Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a consumable goods container. The present invention also relates to lids of consumable goods containers, and / or devices associated with consumable goods containers.

Background

Consumable goods of various types are often stored within households, cafes and restaurants for a period of time before consumption. In the context of this specification, goods within the "consumable goods category" includes (but is not limited to) dry store goods, including coffee beans, ground coffee, tea (loose-leaf and in tea bags), dried legumes, flours, whole grains and milled grains; and goods that are stored in a wet / moist environment to preserve the product life. By way of examples, produce can be preserved using a brine solution (such as olives, cheeses, cooked peppers), vinegar (such as pickled cucumbers), or oil (such as dolmades, cheeses, and dips).

Recent trends in food preparation, storage, distribution and sale has seen a prevalence in consumable goods being individually packaged. In many cases, the goods are packaged after processing, in readiness for distribution and sale. Less common is goods (such as some preserved goods sold by delicatessens) that are packed when requested by the purchaser in individual packaging, to the desired quantities. Most packaging is discarded as waste by the user.

There is benefit to the user (such as the residents in a household, or the kitchen staff in cafes and restaurants) in having the consumable goods stored in individual containers, and in arrangement that enables easy identification of the product within the individual containers. To this end, containers can be labelled, and arranged so that the labels are readily visible. This arrangement may involve several containers being stacked on a shelf. For consumable goods that are sold in individual packaging, this may involve the user decanting goods from their packaging into individual containers.

The above comments similarly apply to packaged / take away food and beverages. To this end, it is known for vendors to package food / meals (such as salads, quiches, and the like) in individual containers. In some instances, the food / meals are prepared in advance and displayed for selection. In these "pre-packaged" examples it can be beneficial for product information and/or branding to be displayed on the container for the pre packaged goods. Labelling with stickers is often used in these pre-packaged examples.

In some alternative examples, the food / meals is prepared and/or packaged on demand. In these alternative examples it can be beneficial to create a record of the order (such as an order number, customer name, and/or order details) and have that record remain with the container for the ordered goods. In these scenarios, it may be desirable for preparation and /or presentation of the food / meal to keep component portions of the food / meal separated until consumption. By way of example, a bruschetta is an antipasto consisting of toasted bread served with moist toppings (such as raw tomato, cheese and basil). Prolonged contact of the moist toppings with the toasted bread will make the bread soggy and undesirable for consumption.

Similarly, some hot and cold beverages are made to order, and provided in disposable or reusable containers. For these products, there is also benefit in having product information, branding, order number, customer name, and/or order details recorded and remaining with ordered beverage.

Containers typically include a vessel that defines a cavity in which the consumable goods are to be placed for storage, and a closure that engages with an opening of the canister. In this way, the cavity is isolated from the atmosphere so as to minimise spoiling of the consumable goods. In some instances, the closure can be a lid that covers an upward-facing opening of the canister. For the purposes of this specification, it will be understood that the term "vessel" is to be understood to include (but not necessarily be limited to) canisters (of all shapes), bowls, cups, and mugs.

There is a need to address the above, and/or at least provide a useful alternative.

There is provided a consumable goods storage system that comprises: a plurality of vessels that each have at least one side wall that defines a cavity in which to store consumable goods and an opening through which to access the cavity; a plurality of closures that are each formed of one or more materials that provide a barrier and have: a peripheral edge; one or more mating formations that are inward of the peripheral edge, the mating formations being shaped to engage with the vessel side wall about the opening such that the closure and vessel are interconnectable with the closure covering the opening, thereby separating the cavity from the atmosphere surrounding the container; and a mounting member that is formed at the peripheral edge, and projects outwardly from the peripheral edge; and information tags that are each formed of a sheet material and have: one or more outer edges, and a mounting aperture for mounting the tag on the mounting member of a selected closure, wherein, when a selected closure and vessel are interconnected and one of the tags is mounted on the mounting member of the respective closure, the tag hangs from the closure and overhangs a portion of the vessel side wall so as to display information pertaining to the container contents. Preferably, each information tag is arranged with the mounting aperture positioned inwardly of the outer edges and within an upper region of the tag, such that when the tag is mounted on the mounting member the tag hangs from the closure in an upright position.

Preferably, the side walls of each vessel form a rim at the opening, and the mating formations of each closure include a rim contacting portion, wherein when a selected closure and vessel are interconnected, the rim contacting portion is in contact with the rim. More preferably, the mounting member projects outwardly with respect to the rim contacting portion.

In some embodiments, the mounting member of each closure includes an outer catch portion, and an inner supporting portion that extends between the peripheral edge and the outer catch portion, wherein the outer catch portion has a shape that corresponds with the mounting apertures on the information tags such that: in a first relative configuration of a selected tag and closure, the outer catch portion inhibits removal of the information tag from the mounting member; and in a second relative configuration of the selected tag and closure, the information tag is removable from the mounting member, and wherein when each information tag is mounted on the mounting member of one of the closures, the information tag is positioned about the inner supporting member.

Preferably, the outer catch portion of each closure is shaped such that there is rotation displacement of the information tag relative to the closure between the first and second relative configurations.

Alternatively or additionally, the mounting aperture has a width-to-height ratio that is the same as the height-to-width ratio of the outer catch portion.

Alternatively or additionally, the width of the mounting aperture is at least equal to the largest diameter of the inner mounting portion. Preferably, the inner supporting portion and outer catch portion of each closure are shaped such that in at least one direction, the outer catch portion is geometrically larger than the inner supporting portion. More preferably, the width of the inner supporting portion is narrower than the width of the outer catch portion.

In at least some of the closures within the system, the width of the outer catch portion is greater than the height of the outer catch portion.

The height of the outer catch portion can be greater than the height of the inner supporting portion.

In some of the closures, the peripheral edge includes a planar section that is substantially perpendicular to the inner supporting portion, and wherein the inner supporting portion projects outwardly from the planar section.

For at least some of the closures, the length of the respective inner supporting portion is sufficient for two or more information tags to be simultaneously mounted on the respective mounting member.

Preferably, the mating formations of each closure include a radially outwardly oriented portion that forms an interference fit against internal surfaces of the sidewall adjacent the opening when the respective closure is interconnected with one of the vessels.

Preferably, in each closure at least part of the radially outwardly oriented portion is deformable, whereby the radially outwardly oriented portion is deformed as the respective closure is located within the opening.

In at least some embodiments, the closures are each formed with an outwardly projecting tab that forms a handle for use in disconnecting the closure from the vessel. Preferably, the tab is formed diametrically opposite the mounting member. The closures can each be formed with mounting members that each include an upwardly-oriented substantially planar surface on which one or more information tags are supported when mounted, and the periphery of the mounting aperture of each information tag includes an upper portion that is straight and has a length that is greater than the width of the planar surface.

