The present invention relates to containers generally, more particularly to modular containers and modular containers for outdoor use most particularly. Background Art.

Containers of the general type adapted for outdoor use are known. Typically, the containers are provided in forms which are particularly adapted or designed for use as a specific type of container. For example, a compost bin, whilst it may be used for a variety of purposes, is particularly adapted for use as a compost bin. It would therefore be particularly advantageous to have a container which can easily be used for a variety of outdoor purposes including but not limited to a sandpit, can be used with a lid to form a compost bin, a worm farm, general storage, or as a trough or pond with a suitable liner for example.

It would be a further advantage to provide a container which is modular in nature, easily assembled and disassembled to allow relocation or storage when not required.

It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country. Summary of the Invention.

The present invention is directed to a modular container, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a modular container including at least one base formwork member and at least one upper formwork member, each of the at least one base formwork member and at least one upper formwork member adapted to form an at least semirigid guide and at least one sidewall member adapted to be located between the at least one base formwork member and the at least one upper formwork member to create the container.

The modular container of the present invention may be applied to any use but is particularly preferred for garden use. For example, the container of the present invention is easily erected and filled with sand to create a sandpit, can be used with a lid to form a compost bin, a worm farm, general storage, or as a trough or pond with a suitable liner. Of course, the container is not limited to any of these uses.

The modular container includes at least one base formwork member. Normally, more than one formwork member will be used, and each formwork member is preferably adapted to be connected to one or more adjacent formwork members to create the at least semirigid guide.

The at least one base formwork member may be of any shape. The formwork member will normally have a uniform cross-sectional shape. The formwork member will typically be substantially planar in one direction in order to be placed on the ground (which will be its normal use). Further, the formwork member will normally be shaped in order to form a shaped at least semirigid guide.

For example, providing arcuate formwork members allows a user to create an arcuate guide. The guide can be circular, oval, kidney shaped for example or any other shape such as free-form as desired by the user. Alternatively, the formwork members may be provided as substantially linear members in order to form more geometric shapes such as rectangles and other multi-sided shapes. As the shape of the at least semirigid guide will normally define the shape of the container, it is important that users be given as many options as possible in forming or defining the shape of the at least semirigid guide. As stated above, the at least one base formwork member will typically have a uniform cross-sectional shape over its length. Normally, each member will have a substantially C-shaped cross-section.

According to this particularly preferred embodiment, each member will preferably have a substantially planar basewall, a pair of upstanding sidewalls extending from the basewall, and a pair of top wall portions which extend substantially parallel to the basewall, each of the top wall portions having a free end which is spaced from the other top wall portion to define an opening in the top wall. This configuration will normally create a substantially rectangular member with an opening in one wall and an interior space defined between the respective walls. Normally, the opening in the top wall will extend over the length of the at least one base formwork member to form a longitudinal channel.

There is also preferably an opening, normally a notch or depression, on an inner surface of the base wall of the at least one base formwork member, opposite the opening in the top wall. Normally, the notch or depression is aligned with the opening such that a substantially planar member inserted into the opening can be received into the notch. Normally, the notch or depression will also extend over the entire length of each at least one base formwork member. An attachment system is typically provided in order to attach at least one base formwork member to adjacent members to form the at least semirigid guide. According to a preferred embodiment, opposite ends of each base formwork member are provided with corresponding portions of an attachment system.

According to one form of attachment system, one or more protrusions are provided adjacent one end of a base formwork member with corresponding one or more openings or depressions provided on the opposite end of the base formwork member. In this manner, adjacent base formwork members can be attached to one another by aligning the one or more protrusions on one base formwork member with the corresponding one or more openings or depressions provided on an end of an adjacent base formwork member. This configuration is typically continued until a closed at least semirigid guide is created.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, one end of the base formwork member typically has a longitudinal protrusion extending from the base wall of the member and an opening or depression on one or both sidewalls of the member, and the opposite end of the member has an opening or depression in a base wall corresponding in shape and position to the longitudinal protrusion and a lateral protrusion on one or both sidewalls corresponding in shape and position to the opening or depression on one or both sidewalls. Normally, the lateral protrusions will extend outwardly, but they may be oriented inwardly towards the central axis of the formwork member.

