The invention relates to a filament dispensing device. In particular, but not exclusively, the filament dispensing device can be used to create a decorative visual display or installation.

It is known to manually arrange a plurality of filaments inside a building to create a decorative visual display or installation. Arranging multiple filaments individually can be time consuming, and inaccurate. Disassembling the filaments can also be time consuming. An aim of the present invention is to provide an improved, or at least an alternative, filament dispensing device.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a filament dispensing device in accordance with Claim 1.

The filament dispensing device in accordance with Claim 1 is advantageous because it dispenses or retracts multiple filaments at the same time.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a filament dispensing device in accordance with Claim 21.

Other optional and preferred features, for the filament dispensing device and advantages of said features, are set out in the dependent claims, and the description and drawings below. Features of the filament dispensing devices disclosed in the claims, description and drawings can be combined in any complimentary manner, where such a combination of features would provide a working embodiment of the invention.

Embodiments of a filament dispensing device in accordance with the invention, and methods of manufacturing, assembling, and using a filament dispensing device in accordance with the invention, will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which, Figure 1 is a perspective view of a filament dispensing device in accordance with the invention,

Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of parts of the filament dispensing device, showing a base, which has a base cover and a base housing,

Figure 3 is a perspective view which shows the base housing of the base, the base cover being removed for clarity,

Figure 4 is a perspective view which shows the base housing,

Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view, telescopically, of a filament dispensing mechanism of the filament dispensing device,

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a spool housing, from above, and to one side of, the spool housing,

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the spool housing from above, showing a catch mechanism, Figure 8 is a close up perspective view of the catch mechanism, showing hidden detail,

Figure 9 is a first side view of the (spool housing and the) catch mechanism in an inactive condition,

Figure 10 is a second side view of the (spool housing and the) catch mechanism, from the same location, in an active condition,

Figure 11 is a perspective view of a spool, from above,

Figure 12 is a perspective view of a spool, from below,

Figure 13 is a partial side view of the spool,

Figure 14 is a perspective view of a spring housing, from below, Figure 15 is a perspective view of a spring, the spring housing of Figure 14, and a pin, from above, Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view, telescopically, of spool, spring housing, spring, and spring housing lid,

Figure 17 is a perspective view, in cutaway, of the spool and spring housing, Figure 18 is a plan view of the spring housing, and a spring housing lid,

Figure 19 is a perspective view of the spring housing, a spring housing lid, and a pin, from above, and to one side, Figure 20 is a perspective view of the spool and a tension adjuster,

Figure 21 is a further perspective view of the spool and the tension adjuster fitted together,

Figure 22 is a perspective view which shows detail of the spool housing and filaments,

Figure 23 is a perspective view which shows apertures in the spool housing, the spool, and the filaments,

Figure 24 is a perspective view which shows the spool housing, and the base housing, and attachment of one of the filaments, the base cover being removed for clarity,

Figure 25 is a perspective view which shows a plurality of filaments connected to the base housing, Figure 26 is a perspective view of a clip of the filament dispensing device,

Figure 27 is a perspective view which shows the clip attached to the filaments, Figure 28 is a perspective view of the filament dispensing device which shows the clip, slightly raised above the base cover,

Figure 29 is a perspective view which shows a close up of a push button and tension adjuster in the base cover,

Figure 30 is a perspective view which shows the filaments of the filament dispensing device in an extended position,

Figure 31 is a perspective view, from above and to the side, of part of another filament dispensing device in accordance with the invention,

Figure 32 is another view of the part of the filament dispensing device of Figure 31, the view being similar to that in Figure 31, showing in cutaway a base cover attached to the part of the filament dispensing device,

Figure 33 is a perspective view of the part of the filament dispensing device of Figure 31, showing a spool and a retaining clip hovering above a base, part A of the drawing being shown below in exploded form,

Figure 34 shows a close up of the base cover, and a ring attached to a filament passing through an aperture in the base cover,

Figure 35 shows a clip, for fitting to a ceiling, and

Figure 36 shows a single filament of the filament dispensing device of Figure 31 in an extended position (other filaments being omitted from the view for conciseness and clarity).