The periphery of each mounting aperture can include a pair of side portions that are substantially perpendicular to the respective upper portion, and wherein the side portions are longer than the upper portion.

Preferably, the periphery of each mounting aperture can include an arcuate lower portion that interconnects the side portions, and is opposite the upper portion.

For at least some of the information tags, the separation of the upper portion from the nearest of the outer edges is less than the greatest diameter of the mounting aperture.

In at least some embodiments, each closure is formed with an upper surface that is at least partly concave, and is shaped to receive the bottom surface of a vessel, whereby containers can be stacked with the bottom surface of one of the vessels being supported on the upper surface of one of the closures.

In some embodiments, the side walls of the vessels include a taper, such that two or more vessels can be at least partially nested.

There is provided a consumable goods container that includes: a vessel having a base, and at least one side wall that surrounds the base, with the at least one side wall defining a cavity in which to store consumable goods, and an opening through which to access the cavity; and a closure that is formed of one or more materials that provide a barrier, the closure having: a peripheral edge; one or more mating formations that are inward of the peripheral edge, the mating formations being shaped to engage with the vessel side wall about the opening such that the closure and vessel are interconnectable with the closure covering the opening, thereby separating the cavity from the atmosphere surrounding the container; and a mounting member that co-operates with a complementary mounting formation on an information tag such that the tag can be removably attached to the closure, the mounting member being formed at the peripheral edge, projecting outwardly from the peripheral edge, and being shaped such that, when the closure and vessel are interconnected and the information tag is mounted on the mounting member, the information tag hangs from the closure and overhangs a portion of the side wall.

Preferably, the mating formations are configured to engage with the surface of the at least one side wall that faces the cavity to thereby interconnect the closure with the vessel.

Preferably, the vessel side wall forms a rim at the opening, and the mating formations include a rim contacting portion that is in contact with the rim when the closure and vessel are interconnected, and wherein the mounting member projects outwardly with respect to the rim contacting portion.

In some embodiments, the mounting member includes an outer catch portion, and an inner supporting portion that extends between the peripheral edge and the outer catch portion, wherein the outer catch portion has a shape that corresponds with the complementary mounting formation on the information tag such that: in a first relative configuration of the tag and closure, the outer catch portion inhibits removal of the information tag from the mounting member; and in a second relative configuration of the tag and closure, the information tag is removable from the mounting member, and wherein when the information tag is mounted on the mounting member, the information tag is positioned about the inner supporting member.

The complementary mounting formation can be an aperture formed in the information tag.

Preferably, the outer catch portion is shaped such that there is rotation displacement of the information tag relative to the closure between the first and second relative configurations.

Preferably, the inner supporting portion and outer catch portion are shaped such that in at least one direction, the outer catch portion is geometrically larger than the inner supporting portion. More preferably, the width of the inner supporting portion is narrower than the width of the outer catch portion.

In at least some embodiments, the width of the outer catch portion is greater than the height of the outer catch portion.

The height of the outer catch portion can be greater than the height of the inner supporting portion.

In some embodiments, the peripheral edge of the closure includes a planar section that is substantially perpendicular to the inner supporting portion, and wherein the inner supporting portion projects outwardly from the planar section.

In certain embodiments, the closure can have a substantially constant wall thickness.

In some embodiments, the mating formations include a radially outwardly oriented portion that forms an interference fit against internal surfaces of the sidewall adjacent the opening when the closure and vessel are interconnected. Preferably, at least part of the radially outwardly oriented portion is deformable, whereby the radially outwardly oriented portion is deformed as the closure is located within the opening.

In at least some embodiments, the closure is formed with an outwardly projecting tab that forms a handle for use in disconnecting the closure from the vessel. Preferably, the tab is formed diametrically opposite the mounting member.

There is provided a closure that is connectable to a vessel to form a consumable goods container, the vessel having at least one side wall that defines a cavity in which to store consumable goods and an opening through which to access the cavity, the closure being formed of one or more materials that provide a barrier, and having: a peripheral edge; one or more mating formations that are inward of the peripheral edge, the mating formations being shaped to engage with the vessel side wall about the opening such that the closure and vessel are interconnectable with the closure covering the opening, thereby separating the cavity from the atmosphere surrounding the container; and a mounting member that co-operates with a complementary mounting formation on an information tag such that the tag can be removably attached to the closure, the mounting member being formed at the peripheral edge, projecting outwardly from the peripheral edge, and being shaped such that, when the closure and vessel are interconnected and the information tag is mounted on the mounting member, the information tag hangs from the closure and overhangs a portion of the side wall.

Preferably, the mating formations include a rim contacting portion, wherein when the closure and vessel are interconnected the rim contacting portion is in contact with a rim formed at the opening of the vessel side wall, and wherein the mounting member projects outwardly with respect to the rim contacting portion. In some embodiments, the mounting member includes an outer catch portion, and an inner supporting portion that extends between the peripheral edge and the outer catch portion, wherein the outer catch portion has a shape that corresponds with the complementary mounting formation on the information tag such that: in a first relative configuration of the tag and closure, the outer catch portion inhibits removal of the information tag from the mounting member; and in a second relative configuration of the tag and closure, the information tag is removable from the mounting member, and wherein when the information tag is mounted on the mounting member, the information tag is positioned about the inner supporting member.

Preferably, the outer catch portion is shaped such that there is rotation displacement of the information tag relative to the closure between the first and second relative configurations.

Preferably, the inner supporting portion and outer catch portion are shaped such that in at least one direction, the outer catch portion is geometrically larger than the inner supporting portion. More preferably, the width of the inner supporting portion is narrower than the width of the outer catch portion.

In at least some embodiments, the width of the outer catch portion is greater than the height of the outer catch portion.

The height of the outer catch portion can be greater than the height of the inner supporting portion.

In some embodiments, the peripheral edge of the closure includes a planar section that is substantially perpendicular to the inner supporting portion, and wherein the inner supporting portion projects outwardly from the planar section. In certain embodiments, the closure can have a substantially constant wall thickness.

In some embodiments, the mating formations include a radially outwardly oriented portion that forms an interference fit against internal surfaces of the sidewall adjacent the opening when the closure and vessel are interconnected.

Preferably, at least part of the radially outwardly oriented portion is deformable, whereby the radially outwardly oriented portion is deformed as the closure is located within the opening.

In at least some embodiments, the closure is formed with an outwardly projecting tab that forms a handle for use in disconnecting the closure from the vessel. Preferably, the tab is formed diametrically opposite the mounting member.

