  is designed to be mounted onto a valve assembly of an aerosol container (not shown) and defines an actuator passageway  1328  through which texture material is dispensed. A threaded external surface portion  1330  is formed on the actuator member  1322 . 
     The outlet member  1324  comprises a collar portion  1332  and a plurality of outlet fingers  1334  that are perhaps best shown in  FIGS. 73 and 75 . The outlet fingers  1334  define an outlet passageway  1336  and an outlet opening  1338 . The collar portion  1332  of the outlet member  1324  is mounted to the actuator member  1322  such that the texture material passes through the outlet passageway  1336  after it leaves the actuator passageway  1328 . The texture material is dispensed through the outlet opening  1338 . 
     The adjustment member  1326  comprises an annular portion  1340  and a frustoconical engaging portion  1342 . The annular portion  1340  is threaded to mate with the threaded exterior surface portion  1330  of the actuator member  1322 . With the annular portion  1340  threaded onto the threaded exterior surface portion  1330 , the frustoconical engaging portion  1342  surrounds at least a portion of the outlet fingers  1334 . 
     By rotating the adjustment member  1326  about its longitudinal axis, the threaded exterior surface portion  1330  acts on the threaded annular portion  1340  to cause the adjustment member  1326  to move in either direction along its axis. When the adjustment member  1326  moves to the left in  FIGS. 74 and 76 , its frustoconical engaging portion  1342  acts on the outlet fingers  1334  to reduce the cross-sectional area of the outlet opening  1338 . Moving the adjustment member  1326  to the right allows the outlet fingers  1334  to separate and increases the cross-sectional area of the outlet opening  1338 . The differences in the cross-sectional area of the outlet opening  1338  are perhaps best shown by a comparison of  FIGS. 73 and 75 . 
     The exemplary outlet member  1324  is formed of a somewhat flexible cylindrical member in which a plurality of cuts or slits are formed to define the outlet fingers  1334 . When acted on by the adjustment member  1326 , the outlet fingers overlap slightly as shown at  1344  in  FIGS. 73 and 75 ; this overlap increases to obtain the smaller cross-sectional area outlet opening of  FIG. 75 . An alternative would be to form wider slots in the outlet member such that the outlet fingers do not overlap; as the adjustment member exerts more pressure on the outlet fingers, the gaps therebetween would decrease, and the effective cross-sectional area of the outlet opening would correspondingly decrease. 
     In either case, the outlet assembly  1320  allows the cross-sectional area of the outlet opening  1338  to be changed, which in turn changes the spray pattern of the texture material and the corresponding texture pattern formed by the deposit of this texture material. 
     The actuator member  1322  and outlet member  1324  may be formed separately or molded as a single part out of, for example, nylon. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 77 and 78 , depicted at  1350  therein is a portion of yet another exemplary outlet assembly constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The outlet assembly  1350  is similar to the outlet assembly  1320  described above and will only be described to the extent that it differs from the assembly  1320 . 
     The outlet assembly  1350  comprises an actuator member (not shown), an outlet member  1352 , and an adjustment member  1354 . The adjustment member  1354  is constructed and engages the actuator member in the same manner as the adjustment member  1326  of the outlet assembly  1320  described above. The outlet member  1352  is a single sheet of flexible material rolled such that two edges overlap as shown at  1356  in  FIGS. 77 and 78 . 
     More specifically, the edges of the outlet member overlap slightly, as shown in  FIG. 77 , when the adjustment member  1354  is farthest from the actuator member. In this configuration, the outlet member  1352  defines an outlet opening  1358  having a relatively large cross-sectional area. By rotating the adjustment member  1354  such that it moves towards the actuator member, the adjustment member  1354  acts on the outlet member  1352  such that the edges thereof overlap to a greater degree as shown at  1356  in  FIG. 78 . When this occurs, the cross-sectional area of the outlet opening  1358  is substantially reduced through a continuum of cross-sectional areas. The outlet assembly  1350  thus allows the outlet opening  1358  to be varied to vary the spray pattern obtained and thus the texture pattern in which the texture material is deposited. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 79 and 80 , depicted therein is yet another outlet assembly  1400  constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The outlet assembly  1400  is designed to dispense texture material in one of three discrete texture patterns. 
     The outlet assembly  1400  comprises an actuator member  1402  and an adjustment member  1404 . The actuator member  1402  is adapted to engage a valve assembly of an aerosol container (not shown) in a conventional manner. 