Referring to Figures 1, 28 and 30, a filament dispensing device 6 comprises a base 8 and a plurality of filaments 9 which can be dispensed from the base and retracted into the base. In the embodiment shown there are 16 filaments. Referring to Figure 2, the base 8 comprises a (circular) base housing 10 and a (circular) base cover 12, both made of MDF.

Referring to Figure 3, the base housing 10 takes the form of a shallow cup, and comprises a base housing support 14 and the base housing rim 16.

Still referring to Figure 3, the base housing rim 16 comprises a plurality of rim apertures 18, which are spaced about the periphery of the base housing 10, in particular about the rim 16. Referring back to Figure 2, the base cover 12 also comprises a plurality of cover apertures 20, which are spaced about the periphery of the base cover 12.

Referring back to Figure 1, the base 8 should be sufficiently "thin" that it can be stored in spaces such as under a bed. In the embodiment shown, the base 8 is only about 45mm in height.

Referring to Figure 4, the base housing support 14 comprises a first recess 22, a second recess 24, and a catch recess 26. The centre of the second recess 24 coincides with the centre of the base housing support 14. Referring again to Figure 2, the base cover 12 also comprises a tension adjuster aperture 28, which is centrally positioned.

Referring to Figure 29, the base cover 12 also comprises a button aperture 30 for a push button. Referring back to Figure 3, in accordance with the invention, the filament dispensing device 6 also comprises a filament retraction mechanism 32.

Referring to Figures 3 and 5, the filament retraction mechanism 32 comprises a spool housing 34, a spool 36, a spring housing 38, a (constant force) spring 40 (or torsion spring), a spring housing lid 42, and a tension adjuster 44.

Referring to Figures 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, the spool housing 34 comprises a circular cross-section tube 50 with its lower end 52 closed or, in another words, a shallow cup shape. The circular cross-section tube 50 comprises a plurality of holes 54 (only some of these are referenced for conciseness and clarity). The holes 54 are spaced, at regular intervals, in the direction of the axis of the tubular spool housing 34. The holes 54 are (also) spaced, at regular intervals, about the circumference of the tubular spool housing 34.

The lower end 52 comprises a spool housing mounting aperture 56 at its centre for use in assembling the filament retraction mechanism 16 and fitting filament retraction mechanism to the base housing support 14. Referring to Figure 6, the circular cross-section tube 50 has a catch element opening 58 at a lower part thereof for a catch element 70 described below.

Referring to figures 5, 7, 8, and 24, the spool housing 34 also comprises a catch mechanism 60. Referring to Figures 7, 8, 9 and 10, the catch mechanism 60 comprises a plate 62, catch element guide channels 64a and 64b, an upstanding abutment 66 (parallel to plane through tangent of outer surface of the circular cross-section tube 30), and a two-part push button housing 68.

Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the catch mechanism 60 also comprises a catch element 70. The catch element 70, with an integral locking face 72, is arranged in catch element guide channels 64a and 64b. A compression spring 74 is arranged between inside surface of abutment 66 and catch element 70. In this way, the locking face 72 of the catch element 70 is biased by the compression spring 74, through the catch element opening 58, to the position shown in Figure 7, in which the locking face 72 of the catch element 70 is able to lock the position of a one-way gear 94 of the spool 36, the one-way gear 94 being described below.

Referring to Figures 9 and 10, the catch mechanism 60 also comprises a push button 75. The push button 75, which comprises an inclined surface 76, is arranged in the push button housing 68. The position of the push button 75 in Figure 9 corresponds to the position of the locking face 72 of the catch element 70 in Figure 7. In other words, when the push button 75 is untouched, i.e. unactivated, the locking face 72 of the catch element 70 locks the position of the one way gear 94 of the spool 36 as discussed below. Referring to Figure 10, when the push button 75 is depressed, i.e. activated, the inclined surface 76 engages with the catch element 70 against the bias of the compression spring 74 so as to retract the locking face 72 of the catch element 70 and disengage the one way gear 94 of the spool 36, to enable the spool 36 to rotate freely inside the spool housing 34.

Referring to Figure 11, the spool 36 takes the form of a circular cross-section tube 80 with its lower end 82 closed, or, in another words, a cup. Looking also at Figures 12 and 13, an outer surface 84 of the circular cross-section tube 80 comprises a plurality of channels 86 defined therein.

