AU2020104293A4

AU2020104293A4 - Vessel and system for reducing plastic waste

Info

Publication number: AU2020104293A4
Application number: AU2020104293A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Joel Wells
Original assignee: Circulr Research Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Circulr Research Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2020-01-07
Filing date: 2020-12-23
Publication date: 2021-03-11
Anticipated expiration: 2028-12-23
Also published as: WO2021138708A1

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to means for holding and delivering movable substances for which plastic containers are typically used, such as personal care products, household agents, cleaning products, horticultural products, and food. In one form, the invention provides a system for holding and dispensing a movable substance, the system comprising: a vessel fabricated predominantly or completely from a non-plastic material and configured to hold a movable substance, a dispenser configured to cause or allow a movable substance to flow from the vessel to outside the system, and a dispenser retainer configured to retain the dispenser in operable association with the vessel interior, wherein the vessel is separable from the retainer and the dispenser by a user. 1/11 25 40 10 30 20 35 15 ccrc uar FIG. 1

Description

The present invention relates generally to means for holding and delivering movable substances for which plastic containers are typically used, such as personal care products, household agents, cleaning products, horticultural products, and food. In one form, the invention provides a system for holding and dispensing a movable substance, the system comprising: a vessel fabricated predominantly or completely from a non-plastic material and configured to hold a movable substance, a dispenser configured to cause or allow a movable substance to flow from the vessel to outside the system, and a dispenser retainer configured to retain the dispenser in operable association with the vessel interior, wherein the vessel is separable from the retainer and the dispenser by a user.

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FIG. 1

VESSEL AND SYSTEM FOR REDUCING PLASTIC WASTE FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001]. The present invention relates generally to means for holding and delivering movable substances for which plastic containers are typically used. Such movable substances include but are not limited to those sold in pharmacies, hardware stores, office supply stores, and suppliers of products used in heavy and light industry. Exemplary products which may be held and delivered by the present invention include personal care products, household agents, cleaning products, horticultural products, food products and the like.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[002]. The environmental problem of plastics is well established. In recent years especially, the scourge of single-use plastic products has been highlighted as a significant problem in littering land and marine environments and as a huge contributor to landfill.

[003]. Plastics are often marked as being recyclable, which may give the consumer some degree of confidence that a plastic product will not enter the waste stream and will (after processing) be incorporated into a new product with minimal environmental damage. Such confidence is misplaced given that of the 8.3bn tonnes of virgin plastic produced worldwide each year, it is estimated that less than 10% is recycled.

[004]. Many consumers make a sincere attempt to separate household waste into recyclable and non-recyclable materials for kerbside waste collection. With good intentions, householders unfortunately deposit any article that has the appearance of plastic into recycling bins, including plastic shopping bags and garden hoses. The confusion as to what plastics can and cannot be recycled results in significant problems. For example, plastic bags and hoses can become tangled in sorting machinery, requiring plants to shut down while obstructions are removed. Even material clearly marked as recyclable, cannot be processed in all recycling facilities.

[005]. There is the further problem of contamination of the recycling stream with food waste and other residues coating plastics. Many plastics have some porosity and therefore retain hydrophobic components such as (oils, heavy metals and biohazardous materials) that can be difficult to remove in the recycling process.

[006]. If problematic items are not removed from waste stream, or if containers are contaminated by residue, the quality of the bulk scrap drops-and therefore the price it can command on the open market. In many circumstances low quality bulk scrap has such a low value that it is more economical to send it to landfill. Apart from any issue of economy, the bulk scrap may be simply rendered unusable.

[007]. Even when plastic recyclables are properly processed, there is the problem that there is some degradation in the hydrocarbon chains during processing. Accordingly, significant amounts of virgin plastic are often required to be mixed with recycled plastics in order to achieve the required physical properties in the final plastic product.

[008]. One example of a problematic single-use plastic is the liquid soap dispenser which is virtually ubiquitous in bathrooms across the developed world. The liquid soap is contained in a plastic bottle having a threaded neck, with a dispensing mechanism (typically a pump) being wound onto the threaded neck. When the vessel is emptied of liquid soap, the vessel is typically placed by the consumer into a municipal recycling stream, while the dispensing mechanism - can be reused by application to a newly purchased filled bottle. While the dispensing mechanism may be reused many times, the bottle is used once only, and typically enters the recycling system. As discussed above, plastics are not as easily recyclable as the manufacturers would have a consumer believe, and therefore alternatives to the bottle portion of liquid soap containers have been keenly pursued by industry.

[009]. The prior art provides a range of alternatives to plastics, including biodegradable or compostable plant-based materials. Such materials are typically not well suited to containing high water content products, and products having a pH away from neutral. Liquid soaps and other personal care products are generally speaking aqueous solutions or emulsions having an acidic pH, and are therefore not amenable to containment in such alternative materials.

[010]. Biodegradable plastics are also required to be separated from all other plastic types, which is a difficult and manual process, before being treated at high temperatures to activate their biodegradation. This heating requires a fuel source adding to the ecological footprint of the plastic. In any event, the requirement for manual processing and heating adds to the expense in recycling biodegradable plastics.

[011]. It is an aspect of the present invention to provide an improvement to prior art containers for holding movable household products, personal care products, foodstuffs and also industrial products. It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a useful alternative to prior art containers.

[012]. The discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included in this specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters formed part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[013]. In a first aspect, but not necessarily the broadest aspect, the present invention provides a system for holding and dispensing a movable substance, the system comprising: a vessel fabricated predominantly or completely from a non-plastic material (such as aluminium or steel or composites comprising both) and configured to hold a movable substance, a dispenser configured to cause or allow a movable substance to flow from the vessel to outside the system, and a dispenser retainer configured to retain the dispenser in operable association with the vessel interior, wherein the vessel is separable from the retainer and the dispenser by a user.

[014]. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the non-plastic material is an environmentally sustainable material. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the environmentally sustainable material is recyclable material, a compostable material, or a material which readily degrades in the environment to substantially non-toxic products.

[015]. In one embodiment ofthe first aspect, the vessel has an opening allowing access of the dispenser to the vessel interior.

[016]. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the vessel is sealed but is openable by a user so as to provide a vessel opening allowing access to the vessel interior.

[017]. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the vessel comprises a seperable, frangible, disruptable or peelable portion at an end thereof, the separable, frangible or peelable portion being movable or removable or disruptable by a user so as to provide access to the vessel interior via the opening. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the separable portion, the frangible portion or the peelable portion comprises a grasping portion configured to be grasped by a user to effect moving or removing the separable, frangible, or peelable portion. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the separable portion, frangible portion or the peelable portion is completely removable and configured such that when removed is passable through the opening formed by its removal and into the vessel interior. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the separable portion, frangible portion or the peelable portion is not completely removable and is configured such that when moved by a user a region of the separable portion, the frangible portion, or the peelable portion remains connected to the vessel to provide a hinge between the vessel and the separable portion, or the frangible portion or peelable portion.