Preferably, the longitudinal protrusion and the corresponding opening or depression in the base wall of the formwork member will be similar in shape to the tab of a jigsaw puzzle with a tab extending from the end of the base wall and coplanar therewith, with an enlarged or bulbous portion to be received in the correspondingly shaped opening or depression. It is preferred that the respective ends of adjacent members partially overlap when attached to one another to form the guide in order to strengthen the guide. By providing opposite ends of the formwork member with corresponding portions all the same attachment system, any number of formwork members can be used to construct and at least semirigid guide.

Each formwork member may be up to approximately 10 cm in width, 5 cm in height and 2 cm in thickness. However the dimensions of the formwork member used depends upon the dimension of the container, particularly the height of the sidewalls of the container with higher containers requiring wider formwork members for stability.

It is preferred that the formwork members are at least semirigid in order to provide strength and rigidity to the container, however they may be flexible.

The present invention may further include a substantially planar base member provided to overlie the ground surface between the base formwork members in order to close the bottom of the container. Where provided, this planar base member will typically be a sheet member. The planar base member will normally be adapted to attach to the base formwork members. Preferably, the edges of the planar base member are provided with a plurality of upstanding protrusions and the base wall of the base formwork members will typically be provided with a corresponding number of openings into which the protrusions can be received.

Typically, the planar sheet member will be placed over the ground surface with the base formwork members overlying the sheet member and positively located by the upstanding protrusions.

Any or all of the protrusions discussed above will typically be shaped with a bulbous head portion and a neck portion of smaller dimension is such that the openings into which the protrusion is received can be partially deformed to allow the bulbous head of the protrusion to pass.

The container of the present invention also includes at least one upper formwork member. It is preferred that the upper formwork members are substantially the same as the base formwork members and simply inverted for use. However, the upper formwork members may lack the openings provided in the base wall of the formwork member in order to provide an aesthetically pleasing upper surface of the container.

In an alternative embodiment, separate fasteners may be used to connect the formwork members to one another to form an upper retaining ring or form or a lower constrining ring or form. These may be in the form of two part fasteners such as nuts (which may be partially or totally embedded into the formwork member) and bolts or clips as examples. Openings will normally be provided in appropriate positions to receive the fasteners into into or through members. There may additionally be an upper sheet member provided as well. In one form, a sheet member can be provided for use as a lid. Alternatively, a preformed lid may be provided.

The modular container of the present invention also includes at least one flexible sidewall member adapted to be located between the at least one base formwork member and the at least one upper formwork member. Normally, the sidewall member will be a flexible, elongate sheet typically of plastic or a lightweight metal. Normally, an edge of the sidewall member will be received in the channel and the opposed notch in the guide created by the base formwork members once they have been assembled into the guide. The upper formwork members can then be assembled on an opposite edge of the sidewall member to complete the container.

Preferably, each end of the sidewall member will be provided with corresponding portions of an attachment system in order that the respective ends be attached to one another to close the side wall. Again, a system of openings and corresponding protrusions is preferred. Normally, a number of protrusions provided adjacent one end edge of the sidewall and a corresponding number of openings are provided adjacent the opposite end edge. Typically, the sidewall will be slotted into the guide formed by the base formwork members once assembled, and the respective ends of the sidewall are attached to one another.

Normally, the protrusions on the sidewall will be provided on an inner surface of the sidewall. There may be an attachment system provided in order to attach or lock in the sidewall in the channel and/or notch or depression provided in the base and upper formwork members.

The thickness of the sidewall member will typically determined or affect the degree of flexibility and also the strength of the sidewall. Typically, the sidewall member will be thicker for taller containers.

