WO2007039889A2

WO2007039889A2 - A device, apparatus and a method for facilitating discharge of the contents from a deformable tubular container

Info

Publication number: WO2007039889A2
Application number: PCT/IE2006/000106
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Lynch
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-10-03
Filing date: 2006-10-02
Publication date: 2007-04-12
Anticipated expiration: 2008-04-03
Also published as: WO2007039889A3

Abstract

A device (1) for discharging the contents from a deformable tubular container (3), such as toothpaste from a toothpaste tubular container comprises a pair of elongated bearing members (14) extending from a handle (30) and defining a container accommodating slot (20) for accommodating the tubular container (3) therethrough. Bearing faces (22) of the respective bearing members (14) are spaced apart a distance just greater than twice the wall thickness of the tubular container (3) so that as the device (1) is urged in the direction of the arrow (A) along the tubular container (3) from an upstream end (5) to a downstream outlet in a neck (8), the tubular container (3) is deformed with a peristaltic type action for urging the contents thereof through the outlet in the neck (8).

Description

"A device, apparatus and a method for facilitating discharge of the contents from a deformable tubular container"

The present invention relates to a device for facilitating discharge of the contents of a deformable tubular container therefrom, and the invention also relates to apparatus for facilitating discharge of the contents of a deformable tubular container therefrom. Additionally, the invention relates to a method for discharging the contents from a deformable tubular container.

Deformable tubular containers which contain materials with flowable characteristics, such as creams, pastes, gels and the like are known. Toothpaste, in general, is supplied in such deformable tubular containers. Other products which are supplied in such tubular containers are cosmetic creams, adhesives in gel or paste form, sealants in gel or paste form, sauces for food, mustard and the like are also supplied in deformable tubular containers. Typically, the tubular containers are of a deformable plastics material or a deformable metal material, and in general comprise an elongated tube extending from a sealed upstream end to a downstream end from which an outlet is provided for accommodating discharge of the contents therethrough. A cap, commonly a screw cap, closes the outlet.

Discharge of the contents from such containers requires squeezing the tubular container to urge opposite side walls of the container towards each other in order to reduce the volume of the container, and thus urge the contents thereof through the outlet. While the container is full or nearly full, discharge of the contents therefrom, in general, is a relatively straightforward task. However, as the quantity of the contents reduces, the task of discharging the contents becomes progressively more difficult. Indeed, in general, such tubular containers are commonly disposed of while still containing a substantial proportion of the contents therein. Furthermore, people with disabilities, particularly disabilities of the hands, such as, for example, arthritis sufferers, may experience difficulty in discharging the contents from such deformable tubular containers even when the tubular container is full and nearly full. There is therefore a need for a device for facilitating discharge of the contents of a deformable tubular container therefrom.

The present invention is directed towards providing such a device as well as apparatus for facilitating discharge of the contents from a deformable tubular container, and the invention is also directed towards a method for discharging the contents from a deformable tubular container.

According to the invention there is provided a device for facilitating discharge of the contents of a deformable tubular container therefrom, the device comprising a pair of spaced apart elongated bearing members forming an elongated container accommodating slot therebetween for receiving the tubular container therein, so that with the container located in the container accommodating slot, one of the device and the container is urgeable relative to the other with the container passing through the slot in a direction from one end of the container to the other for urging the contents thereof along and within the container with a peristaltic type action for discharge therefrom.

In one embodiment of the invention the bearing members are spaced apart a distance which is just greater than the sum of the thicknesses of respective opposite side walls of the container which are urged together by the peristaltic type action of the bearing members on the container.

In another embodiment of the invention the bearing members are spaced apart a distance which is just greater than twice the wall thickness of the tubular container.

In a further embodiment of the invention at least one of the bearing members is of polygonal transverse cross-section. Preferably, the at least one bearing member of polygonal cross-section defines a longitudinally extending bearing face forming a corresponding face of the container accommodating slot. Advantageously, the bearing face of the at least one bearing member of polygonal cross-section extends between a longitudinally extending leading edge and a longitudinally extending trailing edge spaced apart from the leading edge.

