GB2478788A

GB2478788A - Spool support device with material guide means

Info

Publication number: GB2478788A
Application number: GB201004616A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Philip John Lewis
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-03-19
Filing date: 2010-03-19
Publication date: 2011-09-21
Anticipated expiration: 2030-03-19
Also published as: GB201004616D0; GB2478788B

Abstract

A support device 10 for a dispenser, especially a spool 50, comprises a base 40 adapted to rest on the ground and/or be fixed to a support object, and a mount 20 for receiving the dispenser to enable a material to be drawn from the dispenser, in use. The mount is rotatably mounted to the base and includes a guide formation 28 defining a guide aperture through which the material is drawn, in use. The guide formation is adapted to limit transverse movement of the material relative to the mount, in use. The guide formation is movably mounted relative to the mount, preferably rotatably mounted on a guide arias 26. A clamp may be provided on the base to fix the dispenser reel to support structures. A plurality of spools may be mounted on the mount, preferably on a spindle 22 such that the spools are free to rotate about the spindle.

Description

I

Title -Improvements relating to Dispensers This invention relates to dispensers, and in particular support devices for dispensers, which enable material to be drawn from the dispenser.

Material in the form of wire, cable, or other elongate forms, is typically supplied in a dispenser, from which the material may be drawn. In particular, the material carried by the dispenser typically has a free end, which may be urged away from the dispenser by the user, thereby drawing material from the dispenser.

A common form of dispenser has the form of a reel, which typically comprises a spool about which a material is wound, and a support upon which the spool is rotatably mounted. The support is typically adapted to rest on a suitable support surface, and enable a user to draw at least some of the material from the spool. The material carried by the spool may be consumable, such as electrical cable for use by electricians. Alternatively, the material may form part of an apparatus, such as an electrical extension cable or a water hose.

While working with the material drawn from the spool, a user may need to move relative to the reel. If the user moves to a position which is roughly in line with the axis of rotation of the spool, it will be very difficult to unwind material from the spool by pulling on it. The user may have to walk over to the support and turn it to a more convenient orientation. This causes considerable inconvenience.

One arrangement for mitigating this problem is disclosed in WO 03/026995. It relates to providing an extension cable for electrical devices. The arrangement involves a cable dispenser comprising a drum, about which cable is wound, the drum being able to rotate on a mounting about a horizontal axis to enable the cable to be dispensed.

The mounting is also rotatably mounted on a base, about a vertical axis, so that the mounting and the drum can swivel on the base. There is also a guide component fixed to the mounting, which includes a horizontally-orientated slot through which the cable is guided on its way to the user. If the user wishes to move from one side of the room to the other, the user applies a horizontal force to the cable which bears against the guide component, at one end of the horizontally-orientated slot, causing the mounting to swivel on the base.

However, this solution is not entirely satisfactory. In particular, the cable will often be drawn through the guide component at an angle that causes substantial frictional resistance between the cable and the guide component. This friction would resist the passage of the cable through the slot of the guide component. As a consequence, considerable effort may be required to pull the cable through the guide component in certain circumstances.

Another form of dispenser is a container containing a wire or cable, with an aperture through which the wire or cable is drawn. Conventionally, these containers are fixed to the floor, often using adhesive tape, and a free end of the material is urged away from the dispenser, thereby drawing material from the container through the aperture.

However, this arrangement suffers from the problem of the material becoming entangled in the proximity of the container, or snagging on the container, which often necessitates a user intermittently disentangling the material.

There has now been devised a support device for a dispenser, and apparatus including a dispenser and a support device, which substantially overcome or mitigate some or all of the above-mentioned and/or other disadvantages associated with the

prior art.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a support device for a dispenser, the support device comprising a base adapted to rest on the ground and/or be fixed to a support object, a mount for receiving the dispenser to enable a material to be drawn from the dispenser, in use, and the mount being rotatably mounted to the base, the mount including a guide formation defining a guide aperture through which the material is drawn, in use, the guide formation being adapted to limit transverse movement of the material relative to the mount, in use, wherein the guide formation is movably mounted relative to the mount.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided apparatus comprising a support device as described above, and a dispenser mounted to the mount, such that a material may be drawn from the dispenser, in use.

