WO2023245229A1

WO2023245229A1 - Device for squeezing a tube

Info

Publication number: WO2023245229A1
Application number: PCT/AU2023/050542
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brian Henry Purdue
Original assignee: Brian Henry Purdue
Priority date: 2022-06-22
Filing date: 2023-06-19
Publication date: 2023-12-28

Abstract

A device (10, 110) for squeezing a tube (12, 112). The device (10, 110) may include a body (14, 114) with a head (16, 116) and a key (18, 118). The key (18, 118) having a slot (20, 120) dimensioned to receive an end of the tube (12, 112) and a key surface (22, 122) about which the tube is windable. The head (16, 116) may include at least one retaining member (26, 126) adapted to engage with a tube surface in an engaged position to inhibit relative unwinding of the device (10, 110) and the tube (12, 112). The device (10, 110) is adapted to be tiltable from the engaged position to a disengaged position in which the at least one retaining member (26, 126) is moved out of engagement to allow the device (10, 110) to be windable, and then be released to reengage with the tube (12, 112). A related method is also disclosed.

Description

Device for Squeezing a Tube

Related Applications

[001] This application claims priority from Australian provisional patent application no. 2022901707 filed on 22 June 2022, the contents of which are incorporated by reference.

Technical Field

[002] The invention relates to a device for squeezing or winding a tube such as a deformable metal or plastic paste tube.

Background

[003] Tubes such as metal or plastic tubes are often used to contain paste. In use, a user will typically remove a lid from an outlet of the tube, and squeeze paste within the tube toward the outlet. As the paste is removed from the tube, the remaining contents become increasingly more difficult to remove due to the decreased volume of paste relative to the volume of the paste tube.

[004] Accordingly, various devices have been developed which function to squeeze or wind the paste tube toward its opening to reduce the volume of the tube as paste is removed - which makes it easer to remove the paste as the paste is maintained toward the outlet.

[005] An example of such a winding device is disclosed in EP0047447A1 “Dispensing and winding device, especially for plastics tubes” which discloses a keytype device for pressing out and rolling up tubes which has a gripping piece and at least one locking pin which prevents the release and unrolling of the tube end after a removal operation by the device being pushed in axially.

[006] A problem with this winding device relates to its ease of use and ergonomics such as suitability for one-handed use. More specifically, problems with this winding device relate to the at least one locking pin needing to be completely slid axially out of engagement with the tube to wind the device. Another problem relates to how a user may hold the device.

[007] The invention disclosed herein seeks to overcome one or more of the above identified problems or at least provide a useful alternative.

Summary

[008] In accordance with a first broad aspect there is provided, a device for squeezing a tube in a fitted condition. The device may include a body with a head and a key extending from the head, the key having a slot dimensioned to receive an end of the tube and a key surface about with the tube is windable, wherein the head includes at least one retaining member adapted to engage with a tube surface in an engaged position to inhibit relative unwinding of the device and the tube, wherein the device is adapted to be tiltable from the engaged position to a disengaged position in which the at least one retaining member is moved out of engagement to allow the device to be windable.

[009] In an aspect, the at least one retaining member is dimensioned to enable the at least one retaining member to be moved to the disengaged position by tilting the device relative to the tube.

[0010] In another aspect, the key and the at least one retaining member are arranged generally parallel to one another defining a gap therebetween in which a side portion of the tube is received in at least the engaged position.

[0011] In yet another aspect, the at least one retaining member is provided in the form of a pawl having a retaining face adapted to engage with the tube surface in the engaged position, and an opposing face adapted to slide past tube surface in the disengaged position.

[0012] In yet another aspect, wherein the retaining face is relatively flatter in comparison of the opposing face. [0013] In yet another aspect, the pawl includes a tip which is shaped to taper radially inwardly from an outer portion of the tip toward an inner portion of the tip relatively closer to the tube in the fitted condition.