Referring to Figure 13, each of the channels 86 runs circumferentially about the outer surface 84 of the tube 80 of the spool 36, in a plane parallel to the lower end 82 of the tube 80. The reader can note there are 16 channels 86 corresponding to the 16 filaments 9 (but only some are referenced for conciseness). The channels 86 are separated by walls 88 so that sufficient filament 9 can be retained in each channel 86 without the filaments overlapping and tangling on the spool 36.

Still referring to Figure 13, the outer surface 84 of the circular cross - section tube 80 of the spool 36 also comprises a filament aperture 90 in communication with each of the channels 46. The filament apertures 90 are spaced, at regular intervals, in the direction of the axis of the tube like spool 36. The filament apertures 90 are (also) spaced, at regular intervals, about the circumference of the tube like spool 36 (in other words, in the direction of rotation of the spool 36). Referring also back to figure 12, an outer (or lower) surface 92 of closed lower end 82 of the tube 80 of the spool 36 comprises a one - way gear 94. The one - way gear 94 comprises a plurality of gear teeth 96 which extend about the periphery of the outer surface 92 of closed lower end 82. Still referring to Figure 12, the closed end 82 of the tube 80 of the spool 36 also comprises five apertures 100. The central aperture 100a in the spool 36 corresponds to the position of spool housing mounting aperture 56, and is for a mounting pin. Four outer apertures 100b, 100c, lOOd, and lOOe correspond to positions of protrusions in spring housing discussed below. Referring to Figure 11, an upper surface 102 of the circular cross - section tube 80 of the spool 36 comprises notches 104 for cooperation with the tension adjuster 44. The spool 36 is rotatable, to enable filaments that can be attached to the spool to be retracted through the apertures 54 in the spool housing part 34.

Referring to Figures 5, 14, 15, and 16, the spring housing 38 is cup shaped, and comprises base 110 and a wall 112. Referring to Figures 14 and 15, the wall 112 has a spring housing recess 114. Referring to Figure 15, the spring housing 38 comprises five equally spaced tabs 120 on the inside surface of wall 112. These tabs 120 are also shown in Figures 17 and 18. Referring to Figure 14, the lower surface of base 1 10 of spring housing 38 comprises four protrusions 122.

The four outer apertures 100b, 100c, lOOd, and lOOe in the spool 36 correspond to the positions of the four protrusions 122 (discussed below) in the lower surface of the spring housing 38, shown in Figure 14. In this way the spring housing 38 and spool 36 lock together as a single part once the spring housing 38 is inserted into the spool 36, to ensure that force applied by the spring 40 on the spring housing 38 is transferred to the spool 36. Figure 17 also shows the engagement of the spring housing 38 and spool 36.

Referring to Figures 15, the constant force spring 40 comprises a single spiral 130, with at its inner end, a first loop 132 for cooperation with a mounting pin (discussed below), and at its outer end, a second loop 134 for arrangement through the recess 114 and cooperation with the wall 112.

Referring to Figures 5, 16, 18 and 19, the spring housing lid 42 is disc shaped, and comprises five recesses 140 equally spaced about the outer periphery of the lid. The spring housing lid 42 has a central aperture 142, which corresponds to the central aperture 100a in the spool 36, and the position of spool housing mounting aperture 56 in spool housing 34, and is for a mounting pin, which will be described below. The spring housing lid 42 also has three outer apertures 144, to aid a user in rotating the lid, so as to safely encapsulate the constant force spring 40 inside the spool housing 34. A user can use a tool on one or more of three outer apertures 144 or simply use the apertures 144 to manually rotate the lid. Referring to Figures 5, 20, and 21, the tension adjuster 44 comprises a tubular part 150 and a flange 152. The flange 152 has five equally spaced tabs 154. The tabs 154 are designed to fit into the recesses 104 of spool 36. The upper surface of tension adjuster 144 comprises a handle 156.

Referring to Figures 4, 15 and 19, the filament dispensing device 6 also comprises a pin 160. Looking at Figure 4, the pin 160 comprises a head 162 and an upstanding member 164. Referring to Figures 15 and 19, the upstanding member 164 comprises a slit 166 at its free upper end.

The filament retraction mechanism 32 is assembled as follows.

Referring to Figure 4, the pin 160 is arranged with the head 162 lowermost and fixed to the centre of the second recess 24 in the base housing support 14.