[018]. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the vessel opening is an upwardly or downwardly facing opening.

[019]. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the vessel is substantially cylindrical and the vessel opening is formed by the absence of most or substantially all of the upper circular face of the substantially cylindrical vessel.

[020]. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the system comprises one or more seals configured to (i) inhibit or prevent movement of a movable substance in the vessel to outside the system except for movement ofthe movable substance via the dispenser, and/or (ii) inhibit or prevent the ingress of a fluid or a vapor or a gas into the system. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the seal contacts the vessel about the vessel opening (where present) or about the separable, frangible, disruptable or peelable portion (where present). In one embodiment of the first aspect, the seal is a component of the vessel. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the seal contacts the retainer. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the seal is a component of the retainer.

[021]. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the system comprises a vessel housing configured to house the vessel. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the vessel housing is configured to mount and/or secure the dispenser retainer in a position so as to allow the dispenser to cause or allow a movable substance to move from the vessel to outside the system. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the vessel housing is configured to surround the vessel about the vessel lateral and lower faces. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the vessel housing is configured to protect the vessel from mechanical damage and/or moisture damage. In one embodiment ofthe first aspect, the vessel housing is substantially rigid. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the vessel housing is configured to be aesthetically pleasing to a consumer. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the vessel housing is configured to be more aesthetically pleasing to a consumer than is the vessel.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the dispenser retainer is configured to retain the dispenser away from an interior surface of the vessel. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the dispenser retainer is configured to retain the dispenser in a substantially central region of vessel interior. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the dispenser retainer and/or the vessel housing is/are configured so as to cause or allow mutual engagement therebetween.

[022]. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the mutual engagement is a threaded engagement, or a snap-fit engagement, or a frictional engagement.

[023]. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the dispenser is a manually actuatable liquid pump having an input extending into the vessel interior and an output opening to outside the system.

[024]. In second aspect of the present invention there is provided a vessel fabricated predominantly or completely from a non-plastic material and configured to hold a movable substance, the vessel comprising: a separable, frangible, disruptable or peelable portion which when moved or removed forms an opening in the vessel, and (i) a seal disposed about the separable, frangible, disruptable or peelable portion or (ii) a sealing surface disposed about the separable, frangible, disruptable or peelable portion configured to sealing engage with a seal.

[025]. In one embodiment of the second aspect, the seal is composed of a resiliently deformable material.

[026]. In one embodiment of the second aspect, the sealing surface is formed by a depression. In one embodiment of the second aspect, the sealing surface has a curved profile or a flat profile.

[027]. In one embodiment of the second aspect, the separable, frangible, or peelable portion comprises a grasping portion configured to be grasped by a user to effect moving or removing the separable, frangible, or peelable portion. In one embodiment of the second aspect, the separable, frangible, or peelable portion is completely removable and configured such that when removed is passable through the opening formed by its removal and into the vessel interior. In one embodiment of the second aspect, the separable, frangible, or peelable portion is not completely removable and is configured such that when moved by a user a region of the separable, frangible portion or peelable portion remains connected to the vessel to provide a hinge between the vessel and the separable, frangible, or peelable portion.

[028]. In one embodiment of the second aspect, the vessel opening is an upwardly or downwardly facing opening.

[029]. In one embodiment of the second aspect, the vessel is substantially cylindrical and the vessel opening is formed by the absence of most or substantially all of the upper circular face of the substantially cylindrical vessel.

[030]. In one embodiment of the second aspect, the vessel holds a movable substance therein. In one embodiment of the second aspect, the movable substance is a liquid used in personal care. In one embodiment of the second aspect, the movable substance is not a beverage.

[031]. In one embodiment of the second aspect, the vessel is configured to be operable in the system of any embodiment of the first aspect.

[032]. In a third aspect, the present invention provides a dispenser configured to cause or allow a movable substance to move from a vessel interior to a vessel exterior, the dispenser comprising: (i) a non-threaded seal configured to seal against a sealing surface of a vessel, o or (ii) a non-threaded sealing surface configured to seal against a seal of a vessel.

[033]. In one embodiment of the third aspect, the dispenser is in combination with a retainer configured to retain the dispenser in operable association with a vessel interior.

[034]. In one embodiment of the third aspect, the retainer comprises a threaded engagement means allowing for threaded engagement with a vessel housing.

[035]. In one embodiment of the third aspect, the dispenser is a manually actuatable liquid pump.

[036]. In one embodiment of the third aspect, the dispenser is configured to be operable in the system of any embodiment of the first aspect.

[037]. In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a method of replenishing a movable substance in a system for holding and dispensing a movable substance, the method comprising the steps of: providing the system of any embodiment of the first aspect, removing the vessel which is empty from the system, providing replacement vessel which is full of a movable substance, and operably associating the vessel with the dispenser.

[038]. In one embodiment of the third aspect, the method comprises the step of depositing the vessel removed from the system into a recycling stream or a degradation stream.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[039]. FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary pump pack system of the invention. The system is shown partially disassembled so as to reveal the aluminium vessel which is concealed completely when the system is assembled for use.

[040]. FIG. 2 illustrates a lateral view of the pump pack system shown in FIG. 1, although with the aluminium vessel completely removed from the housing so as to reveal the can like structure of the vessel.

[041]. FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the pump pack system shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, although in fully assembled form.

[042]. FIG. 4A is a magnification of the area delineated by the dashed square in FIG. 3 to more clearly show the sealing means between the aluminium vessel and the pump retainer.

[043]. FIG. 4B is a lower perspective view of FIG. 4A to more clearly show the annular nature of the sealing elements.

[044]. FIG. 5A through FIG. 5E shows the end of an aluminium vessel (the walls and floor of the vessel not drawn) that may be used, for example, in the aluminium vessel shown in FIG. 1. The sequential illustrations show the vessel end in completely sealed state (FIG. 5A; as would be the case upon purchase), with the separable e portion (being frangible in this embodiment) being moved upwardly and then downwardly to leave a broad opening (FIG. 5E, as would be the case for preparation for assembly into the pump pack system).

[045]. FIG. 6A shows a vessel end similar to that shown in FIG. 5A, although with a broader ring-pull portion having a broad aperture formed therein. FIG. 6B shows the vessel end after completion of movement of the separable portion by the user (equivalent to FIG. 5E). FIG. 6C shows an isolated portion of the system pump which extends through the ring-pull aperture.