There is also provided an information tag for a consumable goods container that has a vessel, and a closure that interconnects with the vessel and includes a peripheral edge and a mounting member that projects outwardly from the peripheral edge on which the information tag is mountable, the tag being formed of a sheet material, and having: one or more outer edges, and a mounting aperture for mounting the tag on the mounting member, the mounting aperture being positioned inwardly of the outer edges and within an upper region of the tag, such that when the tag is mounted on the mounting member the tag hangs from the closure in an upright position so as to display information pertaining to the container contents.

Preferably, the tag includes printed information pertaining to consumable goods that are stored or are intended to be stored within the container. Certain embodiments of the information tag are configured for mounting on a closure with a mounting member that includes an upwardly-oriented substantially planar surface on which the information tag is to be supported when mounted, and the periphery of the mounting aperture includes an upper portion that is straight and has a length that is greater than the width of the planar surface.

In at least some embodiments, the periphery of the mounting aperture includes a pair of side portions that are substantially perpendicular to the upper portion, wherein the side portions are longer than the upper portion.

Preferably, the periphery of the mounting aperture includes an arcuate lower portion that interconnects the side portions, and is opposite the upper portion.

In at least some embodiments, the separation of the upper portion from the nearest of the outer edges is less than the greatest diameter of the mounting aperture.

There is also provided a device for collating a plurality of information tags for consumable goods containers, each tag being formed of a sheet material having a predetermined thickness, and having one or more outer edges, and a mounting aperture for mounting the tag on a mounting member of containers, the mounting aperture being positioned inwardly of the outer edges, the device comprising: a body portion with a front face, and a mounting face that is to be oriented towards a surface of an object to which the device is mounted; a tag mounting member that projects outwardly from the front face, the tag mounting member an outer catch portion, and an inner supporting portion that extends between the front face and the outer catch portion, wherein the outer catch portion and the mounting apertures have complementary shapes such that: in a first relative configuration of each tag and the device, the outer catch portion inhibits removal of the tag from the tag mounting member; and in a second relative configuration of each tag and the device, the tag is removable from the tag mounting member, wherein when the inner supporting member has a length that is a multiple of the predetermined thickness.

Thus, a plurality of information tags can be mounted on the tag mounting member of the device. In this way, information tags can be collated.

In some embodiments, the body portion includes a magnet to facilitate attachment of the device to a ferromagnetic object, with the mounting face facing the surface of the ferromagnetic object.

Alternatively, the device can include an adhesive material that is attached to the mounting face, whereby when the device is mounted on the object, the adhesive material adheres the device to the object.

Alternatively the body portion includes a connecting formation that is accessible on the mounting face, the connecting formation being configured to mates with a complementary formation on the object so that the device is mountable on the object.

Preferably, the outer catch portion is shaped such that there is rotation displacement of the information tag relative to the closure between the first and second relative configurations.

Preferably, the inner supporting portion and outer catch portion are shaped such that in at least one direction, the outer catch portion is geometrically larger than the inner supporting portion. More preferably, the width of the inner supporting portion is narrower than the width of the outer catch portion.

In at least some embodiments, the width of the outer catch portion is greater than the height of the outer catch portion. The height of the outer catch portion can be greater than the height of the inner supporting portion.

There is provided a consumable goods container assembly that includes: a base vessel having: a base and at least one side wall that surrounds the base, a first cavity that is defined by the at least one side wall of the base above the base within which to store a first consumable good, a first opening through which to access the first cavity, and a first rim at the first opening, the first rim being formed by an upper edge of the at least one side wall; an insert vessel having: a floor portion and at least one containment wall portion that surrounds the floor portion, a second cavity that is defined by the at least one containment wall portion above the floor portion within which to store a second consumable good, a second cavity through which to access the second cavity, a second rim at the second opening, the second rim being formed by an upper edge of the at least one containment wall portion, one or more insert vessel mating formations that are shaped to engage with the side wall about the first opening such that the insert vessel is interconnectable with the base vessel to thereby cover the first opening and separate the first cavity from the atmosphere surrounding the base container, with the floor portion separating the first and second cavities; and a closure that is formed of one or more materials that provide a barrier, the closure having: a peripheral edge; one or more closure mating formations that are inward of the peripheral edge, wherein: the insert vessel mating formations and the closure mating formations have common shape formations, and the assembly can be arranged in: a first configuration in which the insert vessel mating formations are engaged with the side wall about the first opening to interconnect the insert vessel with the base vessel, and the closure mating formations are engaged with the containment wall portion about the second opening to interconnect the closure with the insert vessel, such that the first and second cavities are separated from the atmosphere surrounding the interconnected base vessel, insert vessel and closure, and the floor portion separates the first and second cavities, and a second configuration in which the closure mating formations are engaged with the side wall about the first opening to interconnect the closure with the base vessel, such that the first cavity is separated from the atmosphere surrounding the interconnected base vessel and closure, and the insert vessel is not interconnected with either the base vessel or closure.

Preferably, the insert vessel mating formations are configured to engage with the surface of the at least one side wall that faces the first cavity to thereby interconnect the insert vessel with the base vessel. Preferably, the closure mating formations are configured to engage with each of: the surface of the at least one containment wall that faces the second cavity to thereby interconnect the closure with the insert vessel, and the surface of the at least one side wall that faces the first cavity to thereby interconnect the closure with the base vessel.

In at least some embodiments: the base vessel includes a first bead that is formed in the side wall adjacent the first rim, the bead facing inwardly with respect to the first cavity, and the insert vessel includes a second bead that is formed in the containment wall portion adjacent the second rim, the second bead facing inwardly with respect to the second cavity, wherein: the insert vessel mating formations include an annular groove, and an annular protuberance that has a larger diameter than the annular groove, and when the insert vessel is interconnected with the base vessel the first bead is located in the annular groove, and the radially outwardly facing surface of the annular protuberance bears against internal surface of the side wall, and the closure mating formations include an annular groove, and an annular protuberance that has a larger diameter than the annular groove, and when the closure is interconnected with either the insert vessel or the base vessel, the respective second or first bead is located in the annular groove, and the radially outwardly facing surface of the annular protuberance bears against the internal surface of the respective containment wall portion or side wall.

Preferably, the insert vessel mating formations further include a rim contacting portion that is spaced from the annular protuberance by the annular groove, and when the insert vessel is interconnected with the base vessel the rim contacting portion is in contact with the first rim, and the closure mating formations further include a rim contacting portion that is spaced from the annular protuberance by the annular groove, and when the closure is interconnected with either the insert vessel or base vessel, the rim contacting portion is in contact with the respective second or first rim.

Preferably, at least a portion of the insert vessel that includes the insert vessel mating formations is made of a deformable material, such that the insert vessel mating formations deform during engagement with the side wall about the first opening.

In some embodiments, the insert vessel is of single material construction, and that single material is deformable. Preferably, the insert vessel mating formations are located on an external surface of the containment wall portion and are spaced from the floor portion. Alternatively or additionally, the insert vessel mating formations are located intermediate the second rim and the floor portion.

