AU2007201762B2

AU2007201762B2 - Container

Info

Publication number: AU2007201762B2
Application number: AU2007201762A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Andrew Cash; Warren Cash
Original assignee: Mountain H2O Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Mountain H2O Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2006-04-20
Filing date: 2007-04-20
Publication date: 2013-04-18
Anticipated expiration: 2027-04-20
Also published as: AU2007201762A1

Abstract

The present invention provides a container for storing and/or dispensing liquid including a body portion having a neck portion with an opening, at least one protrusion and at least one recessed portion whereby the container is adapted to utilise internal liquid pressure to provide strength for the container thus, requiring less material and avoiding the necessity for external packaging. 3r4 Figure 1

Description

- 1 A CONTAINER Field of the Invention The invention relates to a container, in particular, a container for storing, dispensing, stacking and/or transporting liquid. Whilst the invention can be applied to any liquid filled container, for convenience sake it shall be described herein in terms of a self-dispensing container for liquid. Background to the Invention The use of self-dispensing water containers has become a common widely-adopted alternative to the use of water dispensing machines with bottled water. These containers are generally in the form of a semi-rigid packaging made of a synthetic material such as PET (polyethylene-terephthalate), PP (polypropylene), HDPE (high density polyethylene) etc. The disadvantage with these materials is that the mechanical strength provided is fairly low relative to the amount of synthetic material required to make a container. Accordingly, current containers or bottles are made having significantly thicker walls and/or reinforcing structures such as bulges, stiffening ridges, ribbing structures, corrugation or the like. This requires an increase in the use of plastic to manufacture the bottle and increases the weight of the bottle. Such thicker walls and reinforcement is further required in order to allow the bottle to have strength and stability when in transport. Given the weakness of the walls, regardless of the thickness, limits the user's ability in being able to stack a plurality of bottles, A further disadvantage of current contains is that the user is unable to fill a container almost completely. This leads to air pockets within the container causing weak points during stacking. As a result, the prior requires the addition of further material in order to provide reinforcement for the bottle during stacking and transport. As above, these features result in the increase of weight of the containers and the increase in the amount of material required to manufacture the container. This leads to complex container designs and increase in manufacturing costs.