[046]. FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the system whereby liquid is dispensed with a pump mechanism, and the pump mechanism is separable from its retainer. The pump mechanism is accordingly replaceable in the event of malfunction.

[047]. FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the system whereby an annular recess is disposed about the housing, and an elastic band is removably locatable in the recess. The elastic band has text imprinted thereon to allow identification of the movable substance held in the vessel.

[048]. FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the system having a recyclable metallic bowl-like vessel held in a rigid housing having and a screw-on lid configured to seal against an upper lip of the housing. The vessel has a foil, which in the drawing is shown having been partially removed. This embodiment is suitable for holding a dermatological moisturising cream intended to be scooped out by a user.

[049]. FIG. 10A shows an embodiment of the system useful for storing and dispensing a sauce. The system is shown partially dissembled with the upper part of the drawing being the recycle vessel disposed within the vessel housing, and the lower part being the dispenser and dispenser retainer.

[050]. FIG. 10B shows the underside of the dispenser and dispenser retainer, revealing the slits through which the sauce flows when the dispenser is squeezed by a user.

[051]. FIG. 11A shows a recyclable vessel having a peelable portion bonded thereto.

[052]. FIG. 11B shows the recyclable vessel of FIG. 11A having the peelable portion removed to expose the opening in the end of the non-plastic vessel.

[053]. FIG. 12A shows the upper face of an isolated end of a non-plastic vessel, the end having an aperture formed therein. The inset shows the lower face of the isolated end revealing a foil closure attached thereto.

[054]. FIG. 12B shows highly diagrammatically how the foil in the vessel end of FIG. 12A is pierced by the downward movement of a dispenser dip tube through the aperture so as to perforate the foil thereby allowing the dip tube access to the contents of the vessel.

[055]. Unless otherwise indicated herein, features of the drawings labelled with the same numeral are taken to be the same features, or at least functionally similar features, when used across different drawings.

[056]. The drawings are not prepared to any particular scale or dimension and are not presented as being a completely accurate presentation of the various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS THEREOF

[057]. After considering this description it will be apparent to one skilled in the art how the invention is implemented in various alternative embodiments and alternative applications. However, although various embodiments of the present invention will be described herein, it is understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example only, and not limitation. As such, this description of various alternative embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope or breadth of the present invention. Furthermore, statements of advantages or other aspects apply to specific exemplary embodiments, and not necessarily to all embodiments, or indeed any embodiment covered by the claims.

[058]. Throughout the description and the claims ofthis specification the word "comprise" and variations ofthe word, such as "comprising" and "comprises" is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

[059]. 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, appearances 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, but may.

[060]. As used herein, positional terms such as "lateral", "across", "above", "below", "higher", "lower", "upward", "downward", "plan view" and the like are to be considered with reference to a system of the present invention as used in a normal upright position such that a movable substance in the vessel is settled in the lower region of the vessel.

[061]. The present invention is predicated at least in part on the inventor's discovery that an improved environmental outcome is achieved where the plastic vessel portion of a pump-pack system configured to hold and dispense a movable substance is replaced with a non-plastic vessel capable of forming a reversible seal with a dispensing portion, such as a pump device. Thus, when the system is emptied of the movable substance the non-plastic vessel is separated from the dispensing portion by the user and a fresh non-plastic vessel (filled with movable substance) is sealingly engaged with the dispensing device so as to allow for the continued dispensing of movable substance as required by the user.

[062]. As used herein, the term "non-plastic" is intended any material usable in the fabrication of a vessel that can hold a movable substance, but not extending to any man made plastic material. Preferably the non-plastic material is an environmentally sustainable material in the sense that it can be recycled by commercially feasible means, or will easily compost, or will readily degrade into generally harmless degradation products in a reasonable time period, or is manufactured by processes requiring reduced amounts of energy or by processes which limit the release of a greenhouse gas. In one embodiment, the vessel is fabricated from a recycle material such as a cellulosic material (including wood pulp or bagasse) or a recyclable metal. Such metals include steel, stainless steel, tin, cast iron, copper, brass, bronze and aluminium. It is preferred that the metal is elemental, and therefore recyclable many times. Importantly, the spent vessel is deposited into a recycling stream and being of metal composition is recycled significantly more efficiently than a prior art plastic bottle. Metallic vessels are generally accepted to be 100% recyclable given that they are easily separable from other waste to form a pure starting material for the recycling process.

[063]. Aluminium is particularly preferred given that very large amounts of the metal are already recycled (typically as beverage cans) and recycling processes and infrastructure are highly developed. As an element (in the chemical sense), aluminium does not degrade and therefore can be recycled an infinite number of times.

[064]. Another type of useful non-plastic vessel is fabricated from cellulosic materials such as wood pulp. Other suitable materials include bagasse, being a cellulosic material derived from sugar cane or sorghum waste fibres. Where required such materials may be configured so as to be substantially impervious to liquids, for example by the use of a water-tight polymer or wax lining.

[065]. Use of recyclable vessels to hold a movable substance in a system configured to hold and dispense a movable substance presents the new problem of deformability in the packaging. Vessels used in the present system may be of similar or the same general construction as an aluminium beverage can, and therefore have a thin walled construction which can be easily deformed even with slight manual pressure.

[066]. Deformability is not a problem for a beverage can given that such are typically opened and the contents consumed almost immediately, and without any need to sealingly engage with any device. By contrast, use of deformable metallic vessels in the context of the present invention requires the vessel to be handled repeatedly over the course of weeks or even months until emptied, such multiple handlings leading the likelihood of the vessel being deformed by the hand, being dropped, or knocked over, or damaged through the repetitive pressure applied via the manual activation of any associated pump mechanism. Accordingly a difficulty may arise in keeping the vessel in an undeformed state so as to remain sealingly engaged with the pump device, and generally presentable in an aesthetic sense. A deformed vessel may also fail to stand upright thereby inhibiting use on a counter top. Aluminium is a particularly malleable metal, and such problems are particularly applicable to thin walled aluminium vessels.

[067]. Cellulose-based vessels present similar problems given the general lack of mechanical rigidity in vessels fabricated therefrom. Such vessels raise the further problem of moisture ingress when placed in wet or humid environments. For example, the movable substance may be a body wash which is used in a shower recess, or a hand wash which sits adjacent about a basin. Moisture in the form of direct water contact, steam or simply high humidity levels may enter the cellulosic matrix causing softening and deformation of the vessel. In some cases, the movable substance contained in the vessel leaks into the environment.