In one embodiment of the invention the at least one bearing member of polygonal cross-section defines a leading face extending transversely from and longitudinally along the leading edge of the bearing face, the leading face, in use, facing in a general direction of movement of the device relative to the tubular container for discharging the contents therefrom. Preferably, the leading face of the at least one bearing member of polygonal cross-section extends transversely from the leading edge of the bearing face thereof in a generally sidewardly and trailing direction. Advantageously, the leading face of the at least one bearing member of polygonal cross-section is of arcuate shape. Ideally, the leading face of the at least one bearing member of polygonal cross-section is convex.

In another embodiment of the invention the at least one bearing member of polygonal cross-section defines a trailing face extending transversely from and longitudinally along the trailing edge of the bearing face thereof. Preferably, the trailing face of the at least one bearing member of polygonal cross-section extends substantially perpendicularly relative to the bearing face thereof. Advantageously, the leading face and the trailing face of the at least one bearing member of polygonal cross-section intersect to define a corresponding longitudinally extending side edge of the bearing member spaced apart from the bearing face thereof.

Preferably, each bearing member is of polygonal transverse cross-section.

In one embodiment of the invention each bearing member extends from a proximal end to a distal end, and a proximal cross-member extending transversely between and joining the bearing members at the respective proximal ends thereof closes the container accommodating slot at the proximal end thereof. Preferably, the proximal cross-member is integrally formed with the bearing members.

In another embodiment of the invention a distal cross-member extending transversely between and joining the bearing members at the respective distal ends thereof closes the container accommodating slot at the distal end thereof. Preferably, the distal cross-member is integrally formed with the bearing members.

Preferably, a handle extends from the bearing members for gripping thereof for facilitating urging one of the device and the container longitudinally relative to the other. Advantageously, the handle extends substantially longitudinally from the bearing members. Preferably, the handle is integrally formed with the bearing members.

In one embodiment of the invention a hanging means is provided for facilitating hanging the device when not in use. Advantageously, the hanging means comprises a hook engaging opening for engaging a hook for suspending the device therefrom.

In one embodiment of the invention the device is of plastics material. Preferably, the device is formed by injection moulding.

Advantageously, the device is a portable handheld device.

In one embodiment of the invention the device is adapted for discharging a cream, paste or a gel from a tubular container similar to a tubular container for toothpaste.

In another embodiment of the invention the length of the container accommodating slot in a direction parallel to the bearing members is greater than the width of the container after respective opposite side walls of the container which are urged together by the peristaltic type action of the bearing members on the container have been urged together.

In a further embodiment of the invention an engagement means is provided for engaging a rim of a lid of a container so that with the rim of the lid of the container engaged by the engagement means, the lid is urgeable from the container by the device. Preferably, the engagement means is adapted for engaging a lip adjacent the rim of the lid of the container extending outwardly from the rim thereof. Advantageously, the engagement means is adapted for engaging a rolled lip of the lid. Ideally, the engagement means is provided by an engagement groove formed in the device.

Preferably, the engagement groove extends transversely relative to the bearing members. Advantageously, the engagement means is located in the distal cross- member.

The invention also provides apparatus for facilitating discharge of the contents of a deformable tubular container therefrom, the apparatus comprising a device according to the invention, and a base member for mounting the device on a support.

In one embodiment of the invention the device is securable in the base member. Preferably, the device is releasably securable in the base member.

In one embodiment of the invention a retaining bore extends into the base member for engaging the device therein with the bearing members extending therefrom. Preferably, the retaining bore substantially defines the transverse cross-section of a portion of the device engageable in the retaining bore. Advantageously, the portion of the device engageable with the retaining bore in the base member is a sliding fit therein. Ideally, the portion of the device engageable with the retaining bore in the base member is an interference fit therewith.

In one embodiment of the invention the base member is adapted for mounting on a surface of the support. Preferably, the base member is adapted for mounting on a i horizontal surface.

