Method and Apparatus for Dispensing Tubing

Abstract

There is disclosed a container for receiving coiled tubing and an aperture for controlled dispensing of the tubing. The tubing and the aperture are configured to engage one another and resist unintentional retraction and dispensing of the tubing into and from the container.

Description

FIELD

The invention relates to dispensing tubing and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for controlled dispensing of tubing from a reusable dispenser.

BACKGROUND

Tubing is available in numerous materials and sizes. Non-rigid tubing is generally made of a plastic material, such as vinyl or polyethylene. Tubing size is determined based on the inner diameter, which defines the cross section of the cavity within the tubing, and the outer diameter. The difference between the inner and outer diameter defines the tubing thickness.

Tubing generally has a smooth, annular inner surface configured to minimize pressure loss as a fluid passes therethrough. Further, the smooth outer surface provides a tight seal between the tubing and a connecting member, such as a valve.

Tubing is generally sold in predetermined lengths, such as 50 or 100 feet. In order to conveniently deliver longer lengths, the tubing is generally packaged as a coil or wound around a spool. Coiled tubing includes a central opening with the tubing oriented around the central opening in a helical arrangement. The tubing is coiled around the central opening until the entire length of tubing is positioned around the central opening. Coiled tubing is packaged to maintain the coiled configuration of the tubing, such as with shrink wrap extending around the outer perimeter of the coiled tubing or with straps or bands extending around a section of the tubing. The resultant product is not easy to handle, as the securing packaging is prone being punctured or ripped, which compromises the ability of the securing packaging to maintain the coiled configuration of the tubing. Further, the securing packaging can be damaged by other elements, such as tools, sticks, and other sharp objects. It is also difficult to dispense because once the shrink wrap or bands are first removed the coil is unbound and free to unwind.

Tubing also can be wrapped about a central spool member. The spool includes a generally cylindrical body around which the tubing is wrapped and enlarged end stops to prevent the tubing from coming off the ends of the cylindrical body. The free end of the tubing extends out from the wrapped tubing and away from the spool. To maintain the wrapped configuration, the free end of the tubing can be further secured to the spool. If the free end is not secured after use, the tubing can come unwrapped from the spool.

Further, because the free end extends from the outer edge of the wrapped tubing, in order to remove the tubing from the spool the relative positions thereof must be manipulated. In other words, to remove the tubing from the spool, the spool must be rotated relative to the free end of the tubing. Alternatively, the free end of the tubing can be shifted around the spool in a direction opposite the wrapping direction. As a result, tubing can be difficult to remove from a spool, particularly where the work space is limited.

In addition, the packaging for the coiled tubing and the spool wrapped tubing is generally not reusable due to the costs and effort associated with reusing the packaging. As a result, the packaging used is configured to be cost effective and not for repeated field use. In particular, packaging usually includes shrink wrap, which is prone to punctures and tearing, and cardboard, which has little to no functionality after being exposed to water. As a result, the existing packaging for transporting and dispensing tubing are not well suited for field use, particularly when all the tubing in a given package is not utilized in a single use or in the presence of water, tools or other sharp objects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tubing dispenser;

FIG. 2 is side elevational view of the tubing dispenser of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the tubing dispenser of FIG. 1 showing tubing located within the dispenser;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of tubing wrapped around a spool;

FIG. 5 is a top view of coiled tubing secured by a band;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of coiled tubing secured by an outer wrap;

FIG. 7 is perspective view of the tubing dispenser;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the dispenser opened to show a portion of the tubing through the top and a portion of the tubing is also shown in phantom;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the dispenser with a portion of the tubing shown in phantom and a free end of the tubing extending through an aperture of the dispensing lid;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the dispenser with a free end of the tubing extending through a dispensing aperture;

FIG. 11A is an elevational view of the tubing dispenser showing an alternative dispensing aperture;

FIG. 11B is an elevational view of the tubing dispenser showing another alternative dispensing aperture;

FIG. 11C is an elevational view of the tubing dispenser showing another alternative dispensing aperture;

FIG. 11D is an elevational view of the tubing dispenser showing another alternative dispensing aperture;

FIG. 11E is an elevational view of the tubing dispenser showing another alternative dispensing aperture;