[068]. To address the problem of deformability or water ingress (which presents only because of the inventive use of deformable or moisture-sensitive non-plastic vessels in the present invention), a protective housing may be provided to surround the vessel. The housing may be a continuous shell substantially surrounding the vessel, or may be a cage like contrivance which sufficiently protects the vessel from deformation and/or moisture ingress. While the housing may be reused many times it is preferably fabricated from a recyclable material (such as a recyclable plastic, a cellulosic material, a ceramic, or a vitreous material) such that at the end of its useful life it may also be placed into a recycling stream. Alternatively, the housing may be comprised of a degradable resource such as a sustainable wood material.

[069]. In general, the exterior of the housing is configured so as to be aesthetically pleasing. Thus, the housing may be shaped, coloured or otherwise arranged so as have a consumer-acceptable appearance. Brand indicium may be provided on an external face of the housing including company branding and logos. Text and/or graphics descriptive of the vessel contents may also be applied.

[070]. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the vessel is an aluminium vessel. While aluminium vessels are of course used in the beverage industry, their use in the o packaging of non-beverage liquids (such as personal care liquids, cleaning products and the like) was unknown at the filing date of the present application. In one embodiment of the invention, the aluminium vessel has shape, construction and dimensions the same or similar to a commercially produced beverage can. Thus, the vessel may be generally cylindrical having generally circular upper and lower ends. The lower end may be concave so as to confer greater strength at the base, and to provide a level ring-like surface to keep the vessel stable on a counter. The walls may be comprised aluminium having a thickness of less than about 1mm, 0.9 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.1 mm, or 0.05 mm. Such shape, construction and dimension may be applicable to recyclable metallic vessels fabricated from metals other than aluminium.

[071]. Where the recyclable metal vessel is cylindrical it may have a diameter (measured at the level half way between the ends) of between about 60 mm and 80 mm. The height of the vessel may be between about 100 mm and 140 mm. Depending on the application, larger and smaller dimensions may be used. However, for ease of production, an existing aluminium beverage can fabrication facility may be exploited to produce a vessel for use in the present invention, and accordingly the invention may utilise a beverage can in standard industry configuration as used in commercially provided beverages including soda and beer.

[072]. Where the vessel has the configuration of an aluminium beverage can, the drinking openings of the beverage can may not be appropriate in the present context. In a standard beverage can the opening is formed after removal of a separable portion to leave a narrow opening which widens toward the circumference. This arrangement is suitable as a drinking outlet, however may not suit application to the present invention where a spout or a pump straw may be required to extend centrally into the vessel. Accordingly, in one embodiment the vessel end is configured to provide a centrally located opening that may be circular.

[073]. In the context of the present invention, the term "separable portion" is intended to include a portion that is completely separable (to be completely removable) or partially separable (to remain attached at least at one point). The separation may be effected by a mechanical force exerted manually by a user to cause breaking, tearing, sheering, stretching, pulling, squeezing, twisting, crumpling, folding, peeling, deformation or scoring to the point of separation. In some circumstances the separable portion is separable with the assistance of a tool, such as a knife.

[074]. It will be generally preferable to have the opening as large as possible to accommodate any dispenser part required to enter the vessel interior. In some o embodiments of the invention, the opening comprises at least about 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% of the area of the end of the vessel.

[075]. As for a beverage can, the vessel end may comprise a separable portion which seals the movable substance inside the vessel that is movable or removable by the user in anticipation ofusing the movable substance therein. To improve recycling efficiency, it is generally preferably for the separable portion to be movable, and remain connected to the vessel. By that arrangement, the separable portion remains attached to the remainder of the vessel, and all material in the vessel is necessarily recycled.

[076]. In some applications, it may be desired for the separable portion to be completely separated (i.e. removed) from the vessel, for example where an opening of maximal width is required or where potential spatial interference caused any connected separable portion is to be avoided. In such cases, the separable portion and/or opening may be configured such that after removal the separable portion may be passed through the opening and fall to the bottom of the vessel where it remains for the duration ofuse. In the context of the present invention, the presence of the separable portion in the bottom of the vessel will not even be noticed by a consumer. Such configuration may be provided the separable portion being designed so as to fold upon itself in the course or removal, and therefore able to physically pass through the opening formed upon removal.

[077]. The ability of the separable portion to fold upon itself may also be exploited in embodiments whereby the separable portion remains attached to the vessel after the opening is formed. In such cases, the separable portion may be folded away from the opening so as to provide a clear path therethrough.

[078]. For removal of the separable portion, a graspable portion such as a ring-pull or similar arrangement may be provided thereon. The graspable portion may be configured to not only effect removal of the separable portion, but also to assist in folding the portion in the course of removal.

[079]. Where the separable portion remains attached to vessel after opening the vessel, the graspable portion may spatially interfere with a part of the dispenser that must extend through the opening and into the vessel interior to access the movable substance. For example, where the dispenser is a manually actuatable pump or portion of the pump housing and/or the intake straw of the pump may undesirably impact the graspable portion when the user is installing a fresh opening vessel in the system. One approach is to design the graspable portion so as to be clear of the central region of the vessel after opening. An alternative approach is to configure the graspable portion to remain in the central region after opening the vessel, however to dispose a wide aperture in a central region of the graspable portion, the aperture being sufficiently large so as to allow for any pump part and/or intake straw to pass therethrough.

[080]. In some embodiments, the vessel of the present is not opened by the disruption of any separable portion, but instead by the use of a disruptable portion of the vessel. As one example, the vessel may comprise an aperture with a foil extending thereacross and sealing with the peripheral regions thereof. When required, the foil is pierced by a user immediately before or at the time of engaging a dispensing portion to the vessel. In the latter circumstance, a component of the dispensing portion (such as a dip tube) may be configured to pierce the disruptable portion as the dispensing portion is engaged with the vessel. Alternatively, a peelable portion may seal with and extend across a vessel aperture with the user removing the peelable portion immediately before engagement with a dispensing portion. It will be understood that the use of separable portions, disruptable portion and peelable portions are contemplated to be used in relation a vessel of any suitable construction and fabricated from any suitable material given the application at hand.

[081]. In some embodiments of the invention, the vessel is configured such that the end provides a substantially full width opening, and the separable portion is completely removed so as to provide completely unrestricted access to the vessel interior. In that regard, the can end may comprise a centre panel, a countersink surrounding the centre panel, a transition radius between the countersink and the centre panel, and a main score arranged in proximity to the countersink to define a removable separable portion, by a vent score and in that and during opening the vent score is adapted to sever first, controlling any pressure differential between the external surface and the internal surface of the centre panel. In this way, the pressure differential between the external surface and the internal surface of the centre panel reaches equilibrium gently, wherein the centreline of the main score is located between 0.000 and 0.508 mm when measured horizontally from the centre of the transition radius between the countersink and the centre panel. This allows the main o score to tear in a controlled and reliable manner. Of course, a movable composition may not be stored under any significant pressure, and accordingly any pressure equalization may be minor o virtually non-existent. Quite apart from any issue of pressure equalization, such a separable portion arrangement on the vessel end provides advantage in that a full width opening is achieved.