The spool housing 34 is arranged with the open end of the spool housing facing upwardly, and arranged in the second recess 24 in the base housing support 14. The plate 62 and the upstanding abutment 66 of the catch mechanism 60 are received in the catch recess 26. The material of the base housing support 14 surrounding catch recess 26 provides support for upstanding abutment 66 of the catch mechanism 60. The upstanding member 164 of the pin 160 passes through the spool housing mounting aperture 56. It will be appreciated that the spool housing 34 is centrally mounted in the base housing support 14 within the base rim 13b.

The spool 36 is then arranged in the spool housing 34.

The filaments 9 can be made from nylon. The filaments 9 can be transparent.

Referring to Figures 5, 6, 9, 11, 13, 20, 22, 23, 24, each of the filaments 9 is arranged to pass through each of the filament apertures 90 in the spool 36 (see in particular Figure 13). As far as attachment of the filament to the spool 36 is concerned, and preventing the filaments from passing through the filament apertures 90 in an outwardly direction, each of the filaments 9 can be simply fed through an aperture 90 with a slightly larger diameter than itself, and a knot tied in the filament on the inside of the spool. In an alternative embodiment (not shown for conciseness), each of the filaments 9 comprises a wide "plug" towards the end which prevents the filament from passing through the filament apertures 90. In this way, a user will more easily be able to replace broken/damaged filaments by just feeding them through the correct apertures and 'plugging' them in.

Referring to Figures 18, 22 and 23, the filaments 9 are also threaded through the corresponding holes 54 in the spool housing 34.

At this stage, the spool 36 can be rotated a sufficient number of times for a sufficient length of the filaments 9 (for use of the dispensing device) to wind around the spool. It will be noted that this arrangement ensures that the filaments 9 do not tangle with each other.

Referring to Figures 5, 15 and 16, the constant force spring 40 is arranged in the spring housing 38.

Referring to Figure 17, the spring housing 38 is fitted to the spool 36.

Referring to Figure 18, the spring housing lid 42 is arranged above the spring housing 38, so that the five recesses 140 in the spring housing lid 42 align with the tabs 120 on spring housing 38. The spring housing lid 42 can then be pushed down onto the spring housing 38, until the tabs 120 pass through the recesses 140. Once the spring housing lid 42 sits below the lower surface of the tabs 120, it can be rotated so the tabs are unable to pass through the recesses 140, so as to lock the lid 42 onto the spring housing 38, as shown in Figure 19. With the spring housing 38 and spring housing lid 42 captivating the constant force spring 40, the tension adjuster 144 is fitted to the spool 36. Tabs 154 fit into the recesses 104 of spool 36 to permit manual rotation of the spool by handle 156.

Referring to Figure 2, the filaments 9 are threaded through rim apertures 18 in the base housing rim 16 of the base housing 10 of the base 8.

The filaments 9 are then threaded through cover apertures 20 in the base cover 12 of the base 8. The base cover 12 is then installed on the base housing 10. The push button 75 protrudes through button aperture 30. The handle 156 of the tension adjuster 144 protrudes through the aperture 28 in the base cover 12. The base cover 12 can be fastened to the base housing 10 by mechanical fasteners or other suitable means, or simply rest under gravity on the base housing.

Turning to Figure 26, the filament dispensing device 6 also comprises a filament end retainer, in the form of a ceiling clip 170. The ceiling clip 170 comprises a disc 172, about the periphery of which, or a plurality of ceiling clip apertures 174. The ceiling clip 170 comprises a retainer loop 176.

The filaments 9 are threaded through apertures 174 in the ceiling clip 170. The free ends of the filaments 9 are knotted to prevent the filaments from detachment from apertures 174 of ceiling clip 170. The plugging principle discussed above in relation to securing filaments to spool could also be employed.

Referring to Figures 7 and 9, when not in use, the push button 74 sits just to the right hand side of the spring biased catch element 70. The locking face 72 of the catch element 70 engages with one way gear 94 at the bottom of the spool 36. The constant force spring 40 is under a nominal tension to ensure full retraction of filaments 9.

In use, the filament dispensing device 6 becomes a decorative visual display or installation.