The support device and apparatus according to the invention are advantageous principally because the guide formation limits transverse movement of the material relative to the mount, which may enable material to be drawn from the dispenser with reduced risk of snagging, entanglement and unintentional displacement of the material from the dispenser. Furthermore, the combination of the rotatable mount, and the movable guide formation, may be arranged to substantially reduce frictional resistance between the material and the guide formation relative to prior art arrangements.

The guide formation is preferably rotatably mounted relative to the mount, most preferably about a rotation axis that is generally orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the mount. This arrangement enables the guide aperture to be presented in a range of different directions, such that material may be drawn from the dispenser along a generally linear path.

The dispenser may comprise a container containing material, such as a wire or a cable, and an aperture in a wall of the container through which the wire or cable is drawn, in use. In these embodiments, the mount is preferably adapted to retain the container, such that the container rotates with the mount. In particular, the container is preferably adapted to have a substantially fixed position relative to the mount, in use.

The present invention is also particularly advantageous where the dispenser comprises a spool. In these embodiments, the mount is preferably adapted to receive the spool, such that the spool is rotatable relative to the mount, about a spool rotation axis. The mount is preferably rotatably mounted to the base about a mount rotation axis that is generally orthogonal to the spool rotation axis. The guide formation is preferably adapted to limit transverse movement of the material relative to the mount, in use, in a direction generally parallel to the spool rotation axis. The guide formation is preferably rotatably mounted relative to the mount about a guide formation rotation axis that is generally parallel to the spool rotation axis.

The combination of the rotatable mount and the rotatable guide formation described above enables the material to be drawn from the spool, through the guide formation, along a generally linear path that is generally tangential to the spool, and substantially orthogonal to the spool rotation axis. This arrangement therefore provides smooth rotation of the spool, reducing the risk of the material snagging or being displaced from the spool, and also reduces the frictional resistance relative to prior art guide formations.

The apparatus may comprise a support device as described above, and a spool rotatably mounted to the mount, such that a material may be drawn from the spool, in use. In particular, the apparatus may have the form of a reel.

The mount preferably comprises a spindle, upon which the spool is mounted. The spindle may be rotatably mounted relative to the remainder of the mount, with the spool fixed relative to the spindle, such that the spool is rotatable relative to the mount. Most preferably, however, the spool is not fixed relative to the spindle, and is free to rotate about the spindle.

The mount preferably includes end flanges at each end of the spindle, which limit axial movement of the spool in use. In present preferred embodiments, the spindle is removably mounted to the remainder of the mount, eg to the end flanges, at at least one end, such that the spindle may be disengaged from the mount, engaged with the spool, and then re-engaged with the mount. The mount is preferably adapted to receive a wide range of differently sized spools. In particular, the end flanges are preferably spaced apart sufficiently to accept a range of spools having different axial lengths. In addition, the mount is preferably arranged with sufficient radial clearance about the spindle to accept a range of spools having different radii.

The mount rotation axis is preferably substantially vertical, in normal use, such that the spool rotation axis is generally orthogonal to the direction in which the material is being drawn from the spool, in use. In particular, the mount is preferably adapted to rotate when a force is imparted on the mount by the material impinging on the guide formation, for example at the periphery of the guide aperture.

The guide aperture is preferably disposed at a position that is radially separated from the spool. Where the mount has a spindle, the guide aperture is preferably disposed at a position that is radially separated from the spindle, and preferably also has a substantially constant axial position relative to the spindle. The spool may be axially movable relative to the spindle, but this will generally cause the spool to move along the spindle, during use, such that material is drawn through the guide aperture along a generally linear path, generally tangential to the spool.

The guide formation preferably comprises an arm that is rotatably mounted to the mount at at least one end, and includes the guide aperture on a portion of the arm facing the material carried by the dispenser. In particular, where the mount comprises a spindle upon which a spool is mounted, and the spool is adapted to be freely rotatable about the spindle, the guide formation may be fixed to one end of the spindle. The arm preferably therefore has a generally L-or U-shape.

The guide aperture is preferably adapted to limit transverse movement of the material relative to the guide formation, in use, in all directions orthogonal to the material being drawn through the guide aperture. In particular, the greatest cross-sectional dimension of the aperture is preferably less than twenty-times, more preferably less than ten-times, and most preferably less than five-times, the greatest cross-sectional dimension of the material being drawn through the aperture. The guide aperture preferably has cross-sectional dimensions that are substantially the same in all directions, and hence is preferably not elongate. In presently preferred embodiments, the guide aperture is circular in shape.