The containment wall portion is preferably tapered such that the cross-section area of the second cavity in planes parallel with the second rim reduces in a direction away from the second rim. More preferably, the taper is greater within the portion of the second cavity that is between the floor portion and the plane of the insert vessel mating formations, compared with the portion of the second cavity that is between the planes of the second rim and the insert vessel mating formations. Alternatively or additionally, the floor portion is convex in the direction of the second cavity.

In some alternative embodiments, the insert vessel includes a bowl member that partially surrounds the second cavity, and a ring member is supported by the bowl member, wherein the ring member is made of deformable material and the ring member includes the insert vessel mating formations, such that the ring member deforms during engagement of the insert vessel mating formations with the side wall of the base vessel, and wherein the bowl member is made of a material that is more rigid than the ring member, such that the bowl member is substantially dimensionally stable during engagement of the insert vessel mating formations with the side wall of the base vessel.

The ring member can form a skirt that extends downwardly from the bowl member.

Preferably, the bowl member includes a securing channel into which an insertion portion of the ring member locates.

Preferably, the insertion portion and/or the securing channel have one or more sealing formations that inhibit migration of liquid between the ring member and the bowl member when the insertion portion is located in the securing channel. In some embodiments, the ring member is releasably mountable to the bowl member. In such embodiments, the sealing formations can additionally resist disconnection of ring member from the bowl member when the insertion portion is located in the securing channel.

Brief description of the drawings

In order that the invention may be more easily understood, embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1: is a perspective view of a consumable goods container according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2: is an exploded view of the container of Figure 1; Figure 3: is a top view of the container of Figure 1; Figure 4: is a front view of the container of Figure 1; Figure 5: is a left side view of the container of Figure 1; Figure 6: is an enlarged view of Region A in Figure 5; Figure 7: is a partial perspective view showing a first stage of removing the information tag from the lid and container canister of Figure 1;

Figure 8: is a partial perspective view showing a second stage of removing the information tag from the lid and container canister of Figure 1;

Figure 9: is a partial perspective view showing a third stage of removing the information tag from the lid and container canister of Figure 1;

Figure 10: is a partial perspective view showing the information tag removed from the lid and container canister of Figure 1;

Figure 11: is a front view of the container canister and lid of the container shown in Figure 1;

Figure 12: is a partial vertical section of the container, as viewed along the line /-/in Figure 11; Figure 13: is a second partial vertical section of the container, showing the lid connected with the canister, and the information tag mounted on the lid;

Figure 14: is an upper perspective view of the lid of the container shown in Figure 1;

Figure 15: is an enlarged view of Region B in Figure 14;

Figure 16: is a front perspective view of an information tag for a consumable goods container, the tag being in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 17: is a perspective view of a consumable goods container according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 18: is a top view of the container of Figure 17;

Figure 19: is a front view of the container of Figure 17;

Figure 20: is a left side view of the container of Figure 17;

Figure 21: is an enlarged view of Region C in Figure 20;

Figure 22: is a partial vertical section of the container canister and lid of Figure 16, as viewed along the line //-//in Figure 19;

Figure 23: is an upper perspective view of the lid of the container shown in Figure 17;

Figure 24: is an enlarged view of Region D in Figure 23;

Figure 25: is a perspective view of a container information tag collation device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 26: is a perspective view of the container information tag collation device of Figure 25, together with several tags of Figure 12;

Figure 27: is a left side view of the container information tag collation device and tags of Figure 25;

Figure 28: is a rear perspective view of the container information tag collation device and tags of Figure 25;

Figure 29: is a perspective view of the device and tags of Figure 25, indicating progressive collation of tags onto the device; Figure 30: is a perspective view of a consumable goods container assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 31: is a left side view of the consumable goods container assembly of Figure 30;

Figure 32: is an exploded left side view of the consumable goods container assembly of Figure 30;

Figure 33: is a vertical cross-sectional view of the insert vessel of the consumable goods container assembly, as viewed along the line ///-///in Figure 32;

Figure 34a: is an enlarged view of Region E in Figure 33; Figure 34b: is an enlarged view of Region F in Figure 33; Figure 35: is a perspective view of a consumable goods container assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 36: is an exploded left side view of the consumable goods container assembly of Figure 35;

Figure 37: is a perspective view of the insert vessel of the consumable goods container assembly shown in Figure 35;

Figure 38: is a left side view of the insert container shown in Figure 37; Figure 39: is a partial vertical cross-sectional view of the insert container in an assembled state, as viewed along the line IV-IV\n Figure 38; and

Figure 40: is a partial vertical cross-sectional view of the insert container in an exploded format, as viewed along the line IV-IV\n Figure 38.

Detailed description

Figures 1 to 16 show a consumable goods container 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The container includes a vessel, a closure, and information tags.

In this particular example, the vessel is in the form of a canister 10 that has a side wall 14, and a base (not shown). A cavity 16 is defined by the side wall 14 above the base, and consumable goods can be stored in the cavity 16, as desired. The side wall 14 also defines an opening 18 through which to access the cavity 16.

The closure is made of material that provides a barrier. In this particular embodiment, the closure is in the form of a lid 20 that is interconnectable with the canister 12 to cover the opening 18. Thus, the cavity 16 can be separated from the atmosphere surrounding the container 10; that is, the closed container 10 can be used to store consumable goods in the cavity 16 and kept in an isolated environment, which slows degradation of the goods.

The lid 20 has a peripheral edge 22, and mating formations 24 that are inward of the peripheral edge 22. The mating formations 24 (which are described in further detail below) are shaped to engage with the canister side wall 14 about the opening 18. The lid 20 also has a mounting member 26 formed at the peripheral edge 22. As will be evident from the Figures, the mounting member 26 projects outwardly from the peripheral edge 22. Further, in this particular embodiment, the mounting member 26 projects outwardly beyond the side wall 14, when the lid 20 is connected to the canister 12.

Each of the information tags 30 is formed of a sheet material, and has a mounting aperture 32 that enables the tag 30 to be mounted on the lid 20. In particular, the information tags 30 are able to be removably attached to the mounting member 26 of the lid 20. Information pertaining to the consumable goods that is stored in the cavity 16 of the container 10, or is intended to be stored in the cavity 16 is printed, or can be written onto the major surfaces of the tags 30. The information tags 30 are described in more detail below, in reference to Figure 16.