Referring to Figures 8 and 10, in use, to dispense filaments from the filament dispensing device 6, the user depresses the push button 75, which draws the catch element 70 away from the spool 36, and disengages the locking face 72 of the catch element away from the one-way gear 94 of the spool. The spool 36 is now free to rotate within the spool housing 34.

With the push button 75 remaining depressed by the user (or an assistant to the user), and now referring to Figures 26 to 28, the user can pull the ceiling clip 170, conveniently by the loop 176, upwardly to a desired point, rotating the spool 36 anti clockwise (when the spool housing is viewed from above), dispensing filament 9 from spool, and winding up the constant force spring 40 as they do. For example, the loop 176 of the ceiling clip 170 can be fitted to an appropriate fitting, on a ceiling. The material for the base 8 should be heavy enough to stay on the ground whilst the user lifts the ceiling clip 170 to extract the filaments 9 from the spool 36 against the frictional effects caused by the filaments passing through the various apertures (rim apertures 18, cover apertures 20, spool housing holes 54, and spool filament apertures 90.

Following the positioning of the upper ends of ceiling clip 170 on, for example, a ceiling, and release of the push button 74 to the position shown in Figures 7 and 9, the locking face 72 of the catch element 70 engages gear teeth 96 to prevent further spool rotation, and therefore filament dispensing, to maintain tension in filaments 9. In an alternative embodiment of the invention (not shown for conciseness), the push button 74 can remain depressed by itself without being held down by a user, using technology similar to that in a ball point pen nib retraction mechanism. Such an arrangement would be useful if a single user would like to install the upper ends of the filaments 9 a distance away from the base 8 which exceeds their arm span. In a further alternative embodiment of the invention (again not shown for conciseness), it may also be possible to pull the filaments 9 out of the base 8 without depressing a push button to disengage catch.

The filament dispensing device 6 is designed to dispense all of the filaments 9 evenly.

Referring to Figure 5, due to the arrangement of the teeth 96 of the one way gear 94, the handle 156 can be turned in only one direction, i.e. in an anti clockwise direction when viewed from above. Tension can be further increased by turning handle in anti clockwise direction, winding up constant force spring 40 as they do. Upon release of the handle 165, the locking face 72 of the catch element 70 engages gear teeth 96 to prevent further spool rotation, and to maintain tension. The teeth 96 of the one way gear 94 ensure that tension is not lost by slipping.

Referring to Figure 30, due to the central location of the spool housing 34, and therefore the spool 36, within the rim 16 of the base housing 10, and the location of the ceiling clip 170 coinciding with the centre of the spool housing 34, all of the filaments 9 are under approximately the same tension. For equal tension in each filament 9, the ends of the filaments remote from the base 8 should be attached to the ceiling at a point approximately equidistant from each of the apertures in the base housing 10. However, the Applicant has realised filaments made of Nylon, which are stretchable, are in tension even if the ceiling clip 170 is not perfectly centred with respect to the base 8.

Referring to Figure 30, it will be noted that the diameter of the circle of cover apertures 20 in the base cover 12 is (much) greater than the diameter of the circle of apertures 174 in the disc 172 of the ceiling clip 170. Also, the diameter of the circle of apertures 174 in the disc 172 is less than about 5 cm. This configuration enables the filament dispensing device 6 to adopt a conical shape, similar in shape to a typical tree that is adorned with decorations and used to celebrate Christmas.

It will be appreciated that in the filament dispensing device 6, if successive apertures 54 of the spool housing 34 (or successive filament apertures 90 of the spool 36) of the filament dispensing device are joined up by a closed line, "an area" is defined by that line. This feature permits the decorative visual display or installation "tree" to have a circular, or other closed shape, base. A minimum of three apertures is needed in the spool housing 34 (or the spool 36) for a line joining the apertures 54 (or 90) to define an area. A modified filament dispensing device (not shown for conciseness) can be used as a decorative visual display or installation placed against a wall (for example because of a lack of space in the room). In such an embodiment of the invention, the base can comprise a (semi circular) (or other conveniently shaped) base housing and a (semi circular) base cover, and rim apertures and cover apertures are simply provided about the periphery of the semi circular shaped base. In this embodiment, if successive rim apertures (or cover apertures) are joined by a line, and if the rim aperture (or cover aperture) towards one end of the periphery of the semi circular shaped base is connected by a line to another rim aperture (or cover aperture) towards the other end of the periphery of the semi circular shaped base, thereby forming a closed line, the closed line again defines an area (i.e. a semi circle). The spool housing 34 and the spool 36 each have a corresponding number of apertures.