FIG. 12 is cross-sectional view of tubing showing a textured outer surface;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the tubing dispenser of FIG. 1 showing tubing and an angle at which tubing extends through a dispensing aperture;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the tubing dispenser of FIG. 1 showing the container in break away and spooled tubing within the container; and

FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of the aperture in the lid, a grommet positioned within the aperture and the tubing extending through the central opening of the grommet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In FIGS. 1-3, a tubing dispenser 2 is shown including a container 4, a lid 6, and tubing 8 extending through an aperture 10. In particular, the container 4 receives the tubing 8 (FIG. 3), and the lid 6 engages an upper edge 12 of the container 4 to effectively seal the container 4. The lid 6 includes a central web portion 14. The aperture 10 is configured to receive and dispense the tubing 8 in a controlled manner. The aperture 10 and the outer surface 18 of the tubing 8 are configured to provide controlled dispensation of the tubing 8 and resist unintentional migration or retraction of the tubing 8 into or out of the container 4 through the aperture 10. This aids in cutting the tubing and having a portion readily available to pull another segment of tubing from the dispenser.

The tubing dispenser 2 is operable to provide a reusable container 4 for loading and reloading a coil of tubing 32 therein. The container 4 further provides a sturdy, resilient receptacle which can withstand being exposed to water and/or other elements commonly found during field installation of irrigation tubing. The lid 6 is preferably configured to provide a water tight seal with the container 4, and the container protects the tubing from damage, such as being pinched or crushed.

The container 4 preferably includes a circular bottom portion 20 extending between a cylindrical upstanding sidewall 22. However, other configurations, such as a four-sided, five-sided, six-sided, or eight-sided sidewall construction can be employed, and the bottom portion can be shaped with a corresponding number of edges.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, 12 and 13, the sidewall 22 further includes a preselected height 24, such as from about 13 inches to about 16 inches, and an inner diameter 26, such as from about 11 inches to about 13 inches. The height 24 and the inner diameter 26 define the volume within the container 4. The inner diameter 26 of the sidewall 22 is configured to be larger than the outer diameter 30 of coiled tubing 32. The difference between the inner diameter 26 of the sidewalls 22 of the container 4 and the outer diameter 30 of the coiled tubing 32 is selected so that the coiled tubing 32 can be freely received and dispensed without undue interference from the sidewall 22. In one configuration, the side walls 22 are configured to provide a radial clearance 34, such as about 1 inch between the sidewall 22 and the outer diameter 30 of the coiled tubing 32, to provide free movement of coiled tubing 32 into and out of the dispenser 2. Alternatively, the inner diameter 26 of the upstanding sidewalls 22 can be configured so that the coiled tubing 32 engages at least a portion of the inner surface 28 of the sidewalls 22 or along substantially the entire inner surface 28 of the sidewalls 22. In one embodiment, the engagement of the sidewalls 22 and the outer edge 30 of the coiled tubing 32 maintains the coiled configuration 32 of the tubing 8.

The sidewall 22 is further configured to have a height 24 from the bottom portion 20, which is greater than the height 36 of the coiled tubing 32 to be received within the container 4. Preferably, the sidewall 22 extends a distance 38 above the coiled tubing 32, such as about 2 inches to about 4 inches. The distance 38 is sufficient to permit the tubing 8 to be effectively withdrawn from the container 4 through the dispensing aperture 10, as will be discussed further below.

Optionally, as shown in FIG. 3, the container 4 includes a transport feature 40 extending from the outer surface 42 of the sidewall 22. The transport feature can be in the form of a handle portion 40 that is configured to be gripped by a user to allow for easy handling and movement of the container 4, particularly with coiled tubing 32 placed within the container 4. As shown in FIG. 3, the handle portion 40 includes a curved elongated member 44 rotatably connected to generally opposite portions of the outer surface 42 of the sidewall 22 of the container 4 and a gripping portion 46 mounted on the curved elongated member. The gripping portion 46 could rotate about and relative to the curved elongate member 44. Alternatively, the handle or gripping portion 40 can include a handle which is integrally formed with or otherwise secured to the side wall, or other known handle and/or gripping configurations.

The upper edge 12 of the container 4 is configured to be engaged by or with the lid 6, thereby securing the lid 6 on the upper edge 12 of the container 4. Further, the engagement between the upper edge 12 and the lid 6 preferably provides a waterproof interface as will be discussed in greater detail below.