According to a preferred embodiment, the modular container of the present invention may be configured as a pool containing water. According to this embodiment, the modular container is constructed as normal, but a flexible, waterproof sheet will typically be provided for use as a liner for the container. Normally, the waterproof sheet will be used once the lower guide and sidewall is assembled. The waterproof sheet can then be draped over the upper edge of the sidewall and the upper formwork members are attached as normal which will preferably fix the liner to the container.

The sidewall member may be provided as a substantially rectangular sheet or alternatively, with angled upper and lower edges to allow the container to be erected on sloped ground and maintain a substantially horizontal upper rim.

Normally, the container of the present invention will be provided with the sidewall member rolled. This, in combination with a plurality of formwork members will preferably allow the packaging of the modular container prior to assembly, to be minimal in size.

In an alternative embodiment, the modular container of the invention may provide formwork members having a channel to receive a wall and an enlarged foot or rail portion, depending on whether it is used as a top or a bottom rail.

The channel portion according to this embodiment will preferably be substantially U-shaped. It is preferred that the U-shaped channel will have an associated attachment system in order to attach the wall of the container securely to the formwork members. Typically, the attachment system may include serrations, teeth or other engagement members to engage the wall and/or the channel. One or more engagement members may be provided.

Preferably, the channel will form part of a wall attachment system which will also include at least one and typically a plurality of wall clips.

Normally, the channel will extend over the length of formwork member and where multiple formwork members are attached together to define the shape of the container, each respective channel portion will typically align to form a substantially continuous channel.

Normally, the channel walls are substantially rigid but capable of small deformations in order to receive the wall clips. Where provided, each wall clip will be substantially U-shaped defining a channel or cavity therein. Normally, the wall clip will have a pair of spaced apart sidewalls with an end wall linking them. The side walls of each wall clip will preferably diverge slightly in order that they require a small amount of deformation in order to be inserted into the channel in the formwork members.

In use, the side walls of the wall clip will normally be substantially parallel to the respective surfaces of the wall of the container and the end wall will typically but the edge of the wall of the container.

Each sidewall of wall clip will preferably have a wall engagement configuration, shaped to engage the wall, normally with a clamping action.

Each of the engagement portions will typically extend into the cavity defined in the wall clip. The engagement portions will preferably be spaced such that the wall of the container is closely received between them.

Normally, the edge of the wall of the container will be inserted into the wall clip between the engagement portions. As the wall clip is forced into the channel in the formwork members, the relative sizing of the wall clip and the channel will typically deform each to a small amount and force sidewalls of the wall clip to drive at engagement portions to grip of all securely.

Each engagement portion will typically include serrations teeth or similar. There may be one or more engagement portion provided on each sidewall and/or each wall clip. The engagement portions provided at typically angled towards the end wall in order to prevent the wall of the container slipping from the wall clip once forced into the channel.

The engagement portions may be formed integrally with the wall clip for example by punching and engagement portion out of the sidewall and then deforming the punched portion inwardly.

Typically, multiple wall clips will be used and will be spaced around the wall. The clips will typically be used at both the top and bottom of the wall.

The clips may be manufactured of metal or plastic.

A H-section wall connector may be provided in order to connect adjacent edges of a wall member relative to one another. Preferably, one or more engagement portions will be provided between the arms of the H-section connector in order to grip or grasp the wall. Serrations, teeth or other engagement means are preferred.

Depending upon the configuration of the wall of the container, one or or more H-section wall connector may be provided. Typically, each will extend over the height of the container between the top and bottom formwork members and will be maintained in position through abutment with the top and bottom formwork members.

An internal internal irrigation or watering system may be provided in association with the modular container of the invention. In an alternative form, the invention may reside in an internal irrigation or watering system for a container. In a further alternative form, the invention may reside in a container having an internal irrigation or watering system.