[0014] In yet another aspect, the key is shaped to allow greater relative movement of the end of the tube toward an open end of the key.

[0015] In yet another aspect, the key is shaped to allow a less tight winding of the tube toward an open end of the key.

[0016] In yet another aspect, the key includes a hollow that is relatively is narrower toward the head.

[0017] In yet another aspect, the slot of the key is offset from the at least one retaining member in a circumferential direction.

[0018] In yet another aspect, the device includes a pair of the at least one retaining member.

[0019] In yet another aspect, the head includes a handle adapted to seat against a palm of a hand of a user.

[0020] In yet another aspect, the handle includes a relatively wider centre and narrows toward its ends.

[0021] In yet another aspect, the at least one retaining member extends from one of the outer ends of the handle.

[0022] In yet another aspect, the device is not moved axially relative to the tube to move the device between the engaged and disengaged positions.

[0023] In yet another aspect, the slot is tapered and narrows toward the head.

[0024] In yet another aspect, the slot includes a tapered mouth.

[0025] In yet another aspect, the retaining face is aligned with a plane which passes through a centre line of the slot. [0026] In yet another aspect, the head includes gripping elements.

[0027] In accordance with a second broad aspect there is provided, a device for squeezing a tube in a fitted condition, the device including a body with a head and a key extending from the body, the key having a slot dimensioned to receive an end of the tube and a key surface about with the tube is windable, wherein the head includes a handle and a pair of pawls that extend from opposing sides of the head in a direction generally parallel to the key defining gaps between each of the pawls and the key in which a side portion of the tube is receivable, wherein the device is adapted to be moveable between: an engaged condition in which an engagement surface of one of the pawls is engageable with a tube surface of the side portion received by a respective one of the gaps to inhibit relative unwinding device and tube; and, a disengaged position in which the device is tiltable relative to the tube to disengage the engagement surface of the one of the pawls to enable relative winding of device and the tube.

[0028] In accordance with a third broad aspect there is provided, a method of using a device to squeeze a tube. The method may include one or more the steps of: Fitting an end of the tube to a key of the device to retain the end with a head of the device located laterally of the key adjacent a side surface of the tube; Tilting the device relative to the tube by moving the head of the device toward the end of the tube such that at least one pawl extending from the head is able to move past the side surface of the tube in a disengaged condition; Winding the tube about the key in the engaged condition to position the at least one pawl for engagement and the side surface of the tube; and Releasing the tilt such that the at least one pawl engages with the side surface of the tube so as to inhibit relative unwinding of the tube relative to the key.

Brief Description of the Figures

[0029] The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example only, by reference to the accompanying figures, in which;

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a device for winding a tube;

[0031] Figure 2 is a top view illustrating the device; [0032] Figure 3 is an end view illustrating the device, indicating section A-A;

[0033] Figure 4 is an opposing end view illustrating the device;

[0034] Figure 5 is a side view illustrating the device;

[0035] Figure 6 is a side view illustrating the device along section A-A;

[0036] Figure 7 is an in-use view illustrating the device coupled to a paste tube; and

[0037] Figure 8 is another in-use view illustrating the device coupled to the paste tube, during a winding action;

[0038] Figure 9 is yet another in-use view illustrating the device coupled to the paste tube indicating a direction of winding A, a spool diameter “D”, a distance of squeezing action “R” and a preferred squeezing thickness “S”;

[0039] Figure 10 is a perspective view illustrating a second example of the device for winding a tube;

[0040] Figure 11 is an end perspective view illustrating the second example of the device;

[0041] Figure 12 is a top view illustrating the second example of the device;

[0042] Figure 13 is an end view illustrating the second example of the device;

[0043] Figure 14 is an opposing end view illustrating the second example of the device;

[0044] Figure 15 is a side view illustrating the second example of the device;

[0045] Figure 16 is a side view illustrating the device along section A-A as shown in Figure 14;