As is evident particularly from Figures 1, and 4 to 6, when the lid 20 and canister 12 are connected and one of the tags 30 is mounted on the mounting member 26, the tags 30 hangs from the lid 20, and overhang a portion of the canister side wall 14. Accordingly, in this configuration the information tags 30 present the information on the tags 30 to the side of the container 10, for instance, as shown in Figure 4. This provides a benefit that the information on the tags 30 is visible in a set of the containers 10 that are arranged in a stack. By way of example, a set of containers 10 can be stored in a pantry cupboard and arranged in one or more stacks, with the information on the tags 30 readily observable. Further, as will be appreciated, the protrusion of the tags 30 above the respective container 10 on which they are mounted is negligible. This enables individual containers 10 in a stack to be removed relatively easily.

As will be evident from the description that follows - particularly with reference to Figures 4, and 7 to 10 - the information tags 30 can be moved between different lids 30 so that the information tags 30 that are mounted to a lid 30 correctly reflect the consumable goods within the respective cavity 16.

Referring to Figure 16, each information tag 30 has outer edges, which in the illustrated embodiment include an upper edge 34a, a lower edge 34b, and two side edges 34c (referred to collectively hereinafter as "outer edges 34"). The mounting aperture 32 is positioned inwardly of the outer edges 34 and within an upper region 36 of the tag 30. When the tag 30 is mounted on the mounting member 26, the tag 30 hangs from the lid 20 in an upright position, which is illustrated in Figure 4.

The major surfaces of the information tag 30 can contain information pertinent to the consumable goods within the container 10. To this end, the tag 30 can include information such as:

- goods labelling (such as tea, coffee, olives, grain variety, legume variety, etc.);

- graphical devices (such as bar codes) that are readable by an electronic device;

- branding;

- category labelling (such as beverages, grains, legumes, etc.); and / or

- ingredient and/or nutritional information, "Use By" dates, batch numbers, etc. As shown in Figures 12 to 15, the mounting member 26 includes an outer catch portion 40, and an inner supporting portion 42 that extends between the peripheral edge 22 and the outer catch portion 40. The mounting member 26 and the mounting aperture 32 have complimentary shapes that enable the information tag 30 to be releasably attached to the lid 20. To this end:

- when the information tag 30 is mounted on the mounting member 26, the information tag 30 is positioned about the inner supporting portion 42 (as shown particularly in Figure 13);

- in a first relative configuration of the tag 30 and lid 20, the outer catch portion 40 inhibits removal of the information tag 30 from the mounting member 26; and

- in a second relative configuration of the tag 30 and lid 20, the information tag 30 is removable from the mounting member 36.

In this example, the mounting aperture 32 has a width-to-height ratio that is the same as the height-to-width ratio of the outer catch portion 40. Further, the width of the mounting aperture 32 is at least equal to the largest diameter of the inner supporting portion 42.

In Figures 1, 4, 5 and 13, the information tag 30 and lid 20 are illustrated in the first relative configuration. In this first relative configuration and with the information tag 30 is mounted on the mounting member 26 such that the mounting aperture 32 is about the inner supporting portion 42, the outer catch member 40 blocks the tag 30 from movement outwardly of the lid 20.

When the information tag 30 is mounted on the mounting member 26 - with the mounting aperture 32 about the inner supporting portion 42 - the information tag 30 can rotate around the mounting member 26. This rotation is indicated in Figures 9 and 10 by curved arrow R. Figures 8 to 10 illustrate the information tag 30 and lid 20 in the second relative configuration. In this second relative configuration, the tag 30 is able to move inwardly and outwardly with respect to the lid 20, with the outer catch member 40 passing through the mounting aperture 32. In Figure 9, the outward movement of the tag 30, to remove the tag 30 from the lid 20, is indicated by double headed arrow T.

Removal of a tag 30 from the mounting member 26 follows a procedure illustrated sequentially in Figures 1, and 7 to 10. Mounting of the tag 30 onto the mounting member 26 follows the reverse procedure; that is, starting with the tag 30 and container 10 as shown in Figure 10, the tag 20 is first moved inwardly, and then rotated, the sequence concluding with the container 10 as illustrated in Figure 1.

As will be appreciated from the Figures, there is a relative angular displacement of 90° between the first and second relative configurations. Further, in this example, there are two first relative configurations, and two second relative configurations. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the complementary shapes of the mounting member 26 and mounting aperture 32 enable a simple and yet reliable mechanism for releasably mounting the information tags 30 onto the lid 20, whilst also achieving the benefit of the information tag 30 overhanging the side wall 14.

The inner supporting portion 42 of the mounting member 26 has an upwardly- oriented substantially planar surface 44 on which the information tags 30 are supported when mounted. The planar surface 44 is most readily discerned in Figures 12 and 13, in which the planar surface 44 is perpendicular to the plane of the vertical cross section. As shown in Figure 16, the periphery 38 of the mounting aperture 32 of each information tag 30 includes an upper portion 38a that is straight and has a length that is greater than the width of the planar surface 44. The complementary and linear aspects of the planar surface 44 and the upper portion 38a of the mounting aperture periphery 38 encourage the information tags 30 to adopt a relative position on the mounting member 26 in which the side edges 34c are generally perpendicular to the lid 20. As also shown in Figure 16, the periphery 38 of the mounting aperture 32 also has a pair of side portions 38b that are substantially perpendicular to the upper portion 38a, and an arcuate lower portion 38c that interconnects the side portions 38b, and is opposite the upper portion 38a.

The peripheral edge 22 of the lid 20 includes a planar section 46 that is substantially perpendicular to outward projecting direction of the mounting member 26. The inner supporting portion 42 projects outwardly from the planar section 46. Thus, the planar section 46 provides an upright flat face that is "behind" the mounting member 26. When the information tags 30 are supported on the mounting member 26, the planar section 46 limits rotation of the tags 30 about an axis (which is a vertical axis, when the container 10 is upright) that is perpendicular to the planar surface 44. In other words, the tags 30 are likely to adopt a position in which the major faces are tangential to the lid 20, and also to the side wall 14.

In this way, the position of tags 30 mounted on the mounting member 26 are constrained so as to present a neat and consistent appearance on the container 10.

In the example illustrated in Figures 1 to 15, the side wall 14 of the canister 12 is of a twin-wall construction. In planes transverse to the opening 18, both the internal and external wall section of the side wall 14 are circular. In this embodiment, the lower portion of the external wall section (of side wall 14) tapers in a direction away from the opening 18. Consequently, two or more empty canisters 12 can be partially nested. Further, the canister 12 has a rim 28 at the opening 18, the rim 28 being substantially circular.

As shown most clearly in Figure 12, the mating formations 24 of the lid 20 include a rim contacting portion 50. Due to the circular construction of the canister side wall 14, the rim contacting portion 50 has the shape of a planar annular ring. As is also shown in Figure 12, the mating formations 24 include an annular groove 52, and a skirt 54. The annular groove 52 is disposed inward of and adjacent the rim contacting portion 50. The skirt 54 is adjacent the groove 52, and extends in a direction away from the rim contacting portion 50. The side wall 14 includes a bead 56 that faces inwardly with respect to the cavity 16. To this end, the bead 56 is formed in the internal wall section of the side wall 14, and is adjacent the rim 28. As will be apparent from Figure 12, the internal diameter of the cavity 16 immediately beneath the bead 56 is larger than the smallest internal diameter of the cavity 16 at the bead 56.