The components of an internal irrigation or watering system according to a preferred embodiment include a container lid, a support/separator plate and generally a plurality of irrigation wicks. Typically, specific formations will be provided on the container body in order to assist with location of the components of the internal irrigation or watering system.

According to a preferred embodiment, the container lid will preferably be shaped and configured to trap and direct any condensate back into the container. Normally, the container lid will be domed shaped and will typically have a central opening located at the zenith of the lid.

Normally, the underside of the container lid will be provided with one or more drip rings. A plurality of drip rings will typically be provided spaced concentricly about and from the central opening of the lid. The drip rings will be shaped to collect and direct condensate back into the body of the container. Typically, the drip rings will be ridges which converge to a point and the point is preferably directed downwardly or into the container.

The central opening will typically be used to receive a funnel which can be used to replenish the fluid, typically water in the container. Preferably, the funnel is shaped such that the divergent portion rests in the opening against the surround of the opening on the upper side of the lid.

Where specific formations are provided on the container body in order to assist with the location of the components of the internal irrigation or watering system, the container will typically be a unitary body in order to minimise gaps or openings through which the fluid. Normally, the body will have a base and one or more sidewalls extending upwardly therefrom having an upper top edge and together defining an internal cavity. Normally, the side walls of the body will be provided with one or more guides on an internal surface thereof in order to locate the internal watering system or components thereof. Normally, the guides extend inwardly from the side walls. Preferably, the guides will be provided in a variety of heights in order for irrigation wicks of different heights. In this way, different height irrigation wicks can be used to convey fluid to the material contained in the body at a variety of heights. According to the most preferred embodiment, to heights are provided, one extending from adjacent the bottom of the body to adjacent the top edge and a second height extending to approximately halfway up the body. A support/separator plate will preferably be provided to separate the internal cavity of the body into a main space for containing material and a fluid cavity at the bottom of the body in which fluid can accumulate. Preferably, the support/separator plate will have one or openings in the edges in order to pass the guides located on the internal surface of the side walls of the body. The support/separator plate will typically be provided with one or more fork members extending from a lower surface thereof in order to space the plate from the base wall of the body to define the fluid cavity.

There will typically be one or more drain openings through the plate. Preferably, the drain openings are configured such that the material within the main space of the body is prevented from exiting through the openings into the fluid space. This also includes any roots of plants that may be planted in the container. One possible configuration is that recessed portions or steps are provided in the plate extending downwardly and having openings through the side walls of the steps.

A central tubular upstand is typically provided on the support/separator plate extending upwardly to approximately the top edge of the body. This tubular upstand will preferably make with the final when the final is inserted through the opening in the container lid. The opening in the tubular upstand will typically extend downwardly and communicate with the fluid cavity enabling liquid poured through the tubular upstand to flow into the fluid cavity. There will typically be a plurality of openings in the tubular upstand in order to receive a portion of each irrigation wick. This will typically assist with location of the wicks and also possibly to allow transport of liquid which may be poured into the upstand to communicate with the wicks. Preferably, the support/separator plate will be concave, converging centrally and downwardly. Guides may be provided on the lower side of the support/separator plate in order to assist with locating the irrigation wicks.

The irrigation wicks provided will typically be elongate and substantially rigid. There will typically be manufactured of material capable of transporting fluid therethrough or thereon, particularly through capillary action.

Each irrigation wick will typically be formed having three portions, namely, a lateral arm extending from the central upstand and of the support/separator plate to the side wall of the container, a downcomer portion extending towards the base of the container and a lateral foot portion extending back towards a central point of the container. Typically, the lateral foot will be located below the support/separator plate. Typically, the downcomer portion extends through the guide portion provided in association with the sidewall and into the fluid cavity below the support/separator plate where the lateral foot portion engages with the guide portion in order to locate the irrigation wick.

Normally, the irrigation wicks are spaced radially about the central upstand. Different height irrigation wicks can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings.

Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

Figures 1, 2 and 3 are a top, isometric and front view respectively of a modular container according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is an exploded view of a modular container as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3. Figures 5A to 5H are a top, side, sectional side view along line C-C, isometric and detailed views of portions A, B, and C of a semicircular constraining or bottom ring used in the modular container illustrated in Figures 1 to 3.

Figures 6A to 6H are a top, side, sectional side view along line C-C, isometric and detailed views of portions A, B, and C of a semicircular retaining or top ring used in the modular container illustrated in Figures 1 to 3.

Figures 7A to 7D are detailed end, isometric, top and end views of a H- Section wall joiner used in the modular container illustrated in Figures 1 to 3.

Figures 8A to 8D are top, isometric, side and sectional side views along line A-A of a container according to a second preferred embodiment showing the location and layer of an internal watering system.

Figures 9A to 9D are top, isometric, side and sectional side views along line A-A of a container according to a second preferred embodiment. Figures 1OA and 1OB are exploded views of the container illustrated in figures 8 and 9.

Figures 1 IA to 1 ID are top, detail of section D, side and sectional side views along line C-C of a lid for a container according to a second preferred embodiment. Figures 12A to 12C are and side views of an irrigation wick used in the container illustrated in Figure 8.

Figures 13A to 13D are top, isometric, sectional side along line F-F and detail of section E views of a lower portion of the internal watering system illustrated in Figure 8. Figures 14A to 14D are top, isometric, sectional side along line G-G and detail of section F views of a lower portion of the internal watering system illustrated in Figure 8.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment. According to a first preferred embodiment, a modular container is provided.

This preferred form of modular container 10 includes a pair of base form work members 11 and upper formwork members 12, each of the formwork members adapted to form an at least semirigid guide. A pair of flexible sidewall members 13 is located between the base formwork members 11 and the upper formwork members 12 to create the container.

Each formwork member is adapted to be connected to adjacent formwork members to create the at least semirigid guide 14

The formwork members of this embodiment have a uniform cross- sectional shape and are arcuate over their length. Normally, each member has a substantially C-shaped cross-section.

According to this preferred embodiment, each member has a substantially planar basewall, a pair of upstanding sidewalls extending from the basewall, and a pair of top wall portions which extend substantially parallel to the basewall, each of the top wall portions having a free end which is spaced from the other top wall portion to define an opening. This configuration will normally create a substantially rectangular member with an opening in one wall and an interior space defined between the respective walls. Normally, the opening extends over the length of the formwork member to form a longitudinal channel.

According to this embodiment, there is also a notch on an inner surface of the basewall of the formwork member, opposite the opening in the top wall. The notch is aligned with the opening such that a substantially planar wall member inserted into the opening is received into the notch. The notch also extends over the entire length of each formwork member.

An attachment system is typically provided in order to attach at least one base formwork member to adjacent members to form the at least semirigid guide. According to this embodiment, opposite ends of each formwork member are provided with corresponding portions of the attachment system.

According to this form of attachment system, one end of each formwork member has a longitudinal protrusion extending from the base wall of the member and an opening in both sidewalls of the member, and the opposite end of the member has an opening in the base wall corresponding in shape and position to the longitudinal protrusion and a lateral protrusion on both sidewalls corresponding in shape and position to the openings is the sidewalls. Normally, the lateral protrusions extend outwardly, but they may be oriented inwardly towards the central axis of the formwork member.

The longitudinal protrusion and the corresponding opening in the base wall of the formwork member are similar in shape to the tab of a jigsaw puzzle with the protrusion extending from the end of the basewall and coplanar therewith with a bulbous end portion to be received in the correspondingly shaped opening.

The protrusions will typically be shaped with a bulbous head portion and a neck portion of smaller dimension is such that the openings into which the protrusion is received can be partially deformed to allow the bulbous head of the protrusion to pass.

