Apparatus for dispensing flexible tubing

Abstract

 Apparatus for dispensing flexible tubing comprises support means (10) for supporting a roll of flexible tubing (12) in a compacted state. The support means defines a central aperture about which the roll of flexible tubing is displaced in use. A funnel shaped guide (14, 16) is concentric with the aperture and extends upwardly from the periphery of the aperture. A length of the tubing is drawn, in use, over the guide means and through the aperture so that the length of tubing depends from the apparatus, and the free end of the length of tubing is sealed off to form a bag (22).

Description

[0001] This invention relates to apparatus for dispensing flexible tubing.

[0002] It is convenient to throw articles such as items of rubbish into a bin having an open upper end. Such bins are commonly lined with a plastics bag to facilitate removal of the rubbish from the bin once it is full. It can be time consuming and inconvenient to place a fresh bag in the bin and arrange it correctly, especially if the bag has been tightly packed or folded prior to use.

[0003] According to the invention apparatus for dispensing flexible tubing comprises support means for supporting a roll of flexible tubing in a compacted state, the support means defining a central aperture about which the roll of flexible tubing is disposed in use; and guide means concentric with the aperture and extending upwardly from the periphery of the aperture, a length of the tubing being drawn, in use, over the guide means and through the aperture so that the length of tubing depends from the apparatus, the free end of the length of tubing being sealed off to thereby form a bag into which articles may be placed through the aperture.

[0004] The apparatus is particularly suited to rubbish disposal. Once the bag in the enclosure is full, the tubing can be cut to detach the full bag, and a further length of tubing drawn into the enclosure to form a new bag.

[0005] The apparatus may be adapted to be supported by a bracket which can be fixed to a wall or other support.

[0006] Alternatively, the apparatus may be supported by a base which defines an enclosure, the bag formed by the tubing being housed by the enclosure in use.

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the invention;

Figures 2 illustrates a second embodiment; and

Figures 3 and 4 illustrate variations of the embodiment of Figure 2.

[0007] Figure 1 illustrates, in section, apparatus for dispensing flexible tubing. The apparatus is generally circular in plan and defines a horizontal annular support surface 10 on which a roll of flexible plastics tubing 12, which is in a compacted state, is stored. Formed integrally with the support surface 10 is an upright cylindrical portion 14 of a generally funnel-shaped guide means. The guide means has a flared portion 16 which is detachable from the upright cylindrical portion, on which is it a snap fit. The apparatus has an outer wall 18 which encloses the tubing 12 in the use.

[0008] A bracket 20 is attached to the outer wall 18 of the apparatus, and allows the apparatus to be fixed to a wall or another support, at a convenient height.

[0009] One end of the tubing 12 is passed through the central aperture in the apparatus which is defined by the upstanding funnel, and is pulled through the aperture until a desired length has been dispensed. The free end of the tubing depending below the apparatus is tied off, thus forming a bag 22. Articles 24, such as rubbish, can be placed in the bag 22 by dropping them into the funnel of the apparatus.

[0010] The tubing 12 is preferably dispensed from the bottom of the roll, as shown in Figure 1, which tends to draw the roll against the outer surface of the funnel in use. The prevents the roll from unravelling and assists smooth dispensing of the tubing.

[0011] When the bag 22 is full, the top end thereof can be tied off, and the bag severed from the remaining length of tubing 12. A further length of the tubing 12 can then be drawn through the funnel and tied off to create a new bag.

[0012] The apparatus can, of course, be used to store items other than rubbish. For example, it may be used to store various items in an industrial environment. The apparatus is ideally formed from tough plastics or glass fibre and resin material.

[0013] In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 2, the apparatus is supported by a base 26 which defines an enclosure for the bag 22. The apparatus is hinged to the base 26 at a hinge point 28. To obtain access to the bag 22, the apparatus is simply pivoted on the hinge 28.

[0014] Variations of the embodiment of Figure 2 are shown in Figures 3 and 4. In Figure 3, a door 30 is provided in the base 26, to allow access to the bag 18, while in the embodiment of Figure 4, the base has an open-­work structure which allows direct access to the bag.

Claims

1. Apparatus for dispensing flexible tubing characterised in that it comprises support means (10) for supporting a roll of flexible tubing (12) in a compacted state, the support means defining a central aperture about which the roll of flexible tubing is displaced in use; and guide means (14, 16) concentric with the aperture and extending upwardly from the periphery of the aperture, a length of the tubing being drawn, in use, over the guide means and through the aperture so that the length of tubing depends from the apparatus, the free end of the length of tubing being sealed off to thereby form a bag (22) into which articles may be placed through the aperture.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 characterised in that it has a bracket (20) attached thereto to allow the apparatus to be fixed to a support at a convenient height.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 characterised in that it is supported by a base (26) which defines an enclosure, the bag (22) formed by the tubing being housed by the enclosure in use.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 characterised in that the apparatus is hinged to the base (26) to allow access to be gained to the enclosure defined by the base.

5. Apparatus according to claim 3 or claim 4 characterised in that the base (26) is provided with a door (30) to allow access to be gained to the enclosure defined by the base.

6. Apparatus according to claim 3 characterised in that the base (26) has an open-work structure, allowing direct access to the interior of the enclosure defined thereby.

7. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 characterised in that the guide means (14, 16) is defined by a funnel-shaped structure characterised in that extends upwardly from the support means.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7 characterised in that at least a portion (16) of the funnel-­shaped structure is detachable from the apparatus to facilitate placing the flexible tubing (12) on the support means (10).

9. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 characterised in that the flexible tubing (12) is formed from a plastics material.

Drawing