In another embodiment of the invention a mounting means is provided on the base member for mounting the base member on the support. Preferably, the mounting means for mounting the base member on the support is a releasable mounting means. Advantageously, the mounting means comprises at least three spaced apart suction pads mounted on the base member for releasably engaging the support.

The invention also provides a method for facilitating discharge of the contents of a deformable container therefrom, the method comprising providing a device having a pair of spaced apart bearing members defining a container accommodating slot therebetween for receiving the container therein, inserting the container in the container accommodating slot by engaging an end of the container remote from an outlet therefrom, and urging one of the device and the container relative to the other with the container located in the container accommodating slot in a direction with the device being moved towards the outlet for urging the contents therein along and within the container with a peristaltic type action for discharge therefrom.

In one embodiment of the invention the container is an elongated tubular container having an upstream end and a downstream end, the outlet from the container being located adjacent the downstream end, and the one of the device and the container is moved so that the relative movement between the container and the device is in a longitudinal direction along the container from the upstream end to the downstream end.

In another embodiment of the invention the container contains a cream, paste or gel and is of a type similar to a toothpaste tube.

The advantages of the invention are many. The device according to the invention provides a relatively simple yet very effective solution to the problems of discharging the contents from a deformable tubular container. A particularly important advantage of the invention is that it facilitates virtually complete emptying of a deformable tubular container. This is achieved by virtue of the fact that the bearing members of the device by being appropriately spaced apart bear on respective opposite sides of the tubular container for effectively collapsing the tubular container so that the respective opposite side walls of the tubular container lie substantially parallel to each other and abutting each other as the device is urged along the tubular container, thereby urging the contents of the container in front of the device within the container towards and through an outlet therefrom.

By virtue of the fact that the device comprises a pair of spaced apart elongated bearing members which define a container accommodating slot for accommodating a tubular container therein, by urging one of the device and the tubular container relative to the other, so that the device is urged along the tubular container towards an outlet therefrom with the tubular container located within the container accommodating slot, the device acts with a peristaltic type action on the tubular container, thus progressively deforming the tubular container as the device is urged along the container for in turn urging the contents therein within the container in front of the device towards the outlet. By providing proximal and distal cross-members joining the bearing members at the respective proximal and distal ends thereof, the spacing between the bearing members is maintained substantially constant as the device is urged longitudinally along the container, even when pressure builds up within the container.

The provision of a handle extending substantially longitudinally from the bearing members facilitates gripping of the device so that the device with the bearing members bearing on opposite side walls of the container can be relatively easily urged along the container for deforming the container with the peristaltic type action. The provision of the bearing members with respective bearing faces further facilitates in deforming the tubular container with the peristaltic type action. By providing each bearing member with a leading face which is arcuate and concave, and which extends from a leading edge of the bearing face in a generally sidewardly trailing direction, the device is suitable for deforming the tubular container substantially entirely along its length to a downstream outlet therefrom. Thus, virtually the entire contents of the tubular container can be discharged by the device according to the invention.

The apparatus according to the invention provides a particularly important advantage in that the device can be securely located in the mounting member, which in turn can be securely anchored on a support surface, for example, a horizontal support surface, and by entering the upstream end of the tubular container into the container accommodating slot, the upstream end of the container can be gripped and pulled through the slot, thus providing relative movement between the device and the container such that the device is urged longitudinally along the container from the upstream end to the downstream end for discharging the contents therefrom. This, thus, permits the contents of the container to be discharged by one hand only, since the device is anchored by the base member.

The provision of the engagement means on the device for engaging a rim of a lid of a container, for example, the rim on the lid of a container of sheet metal or tin of the type in which biscuits, sweets and the like are commonly supplied provides the important advantage that once the rim of the lid has been engaged by the engagement means, the lid can be readily removed from the container by the device. In particular, the provision of the engagement means on the device allows positive purchase between the device and the lid, and by gripping the device in one hand and the container in the other hand, and urging the device in a direction away from the container, the lid can thus be readily removed without any danger of damage or injury to fingers or nails of an individual. By providing the engagement means in the form of an engagement groove has the particular advantage that the device is particularly suitable for engaging a lip, for example, a rolled lip which commonly extends outwardly around the rim of a lid of such container.