The upper formwork members are substantially the same as the base formwork members and simply inverted for use. The sidewall member is a flexible, elongate sheet typically of plastic or a lightweight metal. Normally, an edge of the sidewall member is received in the opening and the opposed notch in the guide created by the formwork members once they have been assembled into the guide. The upper formwork members can then be assembled on an opposite edge of the sidewall member to complete the container.

Each end of the sidewall member is provided with corresponding portions of an attachment system in order that the respective ends be attached to one another to close the sidewall. A system of openings and corresponding protrusions is preferred. Normally, a number of protrusions provided adjacent one end edge of the sidewall and a corresponding number of openings are provided adjacent the opposite end edge. Typically, the sidewall is slotted into the guide formed by the base formwork members once assembled, and the respective ends of the sidewall are attached to one another.

According to this embodiment, the modular container of the present invention may be configured as a pool containing water. According to this embodiment, the modular container is constructed as normal, but a flexible, waterproof sheet is provided for use as a liner for the container. Normally, the waterproof sheet will be draped over the upper edge of the sidewall and the upper formwork members are attached as normal which fix the liner to the container. A planar member, larger than the guide at the base end of the container can be provided as a base.

The sidewall member may be provided as a substantially rectangular sheet or alternatively, with angled upper and lower edges to allow the container to be erected on sloped ground and maintain a substantially horizontal upper rim. In an alternative embodiment illustrated in the accompanying Figures, the modular container of the invention may provide formwork members having a channel to receive a wall and an enlarged foot or rail portion, depending on whether it is used as a top or a bottom rail.

The channel portion according to this embodiment is substantially U- shaped and forms part of a wall attachment system which also include a plurality of wall clips 14.

Normally, the channel will extend over the length of formwork member and where multiple formwork members are attached together to define the shape of the container, each respective channel portion will typically align to form a substantially continuous channel.

The channel walls are substantially rigid but capable of small deformations in order to receive the wall clips. Where provided, each wall clip is substantially U-shaped defining a channel or cavity therein. Normally, the wall clip will have a pair of spaced apart sidewalls with an end wall linking them. The side walls of each wall clip will preferably diverge slightly in order that they require a small amount of deformation in order to be inserted into the channel in the formwork members. In use, the side walls of the wall clip will normally be substantially parallel to the respective surfaces of the wall of the container and the end wall will typically but the edge of the wall of the container.

Each sidewall of wall clip will preferably have a wall engagement configuration, shaped to engage the wall, normally with a clamping action. Each of the engagement portions will typically extend into the cavity defined in the wall clip. The engagement portions will preferably be spaced such that the wall of the container is closely received between them.

Normally, the edge of the wall of the container will be inserted into the wall clip between the engagement portions. As the wall clip is forced into the channel in the formwork members, the relative sizing of the wall clip and the channel will typically deform each to a small amount and force sidewalls of the wall clip to drive at engagement portions to grip of all securely.

Each engagement portion will typically include serrations, teeth or similar. There may be one or more engagement portion provided on each sidewall and/or each wall clip. The engagement portions provided at typically angled towards the end wall in order to prevent the wall of the container slipping from the wall clip once forced into the channel.

The engagement portions may be formed integrally with the wall clip for example by punching and engagement portion out of the sidewall and then deforming the punched portion inwardly.

Typically, multiple wall clips will be used and will be spaced around the wall. The clips will typically be used at both the top and bottom of the wall.

The clips may be manufactured of metal or plastic. As illustrated in Figures 7 A to 7D a H-section wall connector is used in order to connect adjacent edges of a wall member relative to one another. One or more engagement portions are provided between the arms of the H-section connector in order to grip or grasp the wall. Serrations, teeth or other engagement means are preferred.

Depending upon the configuration of the wall of the container, one or or more H-section wall connector may be provided. Typically, each will extend over the height of the container between the top and bottom formwork members and will be maintained in position through abutment with the top and bottom formwork members.

An internal internal irrigation or watering system can be provided in association with the modular container of the invention.