[082]. Additionally, the main score may have an outer wall proximate a lip of the vessel end (once the separable portion is removed), an inner wall proximate the aperture panel and a land at the base of the main score. The land has a thickness that is smaller proximate the main score outer wall than the land thickness proximate the main score inner wall. This o configuration ensures that the land remains affixed to the separable portion after the separable portion is removed.

[083]. In one embodiment, the centreline of the main score is located between 0.000 and 0.254 mm, or between 0.000 and 0.152 mm, or between 0.000 and 0.102 mm, or between 0.000 and 0.051 mm from a centre of a transition radius between the countersink and the centre panel.

[084]. A nose of the tab in its rest state is radially inwardly spaced apart from an inner edge of the main score by between 0.000 and 0.203 mm, or between 0.000 and 0.127 mm, measured horizontally. In its partially actuated state, in which the tab nose contacts the centre panel, the nose of the tab is approximately between the centreline of the main score and 0.127 mm radially inboard from an inner edge of the main score, or within 0.051 mm of an inner edge of the main score.

[085]. Reference is made to the can end disclosed in European patent specification published as EP2878547B1 (the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference) providing further details of the arrangement described supra.

[086]. The present invention may be embodied in the form of a can end fabricated from a recyclable metal (such as aluminium or steel), the can end having a separable portion that is movable or removable so as to provide a substantially full aperture opening (such as that disclosed in EP2878547B1), and the can end used in combination with any one or more part of a non-beverage dispensing system as described herein. For example, can end may be combined with any one or more of (and in any combination): a dispenser, a housing, a seal, a non-beverage movable substance, a vessel in sealing engagement with the can end, and a vessel in sealing engagement with the can end whereby the vessel holds or is configured to hold a non-beverage movable substance. Alternatively, the can end may be used as a component in a method for manufacturing a vessel holding a non-beverage movable substance, whereby the method comprises filling a vessel with a non-beverage movable substance before or after the can end is sealingly engaged with the vessel.

[087]. The present invention may be embodied in the form of a vessel fabricated from a recyclable metal (such as aluminium or steel), having a separable portion that is movable or removable (optionally so as to provide a substantially full aperture opening such as that disclosed in EP2878547B1), and the vessel used in combination with any one or more part of a non-beverage dispensing system as described herein. For example, vessel may be combined with any one or more of (and in any combination): a dispenser, a housing, a seal, and a non-beverage movable substance. Alternatively, the vessel may be used as a component in a method for manufacturing a vessel holding a non-beverage movable o substance, whereby the method comprises filling the vessel with a non-beverage movable substance.

[088]. The present invention may be embodied in the form of a dispenser alone as described herein (and without any non-plastic vessel), the dispenser being configured to sealingly engage with a non-plastic vessel as described herein.

[089]. The dispenser of the present system may be any contrivance, arrangement of parts, device or apparatus that causes or allows a movable substance to exit the vessel to outside the system where it may be used by a user. The dispenser will typically be configured so as to prevent exit of a movable substance when not desired, for example when the system is tilted, knocked, dropped or tipped over. Such configuration may be achieved by a restriction in a flow channel, a valve, or a closure such as a removable plug, a removable cap, a lid, or the like.

[090]. In some cases, there is no requirement for a closure and the dispenser is simply an opening or a spout in communication with the interior of the vessel, and the movable substance is accessed by the user simply tipping the vessel to a desired angle until the substance moves.

[091]. In other embodiments, the dispenser is a pump, including a hand-operable pump, of the type often used to dispense liquid soap, shampoo, sunscreen, moisturiser and the like.

[092]. In some embodiments the dispenser is a roll-on type dispenser of the type used on roll-on deodorants.

[093]. The dispenser may in some embodiments comprise a compressible portion configured to be manually squeezed by a user so as to cause a movable substance in the non-plastic vessel to be urged from the system. In such embodiments, the dispenser may further comprise a less compressible portion (or a more rigid portion) configured to engage with the non-plastic vessel.

[094]. In some embodiments, the system has the outward appearance of a bottle (optionally being salable or closable by a closure such as a lid or a screw cap). In fact, the bottle portion is comprised of three parts: a non-plastic vessel holding the movable substance, a housing about the vessel, and a dispenser retainer having a channel formed therein and opening into a bottle neck. A closure may comprise a fourth part. The dispenser retainer is screwed onto the housing such that the non-plastic vessel sealingly engages with the channel. The movable substance within the non-plastic vessel can only exit via the channel and bottle neck (when any closure is removed, of course), the sealing engagement preventing any other route of exit thereby obviating any leakage.

[095]. The present system may be configured to form a water-tight seal between the dispenser and the non-plastic vessel so as to prevent inadvertent egress of a movable substance from the system. As will be appreciated, a water-tight seal may not be necessary where the movable substance is a dry material such as granular substance and in which some cases no seal at all may be necessary.

[096]. Any sealing means of the present system may be formed by dedicated or non dedicated structures contributed by the dispenser and/or the non-plastic vessel or indeed a third component. In some embodiments, a dedicated seal that contacts both the dispenser and the non-plastic vessel is provided. Typically, the seal is compressed between the dispenser and the non-plastic vessel as the two components are brought together.

[097]. In some embodiments a seal is provided having a channel formed therein. The channel is formed in the sealing face of the seal and is dimensioned so as to contact the sides and end of a flange running about an end of the non-plastic vessel. An exemplary flange is the annular rim running about the end face of a metal can. Increasing the number of sealing faces in this way is proposed to achieve a more secure seal.

[098]. In some embodiments, multiple sealing means are provided. For example a first sealing means as described above is provided to prevent egress of movable substance moving from the vessel into the dispenser, and a second sealing means is provided to prevent ingress of a liquid, a gas or a vapour into the system. Considering more closely the second sealing means, this functions in wet and humid environments to prevent moisture from entering the system. Particularly, moisture may enter at the junction between the vessel housing and the dispenser retainer and depositing about the non-plastic vessel. The ingress of moisture can lead to the growth of mould within the system, or where the non-plastic vessel is cellulosic contact with moisture can lead to degradation of the vessel.