The advantages achieved by the method according to the invention for discharging the contents from a deformable tubular container are similar to those already described.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some preferred embodiments thereof, which are given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a device according to the invention for facilitating discharge of the contents from a deformable tubular container, Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the device of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 3 is an end elevational view of the device of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 4 is a transverse cross-sectional end elevational view of the device of Fig. 1 on the line IV-IV of Fig. 2,

Fig. 5 is a transverse cross-sectional end elevational view similar to that of Fig. 4 of the device of Fig. 1 illustrating the device of Fig. 1 in use,

Fig. 6 is a transverse cross-sectional end elevational view similar to that of Fig. 4 of the device of Fig. 1 also illustrating the device of Fig. 1 in use,

Fig. 7 is a transverse cross-sectional end elevational view similar to that of

Fig. 4 of the device of Fig. 1 also illustrating the device of Fig. 1 in use,

Fig. 8 is an underneath plan view of a device according to another embodiment of the invention for facilitating discharge of the contents from a deformable tubular container,

Fig. 9 is a side elevational view of a portion of the device of Fig. 8 in use,

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of apparatus according to the invention for facilitating discharge of the contents from a deformable tubular container,

Fig. 11 is a top plan view of the apparatus of Fig. 10, and

Fig. 12 is an underneath plan view of the apparatus of Fig. 10.

Referring to the drawings and initially to Figs. 1 to 7 thereof, there is illustrated a device according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 , for facilitating discharge of the contents of a deformable tubular container 3. The container 3 would typically be of the type for containing materials with flowable characteristics, for example, creams, pastes, gels and the like. Toothpaste is commonly supplied in such deformable tubular containers, as are cosmetic creams, medicated creams, pastes and gels, adhesives and sealants in the form of pastes and gels, as well as sauces for use with food, mustard and the like. Such deformable tubular containers comprise a tubular member 4 which may be of a deformable plastics or metal material extending from a sealed upstream end 5 to a downstream end 6 terminating generally in a circular disc 7. An outlet bore (not shown) through a neck 8 extending from the disc 7 forms an outlet (not shown) through which the contents of the tubular container 3 are discharged. An internally threaded cap 9 engages corresponding threads (not shown) on the neck 8 for closing the outlet. Conventional methods for discharging the contents from such tubular containers 3 require squeezing the tubular member 4 so that opposite side walls 10 of the tubular member 4 are deformed inwardly for reducing the internal volume of the tubular member 4, thus discharging the contents through the outlet in the neck 8 thereof.

The device 1 comprises a pair of elongated spaced apart bearing members 14 joined at their respective proximal ends 15 by a proximal cross-member 16 and at their respective distal ends 17 by a distal cross-member 18. The bearing members 14 define a longitudinally extending container accommodating slot 20 for accommodating the tubular member 4 of the tubular container 3 therein so that as the device 1 is urged along the tubular member 4 in the direction of the arrow A from the upstream end 5 to the downstream end 6, the device 1 progressively deforms the tubular member 4 for discharging the contents therefrom through the outlet in the neck 8 with a peristaltic type action.

Each bearing member 14 is of polygonal transverse cross-section having a bearing face 22 which extends longitudinally between the proximal and distal cross-members 16 and 18 and transversely between a leading edge 23 and a spaced apart trailing edge 24. The bearing faces 22 of the respective bearing members 14 define the container accommodating slot 20. The bearing members 14 are spaced apart so that the transverse distance between the bearing faces 22 is just greater than the sum of the thicknesses of the two side walls 10 of the tubular member 4, so that as the bearing members are urged in the direction of the arrow A along the tubular member 4, the tubular member 4 is progressively deformed with the side walls 10 abutting each other, so that the contents of the tubular container 3 are urged within the tubular container 3 in front of the device 1 with the peristaltic type action.