In an alternative form illustrated in Figure 8 to 14, the internal irrigation or watering system is provided in a non-modular container. The components of an internal irrigation or watering system according to the illustrated embodiment include a container lid 15 (illustrated in Figure 11), a support/separator plate 16 (illustrated in Figure 13) and a plurality of irrigation wicks 17 (illustrated in Figure 12). Specific guide formations will be provided on the container body in order to assist with location of the components of the internal irrigation or watering system.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the container lid 15 is shaped and configured to trap and direct any condensate back into the container. Normally, the container lid 15 is domed shaped and has a central opening 16 located at the zenith of the lid. Normally, the underside of the container lid 15 is provided with one or more drip rings 19. A plurality of drip rings 19 are provided spaced concentricly about and from the central opening of the lid 15. The drip rings 19 are shaped to collect and direct condensate back into the body of the container.

The central opening 18 is used to receive a funnel 20 which can be used to replenish the fluid, typically water in the container. Preferably, the funnel 20 is shaped such that the divergent portion rests in the opening against the surround of the opening on the upper side of the lid. Where specific formations are provided on the container body in order to assist with the location of the components of the internal irrigation or watering system, the container will typically be a unitary body as illustrated in Figure 14 in order to minimise gaps or openings through which the fluid. Normally, this body will have a base and one or more sidewalls extending upwardly therefrom having an upper top edge and together defining an internal cavity.

Normally, the side walls of the body will be provided with one or more guides 21 on an internal surface thereof in order to locate the internal watering system or components thereof. Normally, the guides extend inwardly from the side walls. Preferably, the guides will be provided in a variety of heights in order for irrigation wicks of different heights. In this way, different height irrigation wicks can be used to convey fluid to the material contained in the body at a variety of heights. According to the most preferred embodiment, to heights are provided, one extending from adjacent the bottom of the body to adjacent the top edge and a second height extending to approximately halfway up the body.

A support/separator plate 16 is provided to separate the internal cavity of the body into a main space for containing material and a fluid cavity 22 at the bottom of the body in which fluid can accumulate. The support/separator plate will have one or openings in the edges in order to pass the guides 21 located on the internal surface of the side walls of the body.

The support/separator plate 16 is provided with one or more foot members extending from a lower surface thereof in order to space the plate from the base wall of the body to define the fluid cavity 22.

A central tubular upstand 23 is provided on the support/separator plate extending upwardly to approximately the top edge of the body. This tubular upstand 23 mate with the funnel when the funnel is inserted through the opening in the container lid as illustrated in Figure 9D. The opening in the tubular upstand extends downwardly and communicate with the fluid cavity enabling liquid poured through the tubular upstand to flow into the fluid cavity. There will typically be a plurality of openings in the tubular upstand in order to receive a portion of each irrigation wick 17. This will typically assist with location of the wicks 17 and also possibly to allow transport of liquid which may be poured into the upstand to communicate with the wicks 17. Preferably, the support/separator plate 16 is concave, converging centrally and downwardly. Guides may be provided on the lower side of the support/separator plate in order to assist with locating the irrigation wicks.

The irrigation wicks provided will typically be elongate and substantially rigid. There will typically be manufactured of material capable of transporting fluid therethrough or thereon, particularly through capillary action.

Each irrigation wick 17 as illustrated in Figure 12 are formed having three portions, namely, a lateral arm extending from the central upstand and of the support/separator plate to the side wall of the container, a downcomer portion extending towards the base of the container and a lateral foot portion extending back towards a central point of the container. Typically, the lateral foot will be located below the support/separator plate. Typically, the downcomer portion extends through the guide portion provided in association with the sidewall and into the fluid cavity below the support/separator plate where the lateral foot portion engages with the guide portion in order to locate the irrigation wick.

Normally, the irrigation wicks are spaced radially about the central upstand and ifferent height irrigation wicks can be provided as illustrated in Figure 10.

In the present specification and claims (if any), the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.