Device for grouping elongate items

Abstract

A retaining portion ( 4 ) is configured to organise elongate items grouped about a central zone ( 3 ). Release means ( 2 ) is operable to reorientate the elongate items ( 107 ) from a first grouped configuration to a splayed grouped configuration in which the grouped items are splayed from the first grouped configuration.

1 . A device for grouping elongate items, the device comprising a retaining portion configured to organise the elongate items grouped about a central zone, and release means operable to reorientate the elongate items from a first grouped configuration to a splayed grouped configuration in which the grouped items are splayed from the first grouped configuration.  
     
     
         2 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the retaining portion comprises spaced inner and outer walls, the elongate items being grouped between the inner and outer walls.  
     
     
         3 . A device according to  claim 2 , wherein the inner and outer walls define a channel or trough extending about the central zone.  
     
     
         4 . A device according to  claim 3 , wherein the items are grouped with respective ends resting in the channel or trough.  
     
     
         5 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the retaining portion is arranged to retain the grouped items proximate respective ends thereof.  
     
     
         6 . A device according to  claim 5 , wherein the retaining portion is arranged to retain the grouped items proximate respective lowermost ends thereof.  
     
     
         7 . A device according to  claim 2 , wherein the outer wall extends substantially to or less than 50% of the length of the respective items.  
     
     
         8 . A device according to  claim 7 , wherein the outer wall extends substantially to or less than 30% of the length of the respective items.  
     
     
         9 . A device according to  claim 8 , wherein the outer wall extends substantially to or less than 20% of the length of the respective items.  
     
     
         10 . A device according to  claim 2 , wherein the outer wall extends upwardly from a base of the device.  
     
     
         11 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the retaining portion comprises a peripheral substantially annular portion.  
     
     
         12 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the release means comprises a peripheral collar or sheath element movable between a non-splay permitting orientation, in which the items remain grouped in non-splayed configuration, and a splay permitting orientation, in which the items are caused or permitted to configure to a configuration more splayed outwardly with respect to the central zone.  
     
     
         13 . A device according to  claim 12 , wherein the peripheral collar or sheath is movable in a direction away from the retaining portion from the non-splay permitting orientation to the splay permitting orientation.  
     
     
         14 . A device according to  claim 12 , wherein the peripheral collar or sheath has a cap end distal to the retaining portion end of the device.  
     
     
         15 . A device according to  claim 12 , wherein the peripheral collar or sheath is movable in a direction toward the retaining portion from the non-splay permitting orientation to the splay permitting orientation.  
     
     
         16 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the retaining portion includes an outer wall, the elongate items being grouped within the outer wall, the release means comprising a peripheral collar movable between a substantially non-splay permitting orientation and a splay permitting orientation, wherein the splay permitting orientation, the peripheral collar overlaps or overlays the outer wall of the retaining portion.  
     
     
         17 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the release means comprises a peripheral collar movable between a substantially non-splay permitting orientation and a splay permitting orientation, the collar in the non-splay permitting orientation locating with a locating seat provided at a distal portion of the device, the collar in the splay permitting orientation being positioned adjacent to the receiving portion at the proximal end of the device.  
     
     
         18 . A device according to  claim 17 , wherein the collar locating seat at the distal end of the device is provided at a distal end cap of the device.  
     
     
         19 . A device according to  claim 18 , wherein a central column connects the proximal retaining portion and the distal end cap of the device.  
     
     
         20 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the proximal retaining portion comprises or included a base upon which the device may rest, a central column upstanding from the proximal retaining portion.  
     
     
         21 . A device according to  claim 1 , further comprising a point of sale retail display means for the items grouped by the device.