[0046] Figure 17 is an in-use view illustrating the device coupled to a paste tube; [0047] Figure 18 is another in-use view illustrating the device coupled to the paste tube, during a winding action;

[0048] Figure 19 is yet another in-use view illustrating the device coupled to the paste tube indicating a direction of winding A, a spool diameter “D”, a distance of squeezing action “R” and a preferred squeezing thickness “S”;

[0049] Figure 20 is yet another in-use view illustrating the device coupled to the paste tube indicating locking positions LI to L4 as the device is advanced on the tube; and

[0050] Figure 21 is yet another in-use view illustrating the device coupled to the paste tube indicating the pressure of the paste within the tube.

Detailed Description

[0051] Referring to Figures 1 to 6 there is shown device 10 for squeezing and winding a tube 12, shown in Figure 7, in a fitted condition. The tube 12 may be any suitable tube such as a metal or plastic tube containing paste. Preferably, however, the tube 12 is a plastic tube that provides some resilience such as a commonly available toothpaste tube.

[0052] The device 10 includes a body 14 with a head 16 and a key member 18 extending from the head 16. The key member 18 includes a slot 20, or other suitable aperture, dimensioned to receive an end (not shown) of the tube 12 and a key surface 22 about with the tube 12 is windable in use. The key member 18 is generally elongate with a free end 17 with an opening 19 for the slot 20. The slot 20 runs lengthwise of the key member 18 having an axis “X” of rotation, and cylindrical with a hollow 24 therein which the end of the tube 12 to be received and captured within the hollow 24.

[0053] The head 16 includes at least one retaining member 26 adapted to engage with a tube surface 28 at a side 30 of the tube 12 in an engaged position, as shown in Figure 7, to inhibit relative unwinding of the device 10 and the tube 12. The device 10 is adapted to be tiltable, or otherwise angled, from the engaged position to a disengaged position, as shown in Figure 8, in which the at least one retaining member 26, is moved out of engagement with the tube 12 to allow the device 10 to be windable. [0054] The tilting of the device 10 is part enabled via fit of the device 10 and the tube 12, including the shape and dimension of the at least one retaining member 26 and the fit of the end of the tube within the slot 20, and also the resistant nature of the tube 12, that is preferably a plastic material.

[0055] In more detail, in this example, the at least one retaining member 26 is provided in the form of two pawls 32 that extend from the head 16 in a direction generally parallel to and spaced apart from the key member 18 so as to define gaps 34 between each of the pawls 32 and the key member 18 The head 16 is elongate in a direction “Y”, shown in Figure 4, perpendicular to the key member 18 to provide leverage to wind the key member 18 with the device 10 being generally T-shaped in appearance. It is noted that whilst two pawls 32 are provided in this example, the device 10 may be formed with only a single pawl or with several pawls, and variations of this nature are contemplated herein.

[0056] The head 16 has a relatively wider central portion 36 that narrows toward ends 38 from which the pawls extend 32. The overall shape of the head 16 is relatively smooth and somewhat bulbous to provide a dome shaped handle 35 being convexly curved between its ends 38 and its sides 42. This provides a bearing surface 40 that is generally oriented in use to align with a crevice of a palm of a hand of a user as best shown in Figure 7.

[0057] The pawls 32 each include an engagement or retaining face 44 and an opposing curved face 46 that are arranged to favour rotation of the device 10 in a single direction, like a ratchet, as the device 10 is wound. The engagement or bearing surface 44 is relatively flatter to bear on the tube surface 28 in the engaged position, and the opposing curved surface 46 is shaped to allow the pawl 32 to move or slide past the sides 30 of the tube 12 as the device 10 is being rotated in the favoured direction. Each of the pawls 32 include tips 47 which radially taper from an outer tip portion 48 to an inner tip portion 50.