The guide formation is preferably rotatably mounted relative to the mount about a guide formation rotation axis that is generally parallel to the spool rotation axis, such that the material may be drawn from the spool along a linear path from a range of different tangents of the spool. Most preferably, the material may be drawn from the spool, along a linear path, from a range of tangents of the spool that extend through at least 9Q0 of the circumference of the spool, more preferably at least 1800, and most preferably at least 270°. In presently preferred embodiments, the material may be drawn from the spool, along a linear path, from a range of tangents of the spool that extend through substantially 360° of the circumference of the spool.

The base is preferably adapted to rest on the ground, and preferably includes a plurality of support legs. The base preferably also includes means for fixing the base to a support object, such as a ceiling joist or support post. This fixing means may take the form of a clamp. In presently preferred embodiments, the base comprises a plurality of legs, and a clamp mounted between the plurality of legs, eg to a support plafform from which the legs extend. The clamp is preferably arranged to be fixed to a linear support member, such as a ceiling joist or support post, without obstruction from the legs. Alternatively, the base may be adapted either to rest on the ground, or to be fixed to a support object.

The spool will typically comprise a generally cylindrical member, about which a material is wound. Where the spool is intended to be rotatably mounted about a spindle, the spool typically includes a bore that extends along a central axis of the cylindrical member, through the centre of the spool. The spool is preferably mounted to the spindle by inserting the spindle through the bore of the spool, such that the spool is rotatable relative to the spindle. In these embodiments, the spindle is preferably adapted to extend through the bores of a wide range of different spools, with sufficient clearance to allow unhindered rotation of the spool, during use.

Where the dispenser carries consumable material, such as electrical cable, the dispenser is preferably removably mounted to the support device, such that the spool may be replaced. In addition, the support device may be adapted to have a plurality of dispensers mounted thereto. Where each dispenser comprises a spool, the spools may be mounted either on one spindle, or a plurality of spindles. However, the material carried by the dispenser may form part of the apparatus including the dispenser, for example where the apparatus is an electrical extension cable or a water hose. In these embodiments, the dispenser may be permanently mounted to the support device.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of drawing material from a dispenser, which method comprises: (a) providing apparatus as described above, and (b) drawing material from the dispenser, through the guide aperture of the guide formation.

In use, the free end of the material carried by the dispenser will typically be threaded through the guide aperture by the user. The free end of the material will then typically be urged away from the dispenser, causing material to be drawn from the dispenser, through the guide aperture of the guide formation. Where the dispenser is a spool rotatably mounted to the mount, the spool will be rotated as material is drawn from the spool.

When the user draws material in a direction that is not orthogonal to the spool rotation axis, the material may impinge upon the guide formation, thereby causing rotation of the mount relative to the base, until the spool rotation axis is generally orthogonal to the direction in which the material is being drawn. In addition, any change in the height from which the material is being drawn from the spool will typically cause rotation of the guide formation relative to the mount, until the material is drawn along a substantially linear path, along a tangent of the spool.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1 is a front view of a reel according to the invention; Figure 2 is a side view of the reel of Figure 1, in use, in a first configuration; and Figure 3 is a side view of the reel of Figure 1, in use, in a second configuration.

Figures 1 to 3 show a reel according to the invention, which comprises a support device 10, and a spool 50. The support device 10 comprises a mounting component 20, a support bracket 30, and a base 40. The spool 50 is rotatably mounted on the mounting component 20, thereby enabling cable 52 to be dispensed from the spool 50, in use.

The base 40 of the support device 10 is adapted to rest on a suitable support surface, or to be fastened to a suitable support beam. In particular, the base 40 comprises a central support plate 42, four support legs 44, and a clamp 46. The base 40 also includes a support rod (not visible in the Figures), which extends upwardly from the centre of the central support plate 42 and provides a mount for the support bracket 30.

The central support plate 42 is generally square in shape. The four support legs 44 are welded to the upper surface of the central support plate 42, and extend horizontally outwards from each of the corners of the central support plate 42, such that the support legs 44 are arranged generally perpendicularly to each other. Each support leg 44 also has a downwardly-depending end portion, to which rubber feet 45 are mounted.