When the lid 20 and canister 12 are interconnected:

- the rim contacting portion 50 is in contact with the rim 28;

- the bead 56 sits within the annular groove 52; and

- radially outwardly facing surface of the skirt 54 bear against the internal wall section of the side wall 14.

As shown in Figure 12, in this particular embodiment, the radially outwardly facing surface of the skirt 54 includes a sealing lip 58. When the lid 20 and canister 12 are interconnected, the sealing lip 58 forms an interference fit against the internal surface of the sidewall 14 adjacent the opening 18.

The sealing lip 58 is made of a deformable material, such that the sealing lip 58 is deformed as the lid 20 is located within the opening 18. In this way, an effective seal is created between the lid 20 and the canister 12.

In some embodiments, such as that shown in Figures 1 to 17, the lid 20 can be formed from a deformable material, such as rubber, elastomeric materials, or the like. By way of example, the lid 20 can be moulded from silicone rubber. This provides the benefit of the lid 20 being deformable during engagement of the lid 20 with the canister 12, which facilitates release of air within the cavity 16 that is displaced by lid 20 when connected. Similarly, the lid 20 is deformable during disengagement of the lid 20 from the canister 12, which facilitates the "breaking" of the seal between the lid 20 and the canister 12. In this way, any partial vacuum within the cavity 16 can be disrupted, as required for removal of the lid 20 from the canister 12.

In addition, the resilient nature of the lid 20, which biases the lid 20 to restore to its natural / relaxed state, has the benefit of creating a strong seal between the lid 20 and the canister 12. By virtue of the seal, the susceptibility of the lid 20 to inadvertently disconnect from the canister 12 is reduced.

The lid 20 includes an outwardly projecting tab that forms a handle 60. The handle 60 is useful when disconnecting the lid 20 from the canister 12. In this particular embodiment, the handle 60 is formed diametrically opposite the mounting member 26.

Figures 17 to 24 show a container 110 according to another embodiment. The container 110 includes a canister 12, and a closure that is in the form of a lid 120. The canister 12 illustrated in Figures 17 to 24 is identical with the canister 12 illustrated in Figures 1 to 15. The lid 120 is substantially similar to the lid 20 of the embodiment in Figure 1. Parts of the lid 120 that are the same or similar to parts of the lid 20 have the same reference numbers with the prefix "1" and for succinctness, will not be described again.

The container 110 differs from the container 10 in that the lid 120 is made of a material that has a substantially constant thickness, as will be particularly apparent from Figure 22. The lid 120 utilizes less material, when compared with the lid 20 of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1. As will be appreciated, minimizing the quantity of material in the lid 120 is beneficial in instances where the lid 120 is intended for single-use, or short-term use applications. Conveniently, the lid 120 can be made of a material that is suitable for use in moulding processes. In one example, the lid 120 can be formed of a moulded pulp fibre materials, for example using bagasse fibres in a pulp fibre thermoforming process. Alternatively, the lid 120 may be formed from a plastic sheet in a plastic thermoforming process. In some alternative examples, the lid may be injection moulded from plastics materials, over-moulded or co-moulded with elastomeric materials to form a seal. Further, a lid can be formed with a primary structure, and a separately formed seal. Alternatively or additionally, the lid can be formed without a seal structure or formation.

As will be apparent from Figures 22 and 24, the mounting member 126 has the same height (which in this embodiment corresponds with the thickness direction of the lid 120) in both of the outer catch portion 140 and the inner supporting portion 142. Further, the height of the mounting member 126 is also the same as the thickness of the lid 120 at the rim contacting surface 150.

In addition to the rim contacting surface 150, the mating formations 124 of the lid 120 include an annular groove 152, and a radially outwardly facing annular protuberance 170. The structure of the lid 120 includes an annular channel 172 that is on the opposing side of the lid 120 to the protuberance 170, and radially inward of the groove 152.

When the lid 120 and canister 12 are interconnected:

- the rim contacting portion 150 is in contact with the rim 28;

- the bead 56 sits within the annular groove 152; and

- the protuberance 170 bears against the internal wall section of the side wall 14, in a region beneath the bead 56.

Further, the geometry and material properties of each of the canister 12 and the lid 120 are such that when the lid 120 and canister 12 are interconnected, the protuberance 170 forms an interference fit against the internal surface of the sidewall 14 adjacent the opening 18. To this end, the material within the protuberance 170 is under a compressive load applied from the canister 12, and the material in the region of the annular channel 172 resists that compressive load. As will be appreciated, in this condition there will be some deformation of the lid 120, at least within the region of the annular channel 172. Accordingly, an effective seal is created between the lid 120 and the canister 12. Figures 25 to 29 show a device 200 for collating a plurality of information tags for consumable goods containers, the device 200 being in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the device 200 is suitable for collating information tags 30 as shown in Figure 16.

The device 200 includes a body portion 202 with a front face 204, and a mounting face 206. The device 200 is intended to be mounted to an object (not shown) with the mounting face 206 oriented towards the surface of that object. Conversely, when the device 200 is mounted to the object, the front face 204 faces away from the object.

In one example application in which both containers 10 and 110 are utilized, a vendor can fill canisters 12 with consumable goods, and seal those canisters 12 with lids 120, thus forming the containers 110. An information tag 30 with vendor, producer, and / or manufacturer related information (referred to hereinafter as a "vendor tag" for convenience) can be mounted on the mounting member 126, so as to provide both the vendor and customers with information regarding the goods within the containers 110.

Customers buying the consumable goods can have a set of lids 20. When restocking their pantry, the customers can remove the lids 120 and install their lids 20 so as to provide an improved seal for maximizing the usable life of the consumable goods. In this way, the customer assembles the container 10 using the same canister 12 with one of the lids 20, without decanting the goods. The customer may have their own information tags 30 that provide information of their choosing (referred to hereinafter as a "customer tag" for convenience). The customer can mount both the vendor tag and their customer tag on the mounting member 26.

Empty canisters 12 can be returned to the vendor (at least without the lids 20) for cleaning and refilling.

The device 200 further has a tag mounting member 210 that projects outwardly from the front face 204. The tag mounting member 210 an outer catch portion 212, and an inner supporting portion 214 that extends between the front face 204 and the outer catch portion 212. As will be appreciated from a comparison of Figures 25 to 29, and Figures 14 and 15, the tag mounting member 210 is similar to the mounting member 26 of the lid 120. In particular, the primary geometric difference between the mounting member 26 and the tag mounting member 210 is in the length of the inner supporting portion 214. To this end, the inner supporting member 214 has a length that is a multiple of the thickness of the sheet material of the tags 30.