[0058] The engagement or retaining face 44 includes a backstop 45 that extends from the flatter retaining face 44 toward the outer bearing surface 40 of the head 40. The backstop 45 serves to inhibit the pawls 32 being pushed too far in an axial direction across the tube 12 which may make disengagement more difficult or cumbersome. [0059] It is noted that the opposing curved surface 46 and taper of the tips 47 assist the pawl 32 to tilt the device 10, and allow the pawl 32 to pass or slide over the sides 30 of the tube 12. This may remove the need for the device 10 to be laterally or axially slid inwardly and outwardly to facilitate engagement and disengagement with the tube 12. It may be seen in Figure 8, the angle of the taper of the tip 47 provides clearance when the device 10 is tilted.

[0060] As best shown in Figure 4, the slot 20 of the key is offset from the pawls 32, more specifically the retaining face 44 of the pawls 32, in a radial direction. This assists to present the tube 12 for engagement with the retaining face 44 and assists to keep resilient tension between the device 10 and the tube 12 in the engaged condition. The hollow 24 may also narrow toward the head 16 as best shown in Figure 6 which provides a wedge 54 to retain the tube 12 when inserted.

[0061] It is noted that the relatively tighter fit and hold of the tube 12 toward the head 16 provides for more control toward the head 16 and a more flexible hold toward the free end 17 of the key member 18 to allow the head 12 to move and the tube 12 toward the free end 17 to relax which allows for tilting of the device 10 relative to the tube 12.

[0062] The device 10 is preferably formed as a single part such as by moulding from plastic or other suitable material. It may also be machined, printed, or otherwise formed from wood, a metal or other suitable material.

[0063] Turning now to a method of use, and referring more specifically to Figures 7 and 8, the device 10 may initially be fitted to the tube 12 by inserting the end of the tube 12, which is the sealed end of the tube, into the slot 20 of the key 18. The end of the tube may be slid through the opening 19 at the free end 17 of the key member 18, and the side of the tube 12 may be moved into one of the gaps 34 provided between the pawls 32 and the key member 18, as shown in Figure 7.

[0064] Depending on the fill level of the tube 12, the device 10 may initially be rotated one or several times until the tube 12 is turgid and there is at least some pressure on the paste therein. The device 10 may be secured or locked in place by fitting the respective one of the pawls 32, namely the engagement surface 44 thereof, against the surface 28 of the tube 12. The pawls 32 thereby providing releasable locks.

[0065] The resilience of the tube 12, which will move to unwind, maintains a pressure on the engagement surface 44. The tube 12 may then be used and, for example, a user may remove a tube lid 56 to use some of the paste therein. It is noted that during normal squeezing the handle 35 may rest in the palm of the hand of the user, as shown in Figure 7, which provides an ergonomic grip and also provides a lateral force to keep the device 10 from moving laterally out of engagement.

[0066] Once a sufficient amount of paste is used and the remaining tube volume is greater than the remaining paste - the user may then wish to squeeze the tube 12 further to continue to remove paste from the tube. When a state of no winding resistance or locking from the remaining paste is achieved the user may then rock or tilt the device 10 relative to the tube 12. More specifically, the device 10 may be angled to a tilt axis “T” relative to a lateral axis “H” of the tube 12.

[0067] The tilting may be accomplished by moving or otherwise urging the handle 35 of the head 16 of the device 10 toward the end of the tube such that at least one of the pawl 32 extending from the head 16 is able to move past the side surface 28 of the tube 12 in a disengaged condition as shown in Figure 8. As aforesaid, this tilting is facilitated by the fit between the tube 12 and the device 10 including the shape of the pawls 32, the fit of the slot 20 and hollow 24 and also the resilient nature of the tube 12. The handle 35 also provides a leverage point which allows the tilting or rocking of the device 10.