The lid 6, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, includes an outer skirt portion 48 extending around the central web portion 14. The skirt portion 48 includes an engaging portion 50 along a lower surface 52 thereof for being secured to the upper edge 12 of the sidewall 22 of the container 4.

The engaging portion 50 of the lid 6 is configured to engage the upper edge 12 of the sidewall 22 and provide a seal therebetween. The engaging portion 50 and upper edge 12 of the sidewall 22 can be configured to include any known engagement mechanism 54, such as opposing annular ribs or annular rib a groove 56 configured to firmly and releasable secure the upper edge 12 of the sidewall 22 therein as shown in FIGS. 1-3, a threaded connection between the upper edge 12 and the engaging portion 50, manual securing members such as a clasp, and depending tabs of the lid 6 configured to engage depressions of the outer surface 42 of the sidewalls 22.

The aperture 10 of the tubing dispenser 2 is configured to receive the tubing 8 therein and permit controlled dispensation of the tubing 8 from the container 4. The aperture 10 can be located at any suitable location in the tubing dispenser 2, such as, but not limited to, the bottom portion 20 of the container 4, the upstanding sidewalls 22 of the container, or the lid 6. Preferably, the aperture 10 is located so that the tubing 8 can freely pass therethrough and extends at an angle alpha obliquely to the longitudinal axis 58 of the sidewall 22 of the container 4. Preferably, alpha ranges from at least 0 degrees to about 60 degrees, preferably 15 degrees to 45 degrees.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, the lid 6 defines the circular aperture 10 in the central web portion 14 at a generally central portion 60 of the lid 6; however, the aperture 10 can be located at a non-central area of the lid 6.

The aperture 10 is defined by an aperture edge 62. In a preferred embodiment, the aperture 10 has a diameter 64 of about 0.0625 inches larger than the outer diameter 66 of the tubing 8.

In an alternative configuration, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the aperture 10 can take the form of a keyway with a neck portion 68 extending from a head portion 70. The head portion 70 is configured to receive and dispense the tubing 8, such as aperture 10 described above. The neck portion 68 is configured to receive the tubing 8 therein and engage the outer surface 18 of the tubing 8 to secure the tubing 8 against inadvertent dispensing from or retraction into the container 4. The neck portion 68 further is configured to include a smaller opening than the head portion 70 of the aperture 10, but configured large enough for the tubing 8 to be received therein. As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the neck portion 68 has semi-oval-like configuration 72. Further, as shown in FIG. 11B, the aperture 10 can include two neck portions 68 extending in different directions from the head portion 70. Preferably, the neck portions 68 are spaced equally around the head portion 70, such as 180 degrees apart.

In an alternative configuration, as shown in FIGS. 11C and 11D, the neck portion or portions 68 extending from the head portion 70 have a generally rectangular shape defined by the edge 74. FIG. 11C shows an aperture 10 having a keyhole arrangement similar to FIG. 11A. FIG. 11D shows an aperture 10 having a head portion 70 and four neck portions 68 extending in different directions from the head portion 70. As in FIG. 11B, the neck portions 68 are preferably spaced equally around the head portion, such as 90 degrees apart.

Other configurations of the neck portion 68 are contemplated, including multiple neck portions 68 and other neck portion edge configurations. Further, as shown in FIG. 11E, the aperture edge 62 can be configured to taper 76 from the head portion 70 to the neck portion 68. In this embodiment, the head portion 70 has an arcuate section with a radius of curvature greater than that of an arcuate section of the neck portion. The two arcuate sections are separated by linear edges. The linear edges grip the tubing end portion to secure it against unintentional retraction and dispensing.

In a further embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the aperture 10 includes a grommet 78 therein. The grommet 78 preferably is made of a resilient material, such as rubber, and includes an opening 80. The opening 80 is configured to receive the tubing 8 therein and permit controlled dispensation of the tubing 8 through the grommet 78. Further, the grommet 80 and tubing 8 are preferably configured to provide a generally water tight seal 82 therebetween.

Preferably, the tubing dispenser 2 includes the aperture 10 pre-formed therein. However, the aperture 10 can be made by any known methods, such as by cutting or drilling at the point of first use.