     The actuator member  1402  defines an entry passageway  1406  and a plurality of outlet passageways  1408   a ,  1408   b , and  1408   c . Texture material flowing through the valve assembly flows initially into the entry passageway  1406  and then out of one of the outlet passageways  1408   a - c  as determined by a position of the adjustment member  1404 . 
     In particular, the outlet passageways  1408   a - c  are each in fluid communication with the entry passageway  1406 . The adjustment member  1404  is a relatively rigid rectangular plate in which a through hole  1410  is formed. The adjustment member  1404  is snugly received in an adjustment slot  1412  that extends through the actuator member  1402  and intersects each of the outlet passageways  1408   a - c.    
     By sliding the adjustment member  1404  in either direction within the adjustment slot  1412 , the through hole  1410  can be aligned with any one of the outlet passageways  1408   a - c ; at the same time, the adjustment member  1404  blocks the other two of the outlet passageways  1408   a - c  with which the through hole  1410  is not aligned. In the exemplary configuration shown in  FIG. 80 , the through hole  1410  is aligned with the centermost outlet passageway  1408   b  and the adjustment member  1404  blocks the outlet passageways  1408   a  and  1408   c.    
     Each of the outlet passageways  1408   a - c  is provided with a different cross-sectional area; accordingly, outlet openings  1414   a ,  1414   b , and  1414   c  defined by the outlet passageways  1408   a - c  all have different cross-sectional areas and thus create different spray patterns. The position of the adjustment member  1404  thus corresponds to one of three texture patterns and can be configured as necessary to obtain a desired texture pattern that matches a pre-existing texture pattern. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 81 and 82 , depicted at  1450  therein is a portion of yet another outlet assembly constructed in accordance with, and embodying, the principles of the present invention. The outlet assembly  1450  comprises an actuator member (not shown) that engages and operates a valve assembly. The actuator member defines an actuator passageway through which texture material is dispensed when the valve assembly is in the open configuration. 
     Mounted onto the actuator member are a plurality of shutter plates  1452  that are pivotably attached to a mounting ring  1454  by pivot projections  1456 . The mounting ring  1454  is in turn rotatably attached to the actuator member. Rotation of the mounting ring  1454  relative to the actuator member causes the shutter plates  1452  to pivot about the pivot projections  1456  between outer positions as shown in  FIG. 81  and inner positions as shown in  FIG. 82 . 
     The shutter plates  1452  define an outlet opening  1458 . As can be seen by a comparison of  FIGS. 81 and 82 , the shape and cross-sectional area of the outlet opening  1458  changes as the shutter plates  1452  move between their outer positions and inner positions. Texture material dispensed from the dispensing system including the outlet assembly  1450  last passes through the outlet opening  1458 ; this opening  1458  thus determines the spray pattern in which the texture material is dispensed. 
     Operating the outlet assembly  1450  such that the shutter plates  1452  move between their outer and inner positions thus allows the user to select a desired texture pattern in which the texture material is deposited. The desired texture pattern may match a pre-existing texture pattern such as one of a plurality of standard texture patterns or the texture pattern on a wall or other surface to be repaired. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 83-85  of the drawing, depicted at  1520  therein is a dispensing system for applying texture material to a surface  1522  of a ceiling  1524 . The texture material  1522  exits the system  1520  in a spray  1526   a  and forms a texture pattern  1526   b  on the surface  1522 . 
     As perhaps best shown in  FIG. 85 , the dispensing system  1520  comprises a container  1530 , a valve system  1532 , and an outlet assembly  1534  comprising an actuator  1536  and an outlet system  1538 . As is conventional, the container  1530  defines a substantially fluid-tight product chamber  1540  that contains a liquid material  1542  and a gas material  1544 . With the container  1530  in an upright configuration, the liquid material  1542  occupies a first portion  1540   a  of the chamber  1540  and the gas material  1544  occupies a second portion  1540   b  of the chamber  1540 . 
     The liquid material  1542  comprises texture material and propellant material in liquid form. The gas material  1544  comprises propellant material in gaseous form. The propellant material is preferably di-methyl ether or a material with similar properties. The formulation of the texture material will be described in further detail below. As is conventional, the gas material  1544  applies a substantially constant pressure on the liquid material  1542  as the liquid material  1542  is dispensed from the system  1520 . 