[099]. Where two sealing means are provided, the system may be configured such that the seals commence engagement at staggered times in the process of engaging the dispenser retainer with the vessel housing. For example, the seal preventing egress of movable substance may commence engagement firstly and the seal preventing ingress of moisture may commence engage shortly thereafter, and at a third time point the dispenser retainer and vessel housing are fully coupled. These three time points may arise, for example, during the time taken to fully screw the dispenser retainer onto the vessel housing. In this way, the seal preventing egress of movable substance is compressed to a greater extent than the seal preventing ingress of water. A lower level compression for the seal preventing egress of movable substance may be desired so as to prevent difficulty in unscrewing the dispenser retainer from the vessel housing. The lower level of compression (and therefore a less secure seal) may be acceptable for the less critical task of preventing moisture ingress into the system.

[100]. The present invention will now be more fully described by reference to the attached non-limiting embodiments shown in the drawings.

[101]. Turning firstly to FIG. 1, there is shown generally an exemplary pump pack system (10) of the present invention suitable for holding and dispensing a personal care composition such as a liquid soap. The system comprises a rigid housing (15), an aluminium vessel (20), a pump (25) and a pump retainer (30). The system (10) is shown in FIG. 1 with the pump (25) and retainer (30) lifted partly upwardly. When in operation, the pump (25) and pump retainer (30) are engaged with the housing (15) by way of the housing thread (35) (the complimentary thread on the inside lower region of the pump retainer (30) not being visible in this drawing).

[102]. The aluminium vessel (20) sits snugly within the housing (15), and is therefore protected from deformation given the rigid nature of the housing. The pump retainer (35) is also of rigid construction and functions to also protect the upper edge of the aluminium vessel (20) from deformation. As will be more fully described infra, the upper region of the aluminium vessel (20) functions as a sealing surface against which a seal of the pump retainer (30) bears so as to prevent leakage of composition from the vessel (20). In that regard, protection of the vessel (20) upper edge is important in the exemplary embodiments of the drawings.

[103]. Apart from the protective function just described, the primary function ofthe pump retainer (30) is to hold the pump (25) in a central position within the interior of the aluminium vessel (20) and at an appropriate level such that the pump intake (not visible in FIG. 1) sits just above the floor of the aluminium vessel (20).

[104]. The pump (25) is of the hand-actuatable type that draws liquid composition upwardly and expels same through a spout (40). As an alternative, the pump may be triggered automatically (for example by way of a proximity sensor), and/or may rely on an electric motor to transport the movable substance.

[105]. Reference is made to FIG. 2 showing the embodiment of FIG. 1 although with the aluminium vessel (20) completely removed from the housing (15) thereby revealing the o can-like nature of the vessel (20). This situation would be seen when the system (10) is dissembled by the user to swap an emptied vessel for a new filled vessel.

[106]. Referring now to FIG. 3, the same embodiment of FIG.1 and FIG. 2 is shown, although in fully assembled form (as would be the case when in use and ready to dispense composition) and in cross-sectional view. The view of FIG. 3 shows the intake straw (45) of the pump (25). The intake straw (45) has a slanted terminus such that the lower-most part of the straw contacts the base of the aluminium vessel (20) although a passage is left open for the composition to be drawn from the vessel and into the straw (45) as indicated by the dashed arrow.

[107]. FIG. 4A is a magnified view of the portion of FIG. 3 defined by the dashed square detailing the sealing arrangement between the aluminium can (20) and the pump retainer (30). The pump retainer (30) comprises a suspended annular ring (50) having disposed on its lower face an annular seal (55) and an annular locating member (60). As the pump retainer (30) is screwed down onto the housing (15), the annular locating member (60) seats into the annular recess (65) encircling the opening the opening of the aluminium vessel. Concomitantly, the annular seal (55) is urged downwardly to sealingly engage with the rim (70) of the aluminium vessel (20). By virtue of the sealing engagement, liquid composition within the aluminium vessel (20) is prohibited exiting the vessel unless by way of the pump (25) thereby preventing inadvertent leaks from the system(10) as a whole.

[108]. Referring now to FIG. 5, one embodiment of an aluminium vessel end (100) is shown, and having a separable portion (105) which in this embodiment is a frangible portion (the frangible portion shown in the closed position at FIG. 5A) that is movable by way of ring-pull (110) (as shown sequentially on FIGS. 5B through 5E) to reveal an opening (115). It will be noted that the frangible portion (105) folds in the course of opening, and in pushed inwardly to tuck away about a peripheral region of the opening (115). After opening (FIG. 5E) the ring-pull (110) remains in a central region of the vessel interior. Where a dispenser part (such as an intake straw) is introduced through the opening and into the vessel interior, the user must take care to ensure that part does not impact and become caught on the ring-pull (110).

[109]. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the frangible portion (105) has a score line having a first end (68A) and a second end (68B). The score line (68A, 68B) on the frangible portion (105) is designed to limit its tear and terminate the tear at the appropriate point to create the hinge. This feature ensures that the tear line score does a 180 degree tight bend back on itself. The edge of the frangible portion (105) is further configured to be non-injurious for any body part (such as a finger) used to push the frangible portion (105) into the vessel.

[110]. An improvement on the arrangement of FIG. 5 is shown at FIG. 6. As will be noted from FIG. 6A, the ring-pull (110) is oversized (as compared with the equivalent part in FIG. 5) and therefore when opened (FIG. 6B) presents an oversized aperture (120). The oversized aperture (120) allows for a sizeable pump part (25) to easily clear the ring-pull (110) upon insertion of the pump.

[111]. While a ring-pull is shown in the embodiments shown in the Figures, in other embodiments the separable portion may be devoid of a graspable portion, and instead the separable portion is pushed downwardly by the user so as to form the opening. Such a separable portion will generally have a small area, and so the opening formed will also be small. In that regard, such embodiments may have limited use where a pump or similar contrivance is used as a dispenser and where a larger opening is typically required.

[112]. An improvement on the arrangement of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 is shown at FIG. 7. In the embodiment of FIG. 7 the pump (25) is designed to be serviceable or replaceable. The pump (25) is engaged to the retainer (30) byway of the threaded portion (120). Thisallows for the pump (25) to be replaced without the need to replace the retainer (20). This arrangement provides for an even further reduction in discarded plastics.

[113]. The embodiment of FIG. 7 requires three seals: a first seal (55A) between the housing (15) and the retainer (30) internals, a second seal (55B) between the rim (70) of the vessel (20) and the retainer (30) internals, and a third seal (55C) Between the threaded portion (120) and the retainer (30) internals.

[114]. When the retainer (30) and pump (25) are screwed onto the housing (15) the separable portion (105) is pushed downwardly into the vessel (20). This is intentional so as to ensure the separable portion (105) is adequately moved into the vessel interior thereby creating a clear path for the pump (25) or straw. In that process the lower edge of the threaded portion (120) becomes proximal to the separable portion (105) as shown at (130) and eventually contacts between the two parts is made. Clearly, the configuration of the vessel (20) end is revised from that shown in the earlier drawings to accommodate for that process.