[0068] Once the relevant pawl 32 is disengaged, the device 10 may be wound relative to the tube 12 in the disengaged condition with a wound portion 58 of the tube 12 being located about the key member 18. During winding the curved backside 46 of the pawl 32 may slide over or past the sides 30 of the tube 12. It is noted that the device 10 does not need to be moved laterally inwardly or outwardly relative to the tube 12, although it may be possible to include some lateral movement, if desired or required [0069] Once the desired level of pressure on the tube 12 is achieved, the engagement surface 44 of a respective one of the pawls 32 may be moved just past the side 30 of the tube 12, and the device 10 may be released or the tilt relaxed so that the device 10, namely the key member 18, is moved back generally in line with the lateral axis “H” of the tube 12. The relevant pawl 32 may then move back into engagement with the side surface 28 of the tube 12 in a locked position so as to inhibit relative unwinding of the tube relative to the key. It is noted that to change lock position, enough paste should be squeezed out so lock can be re-engaged and winding should not be forced. If necessary, the device 10 may need to be returned to last lock position & squeeze out more paste.

[0070] The device 10 and the tube 12 are then retained relative to one another, and the user may continue to use the paste tube with the pressure applied to the paste tube 12 increasing the locking pressure to retain the device 10 and tube 12 with one another. This process may be repeated, by tilting and winding the device 10, until the contents of the tube 12 are substantially or completely depleted. The device 10 may then be removed and used for another tube.

[0071] Advantageously, the device 10 has been designed to use the conventional method of squeezing by hand, as shown in Figure 8 and 9. This typically requires a half turn rotational engagement between the two pawls 32 to be made well before the fingers and thump bottom, and can therefore no longer squeeze out the contents of the tube. This is determined by the winding spool diameter about the key 18 which increases as the empty tube is wound on and about the key 18. The device 10 spool diameter may initially be about 10.5 mm, and this may increase to around 18 mm when the tube 12 is wound about the spool. If the diameter is any larger, the squeezing action is close to bottoming. If the diameter is any smaller it reduces the time between winding on the empty tube, which is currently around 10 days.

[0072] As shown in Figure 9, an angle “A” between the pawls 32 is 180 degrees, “D” is the diameter of the key 18 which may start at about 10mm, and may be in the range of about 5mm to 25mm, more specifically 8mm to 12mm. The spool of tube about the key 18 may increase as the tube 12 is wound about the key 18, as described above. “R” is the distance travelled by the arch during the rotation direction “A” - to enable contents, such as paste, to squeezed out, and “S” is the minimum squeeze distance between thumb and fingers that is typically not less than this between pawl 32 changes (i.e 180 rotation of pawls 32) to maintain pressure on the paste during use.

[0073] Referring now to Figures 9 to 21, there is shown a second example of the device 110 in which like numerals are used to denote like parts (i.e 10, 110 etc ). The main features, general function and method use of the device 110 are essentially similar to that described above in relation to the first example. Accordingly, the relevant parts are indicated on the drawings, but all parts are not again described here. Rather, the differences between the first and example examples are highlighted.

[0074] One of the differences between this second example of the device 110 and the first example of the device 110 is that the slot 120 of the key 118 has been rotated slightly to align with the axis Y as shown in Figure 14 and the slot 120 is now generally parallel and aligned with the engagement or retaining face 144 of the pawls 132. This may be contrasted to the first example shown in Figure 4 where there is a small angular offset.

[0075] Another of the differences in this second example is the taper of the slot 120. In this second example, the slot 120 gradually tapers, that is becomes wider, from the head 116 toward the free end 117. However, it is noted that the slot 20 of the first example may also be tapered.

[0076] The taper of the slot 120 provides that the taper is relatively wider at a mouth 171 of the slot at the opening 119. The taper of the slot 120 assists with the insertion, removal and retention of the tube 112. For example, the narrowing of the slot 120 toward the head 116 may assist to wedge the tube 112 in place. The taper of the slot 120 may also assist with ease of manufacturing.