     The valve system  1532  comprises a valve assembly  1550  and a dip tube  1552 . A lower end  1554  of the dip tube  1552  extends into the first portion  1540   a  of the chamber  1540 . The example valve assembly  1550  is or may be conventional and operates in open and closed configurations to either open or close, respectively, a dispensing path A defined in part by the dip tube  1552  and valve assembly  1550 . In particular, the dispensing path A extends through a dip tube passageway  1554  defined by the dip tube  1552  and a valve chamber  1556  defined by the valve assembly  1550 . 
     When the valve assembly  1550  is in its open configuration, the gas material  1544  forces the liquid material  1542  out of the chamber  1540 . However, when the valve assembly  1550  is in the closed configuration, the liquid material  1542  cannot flow out of the chamber  1540 . 
     The example actuator  1536  comprises a body portion  1560  from which extends an valve stem  1562  and ear portions  1564 . The actuator  1536  further defines an actuator passageway  1566  having an upper portion  1568 . The dispensing path A is further defined by the actuator passageway  1566 . The valve stem  1562  of the actuator  1536  engages the valve assembly  1550  such that, when the valve assembly  1550  is in the open configuration, fluid flowing through the valve chamber  1556  flows into the actuator passageway  1566 . In addition, displacing the actuator  1536  towards the valve assembly  1550  places the valve assembly  1550  in the open configuration. 
     As shown in  FIG. 84 , the example outlet system  1538  comprises a plurality of tube members  1570 ,  1572 , and  1574 . The tube members  1570 ,  1572 , and  1574  each define an outer surface  1570   a ,  1572   a , and  1574   a , an outlet opening  1570   b ,  1572   b , and  1574   b , and a tube chamber  1570   c ,  1572   c , and  1574   c , respectively. 
     The outer surfaces  1570   a ,  1572   a , and  1574   a  are sized and dimensioned to form a friction fit with the upper portion  1568  of the actuator passageway  1566 . The friction fit allows one of the tube members  1570 ,  1572 , or  1574  to be detachably attached to the actuator  1536  as shown in  FIGS. 83 and 85 . Further,  FIG. 85  illustrates that, with the tube member  1570  attached to the actuator  1536 , the tube chamber  1570   c  forms a part of the dispensing path A. The liquid material  1542  thus exits the dispensing system  1520  through the outlet openings  1570   b ,  1572   b , or  1574   b.    
     In addition,  FIG. 84  illustrates that the cross-sectional areas  1570   b ,  1572   b , and  1574   b  are different and each corresponds to a particular texture pattern. The connection of one of the tube members  1570 ,  1572 , and/or  1574  to the actuator  1536  thus allows the user to select a desired texture pattern formed by the system  1520  from a group of predetermined texture patterns. 
     In addition, the container defines a container axis CC, while the tube member  1570 ,  1572 , or  1574  connected to the actuator  1536  defines a dispensing axis DD. As shown in  FIG. 84 , the container axis CC is substantially aligned with the dispensing axis DD. When the container  1530  is held upright, the dispensing axis DD is directed upwardly as perhaps best shown in  FIG. 83 . 
     Referring now to the composition of the texture material forming part of the liquid portion  1542 , the texture material comprises a base, filler material, binder material, and thickener material. The base is preferably water. The amounts of the various materials are selected such that the viscosity of the material at rest is relatively high to prevent dripping or sagging of the texture material  1526   b  on the surface  1522 . However, the shear viscosity of the texture material is relatively low as the material flows along the dispensing path A and forms the spray  1726   a . Such low shear viscosity allows the spray  1726   a  to be formed by droplets of appropriate size to form the desired texture pattern. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 86-91 , depicted therein is another example outlet assembly  1620  that may be used in place of the outlet assembly  1534  described above. The outlet assembly  1620  comprises an actuator member  1622 , an outlet sleeve  1624 , and an outlet collar  1626 . The actuator member  1622  comprises a body portion  1630  from which extends an valve stem  1632 , first and second actuator ears  1634 , and a plurality of actuator fingers  1636 . Gaps  1638  are formed between each pair of adjacent actuator fingers  1636 . 