The tubing dispenser 2 can further include an aperture plug or cap configured to cover, or substantially cover the aperture 10. The aperture plug or cap can be located on either the outside of the tubing dispenser 2 or on the inside of the tubing dispenser 2, preferably along the outside of the tubing dispenser 2. The aperture plug or cap can be removable or replaceable with respect to the tubing dispenser 2. Examples of removable aperture plugs or caps include, but are not limited to, a member configured to extend across the aperture 10 and affixed to the tubing dispenser 2 by an adhesive, a portion of the tubing dispenser 2 having a perforated edge which may be forcibly removed, or a rubber plug fitted into the aperture. Exemplary removable aperture plugs or caps include a snapped or threaded connection to allow the cover to be releasably attached to the tubing dispenser 2.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 6 and 13, the coiled tubing 32 is configured to be coiled around a generally central void or opening 84. The coiled tubing 32 has an outer diameter 30 configured to be less than or generally equal to the inner diameter 26 of the sidewall 22 of the container 4. In addition, the coiled tubing 32 has a height 36 which is less than the height 24 of the sidewall 22 of the container 4. The coiled tubing 32 further includes a free end 86 thereof extending from the central void 84. The coiled tubing 32 is further configured such that the free end 86 can be pulled or withdrawn from the coiled tubing 32 with the application of minimal force, additional tubing being withdrawn from the central void 84 of the coiled tubing 32 so that the central void 84 increases in size as the tubing 8 is withdrawn. In other words, the preferred coiled tubing 32 unwinds generally from the inner region first. In this case, any shrink wrap holding the coiled tubing 32 together can remain on the tubing when in the dispenser 2. The shrink wrap can be removed from the dispenser 2 when all of the tubing 8 has been dispensed and a new coil 32 is being loaded. Alternatively, the coiled tubing 32 can be placed within the container 4 without an outer wrap, such as shrink wrap. The coiled tubing 32 is configure to self unwind so that the outer diameter 30 of the coiled tubing 32 expands until the coiled tubing 32 engages the inner surface 28 of the sidewall 22 of the container, the sidewall 22 configured to restrict further expansion of the outer diameter 30 of the coiled tubing 32.

Alternatively, the container 4 is configured to receive spooled tubing 88 therein, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 14. The spooled tubing 88 is oriented in the container 4 such that the flanges or rims 92 of the spooled tubing 88 are oriented to extend from the bottom portion 20 of the container toward the upper edge 12 of the sidewalls 22. The spooled tubing 88 is configured such that the free end 86 of the tubing 8 extends from the outer edge 94 of the spooled tubing 88. The container 4 and the spooled tubing 88 are configured such that, as the free end 86 of the tubing 8 is pulled away from the spooled tubing 88 the spooled tubing 88 rotates within the container such that the flanges 92 rotate along at least the bottom portion 20 of the container, and possibly along the inner surface 28 of the container sidewalls 22. Preferably, the flanges 92 and the container 4 are configured to reduce friction therebetween. In one embodiment, at least one of the bottom portion 20 of the container 4 and the flanges 92 are coated with a friction-reducing coating, such as Teflon. Alternatively, the bottom portion 20 of the container 4 includes grooves configured to receive the flanges 92 of the spooled tubing 88 therein. Further, the grooves can include a friction reducing mechanism, such as ball bearings, to reduce friction between the spooled tubing 88 and the container 4 and permit free rotation of the spooled tubing within the container 4.

The tubing 8 comprises a plastic suitable for irrigation tubing. Preferably, the tubing 8 is polyethylene. As shown in FIG. 12, the tubing 8 includes a tubing inner diameter 96 and a tubing outer diameter 66. The difference between the inner diameter 96 and outer diameter 66 defines the wall thickness 98 of the tubing 8. As discussed above, the outer diameter 66 of the tubing 8 is configured so as to be receivable within the aperture 10. Preferably, the tubing has an outer diameter 66 of about 0.25″ however, other tubing diameters are contemplated. The tubing wall thickness 98 is configured so that the tubing 8 can be coiled and withdrawn from the container 4.