[0077] It is again noted that the centre line of the slot 120 is now generally parallel and aligned with the engagement or retaining face 144 of the pawls 132 which provide the releasable locks as the device 110 is advanced on the tube 112. As best shown in Figure 14, the engagement or retaining face 144 of the pawls 132 and the slot 120 are aligned with a plane which passes through axis Y. In this example, the opposing curved face 146 remains arranged to favour rotation of the device 110 in a single direction, like a ratchet, as the device 110 is wound.

[0078] A further difference of this second example 110, is that the head 116 which provides the handle 135 may include ribs or ridges which may assist with gripping of the handle 135, as best shown in Figure 13.

[0079] Referring now to Figures 20 and 21, the device 110 may be advanced through a series of locking points LI to L4 as the device 110 is advanced along the tube 112. The tube end may be inserted in the direction “I” in the slot 120, part wrapped about the key 118 and the pawl 132 initial locked off at hold the device 110 in an initial position while the tube 12 is substantially filled with paste.

[0080] Figure 21 shows the arrangement in side view with the locking relationship between the tube 112, slot 120 and pawl 132 evident. As paste is compressed with the tube 12, a force “P” may be generated which is resisted by the locking between the slot 120 and the pawl 132.

[0081] Figure 21 highlights the relationship between the tapered slot 120 and the first pawl 132 when the tube 112 is being first loaded. This arrangement provides only enough empty space in the new tube to wind the tube 180°. This position is the only one where the empty space allows the locking pawl to lock on tube and tube 120 is securely attached to the winder device 120. The arrow P shows squeezing force that does the locking without the user realising it. The winder falls off at 90° and there is not enough empty space in tube to reach 270°.

[0082] It is also noted that in Figures 20 and 21, SP reaction force I and P are the same force. The area between the two large lines on Figure 20 is full of paste, which resists disengagement when SP is not being applied. This locking is present at all locking points LI to L4 with the volumes between the indicated lines being generally full of paste, and when the closest volume to the locking points becomes void or empty of paste - the winder device 110 may be advanced.

[0083] As paste is removed from the tube 112, the device 110 may be wound by tilting the engaged pawl 132 out of engagement with the tube 112, and rotating or winding the device 112 about 180 degrees. The engaged pawl 132 may then be released to reengage with the tube 112 as has been above described in relation to the first example.

[0084] During this movement, the device 110 may advance so that the locking position moves to L2, L3 and L4. The locking positions LI to L4 are generally defined where the tube 112 abuts the key 118. For example, at L2 - the length of unwound tube 112 which contains paste extends from L2 to the tube lid end 156. The location of the engaged pawl 132 may be around the point “SP” and the tube 112 may also be squeezed from this location to remove paste.

[0085] Each of these locking positions in essence divide the tube 112 into chambers that are sequentially locked- off as the paste is used. The tube 112 is preferably squeezed adjacent to the locking position (i.e. LI, L2, L3, L4 etc) as this is where the users thumb may be positioned as best shown in Figures 18 and 19.

[0086] It is noted that for each of the locked positions, an amount of paste needs to be removed from the tube 112 so that the device 110 can be advanced, otherwise the pressure of the paste may prevent the advancement.

[0087] Advantageously, the device has a number of design features that improve the efficient removal of paste from a tube when using the conventional hand squeezing method, such as but not limited to, a handgrip to make paste easy to squeeze, simple sequential locking positions, and easy advancement requiring a simple tilting and 180- degree rotation of the device. The tapped slot also assists with ease of insertion and removal, and also wedging the tube in place. Furthermore, the alignment of the engagement surfaces of the locking pawls and the slot, also provide for advantageous retention and locking of the tube and device.

[0088] In use, if sufficient paste is hand squeezed from the tube, the squeezer’s locking pawl can be wound passed the next locking position without the paste being compressed solid, then the locking pawl can be tilted and rotated to wind and advance the device along the side of the tube. The tapped slot may assist to both retain a side of the tube and also allow some movement for the tilting of the tube relative to the device as the device is actuated to advance it along the tube. [0089] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0090] The reference in this specification to any known matter or any prior publication is not, and should not be taken to be, an acknowledgment or admission or suggestion that the known matter or prior art publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the field to which this specification relates.