     The actuator member  1622  further defines an actuator passageway  1640  comprising an outlet portion  1642  and a retaining groove  1644 . The actuator member  1622  further defines a first threaded surface portion  1646  adjacent to the actuator fingers  1636 . The collar member  1626  defines an interior surface  1650  that defines a collar passageway  1652 . As shown in  FIG. 89 , the interior surface  1650  defines a second threaded surface portion  1654  and a cam surface portion  1656 . The sleeve example member  1624  is in the form of a resilient tube member defining a tube passageway  1660  and an outlet opening  1662 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 87 and 90 , the outlet sleeve  1624  is arranged partly within the outlet portion  1642  of the actuator passageway and partly within the retaining groove  1644  with the actuator fingers  1636  spaced around the outlet sleeve  1624 . The second threaded surface portion  1654  of the collar member  1626  is then engaged with the first threaded surface portion  1646  on the actuator member  1622  such that the cam surface portion  1656  engages the actuator fingers  1636 . 
     By rotating the collar member  1626  relative to the actuator member  1622 , the threaded portions  1646  and  1654  engage each other to cause the collar member  1626  to be displaced along the dispensing axis DD relative to the actuator member  1622 . As the collar member  1626  is displaced along the dispensing axis DD, the cam surface  166  engages the actuator fingers  1636  to deform the fingers  1636  from an initial position ( FIGS. 86-88 ) through a plurality of intermediate positions and into a closed position ( FIGS. 90 and 91 ). As the actuator fingers  1636  move through the intermediate positions, they engage and compress the outlet sleeve  1624  to change a cross-sectional area of the outlet opening  1662  across a continuum of cross-sectional areas. 
     The outlet assembly  1620  thus allows the user to select the cross-sectional area of the outlet opening  1662  to obtain a desired texture pattern. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 92-96 , depicted therein is another example outlet assembly  1720  that may be used in place of the outlet assembly  1534  described above. The outlet assembly  1720  comprises an actuator member  1722 , an intermediate member  1724 , a connecting member  1726 , and an outlet member  1728 . 
     The actuator member  1722  comprises a body portion  1730  from which extends a valve stem  1732  and first and second support ears  1734 . The actuator member  1722  further defines an actuator passageway  1740  comprising an inlet portion  1742 , an outlet portion  1744  and a retaining recess  1746 . As shown in  FIG. 96 , the support ears  1734  define a grooved surface  1748 . 
     The intermediate member  1724  comprises a main portion  1750  from which extends a pair of support flanges  1752 . The main portion  1750  further defines an outlet chamber  1754  comprising a connecting portion  1756  and a socket portion  1758 . The example connecting member  1726  is a flexible tube defining a connecting passageway  1760 . Optional plugs  1762  may be attached to the connecting member  1726  as will be described in further detail below. The outlet member  1728  defines an outlet passageway  1764  terminating in an outlet opening  1766 . The example outlet member  1728  is formed by one of a plurality of tube members similar to the tube members  1570 ,  1572 , and  1574  described above. 
     In use, one end of the connecting member  1726  is inserted into the retaining recess  1746 , while the other end is inserted into the connecting portion  1756  of the outlet chamber  1754 . The optional plugs  1762  are arranged on the connecting member  1726  to hold the ends thereof in place as shown in  FIGS. 94 and 95 . The support flanges  1752  of the intermediate member  1724  are engaged with the support ears  1734  of the actuator member  1730  such that the intermediate member  1724  may be rotated relative to the actuator member  1730 . The outlet member  1728  is engaged with the socket portion  1758  of the outlet chamber  1754 . The valve stem  1732  is then connected to the valve system supported by the container  1530  as shown in  FIG. 92 . 
     So assembled, a dispensing path  1764  extends through the actuator passageway  1740 , the connecting passageway  1760 , and the outlet chamber  1764 . Further, as shown by a comparison of  FIGS. 94 and 95 , the connection of the intermediate member  1724  with the actuator member  1722  and the flexible connecting member  1726  allow an angle between a dispensing axis DD formed by the outlet member  1728  and a the container axis CC formed by the container  1530  to be changed. 
     When the dispensing axis DD is arranged as shown by the solid lines in  FIG. 92 , a dispensing system using the outlet assembly  1720  can be used in a conventional manner to apply texture to vertical surfaces such as walls or the like. But the outlet assembly  1720  may be reconfigured between positions shown by broken lines in  FIG. 92  to any angle appropriate for a given situation. And in particular, the outlet assembly  1720  may be directed upwardly as shown in  FIG. 18  to apply texture material to ceiling surfaces such as the surface  1572  described above. 
     It is to be recognized that various modifications can be made without departing from the basic teaching of the present invention.