2 In addition, due to the rigidity of the container, once the container is empty, it remains bulky and is difficult to crush and dispose of the container for waste or recycling. Due to the lack of mechanical and/or hydraulic/internal strength of current containers, the containers often require the use of additional external packing or support structures or extra materials particularly during transport or storage in supermarket shelves or within a home or building to keep the containers securely stored. It is an object of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a stackable container for storing and/or dispensing liquid which provides a means for using less plastic and eliminating the requirement of external packaging by utilising internal liquid pressure to provide strength for the container. Summary of the Invention According to the present invention, there is provided a container for storing and/or dispensing liquid including: a substantially rectangular body with rounded edges; the body comprising a top face and a bottom face separated by a height distance, and four side panels, and a line of symmetry extending through the top face, the bottom face and two of the side panels; at least one protrusion and at least one corresponding recessed portion located in the line of symmetry, the at least one protrusion and at least one recessed portion being shaped and positioned to permit stacking of the container with a second like container, with inter-fitting of the at least one protrusion and at least one recessed portion; and a neck portion having an opening feeding into the body of the container; whereby when filled and stacked, the height of the container is compressed and two of the side panels that are not located in the line of symmetry bulge symmetrically relative to the line of symmetry, which results in the container utilising internal liquid pressure to provide strength for the filled container. The present invention also provides a container for storing and dispensing liquids, comprising: a compressible body that is substantially rectangular with rounded edges, and a neck having an opening feeding to the body, with said body of said container having a plurality of formations located along a line of symmetry, forming a spinal type support 4153924 1 IGHMattrI P91IAAU 2a formation, such that, when the said container is substantially filled and stacked, the said container acquires a substantially symmetrical bulging shape relative to the line of symmetry; the said plurality of formations comprising at least one protrusion and at least one recessed portion, said at least one recessed portion being positioned symmetrically at opposite sides to the at least one protrusion and being shaped for respective inter fitting to permit vertical or horizontal stacking of a first container with a second container, and said at least one protrusion or said at least one recessed portion being located on the line of symmetry; wherein said container utilises the internal pressure of said container, so that filling and stacking provides strength to said container allowing the container to bulge outwardly beyond normal dimensions and become compressed in height, and removal of liquid from the container, thereby reducing internal pressure, provides means of decompressing said container to a non-compressed state. The present invention also provides a container for storing and/or dispensing liquid including: a body (or body portion) having a neck portion with an opening; at least one protrusion; and at least one recessed portion whereby the container is adapted to utilise internal liquid pressure to provide strength for the container thus, requiring less material and avoiding the necessity for external packaging. It is further preferred that the container preferably has provided at least one handle. The container is preferably a self-dispensing container and is preferably substantially rectangular and rounded (i.e. rectangular with rounded edges) to assist the internal liquid pressure to be evenly distributed throughout the container when full, in order to provide compressive strength and stability to said container. The container bulges and becomes more barrel-shaped when filled. A first handle is preferably integrally formed with the top portion of the body portion of the container and provides a first carrying means for enabling a person to lift and carry the portable container in a horizontal position. The first handle is preferably formed such that it forms a part of the top portion of the body portion Preferably, the first handle has provided an aperture located between the underside of the handle 41539241 (GHMatteS) P91 184.AU -3 and the body portion of the container which is adapted to enable a user to wrap their fingers around the handle and obtain a sufficient grip of the handle. A second handle is integrally formed with a first side of the container and provides a second carrying means for enabling a person to lift and carry the portable container in a vertical position. The second handle preferably has an inverted u-shape whereby the open ends of the u-shape, are adapted to be integrally formed with the surface of a first side of the container so that the handle extends outwardly from the side of the container. Preferably, the second handle has provided an aperture located between the handle and the side of the body portion of the container which is adapted to enable a user to wrap their fingers around the handle and obtain a sufficient grip of the handle. It is preferred that the second handle is adapted to extend outwardly from the container to a point which is the same or more than the protrusion of a dispensing means. A base of the neck portion is adapted to be integrally formed with a first side of the body portion of the container. The neck portion is preferably circular in shape and is adapted to have provided a threaded portion provided on the outer surface of the neck portion which is adapted to receive, and be engageable with, a dispensing means connected thereto. It is preferred that the container has a dispensing means preferably in the form of a spigot which is adapted to not only provide a seal for the container when in a closed position, but also provide a means for dispensing the liquid from the container when in an open position. The spigot preferably has a connection portion which is adapted to be connected to the neck portion of the container, a fluid passageway for dispensing the liquid from the container and a valve which is adapted to control the rate of liquid flow through the conduit and dispensing means. Preferably, the container has provided two protrusions which are adapted to extending outwardly from the edge of the top portion of the body portion of the container. The protrusions are preferably adapted to be integrally formed with the top portion such that they form part of the top portion of the body portion of the container and liquid is able to be received therein to provide internal liquid pressure and strength to the protrusions.