[115]. The first seal (55A) is functional in the context of a can-like vessel (as drawn in FIG. 7). The first seal (55A) may be operable also where a can-like vessel is not used, and in which case the movable substance may be poured into a simple open-ended vessel, the retainer and pump attached, and subsequently sealed by way of the first seal (55A).

[116]. As will be appreciated, in some embodiments a vessel holding the movable substance within the housing will not be visible to a user. Accordingly, the user may not now which movable substance is dispensed by the system. The movable substance may be changed from time to time (for example from a hand soap to a shampoo) causing even greater uncertainty. This may be address by providing window in the housing to expose the vessel exterior, with the vessel exterior having text or other indicium to identify the contents. Alternatively, (and as shown in FIG. 8) a removable elasticised band (160) may be applied in a recess (170) formed by an edge of the housing (15) and an edge of the retainer (30). As shown by the arrows at FIG. 8A, the band (160) is stretched slightly outwardly and the lowered toward the recess (170), and then released so as to contract inwardly and seat therein as shown at FIG. 8B. The band (160) may be supplied with a vessel containing a movable substance, with the band having indicium thereon allowing a user to identify the substance that will be dispensed.

[117]. Reference is now made to FIG. 9 showing an embodiment suitable for use with a movable substance that is scooped out by a user, such as a face cream. The movable substance is purchased in a bowl-like recyclable metal vessel (200), and the vessel (200) placed into a housing (205). The housing (205) has a rigid plastic external portion (206) internal cavity shaped to form a friction fit with the vessel (200). The cavity is formed by a resiliently deformable liner (210) configured to deform slightly to accept and grip the vessel (200). The gripping action need not be substantial, and will generally only be sufficient to prevent the vessel (200) from being dislodged if the housing (205) is knocked or tipped, and also to resist movement during removal of the separable foil (215).

[118]. The vessel (200) is purchased filled with a movable substance (not drawn), and sealed with the separable foil (215) about its periphery with an adhesive to an annular sealing surface (220) ofthe housing (205). The vessel is gently urged into the cavity of the housing (205) where it is gripped by the liner (210).

[119]. The foil (215) is removed by the user manually gripping the tab (220) and pulling generally upwards. The foil (215) is removed completely to expose the annular sealing surface (222), and discarded leaving the movable substance accessible by the user. A lid (225) is provided having a threaded portion (230) configured to engaged with a threaded portion (235) of the housing (205). The lid (225) has an annular sealing surface (240) adapted so seal against the housing (205) annular sealing surface (220) such that when the lid (225) is screwed down the movable substance in the vessel (200) is safely sealed therein.

[120]. When the vessel (220) is empty of movable substance, it is removed by the user manually pressing the release mechanism (245) upwardly. The release mechanism in this embodiment is a region integral with the liner which extends to the outside via an aperture (250) in the floor of the housing (205). Finger pressure on the outside of the mechanism is transferred to the floor of the vessel (200), urging the vessel upwardly so as to overcome the gripping action of the liner (210). Once the vessel (200) is separated from the liner (210) it is discarded and replaced with a fresh filled vessel in the housing (205).

[121]. The bowl-shape vessel in the embodiment of FIG. 9 is suited to a substance which is not necessarily flowable and being movable by being scooped by a finger, such as a dermatological cream. The curved intersection between the floor and walls allow for a finger to enter the intersection allowing removal the last amounts of movable substance from the vessel.

[122]. Turning now to FIG. 1OA there is shown an embodiment of the present system useful for holding and dispensing a viscous composition such as a sauce, a shampoo, a hair conditioner, a liquid soap, a cooking oil, a mayonnaise, glue, a facial cream or a sunscreen. In this embodiment, the recyclable vessel (300) is a relatively narrow aluminium can having an aperture (305) at its lower end (as drawn). The aperture (305) was previously closed by a peelable foil which is removed in the drawing to allow sauce contained in the vessel (300) to pass therethrough. The vessel (300) is retained in and protected by a rigid plastic housing (310) having a threaded lower (as drawn) portion (315). The system further comprises an integral dispenser (320) and dispenser retainer (325). The dispenser retainer is fabricated from a rigid plastic and has an upper (as drawn) threaded region (330) complementary to the lower (as drawn) threaded region (315). Assembly of the system involves winding the vessel housing threaded region (315) with the dispenser retainer threaded region (330),, and when complete the sauce is able to pass from the vessel (300) into the dispenser (320). The dispenser (320) is formed from a resiliently deformable material configured to be squeezed by a user thereby urging sauce which has passed thereinto to exit through the crossed slits (335) when the system is assembled. The dispenser (330) functions therefore as a manually operable pump. As an alternative to the threaded engagement shown in FIG. 1OA (and indeed any other example of threaded engagement disclosed herein) a clipping engagement, frictional engagement, a pressure fit or other suitable engagement arrangement may be used.

[123]. As an alternative to a frangible portion in a can end, a peelable portion may be provided. FIG. 11A shows such an embodiment being comprised of a recyclable vessel (400) having a vessel end (405) with a peelable portion (410) attached thereto by adhesive means. The peelable portion has a flap (415) which is lifted by the user, gripped between the finger and pulled upwardly until the peelable portion (410) is complete separated from the vessel end (405). Removal of the peelable portion reveals the underlying opening (420) in the vessel end (405), as shown in FIG. 11B.

[124]. FIG. 12A shows yet a further alternative for a vessel closure, being a foil which may be pierced by a user. An isolated vessel end (500) is shown, the vessel end having an opening (505). The underside of the vessel end (500) as shown in the inset, reveals a foil (510) attached to the underside of the vessel end (500) so as to close the opening (505). The foil may be pierced by, for example, the end of a dispenser dip tube (515 in FIG. 12B) being urged through the opening (505) and the foil (510) is the course of connecting a dispenser to a non-plastic vessel.

[125]. Any embodiment of the present invention may be used for holding and/or dispensing for movable substances such as a flowable substance including a liquid composition, a liquid solution, a liquid emulsion, a liquid mixture, a slurry, a foam, a gel, a powdered substance or a granulated substance. Alternatively, the substance may be substantially non-flowable substances such as a face cream or a thick gel. The dispenser may be chosen according to the movable substance concerned.