The tubing 8 further comprises an inner surface 100 and an outer surface 18. Generally, the inner surface 100 is substantially smooth, so as to minimize the pressure drop of any fluid passing through the tubing 8. The outer surface 18 can be smooth 102, or can include a textured surface 104. The textured surface 104 of the tubing 8 can include ridges, bumps, or teeth. As shown in FIG. 12, the textured outer surface 18 has surface roughness 106 defined by the peaks and valleys thereof of about 0.015 inches, such as described in Mold-Tech standard MT11020. Further, the textured surface 104 provides a gripping surface for the user, allowing the user to better grasp the tubing 8, withdraw the tubing 8 from the container 4 during dispensing, and forcefully connect the tubing 8 to connection pieces, such as valves and sprinkler heads. The textured outer surface 18 is of a density that provides a water tight seal with connecting members which may receive the tubing 8 therein. Further, unlike tubing 8 having a smooth outer surface 102 which tends to reflect light and, therefore, is noticeable when used in a surface irrigation application, such as in a garden, the textured surface 104 diffuses reflection such that the textured tubing blends into its surroundings.

The steps of loading and reloading coiled tubing 32 into the container 4 are illustrated in FIGS. 7-10. The first step includes opening the dispenser 2, such as by removing the lid 6 from the container 4 as shown in FIGS. 7-8. This includes unlatching the lid's engagement structure that prevents the lid 6 from unintentional removal. The second step, as shown in FIG. 8, includes placing the coiled tubing 32 within the tubing dispenser 2. Next, as shown in FIG. 9, the free end 86 of the coiled tubing 32 is fed through the aperture 10. Finally, the dispenser is closed, such as shown in FIG. 10 wherein the lid 6 is shifted toward the upper edge 12 of the sidewalls 22 of the container 4 and attached thereto.

To utilize the tubing 8 for controlled dispensing, the tubing 8 is shifted, if necessary, such that the tubing 8 extends through a head portion 70 of the aperture 10. The tubing 8 is grasped adjacent the free end 86 and pulled away from the container 4, such that the at least a portion of the tubing 8 is withdrawn from the container 4. Once the tubing 8 is withdrawn to the desired length, the tubing 8 can then be readjusted within the aperture 10, if necessary, so that the tubing 8 is received in a neck portion 68 of the aperture 10 to provide a quick lock of the tube end 86. Tubing 8 can then be cut to the appropriate length, thereby creating a new free end 86 of the tubing 8 extending out from and above the lid 6 of the container 4.

Retraction or migration of the tubing 8 into the container 4 is resisted or prevented by a frictional engagement 108 between the tubing 8 and the aperture edge 62. When the aperture 10 includes a neck portion 68, such as shown in FIGS. 11A-11D, the neck portion 68 engages the outer edge 18 of the tubing 8 with a tighter grip and resists or prevents retraction or migration of the tubing 8 both out of and in to the container 4. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, the outer surface 18 of the tubing 8 and the aperture edge 62 are configured to provide a frictional engagement 108 between the outer surface 18 of the tubing 8 and the aperture edge 62 to provide controlled dispensing of the tubing 8. This frictional engagement 108 balances between being able to effectively aid tube dispensing when desired, on the one hand, and providing sufficient resistance against unintentional retraction and dispensing of the tubing 8, on the other hand.

Further, the angle alpha (α) at which the tubing 8 is canted and extends through the aperture 10 is selected to maximize contact between the aperture edge 62 and the outer surface 18 of the tubing 8. As shown in FIG. 13, angle alpha is selected so that a lower surface portion 110 of the tubing 8 engages an upper surface portion 112 of the aperture edge 62, and an upper surface portion 114 of the tubing 8 engages a lower surface portion 116 of the aperture edge 62. As a result, the area of frictional engagement 108 increases, thereby further resisting movement of the tubing 8. Further, the tubing 8 is urged downwardly due to gravity and the pre-bend of the tubing from being coiled and resilient, and as a result, the engagement of the aperture edge 62 and outer surface 18 of the tubing 8 acts as a lever. More specifically, the lower surface portion 110 of the tubing 8 is urged into engagement with the upper surface portion 112 of the aperture edge 62, and the upper surface portion 114 of the tubing 8 is urged into engagement with the lower surface portion 116 of the aperture edge 62. This further resists retraction or other unintentional movement of the tubing 8.