-4 It is further preferred that the container has provided two recessed portions which are adapted to be integrally formed with the bottom portion of the body portion of the container and extend inwardly toward the centre of the container. The two recessed portions are preferably adapted to be positioned such that they correspond to the positioning of the protrusions, and are complimentary in shape to the protrusions, so that the protrusions can be received within the recessed portions. The invention further include a container for storing and/or dispensing liquid including: a substantially rectangular and rounded or barrel shaped body to assist the internal liquid pressure to be evenly distributed throughout the container when full, in order to provide compressive strength and stability to said container: at least one protrusion; and at least one recessed portion whereby the container is adapted to utilise internal liquid pressure to provide strength for the container thus, requiring less material and avoiding the necessity for external packaging. In addition, the invention includes a container for storing and dispensing liquids, comprising, a compressible body portion that is substantially rectangular, rounded or barrel shaped, and a neck portion having an opening feeding to the body portion with said body portion of said container having a plurality of formations located along a line of symmetry, forming a spinal type support formation, such that, when the said container is substantially filled and stacked, the said container acquires a substantially symmetrical bulging shape extending from the line of symmetry. The said plurality of formations can comprise at least one protrusion and at least one recessed portion, the said at least one protrusion extending from said container body portion with said body portion further comprising the said at least one recessed portion so that the said at least one protrusion from said container is complementary, when said container is substantially filled with liquid, to the at least one recessed portion for respective inter-fitting and for horizontal and/or vertical stacking, said at least one recessed portion being positioned symmetrically at opposite sides for permitting vertical or horizontal stacking of a first container with a second container substantially without slippage, such that said at least one protrusion or said at least one recessed portion is located on the line of symmetry. The said container utilises internal pressure of said container, so that filling and vertical and/or horizontal stacking provides strength to said container bulging beyond -5 normal dimensions and removal of liquid from the container, thereby reducing internal pressure, provides means of decompressing said container to a non compressing state. In one embodiment, the container includes a dispensing means in the form of a spigot and a handle located relative to the dispensing means and extending from the container at a height substantially equal to or higher than the spigot. Further, the dispensing means forms the highest point to be filled and can be filled substantially to the brim. The invention provides a shaped stackable and interlockable container fillable to the brim, utilising internal pressure to maintain its strength in the tilled state and stacking state wherein in the filled state and stacking state the container, having a plurality of formations located along a line of symmetry to form a spinal type support formation and allowing for the container to acquire a substantially bulging shape. Where in the filled state and stacking state, the container expands in the height and width dimensions and retains the dimensions of length. Therefore, the invention relates to a container for storing and/or dispensing liquid which is adapted to utilise internal liquid pressure to provide strength for the container thus requiring less material and avoiding the necessity for external packaging. In order that the invention may be more readily understood we will describe by way of non-limiting example of a specific embodiment thereof. Brief Description of the Drawing Figures Figure 1 shows a side view of the container according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in the filled state. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the container according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in the filled state.

Figure 3 shows a top plan view of the container according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in the filled state. Figure 4 shows a side view of a first side of the container according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in the filled state. Description of a Preferred Embodiment of the Invention In this preferred embodiment, the invention provides a container 1 for storing and/or dispensing liquid which is adapted to utilise internal liquid pressure to provide strength for the container 1 thus, requiring less material and avoiding the necessity for external packaging. In a preferred embodiment, the container 1 is preferably a self-dispensing container I which is adapted to store and/or dispense a liquid from inside the container 1. It is envisaged that the shape, style and dimensions of the container 1 may be varied as desired to suit different liquids, quantities and/or applications whilst optimising the internal pressure during stacking. However, in the preferred embodiment, it is recognised that the body portion having a cylindrical or barrel shaped optimises the internal pressure of the stacked container and evenly distributes the internal liquid pressure. This is because, use of a quadrilateral shape can create weak points during stacking as air pockets may form at the corners of a quadrilateral shape. The container 1 has provided a body portion 2 which is preferably made of a lightweight plastic material such that, when the container is completely full, the container 1 will be relatively light in weight and easy to handle depending on the capacity of the container 1. Similarly, it is envisaged that a synthetic material and/or any other suitable material may also be adopted as desired. It is envisaged that the grade of material may also be varied depending on the strength required by the container 1. In the embodiment presented in Figure 1, the body portion 2 of the container 1 is preferably substantially rectangular in shape. The shape may also be rounded or barrel shaped so that it is adapted to assist the internal liquid pressure to be evenly distributed throughout the body 2 of the container 1 when full, in order to provide compressive strength and stability to the container 1. The rectangular, rounded or -7 barrel shape also provides a convenient shape for enabling two or more containers 1 to be stacked on top of one another and/or adjacent to one another. This allows stacking in a lateral and longitudinal direction. In the embodiment presented in the accompanying figures, 25 bottles can be stacked in a stable 5x5 fashion. It is envisaged that the container 1 could also be in the form of any other suitable shape, size or dimensions provided that the functionality and requirements prescribed by the invention are met. The container can be formed of a plurality of panels. The plurality of panels can comprise of a top portion 3 and a bottom portion 4 and a first panel 6. The panels can be manufactured of thinner plastic to allow flexibility and expansion in the filled state. Alternatively, the panels can have a plurality of formations located along a line of symmetry. This line of symmetry is illustrates as an A line on Figure 3. The formations along the line of symmetry form a spinal support such that, when the container is substantially filled and stacked, the container acquires a substantially symmetrical bulging shape extending from the line of symmetry. The formations can act to provide structural support and rigidity and portions of the container 1 which do not expand or do not expand as substantially as one or more of the side panels 8. The plurality of formations can comprise of such features as handles, interlocking features or dispensing means. The container 1 preferably has at least one handle which is adapted to make the container 1 portable and enable a user to carry the container 1. A first handle 10 may preferably be provided on a top portion 3 of the body portion 2 of the container 1. The first handle 10 is preferably integrally formed with the top portion 3 of the container I and provides a first carrying means for enabling a person to lift and carry the portable container 1 in a horizontal position. In a preferred embodiment, the first handle 10 is preferably formed such that it forms a part of the top portion 3 of the body portion 2. The top portion 3 of the body portion 2 preferably has a u-shape extending toward to the centre of the body portion 2 with the handle 10 bridging across the top of the open ends of the u-shape. It is envisaged however, that the first handle 10 may also be provided separately and be attached to the container 1 via any other suitable securing or fastening means.