However, it is envisaged that in certain cases the spacing between the bearing members 14 may be greater than the sum of the thicknesses of the side walls 10 of the tubular member 4. In which case, it is envisaged that the device 1 would be slightly angled as it is being urged along the tubular member 4, so that one side wall 10 of the tubular member 4 would be engaged by the leading edge 23 of the bearing face 22 of one of the bearing members 14, and the other side wall 10 would be engaged by the trailing edge 24 of the bearing face 22 of the other bearing member 14, as for example is illustrated in Fig. 7.

An arcuate convex leading face 25 of each bearing member 14 extends longitudinally along the leading edge 23 of the bearing face 22, and extends transversely sidewardly in a generally trailing direction towards a trailing face 26 of the bearing member 14. The trailing face 26 of each bearing member 14 extends longitudinally along the trailing edge 24 of the bearing face 22, and extends transversely from the trailing edge 24, and substantially perpendicularly to the bearing face 22. The leading face 25 and the trailing face 26 of each bearing member 14 intersect to define a longitudinally extending side edge 28 of the bearing member 14. The provision of the leading face 25 of each bearing member 14 of arcuate convex shape facilitates engagement of the side walls 10 of the tubular member 4 by the leading faces 25 of the bearing members 14 adjacent the downstream end 6, and in particular, facilitates urging the downstream ends 6 of the side walls 10 into abutting engagement with the disc 7 for discharging virtually all of the contents of the tubular container 3 through the outlet formed in the neck 8, see Fig. 6. A handle 30 extends longitudinally from the proximal ends 15 of the bearing members 14, and in this embodiment of the invention forms the proximal cross- member 16. A means for hanging the device 1 on a hook or the like when not in use is provided by a hook engaging opening 31 , which is located at the distal end of the container accommodating slot 20, and communicates with the container accommodating slot 20.

In use, an individual wishing to discharge the contents from the deformable tubular container 3 grips the device 1 in one hand by gripping the handle 30, and the tubular container 3 in the other hand. The upstream end 5 of the tubular container 3 is urged into the container accommodating slot 20, and the upstream end 5 of the tubular container 5 is then gripped by hand, and with the upstream end 5 of the tubular container 3 gripped in one hand and the device 1 gripped in the other hand, the device 1 is then urged along the tubular member 4 in the direction of the arrow A from the upstream end 5 towards the downstream end 6 for urging the contents from the tubular container 3 with a peristaltic type action.

In general, the tubular container 3 will contain air, and in order to expel the air initially, the cap 9 is slackened for facilitating discharge of air therethrough, and the device 1 is urged along the tubular member 4 in the direction of the arrow A, thus expelling air from the tubular container 3. When all the air has been expelled from the tubular container 3, the contents of the tubular container are tightly compacted in the container 3 towards the downstream end 6. In order to discharge the contents or some of the contents from the tubular container 3, the cap 9 is removed, and the device 1 is urged an appropriate distance along the tubular member 4 in the direction of the arrow A for discharging the desired amount of the contents from the tubular container 3.

Alternatively, the device 1 may be held in position on the tubular member 4 with the leading edges 23 of the bearing members 14 tightly abutting the side walls 10 of the tubular member 4 as illustrated in Fig. 5, and the portion of the tubular member 4 between the device 1 and the disc 7 may be manually squeezed for discharging the desired amount of the contents therefrom.

Referring now to Figs. 8 and 9, there is illustrated a device according to another embodiment of the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 40, also for facilitating discharge of the contents of a deformable tubular container, similar to the tubular container 3 described with reference to Figs. 1 to 7. The device 40 is substantially similar to the device 1 , and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. The only difference between the device 40 and the device 1 is that the device 40 is also suitable for facilitating removal of a lid of a container from the container. Only a portion 41 of the container and a portion 42 of the lid are illustrated in Fig. 9. Typically such containers 41 would be of sheet metal or tin and would be of the type in which biscuits, sweets or the like would be supplied. The device 40 comprises an engagement means provided by an engagement groove 43 for engaging an outwardly extending rolled lip 44 of the lid 42 for facilitating removal of the lid 42 from the container 41. The engagement groove 43 is located in the distal cross-member 18 and extends in a generally transverse direction relative to the bearing members 14. In order to facilitate ease of engagement of the engagement groove 43 with the rolled lip 44 of the lid 42, the engagement groove 43 is located just in from a distal end 45 of the distal cross- member 18.