An embodiment of the invention is envisaged in which the apertures 54 (and/or 90) in the spool housing 34 (and/or the spool 36) are not spaced, as disclosed hereinabove, at regular intervals about the circumference of the tubular spool housing 34, or at regular intervals about the circumference of the tube like spool 36. In such an embodiment, it would be necessary for the filament dispensing device to have some other filament guide means, such as the rim apertures (and/or cover apertures), which, if connected by a line, defines an area in the sense of the two preceding paragraphs.

Referring to Figure 30, to retract filaments 9 to the base 8, the user would depress button 74 to position shown in Figure 10, to disengage locking face 72 of catch element 70 from one way gear 94, so as to enable spool 36 to rotate clockwise, whilst carefully lowering the ceiling clip 170 towards the base 8, as the filaments 9 are retracted towards the base under the torque of the spring 40.

An advantage of the filament dispensing device 6 is that multiple filaments 9 can be simultaneously dispensed or retracted.

It will be noted that the filament dispensing device 6 retracts all of the filaments evenly. As the device retracts the filaments 9, the spool 36 is rewound with filaments for future use. The position of the apertures 54 in the spool housing 34 guides the filaments 9 into the corresponding channels in the spool 36, thereby avoiding tangling of filaments.

The non moving parts described herein, i.e. all of the parts excluding the spring 40 and the filaments 9, can be made by a suitable 3-D printer, i.e. the parts can be printed. Alternatively, the non moving parts can be moulded and/or formed and/or machined using suitable materials. The push button 74 can be located in another position for example to enable easier operation.

The apertures 90 in spool 36 are not essential. Instead, filaments 9 could be attached to outer surface of spool 36. It is envisaged that the spool 36 and spring housing 38 can be integrated into a single unit.

In the embodiment described and shown above, the "base" is typically arranged on the floor, the ground, or at the lowest end of the device 6, and the clip 170 is upper most, typically attached to a ceiling. However, in an alternative embodiment the so called base could be attached to a ceiling, and the clip attached to the floor, in both cases using suitable means of attachment. Other configurations are also envisaged. Figures 31 to 36 show another filament dispensing device 300 in accordance with the invention (or at least parts thereof).

Referring to Figures 31 to 33, the filament dispensing device 300 comprises a base 308 and a plurality of filaments 309 which can be individually dispensed from the base and retracted to the base.

Referring to Figure 32, the base 308 comprises a base housing 310 and a base cover 312. The base housing 310 comprises a base housing support 314 and a base housing rim 316. Parts 310 and 312 correspond in some respects to base housing 10 and base cover 12 described above. Parts 314 and 316 correspond in some respects to base housing support 14 and base housing rim 16 described above. Referring to Figures 31 and 33, the base housing 310 comprises a plurality of base housing apertures 318, which are spaced about the periphery of the base housing support 314, adjacent the inner periphery of the rim 316. Each base housing aperture 318 is defined by a ring (or other suitable guide) attached to the surface of the base housing support 314. The plane of the ring is arranged orthogonally to the surface of the base housing support 314. Each ring can be attached to the surface of the base housing support 314 by, for example, a screw fastening means which can be integral with the lower part of the ring. In the embodiment shown, the base housing support 314 comprises eight base housing apertures 318. Still referring to Figure 32, the base cover 312 also comprises a plurality of cover apertures 320, which are spaced about the periphery of the base cover 312. In the embodiment shown, the base cover 312 has eight cover apertures 320.

Referring to Figures 31 to 33, in contrast with the base housing support 14 described above, the base housing support 314 comprises a plurality of spools 336 arranged thereon. The spools 336 are thin and disc like. In particular, each of the spools 336 is arranged so that its axis of rotation is perpendicular to the base housing support 314. In other words, the plane of each spool 336 is parallel to the upper surface of the base housing support 314. In this way, the height of the base 308 can be limited. Referring to Figure 33, the base housing support 314 comprises a plurality of upstanding members 364, spaced about a line which is (approximately) concentric with the base housing rim 316.