While the invention has been particularly described with specific reference to particular method and product embodiments, it will be appreciated that various alterations, modifications, and adaptations may be based on the present disclosure, and are intended to be within the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

(a) providing a dispenser;

(b) opening the dispenser;

(c) placing tubing in the dispenser;

(d) feeding a first end of the tubing through an aperture in the dispenser; and

(e) closing the dispenser,

(f) dispensing the tube from the dispenser in a controlled manner due to resistance being provided by an engagement between the tube and an edge of the aperture.

2. The method of claim 1 further including the steps:

(g) dispensing the tubing through the aperture to a desired length;

(h) providing the aperture with a configuration to cant the tubing into engagement with the aperture edge at two distinct positions; and

(i) cutting the tubing to the desired length.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein the step of placing tubing in the dispenser includes placing tubing with a textured exterior in the dispenser.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of placing tubing in the dispenser includes placing polyethylene tubing in the dispenser.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein providing the dispenser includes providing a dispenser with at least one upstanding sidewall about an axis, and comprising further the step of extending the tubing through the aperture obliquely to the axis for dispensing.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein placing the tubing in the dispenser includes placing spooled tubing in the dispenser.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein placing the tubing in the dispenser includes placing coiled tubing in the dispenser.

8. The method of claim 7 including locating the free end of the tubing in a central opening of the coiled tubing.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein opening the dispenser includes removing a lid from a container and closing the dispenser includes securing the lid on the container.

10. The method of claim 1 including providing the aperture in the tubing dispenser.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein providing the aperture includes removing an aperture cover from over the aperture.

12. The method of claim 10 wherein providing the aperture includes forming the aperture in the tubing dispenser.

13. A tubing dispenser comprising:

a sealed container;

a dispensing aperture defined by an aperture edge of the sealed container;

tubing configured to be received within the container;

an outer diameter of the tubing configured to be received in and extend through the aperture; and

a friction engagement between the tubing and the edge configured to control movement of the tubing through the dispensing aperture.

14. The tubing dispenser of claim 13 wherein the sealed container includes a container having an upper edge; and

a lid configured to be removably secured to the upper edge of the container.

15. The tubing dispenser of claim 13 wherein the friction engagement includes a textured outer surface on the tubing.

16. The tubing dispenser of claim 15 wherein the textured outer surface has a surface roughness of about 0.0015 inches.

17. The tubing dispenser of claim 15 wherein the textured outer surface is configured to provide a diffuse reflection of light.

18. The tubing dispenser of claim 15 wherein the textured outer surface provides a gripping surface for connecting the tubing to a connection member.

19. The tubing dispenser of claim 15 wherein the aperture is configured to grip the tubing and provide the friction engagement therebetween.

20. The tubing dispenser of claim 13 wherein the aperture includes a first portion configured to permit the tubing to travel therethrough and a second portion extending from the first portion configured to receive the tubing therein and restrict movement therethrough.

21. The tubing dispenser of claim 13 wherein the tubing is 0.25 inches outer diameter.

22. The tubing dispenser of claim 13 wherein the aperture is configured to have an aperture diameter that is about 0.0625 inches larger than an outer diameter of the tubing.

23. The tubing dispenser of claim 13 wherein the tubing is pre-coiled.

24. The tubing dispenser of claim 23 wherein the pre-coiled tubing includes an outer wrap configured to resist uncoiling of the pre-coiled tubing.

25. The tubing dispenser of claim 23 wherein the pre-coiled tubing is configured to self unwind and the sealed container including an inner sidewall surface configured to be engaged by and restrict the unwinding of the pre-coiled tubing.

26. The tubing dispenser of claim 13 wherein the tubing is spooled.

27. The tubing dispenser of claim 26 wherein the sealed container includes spaced grooves configured to receive and allow rotation of the flanges of the spooled tubing therein.

28. The tubing dispenser of claim 13 wherein an inner surface portion of the sealed container includes a friction reducing coating.

29. The tubing dispenser of claim 13 wherein the upper edge of the container and the outer portion of the cover define a water tight interface therebetween.

30. The tubing dispenser of claim 13 wherein the container is water resistant.

31. The tubing dispenser of claim 13 wherein the tubing comprises polyethylene.

32. The tubing dispenser of claim 13 wherein the tubing consists essentially of polyethylene.