The clamp 46 of the support device 10 comprises a bracket 47 and clamping member 48. The bracket 47 has a horizontal portion and two downwardly-depending arms, such that the bracket 47 has a U-shaped cross-section. The horizontal portion of the bracket 47 is welded to the underside of the central support plate 42.

The clamping member 48 comprises a threaded shaft, which is engaged with a threaded bore in one of the downwardly-depending arms of the bracket 47. The clamping member 48 has a circular plate 49a mounted to the end of the threaded shaft that is disposed within the bracket 47. The circular plate 49a is connected to the threaded shaft by a ball and socket joint, and a grip 49b is mounted to the other end of the threaded shaft, external to the bracket 47. The grip 49b is a substantially cylindrical plastic component, with axially-directed grooves formed therein. Rotating the grip 49b in a clockwise direction advances the clamping member 48 through the threaded bore of the bracket 47, thereby clamping any support object located between the circular plate 49a and an arm of the clamping bracket, eg a wooden beam, within the bracket 47. This secures the support device 10 to the support object.

The support bracket 30 comprises a U-shaped frame 32, to which the mounting component 20 is removably engaged, and a support sleeve 34. The support sleeve 34 is cylindrical, with an axial bore that is open at its lower end. The support sleeve 34 also has a circular flange 35 at its upper end, which is welded to the centre of the underside of the U-shaped frame 32.

The support bracket 30 is mounted on the base 40 by receiving the upstanding support rod of the base 40 within the axial bore of the support sleeve 34 of the support bracket 30. In this way, the support bracket 30 is rotatably mounted to the base 40, about a generally vertical axis defined by the support rod of the base 40.

The U-shaped frame 32 of the support bracket 30 comprises a horizontal member, and vertical members 36 extending upwardly from each end of the horizontal member. The vertical members 36 are each planar in form, with inner faces that are parallel to each other. A slot 38 is formed in each of the vertical members 36, and these slots 38 are together adapted to receive the mounting component 40. In particular, each slot 38 extends generally horizontally from a front face of the vertical member 36, and leads to a downwardly-extending vertical portion with a semi-circular lower end.

The mounting component 20 comprises a spindle 22, with a circular flange 24 at each end, and a guide arm 26 that extends from one end of the spindle 22. The slots 38 in the vertical members 36 of the support bracket 30 are adapted to receive end portions of the spindle 22, such that the end flanges 24 of the spindle 22 are disposed adjacent to the outer faces of the vertical members 36 of the support bracket 30. In particular, the end portions of the spindle 22 are adapted to be inserted through the horizontal portions of the slots 38 of the support bracket 30, and then located and supported at the lower ends of the slots 38.

In this configuration, the spindle 22, and hence the mounting component 20 itself, is rotatably mounted relative to the support bracket about the longitudinal axis of the spindle 22. In particular, the lower ends of the slots 38 are dimensioned to enable smooth rotation of the spindle 22, with little lateral movement. In addition, the end flanges 24 of the spindle 22 are disposed sufficiently close to the outer faces of the vertical members 36 of the support bracket 30 to minimise axial movement, during use.

The mounting component 20 includes a guide arm 26 that is welded to the outer face of one of the end flanges of the spindle 22. The guide arm 26 is L-shaped, with a proximal portion that extends perpendicularly to the spindle 22, and a distal portion that extends parallel to the spindle 22. The distal end of the guide arm 26 is disposed adjacent to the spool 50 mounted on the spindle 22, and includes an annular guide formation 28. The annular guide formation 28 defines an aperture, through which cable 52 from the spool 50 extends, in use, as shown in the Figures.

The spool 50 comprises a hollow cylinder 54, open at each end, upon which the cable 52 is wound. The spool 50 also includes annular flanges 56 that extend radially outwards at each end of the cylinder 54. These annular flanges 56 maintain the cable 52 on the cylinder 54. Since the mounting component 20 is removable from the support bracket 30, the spool 50 may be replaced as desired. In particular, the spool 50 may be removed from the spindle 22 at the other end to the guide arm 26.