In use, to remove the lid 42 from the container 41 , the device 40 is gripped by the handle 30. The engagement groove 43 is engaged on the rolled lip 44 of the lid 42, and with the device 40 held in one hand gripping the handle 30, and the other hand holding the container 41 , the device 40 is urged in the direction of the arrow B for urging the lid 42 from the container 41. The advantage of the device 40 is that it facilitates easy removal of the lid 42 from a container 41 , since it facilitates extra purchase to be gained on the lid 42, thereby facilitating removal of the lid 42 from- the container 41.

Otherwise, the device 40 is similar to the device 1 and its use for discharging the contents from a deformable tubular container such as the tubular container 3 is similar to that described with reference to Figs. 1 to 7.

Referring now to Figs. 10 to 12, there is illustrated apparatus according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 50, also for facilitating discharge of the contents from a deformable tubular container, similar to the deformable tubular container 3. The apparatus 50 comprises a base member 51 for mounting a device 52 on a horizontal supporting surface (not shown). The device 52 is provided for discharging the contents from a deformable tubular container 3, and is substantially similar to the device 1 , and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. The base member 51 in this embodiment of the invention is of cubic shape, and is of solid plastics material.

A mounting means for releasably securing the base member 51 to the horizontal surface comprises four spaced apart suction pads 53 secured on an under surface

54 of the base member 51. The suction pads 53 are of the type which engage a surface to which they are pressed against with a vacuum type gripping action.

A retaining means comprising a retaining bore 55 extending into the base member 51 from a top surface 56 thereof releasably engages the handle 30 of the device 52. In this embodiment of the invention the retaining bore 55 defines the transverse cross-section of the handle 30 and engages the handle 30 with a relatively tight sliding fit action for facilitating positive location of the handle 30 in the receiving bore

55 with the device 52 releasably secured therein.

In use, with the base member 51 secured on a horizontal surface, for example, a windowsill in a bathroom, a dressing table or the like, depending on where it is desired to use the apparatus 50, the handle 30 of the device 52 is engaged in the retaining bore 55. The upstream end 5 of the tubular member 4 of the deformable tubular container 3 is passed through the container accommodating slot 20 and the upstream end 5 is gripped by hand. The tubular container 3 is thus urged through the container accommodating slot 20 by gripping the upstream end 52 of the tubular member 4 through an appropriate distance for discharging a desired amount of the contents of the tubular container 3 through the outlet in the neck 8.

Otherwise, the use of the apparatus 50 and the device 52 is similar to that of the device 1 already described with reference to Figs. 1 to 7.

While the handle 30 of the device 52 has been described as being a tight sliding fit in the retaining bore 55 of the base member 51 , the tightness of the fit of the handle 30 in the retaining bore 55 will depend on whether it is intended that the base member 51 should anchor the device 52 while the tubular container 3 is being urged through the container accommodating slot 20, or whether the base member 51 is merely to be provided for holding the device 52 when not in use. Where the base member 51 is provided to anchor the device 52 while the tubular member 3 is being urged through the container accommodating slot 20, the retaining bore 55 will be dimensioned so that the handle 20 is a relatively tight fit therein. Otherwise, the handle 30 may be a relatively loose fit in the retaining bore 55. Indeed, it is envisaged in certain cases, where the base member 51 is to anchor the device 52 in use, the device 52 may be non-releasably secured in the retaining bore 55, or alternatively, the device 52 and the base member 51 may be formed as a single integral unit.