[0091] While specific examples of the invention have been described, it will be understood that the invention extends to alternative combinations of the features disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

[0092] Many and various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

Claims

The claims defining the Invention are as follows:

1. A device for squeezing a tube in a fitted condition, the device including a body with a head and a key extending from the head, the key having a slot dimensioned to receive an end of the tube and a key surface about with the tube is windable, wherein the head includes at least one retaining member adapted to engage with a tube surface in an engaged position to inhibit relative unwinding of the device and the tube, wherein the device is adapted to be tiltable from the engaged position to a disengaged position in which the at least one retaining member is moved out of engagement to allow the device to be windable.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one retaining member is dimensioned to enable the at least one retaining member to be moved to the disengaged position by tilting the device relative to the tube.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the key and the at least one retaining member are arranged generally parallel to one another defining a gap therebetween in which a side portion of the tube is received in at least the engaged position.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the at least one retaining member is provided in the form of a pawl having a retaining face adapted to engage with the tube surface in the engaged position, and an opposing face adapted to slide past tube surface in the disengaged position.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the retaining face is relatively flatter in comparison of the opposing face.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the pawl includes a tip which is shaped to taper radially inwardly from an outer portion of the tip toward an inner portion of the tip relatively closer to the tube in the fitted condition.

7. The device according to claim 4, wherein the key is shaped to allow greater relative movement of the end of the tube toward an open end of the key.

8. The device according to claim 4, wherein the key is shaped to allow a less tight winding of the tube toward an open end of the key.

9. The device according to claim 7 and 8, wherein the key includes a hollow that is relatively is narrower toward the head.

10. The device according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the slot of the key is offset from the at least one retaining member in a circumferential direction.

11. The device according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the device includes a pair of the at least one retaining member.

12. The device according to any one of the previously claims, wherein the head includes a handle adapted to seat against a palm of a hand of a user.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein the handle includes a relatively wider centre and narrows toward its ends.

14. The device according to claim 12, wherein the at least one retaining member extends from one of the outer ends of the handle.

15. The device according to any one of the previously claims, wherein the slot is tapered and narrows toward the head.

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein the slot includes a tapered mouth.

17. The device according to claim 5, wherein the retaining face is aligned with a plane which passes through a centre line of the slot.

18. The device according to any one of the previously claims, wherein the head includes gripping elements.

19. A device for squeezing a tube in a fitted condition, the device including a body with a head and a key extending from the body, the key having a slot dimensioned to receive an end of the tube and a key surface about with the tube is windable, wherein the head includes a handle and a pair of pawls that extend from opposing sides of the head in a direction generally parallel to the key defining gaps between each of the pawls and the key in which a side portion of the tube is receivable, wherein the device is adapted to be moveable between: an engaged condition in which an engagement surface of one of the pawls is engageable with a tube surface of the side portion received by a respective one of the gaps to inhibit relative unwinding device and tube, and, a disengaged position in which the device is tiltable relative to the tube to disengage the engagement surface of the one of the pawls to enable relative winding of device and the tube.

20. A method of using a device to squeeze a tube, the method including the steps of: a. Fitting an end of the tube to a key of the device to retain the end with a head of the device located laterally of the key adjacent a side surface of the tube; b. Tilting the device relative to the tube by moving the head of the device toward the end of the tube such that at least one pawl extending from the head is able to move past the side surface of the tube in a disengaged condition; c. Winding the tube about the key in the engaged condition to position the at least one pawl for engagement and the side surface of the tube; and d. Releasing the tilt such that the at least one pawl engages with the side surface of the tube so as to inhibit relative unwinding of the tube relative to the key.