In use, the support device 10 is adapted to rest on a surface close to where a user is working, eg the floor of a room, supported by its legs 44. Alternatively it can be clamped to a fixed object, such as a wooden beam in an attic, using the clamp 46. If the support device 10 does not have a spool 50 mounted thereon, the mounting component 20 may be removed from the slots 38 in the support bracket 30, and a spool 50 located on the spindle 22 of the mounting component 20, before the mounting component 20 is re-engaged with the slots 38 in the support bracket 30. A free end of the cable 52 wound on the spool 50 is threaded through the aperture in the guide formation 28 of the guide arm 26.

The user may then dispense cable 52 from the spool 50 by drawing the cable 52 through the aperture in the guide formation 28 of the guide arm 26. If the user is, for example, fitting a cable along a length of wall, the user is likely to need to change the angle from which he pulls the cable. The user may, for example, move from one side of the room to another. The height at which he is working may also change. If, while holding the cable, a user walks across a room or changes the height at which he is working, he will cause the cable to bear against the annular guide formation 28 of the guide arm 26. This applies a force to annular guide formation 28 and the guide arm which contains components in the horizontal and/or vertical directions.

Any component of force in a horizontal direction will be transmitted through the guide arm 26, creating a moment about the longitudinal axis of the support sleeve 34 of the support bracket 30. This moment acts to rotate the support bracket 30 relative to the base 40. The spool 50 is therefore also rotated relative to the base 40. This ensures that the spool 50 is always presented to the user at an angle which allows the cable 52 to be dispensed in a convenient manner. In other words, the axis of the spool 50 remains substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the cable 52 is pulled. This is beneficial as it would be more difficult to cause the cable 52 to unwind from the spool 50 if pulling in a direction which is not substantially orthogonal to the axis of the spool 50.

Any component of force in a vertical direction will be transmitted through the guide arm 26 creating a moment about the longitudinal axis of the spindle 22 of the mounting component 20. This moment acts to rotate the guide arm 26 relative to the support bracket 30. A consequence of this is that the plane of the guide formation 28 remains substantially orthogonal to the user while the cable is pulled, such that the aperture of the guide formation 28 is always presented to the user. This facilitates the dispensing of the cable. If the aperture were directed away from the user, friction between the cable and the guide formation 28 would make it more difficult to draw the cable through the aperture.

The present invention is also useful in another scenario. The user may be working above the cable initially, and so would require the cable 52 to be dispensed vertically.

The user may then descend to a location in line with the axis of the spindle 22, and therefore require the cable 52 to be dispensed horizontally. When the user is in his initial position the guide arm 26 is disposed substantially vertically. Applying a small nudge to the guide arm 26, forwards or backwards, would cause the guide arm 26 to fall under its own weight from the vertical position to a generally horizontal position.

The user can then apply a horizontal force, as described above, to the cable 52 to cause the guide arm 26 to rotate the support bracket 30. The spool 50 can then be presented to the user at an angle which allows the cable 52 to be dispensed in a convenient manner.