While the devices have been described as being of plastics material, the devices may be of any other suitable material. It will of course be appreciated that while the bearing members have been described as being of polygonal transverse cross- section of a specific transverse cross-section, the bearing members may be of any other suitable or desired cross-sections. Indeed, in certain cases, it is envisaged that the bearing members may be of circular transverse cross-section, and indeed, in certain cases, may be rotatably mounted on the proximal and distal cross-members. It is also envisaged that the container accommodating slot may be open at one end, in which case, the distal cross-member joining the bearing members would be omitted. While the base member 51 of the apparatus 50 which is described with reference to Figs. 10 to 12 has been described as being of plasties material, the base member may be of any suitable material. Indeed, in general, it is desirable that the base member should be relatively heavy, in order to provide sufficient ballast for anchoring the device 52.

Claims

1. A device for facilitating discharge of the contents of a deformable tubular container therefrom, the device comprising a pair of spaced apart elongated bearing members forming an elongated container accommodating slot therebetween for receiving the tubular container therein, so that with the container located in the container accommodating slot, one of the device and the container is urgeable relative to the other with the container passing through the slot in a direction from one end of the container to the other for urging the contents thereof along and within the container with a peristaltic type action for discharge therefrom.

2. A device as claimed in Claim 1 in which the bearing members are spaced apart a distance which is just greater than the sum of the thicknesses of respective opposite side walls of the container which are urged together by the peristaltic type action of the bearing members on the container.

3. A device as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 in which the bearing members are spaced apart a distance which is just greater than twice the wall thickness of the tubular container.

4. A device as claimed in any preceding claim in which at least one of the bearing members is of polygonal transverse cross-section.

5. A device as claimed in Claim 4 in which the at least one bearing member of polygonal cross-section defines a longitudinally extending bearing face forming a corresponding face of the container accommodating slot.

6. A device as claimed in Claim 5 in which the bearing face of the at least one bearing member of polygonal cross-section extends between a longitudinally extending leading edge and a longitudinally extending trailing edge spaced apart from the leading edge.

7. A device as claimed in Claim 6 in which the at least one bearing member of polygonal cross-section defines a leading face extending transversely from and longitudinally along the leading edge of the bearing face, the leading face, in use, facing in a general direction of movement of the device relative to the tubular container for discharging the contents therefrom.

8. A device as claimed in Claim 7 in which the leading face of the at least one bearing member of polygonal cross-section extends transversely from the leading edge of the bearing face thereof in a generally sidewardly and trailing direction.

9. A device as claimed in Claim 7 or 8 in which the leading face of the at least one bearing member of polygonal cross-section is of arcuate shape.

10. A device as claimed in any of Claims 7 to 9 in which the leading face of the at least one bearing member of polygonal cross-section is convex.

11. A device as claimed in any of Claims 7 to 10 in which the at least one bearing member of polygonal cross-section defines a trailing face extending transversely from and longitudinally along the trailing edge of the bearing face thereof.

12. A device as claimed in Claim 11 in which the trailing face of the at least one bearing member of polygonal cross-section extends substantially perpendicularly relative to the bearing face thereof.

13. A device as claimed in Claim 11 or 12 in which the leading face and the trailing face of the at least one bearing member of polygonal cross-section intersect to define a corresponding longitudinally extending side edge of the bearing member spaced apart from the bearing face thereof.

14. A device as claimed in any of Claims 4 to 13 in which each bearing member is of polygonal transverse cross-section.

15. A device as claimed in any preceding claim in which each bearing member extends from a proximal end to a distal end, and a proximal cross-member extending transversely between and joining the bearing members at the respective proximal ends thereof closes the container accommodating slot at the proximal end thereof.

16. A device as claimed in Claim 15 in which the proximal cross-member is integrally formed with the bearing members.

17. A device as claimed in Claim 15 or 16 in which a distal cross-member extending transversely between and joining the bearing members at the respective distal ends thereof closes the container accommodating slot at the distal end thereof.