It follows that a number of information tags 30 can be mounted on the tag mounting member 210 of the device 200. In this way, information tags can be collated, as discussed below.

In this particular embodiment, the body portion 202 includes a magnet (contained internally within the body portion, and thus not shown) that enables the device 200 to be attached to a ferromagnetic object, such as a refrigerator door. This has the benefit that the device 200, together with information tags that are collated on the tag mounting member 210, can be removed from the object, and reinstated as desired.

Mounting and removal of the tags 30 on the device 200 follow the same procedure described above and illustrated in reference to Figures 1, and 7 to 10.

Continuing the above described example application, when the consumable goods within a container 10 are "running low", the customers can move the vendor / customer tag from the containers 10 onto the device 200. In this way, tags 30 that are mounted and collated on the device 200 form a physical list of items that need to be ordered for a household. As will be apparent, the device 200, together with tags 30 collated thereon, can be taken physically on a shopping trip as a physical list of items to purchase.

Figures 30 to 34b show a consumable goods container assembly 305 according to a third embodiment. The assembly 305 includes a base vessel, an insert vessel 380, and a closure. In this particular embodiment, the base vessel is in the form of the canister 12 (described previously, including with reference to Figures 1 to 15), and the closure is in the form of the lid 120 (described previously, including with reference to Figures 17 to 24).

The insert vessel 380, which is illustrated in detail in Figures 33, 34a, and 34b, has a floor portion 382 and a containment wall portion 384 that surrounds the floor portion 382. A cavity 386 is defined by the containment wall portion 384 above the floor portion 382, and consumable goods can be stored in the cavity 386, as desired. The containment wall portion 384 also defines an opening 388 through which to access the cavity 386.

The insert vessel 380 also has mating formations 390 that are shaped to engage with the canister side wall 14 about the opening 18. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 32 and 33, the mating formations 390 are outwardly with respect to the cavity 386. A rim 392 is formed by an upper edge of the containment wall portion 384 at the opening 388.

As described in further detail below, the mating formations 390 of the insert vessel 380 have common shape formations to the mating formations 124 of the lid 120.

The assembly 305 can be arranged in a first configuration in which the insert vessel 380 is interconnected with the canister 12, and the lid 120 is interconnected with the insert vessel 380. The first configuration is illustrated in Figures 30 and 31. Alternatively, the assembly 305 can be arranged in a second configuration in which the lid 120 is interconnected with the canister 12, and the insert vessel 380 is not interconnected with either the canister 12 or the lid 120. In other words, when the assembly 305 is arranged in the second configuration, the insert vessel 380 is omitted from interconnection with other component parts of the assembly 305. It will be apparent that when in the second configuration the canister 12 and lid 120 will be arranged as generally illustrated in Figure 17.

When the assembly 305 is in the first configuration, the mating formations 390 of the insert vessel 380 are engaged with the canister side wall 14 about the opening 18, and the mating formations 124 of the lid 120 are engaged with the containment wall portion 384 about the opening 388. Accordingly, the cavity 16 defined by the canister 12 is surrounded by the canister 12 itself and part of the insert vessel 380. Further, the cavity 386 defined by the insert vessel 380 is surrounded by the insert vessel 280 itself and the lid 120. In this way, the two cavities 16, 386 are separated from the atmosphere surrounding the interconnected canister 12, insert vessel 380 and lid 120.

As will be appreciated, the assembly 305 in the first configuration has the first and second cavities 16, 386 separated by the floor portion 382 of the insert vessel 380. This separation provides the benefit of separating consumable goods stored in the two cavities 16, 386 from one another. Thus, consumable goods stored in the two cavities 16, 386 will not interact with one another, both cavities are separated from the surrounding atmosphere. This arrangement inhibits the spoilage of consumable goods stored in the assembly 305 from degradation by exposure to atmospheric gases and / or vapours, and also degradation by exposure to the consumable goods in the other cavity.

When the assembly 305 is in the second configuration, the mating formations 124 of the lid 120 are engaged with the canister side wall 14 about the opening 18, and the cavity 16 defined by the canister 12 is surrounded by the canister 12 itself and the lid 120. In this way, the cavity 16 is separated from the atmosphere surrounding the interconnected canister 12 and lid 120.

The side wall 14 of the canister 12 includes a bead 56 that faces inwardly with respect to the cavity 16. To this end, the bead 56 is formed in the internal wall section of the side wall 14, and is adjacent the rim 28. As is also noted above, the internal diameter of the cavity 16 immediately beneath the bead 56 is larger than the smallest internal diameter of the cavity 16 at the bead 56.

As shown particularly in Figure 34b, the containment wall portion 384 of the insert vessel 380 includes a bead 356 that faces inwardly with respect to the cavity 386. The bead 356 of the insert vessel 380 is formed in the internal surface of the containment wall portion 384, adjacent the rim 392. As is also noted above, the internal diameter of the cavity 386 immediately beneath the bead 356 is larger than the smallest internal diameter of the cavity 386 at the bead 356.

Comparison of side wall 14 (as illustrated in Figures 12 and 13) with the containment wall 384 (as illustrated in Figures 33 and 34b) will reveal that the shapes of the rims 28, 392, beads 56, 356, and internal surfaces of the side wall 14 and containment wall portion 384 (of the canister 12 and insert vessel 380, respectively) immediately beneath the respective beads 56, 356 have common formations.

When the lid 120 is interconnected with the insert vessel 380, the bead 356 of the insert vessel 380 is located in the annular groove 152, and the radially outwardly facing surface of the annular protuberance 170 bears against the internal surface of the containment wall portion 384 immediately beneath the bead 356. In this way, the mating formations 124 of the lid 120 engage with the container wall portion 384, as per the first configuration.

The interconnection of the lid 120 with the canister 12 are described above, including in reference to Figures 22 to 24.

The mating formations 390 of the insert vessel 380 include a rim contacting portion 394, an annular groove 395, and a radially outwardly facing annular protuberance 396. The protuberance 396 has a larger diameter than the annular groove 395.

When the insert vessel 380 and canister 12 are interconnected:

- the rim contacting portion 394 is in contact with the rim 28;

- the bead 56 sits within the annular groove 395; and

- the protuberance 396 bears against the internal wall section of the side wall 14, in a region beneath the bead 56. From a comparison of the mating formations 124 of the lid 124 as illustrated in Figures 22 to 24 with the mating formations 390 of the insert vessel 380 as illustrated in Figures 33 and 34a) the common shape formations of the mating formations 124, 390.