[126]. The movable substance may have a level of toxicity to humans (as determined by ingestion), and is not safely edible or drinkable. The movable substance may be a personal care substance including but not limited to a liquid soap, a shampoo, a bath additive, a hair conditioner, a hair styling composition (such as a gel), a hair remover, skin conditioner, a skin moisturiser, an artificial tanning composition, a tanning accelerator, a topical medicament, a cosmetic, a sunscreen, a dentifrice, a mouthwash, a shaving lotion, a cologne, an after shave, a skin scrub, and a talcum powder.

[127]. The movable substance may be a household agent including but not limited to a cleaning composition, an air freshener, an ironing aid, an insecticide, a herbicide, a lubricant, and a dishwasher drying aid.

[128]. The movable substance may be a food, and particularly a non-beverage food, including a sauce, a salad dressing, a mayonnaise, a puree, a concentrate, a condensed milk, or a powdered milk for example.

[129]. The movable substance may be used in a heavy or a light industry, and may be an adhesive, a solvent, a diluent, an abrasive, a thermally conducting substance, an electrically conducting substance, a thermally insulating substance, an electrically insulating substance, a catalyst, a dye, a mordant, an etching substance, an acid, or a base.

[130]. The present invention has been described by reference to the aspects of a system, a vessel and a method. It will appreciated that any feature described in reference to one aspect is application to any other aspect. For example, where a feature of a vessel is described in relation to the system, that feature is also applicable to the vessel per se (and in the absence of other system components), or to a method that uses the vessel.

[131]. The present invention has been described mainly by reference to preferred embodiments comprising an aluminium vessel. While aluminium vessels are preferred for reasons described elsewhere herein, it will be appreciated that vessels made from other environmentally sustainable non-plastic materials may be utilised in accordance with the general aims of the present invention and in some circumstances may provide for similar advantages as for aluminium vessels.

[132]. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to further variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is understood that the invention comprises all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[133]. While the invention has been disclosed in connection with the preferred embodiments shown and described in detail, various modifications and improvements thereon will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

[134]. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the present invention is not to be limited by the foregoing examples, but is to be understood in the broadest sense allowable by law.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A system for holding and dispensing a movable substance, the system comprising: a vessel fabricated predominantly or completely from a non-plastic material and configured to hold a movable substance, a dispenser configured to cause or allow a movable substance to flow from the vessel to outside the system, and a dispenser retainer configured to retain the dispenser in operable association with the vessel interior, wherein the vessel is separable from the retainer and the dispenser by a user.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the non-plastic material is an environmentally sustainable material.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the environmentally sustainable material is a recyclable material, a compostable material, or a material which readily degrades in the environment to substantially non-toxic products.

4. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the vessel has an opening allowing access of the dispenser to the vessel interior.

5. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the vessel is sealed but is openable by a user so as to provide a vessel opening allowing access to the vessel interior.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the vessel comprises a separable, frangible, disruptable, or peelable portion at an end thereof, the separable, frangible, disruptable or peelable portion being movable or removable or disruptable by a user so as to provide access to the vessel interior via the opening.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the separable, frangible, or peelable portion is completely removable and configured such that when removed is passable through the opening formed by its removal and into the vessel interior.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein the separable, frangible or peelable portion is not completely removable and is configured such that when moved by a user a region of the frangible portion remains connected to the vessel to provide a hinge between the vessel and the frangible portion or peelable portion.

9. The system of any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the vessel opening is an upwardly or downwardly facing opening.

10. The system of any one of claims 1 to 9 comprising one or more seals configured to (i) inhibit or prevent movement of a movable substance in the vessel to outside the system except for movement of the movable substance via the dispenser. and/or (ii) inhibit or prevent the ingress of a fluid or a vapor or a gas into the system.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein the seal contacts the vessel about the vessel opening (where present) or about the separable, frangible, disruptible or peelable portion (where present).

12. The system of any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising a vessel housing configured to house the vessel.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the vessel housing is configured to mount and/or secure the dispenser retainer in a position so as to allow the dispenser to cause or allow a movable substance to move from the vessel to outside the system.

14. The system of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the vessel housing is configured to protect the vessel from mechanical and/or moisture damage.

15. The system of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the vessel housing is substantially rigid.

16. The system of any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the dispenser retainer and/or the vessel housing is/are configured so as to cause or allow mutual engagement therebetween.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the mutual engagement is a threaded engagement, or a snap-fit engagement, or a frictional engagement.

18. The system of any one of claims I to 17, wherein the dispenser is a manually actuatable liquid pump having an input extending into the vessel interior and an output opening to outside the system.

19. A vessel fabricated predominantly or completely from a non-plastic material and configured to hold a movable substance, the vessel comprising: a separable, frangible, disruptable or peelable portion which when moved or removed forms an opening in the vessel, and (i) a seal disposed about the separable, frangible, disruptable or peelable portion or

(ii) a sealing surface disposed about the separable, frangible, disruptable or peelable portion configured to sealing engage with a seal.

20. The vessel of claim 19, wherein the seal is composed of a resiliently deformable material.

21. The vessel of claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the separable, frangible, or peelable portion comprises a grasping portion configured to be grasped by a user to effect moving or removing the separable, frangible or peelable portion.

22. The vessel of any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the separable, frangible portion, or peelable portion is completely removable and configured such that when removed is passable through the opening formed by its removal and into the vessel interior.

23. The vessel of any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the separable, frangible, or peelable portion is not completely removable and is configured such that when moved by a user a region of the separable, frangible, or peelable portion remains connected to the vessel to provide a hinge between the vessel and the separable, frangible or peelable portion.

24. The vessel of any one of claims 19 to 23, holding a movable substance therein.

25. The vessel of claim 24, wherein the movable substance is a liquid used in personal care or a food product.

26. The vessel of claim 24, wherein the movable substance is not a beverage.

27. A dispenser configured to cause or allow a movable substance to move from a vessel interior to a vessel exterior, the dispenser comprising: (i) a non-threaded seal configured to seal against a sealing surface of a vessel, or (ii) a non-threaded sealing surface configured to seal against a seal of a vessel.

28. The dispenser of claim 27 in combination with a retainer configured to retain the dispenser in operable association with a vessel interior.

29. The dispenser of claim 28, wherein the retainer comprises a threaded engagement means allowing for threaded engagement with a vessel housing.

30. The dispenser of any one of claims 27 to 29, that is a manually actuatable liquid pump.

31. The dispenser of any one of claims 27 to 30, configured to be operable in the system of any one of claims 1 to 26.

32. A method of replenishing a movable substance in a system for holding and dispensing a movable substance, the method comprising the steps of: providing the system of any one of claims I to 18, removing the vessel which is empty from the system, providing a replacement vessel which is full of a movable substance, and operably associating the vessel with the dispenser.

33. The method of claim 32, comprising the step of depositing the vessel removed from the system into a recycling stream, or a degradation stream.