18. A device as claimed in Claim 17 in which the distal cross-member is integrally formed with the bearing members.

19. A device as claimed in any preceding claim in which a handle extends from the bearing members for gripping thereof for facilitating urging one of the device and the container longitudinally relative to the other.

20. A device as claimed in Claim 19 in which the handle extends substantially longitudinally from the bearing members.

21. A device as claimed in Claim 19 or 20 in which the handle is integrally formed with the bearing members.

22. A device as claimed in any preceding claim in which a hanging means is provided for facilitating hanging the device when not in use.

23. A device as claimed in Claim 22 in which the hanging means comprises a hook engaging opening for engaging a hook for suspending the device therefrom.

24. A device as claimed in any preceding claim in which the device is of plastics material.

25. A device as claimed in any preceding claim in which the device is formed by injection moulding.

26. A device as claimed in any preceding claim in which the device is a portable handheld device.

27. A device as claimed in any preceding claim in which the device is adapted for discharging a cream, paste or a gel from a tubular container similar to a tubular container for toothpaste.

28. A device as claimed in any preceding claim in which the length of the container accommodating slot in a direction parallel to the bearing members is greater than the width of the container after respective opposite side walls of the container which are urged together by the peristaltic type action of the bearing members on the container have been urged together.

29. A device as claimed in any preceding claim in which an engagement means is provided for engaging a rim of a lid of a container so that with the rim of the lid of the container engaged by the engagement means, the lid is urgeable from the container by the device.

30. A device as claimed in Claim 29 in which the engagement means is adapted for engaging a lip adjacent the rim of the lid of the container extending outwardly from the rim thereof.

31. A device as claimed in Claim 29 or 30 in which the engagement means is adapted for engaging a rolled lip of the lid.

32. A device as claimed in any of Claims 29 to 31 in which the engagement means is provided by an engagement groove formed in the device.

33. A device as claimed in Claim 32 in which the engagement groove extends transversely relative to the bearing members.

34. A device as claimed in any of Claims 29 to 33 in which the engagement means is located in the distal cross-member.

35. Apparatus for facilitating discharge of the contents of a deformable tubular container therefrom, the apparatus comprising a device as claimed in any preceding claim and a base member for mounting the device on a support.

36. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 35 in which the device is securable in the base member.

37. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 35 or 36 in which the device is releasably securable in the base member.

38. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 35 to 37 in which a retaining bore extends into the base member for engaging the device therein with the bearing members extending therefrom.

39. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 38 in which the retaining bore substantially defines the transverse cross-section of a portion of the device engageable in the retaining bore.

40. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 38 or 39 in which the portion of the device engageable with the retaining bore in the base member is a sliding fit therein.

41. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 38 or 39 in which the portion of the device engageable with the retaining bore in the base member is an interference fit therewith.

42. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 35 to 41 in which the base member is adapted for mounting on a surface of the support.

43. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 42 in which the base member is adapted for mounting on a horizontal surface.

44. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 35 to 43 in which a mounting means is provided on the base member for mounting the base member on the support.

45. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 44 in which the mounting means for mounting the base member on the support is a releasable mounting means.

46. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 44 or 45 in which the mounting means comprises at least three spaced apart suction pads mounted on the base member for releasably engaging the support.

47. A method for facilitating discharge of the contents of a deformable container therefrom, the method comprising providing a device having a pair of spaced apart bearing members defining a container accommodating slot therebetween for receiving the container therein, inserting the container in the container accommodating slot by engaging an end of the container remote from an outlet therefrom, and urging one of the device and the container relative to the other with the container located in the container accommodating slot in a direction with the device being moved towards the outlet for urging the contents therein along and within the container with a peristaltic type action for discharge therefrom.

48. A method as claimed in Claim 47 in which the container is an elongated tubular container having an upstream end and a downstream end, the outlet from the container being located adjacent the downstream end, and the one of the device and the container is moved so that the relative movement between the container and the device is in a longitudinal direction along the container from the upstream end to the downstream end.

49. A method as claimed in Claim 47 or 48 in which the container contains a cream, paste or gel and is of a type similar to a toothpaste tube.