Each upstanding member 364 is arranged to pass through a central aperture 370 in a spool 336.

Each upstanding member 364 has a slit 366 (like slit 166), for an end of the constant force spring described below.

A coiled constant force spring (not shown for conciseness and clarity but in principal like constant force spring 40 described above with reference to Figures 5 and 15) has a first end attached to upstanding member 364, and a second end attached to an inside surface of the spool 336. A resilient retaining clip 380 is horseshoe shaped and the free ends have radially inward protrusions which locate in corresponding indentations 368 adjacent the free end of the upstanding member 364, so as to retain the spool 336 on the upstanding member 364, but allow the spool 336 to rotate around the upstanding member 364.

Referring to Figure 34, the free end of each filament 309 passes through the base cover 312, and a ring 390 is attached to the free end of each filament. The ring 390 is too large to retract through a cover aperture 320.

Referring to Figure 35, a clip 470 comprises a (thin) disc like element 471, a looped handle 472, and a plurality of hooks 473 on the underside of the disc like element, the hooks 473 being for engagement with rings 390. The positions of the hooks 473, and therefore the positions of the filaments 309, can be varied from the circular configuration shown.

Referring to Figure 36, in use, a single ring 390, and corresponding filament 309, is pulled away from the base 308 of the filament dispensing device 300. Pulling the filament 309 causes the spool 336 to rotate about its upstanding member 364. Given that the first end of the constant force spring is attached to the upstanding member 364, and the second end of the constant force spring is attached to an inside surface of the spool 336, as the spool is rotated, the constant force spring is wound. The clip 470 is attached to a ceiling of a room, and the ring 390, and corresponding filament 309, is then attached to one of the hooks 473. When the user lets go of the filament 309, it stays taught because the ring 390 is fixed to the hook 473, and the filament 309 is under tension from its constant force spring. The filament dispensing device 300 allows a user to extract an individual filament 309. This filament dispensing device 300, and method of setting out the filaments, can be useful when a user wishes to decorate a filament which would be inaccessible if all the filaments were extracted at the same time (because other filaments are in the way). When the user wishes to take down the decorative installation, the ring 390 is simply undipped from the hook 472, and allowed to return towards the base 308 under the bias of the constant force spring, the user holding the ring 390 as it moves towards the base 308 to restrict its speed.

It will be appreciated that in the filament dispensing device 300, if successive base housing apertures 318 (or cover apertures 320) are joined up by a closed line, "an area" is defined by that line. This feature permits the decorative visual display or installation "tree" to have a circular, or other closed shape, base. A minimum of three apertures is needed for a line joining the apertures 318 (or 320) to define an area. A modified filament dispensing device (not shown for conciseness) can be used as a decorative visual display or installation placed against a wall (for example because of a lack of space in the room). In such an embodiment of the invention, the base 308 can comprise a (semi circular) (or other conveniently shaped) base housing 310 and a (semi circular) base cover 312, and base housing apertures 318 and cover apertures 320 are simply provided about the periphery of the semi circular shaped base, for a corresponding number of spools 336. In this embodiment, if successive base housing apertures 318 (or cover apertures 320) are joined by a line, and if the base housing aperture (or cover aperture) towards one end of the periphery of the semi circular shaped base is connected by a line to another base housing aperture (or cover aperture) towards the other end of the periphery of the semi circular shaped base, thereby forming a closed line, the closed line again defines an area (i.e. a semi circle).

An embodiment of the invention is envisaged in which the spools 336 are arranged differently, for example the spools 336 can be arranged in a straight line across the upper surface of the base housing support 314, or as a "stack" of spools in the sense that the spools can be mounted one above another.

If the spools 336 are arranged differently, the base housing apertures 318 and/or the cover apertures 320 can be arranged as shown in Figures 31 and/or 32 so as to provide substantially the same configuration of filaments 309 visible above the base cover 312.

However the spools 336 are arranged, the base housing apertures 318 and/or the cover apertures 320 can be varied in position, to create differently shaped structures defined by the filaments 309.

The term "filament" has been employed by the Applicant but it should be appreciated by the reader that the term "filament" can be replaced by the term "thread", "string", "rope", "wire", "cord", "line", "length of material", or the like.