Claims

Claims 1. A support device for a dispenser, the support device comprising a base adapted to rest on the ground and/or be fixed to a support object, a mount for receiving the dispenser to enable a material to be drawn from the dispenser, in use, and the mount being rotatably mounted to the base, the mount including a guide formation defining a guide aperture through which the material is drawn, in use, the guide formation being adapted to limit transverse movement of the material relative to the mount, in use, wherein the guide formation is movably mounted relative to the mount.
2. A support device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the guide formation is rotatably mounted relative to the mount.
3. A support device as claimed in Claim I or Claim 2, wherein the dispenser comprises a container containing material, and an aperture in a wall of the container through which the material is drawn, in use.
4. A support device as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the mount is preferably adapted to retain the container, such that the container rotates with the mount.
5. A support device as claimed in Claim I or Claim 2, wherein the dispenser comprises a spool.
6. A support device as claimed in Claim I or Claim 2, wherein the mount is adapted to receive a spool, such that the spool is rotatable relative to the mount, about a spool rotation axis.
7. A support device as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the mount is rotatably mounted to the base about a mount rotation axis that is generally orthogonal to the spool rotation axis.
8. A support device as claimed in Claim 6 or Claim 7, wherein the guide formation is adapted to limit transverse movement of the material relative to the mount, in use, in a direction generally parallel to the spool rotation axis.
9. A support device as claimed in any one of Claims 6 to 8, wherein the guide formation is rotatably mounted relative to the mount about a guide formation rotation axis that is generally parallel to the spool rotation axis.
10. A support device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the dispenser comprises a spool, and the mount comprises a spindle, upon which the spool is mounted, the spool being free to rotate about the spindle.
11. A support device as claimed in Claim 10, wherein the mount includes end flanges at each end of the spindle, which limit axial movement of the spool in use.
12. A support device as claimed in Claim 10 or Claim 11, wherein the spindle is removably mounted to the remainder of the mount, at at least one end, such that the spindle may be disengaged from the mount, engaged with the spool, and then re-engaged with the mount.
13. A support device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the mount rotation axis is substantially vertical, in normal use.
14. A support device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the mount is adapted to receive a spool, such that the spool is rotatable relative to the mount, about a spool rotation axis, and the spool rotation axis is generally orthogonal to the direction in which the material is being drawn from the spool, in use.
15. A support device as claimed in Claim 14, wherein the mount is adapted to rotate when a force is imparted on the mount by the material impinging on the guide formation, in use.
16. A support device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the guide aperture is disposed at a position that is radially separated from the dispenser.
17. A support device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the guide formation comprises an arm that is rotatably mounted to the mount at at least one end, and includes the guide aperture on a portion of the arm facing the material carried by the dispenser.
18. A support device as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the guide formation arm has a generally L-or U-shape.
19. A support device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the guide aperture is adapted to limit transverse movement of the material relative to the guide formation, in use, in all directions orthogonal to the material being drawn through the guide aperture.
20. A support device as claimed in Claim 19, wherein the greatest cross-sectional dimension of the aperture is less than twenty-times the greatest cross-sectional dimension of the material being drawn through the aperture.
21. A support device as claimed in Claim 20, wherein the greatest cross-sectional dimension of the aperture is less than five-times the greatest cross-sectional dimension of the material being drawn through the aperture.
22. A support device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the guide aperture has cross-sectional dimensions that are substantially the same in all directions, and hence is not elongate.
23. A support device as claimed in Claim 22, wherein the guide aperture is circular in shape.
24. A support device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the mount is adapted to receive a spool, such that the spool is rotatable relative to the mount, about a spool rotation axis, and the guide formation is rotatably mounted relative to the mount about a guide formation rotation axis that is generally parallel to the spool rotation axis, such that the material may be drawn from the spool along a linear path from a range of different tangents of the spool.
25. A support device as claimed in Claim 24, wherein the material may be drawn from the spool, along a linear path, from a range of tangents of the spool that extend through at least 9Q0 of the circumference of the spool.
26. A support device as claimed in Claim 25, wherein the material may be drawn from the spool, along a linear path, from a range of tangents of the spool that extend through at least 1800 of the circumference of the spool.
27. A support device as claimed in Claim 26, wherein the material may be drawn from the spool, along a linear path, from a range of tangents of the spool that extend through at least 270° of the circumference of the spool.
28. A support device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the base is adapted to rest on the ground, and includes a plurality of support legs.
29. A support device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the base includes means for fixing the base to a support object, such as a ceiling joist or support post.
30. A support device as claimed in Claim 29, wherein the fixing means takes the form ofa clamp.
31. Apparatus comprising a support device as claimed in any preceding claim, and a dispenser mounted to the mount, such that a material may be drawn from the dispenser, in use.
32. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 31, wherein the dispenser comprises a spool, which is rotatably mounted to the mount, such that a material may be drawn from the spool, in use.
33. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 32, wherein the spool comprises a generally cylindrical member, about which a material is wound, and a bore that extends along a central axis of the cylindrical member, through the centre of the spool, through which a spindle of the support device is inserted.
34. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 31 to 33, wherein the dispenser is removably mounted to the support device, such that the dispenser may be replaced.
35. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 31 to 34, wherein the support device is adapted to have a plurality of dispensers mounted thereto.
36. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 23, wherein the dispenser is permanently mounted to the support device.
37. A method of drawing material from a dispenser, which method comprises: (a) providing apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 30 to 36, and (b) drawing material from the dispenser, through the guide aperture of the guide formation.
38. A support device substantially as hereinbefore described and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3.
39. Apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described and as illustrated in Figures I to 3.