As will be apparent, the common shape formations are beneficial in facilitating the interchangeability of the assembly 305 so as to be arranged in the first and second configurations. It will also be apparent that assemblies similar to the assembly 305 can have two or more insert vessel 380 interconnected with one another, and intermediate the canister 12 and lid 120. Such assemblies will have three or more separated cavities.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 30 to 24b, the insert vessel 380 formed of a single material that is deformable. That material is also preferably resilient so that when deformed the insert vessel 380 is biased to restore to its undeformed state. Preferably, the insert vessel 380 can be formed of rubber, elastomeric materials, or the like. By way of example, the insert vessel 380 can be moulded from silicone rubber.

The deformable characteristic of the insert vessel 380 has the benefit of the insert vessel 380 being deformable during engagement of the insert vessel 380 with the canister 12, which facilitates release of air from within the first cavity (within the canister 12) that is displaced by insert vessel 380 when connected. Similarly, the insert vessel 380 is deformable during disengagement of the insert vessel 380 from the canister 12, which facilitates the "breaking" of the seal between the insert vessel 380 and the canister 12. In this way, any partial vacuum within the first cavity can be disrupted, as required for removal of the insert vessel 380 from the canister 12.

In addition, the resilient nature of the insert vessel 380, which biases the insert vessel 380 to restore to its natural / relaxed state, has the benefit of creating a strong seal between the insert vessel 380 and the canister 12. By virtue of the seal, the susceptibility of the insert vessel 380 to inadvertently disconnect from the canister 12 is reduced. As will be apparent from Figure 33, the mating formations 390 of the insert vessel 380 on an external surface of the containment wall portion 384, and are spaced from the floor portion 382. Further, the mating formations 390 are located intermediate the second rim 392 and the floor portion 382.

As will be appreciated, the location of the mating formations 390 of the insert vessel 380 of this particular embodiment is such that when the insert vessel 380 is interconnected with the canister 12, a lower part of the insert vessel 380 occupies part of the cavity 16 defined by the canister 12.

The containment wall portion 384 is tapered such that the cross-section area of the cavity 386 in planes that parallel with the rim 392 reduces in a direction away from the rim 392. The taper is greater within the lower region of the cavity 386 (the lower region being that portion of the cavity 386 that is between the floor portion 382 and the plane of the mating formations 390), compared with the upper region of the cavity 386 (the upper region being that portion of the cavity 386 that is between the planes of the rim 392 and the mating formations 390). The tapering is illustrated in the cross-sectional view illustrated in Figure 33. As is also shown in Figure 33, the floor portion 382 is convex in the direction of the cavity 386.

The convex form of the floor portion 382 together with the tapered formation of the containment wall portion 384 contribute to the resilience of the insert vessel 380 to form a reliable seal between the insert vessel 380 and canister 12. An additional benefit of the tapered formation of the containment wall portion 384 is that the insert vessel 380, when interconnected with the canister 12, partially nests therein.

Figures 35 to 40 a consumable goods container assembly 405 according to a fourth embodiment. The assembly 405 includes a base vessel, an insert vessel 480, and a closure. In this particular embodiment, the base vessel is in the form of the canister 12 (described previously, including with reference to Figures 1 to 15), and the closure is in the form of the lid 120 (described previously, including with reference to Figures 17 to 24). Further, the insert vessel 480 has features and parts that are similar to features and parts of the insert vessel 380. Features and parts of the insert vessel 480 that are similar to those of insert vessel 380 have the same reference numbers with the prefix "4" replacing the prefix "3", and for succinctness will not be described again.

In this embodiment, the insert vessel 410 includes a bowl member 498 that partially surrounds the cavity 486, and a ring member 499 is supported by the bowl member 498. Further, the floor portion 482 and containment wall 484 define the cavity 486 of the insert vessel 410.

The ring member 499 forms a skirt that extends downwardly from the bowl member 498, as shown particularly in Figure 39. The mating formations 490 are defined by the ring member 499. In this particular embodiment, the bowl member 498 includes a securing channel 501 into which an insertion portion 511 of the ring member 499 is to locate in the assembled insert vessel 480.

The ring member 499 is releasably mountable to the bowl member 498. This facilitates disassembly of the insert vessel 410 for cleaning. Flowever, in some other embodiments the ring member can be permanently attached to the bowl member, for example by adhesives or co-moulding.

As shown particularly in Figure 40, the ring member 499 has an annular flange 512 that separates the insert portion 511 from part of the ring member 499 with the mating formations 490. The rim contacting portion 494 is on the opposite side of the annular flange 512 to the insertion portion 511.

The ring member 499 is made of deformable material, such that the ring member 499 deforms during engagement of the mating formations 490 with the side wall 14 of the canister 12. The bowl member 498 is made of a material that is more rigid than the ring member 499. Accordingly, the bowl member 498 is substantially dimensionally stable during engagement of the mating formations 490 with the side wall 14 of the canister 12. The dimensional stability of the bowl member 498 provides support to the ring member 499 during engagement of the insert vessel 480 with the canister 12, and also whilst the two component parts are interconnected.

The deformable characteristic of the ring member 499 has the benefit of the ring member 499 being deformable during engagement of the ring member 499 with the canister 12, which facilitates release of air from within the first cavity (within the canister 12) that is displaced by ring member 499 when connected. Similarly, the ring member 499 is deformable during disengagement of the ring member 499 from the canister 12, which facilitates the "breaking" of the seal between the ring member 499 and the canister 12. In this way, any partial vacuum within the first cavity can be disrupted, as required for removal of the ring member 499 from the canister 12.

As shown Figures 39 and 40, the annular protuberance 496 includes a sealing lip 458. When the insert vessel 480 and canister 12 are interconnected, the sealing lip 458 forms an interference fit against the internal surface of the sidewall 14 adjacent the opening 18.

The bowl member 498 is shaped to define an inner annular wall 502 that is radially inward of the channel 501, and an outer annular wall 503 that is radially outward of the channel 501. When the ring member 499 is mounted to the bowl member 498, the lower edge of the outer annular wall 503 abuts the annular flange 512.

The inner annular wall 502 extends further from the rim 492, compared with the outer annular wall 503. In particular, the inner annular wall 502 is configured to provide lateral support to the ring member 499 in the region of the mating formations 490.

As shown in Figure 40, the insertion portion 511 has a pair of annular sealing lips 513, 514 that form an interference fit with the inner and outer annular walls 502, 503, respectively. When the insertion portion 511 is located within the sealing channel 501, the sealing lips 513, 514 provide resistance to disconnection of the ring member 499 from the bowl member 498. In addition, the sealing lips 513, 514 inhibit migration of liquid between the ring member 499 and the bowl member 498, when the insertion portion 511 is located in the securing channel 501.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.