-8 The first handle 10 preferably has provided an aperture 11 located between the underside of the handle 10 and the body portion 2 of the container 1 which is adapted to enable a user to wrap their fingers around the handle 10 and obtain a sufficient grip of the handle. The width of the handle 10 may vary depending on the capacity of the container 1 and the strength/support required by the handle 10. The handle 10 is preferably positioned centrally on the top portion 3 of the body portion 2 of the container 1 such that the weight of the container 1 is distributed evenly about the handle 10, and is positioned such that the top of the handle 10 is in line with, or slightly lower than, the top edge of the container 1 to provide stability for the container 1 when two or more containers 1 are stacked on top of one another. A second handle 20 is preferably provided on a first side of the body portion 2 of the container 1. The second handle 20 is preferably integrally formed with the container and provides a second carrying means for enabling a person to lift and carry the portable container in a vertical position. it is envisaged however, that the second handle 20 may also be attached to the container 1 via any other suitable securing and/or fastening means. In a preferred embodiment, the handle 20 has an inverted u-shape whereby the open ends of the u-shape, are adapted to be integrally formed with the surface of the side of the container 1 so that the handle 20 extends outwardly from the side of the container 1. The handle 20 is preferably substantially flat. However, the thickness and/or material should be such that it is able to suit the capacity of, and provide the appropriate degree of strength required by, the container 1. The second handle 20 preferably has provided an aperture 21 located between the handle 21 and the side of the top portion 3 of the container 1 which is adapted to enable a user to wrap their fingers around the handle 20 and obtain a sufficient grip of the handle 20. The handle 20 is preferably positioned on the side of the top portion 3 of the body portion 2 of the container 1 to allow for a dispensing means 30 to be located on the bottom portion 4 of the side of the body portion 2 of the container 1 adjacent to the second handle 20. The handle 20 is preferably adapted to extend outwardly from the container 1 to a point which is the same or more than the protrusion of the dispensing means 30 so that, when the container 1 is kept on its bottom surface, the second handle 20 will provide protection for the dispensing means 30 from being accidentally knocked and/or damaged.

-9 In one embodiment, the second handle 20 is adapted to fit and lie within a complimentary ridge provided on a second opposing side of the body portion 2 of the container 1 to provide stability during stacking and/or support when the container 1 is empty. In an alternate embodiment it is envisaged that a handle may not be provided. In the preferred embodiment, the first handle 10 and the second handle 20 do not compress. The second handle 20 is solid and the first handle 10 is hollow. This allows for the dispensing means 30 to be the highest point to be filled and prevents air pockets from forming. Provided on the bottom portion 4 of the first side of the body portion 2 of the container 1, adjacent to the second handle 20, is preferably a hollow neck portion 31 which is adapted to provide a conduit for enabling liquid to enter or exit the container, The base of the neck portion 31 is preferably adapted to be integrally formed with the side of the body portion 2 of the container 1 and is located adjacent to the second handle 20 of the container 1. The neck portion 31 is preferably circular in shape and is adapted to have provided a threaded portion 33 provided on the outer surface of the neck portion 31 which is adapted to receive, and be engageable with, a dispensing means 30 connected thereto, In an alternate embodiment, the threaded portion 33 may be provided on the inner wall of the neck portion to suit a different dispensing means 30. Accordingly, it is envisaged that the size and style of the neck portion may be varied to suit a different dispensing means 30 that can be used in conjunction with the container. The invention preferably has provided a dispensing means 30. The dispensing means 30 is preferably in the form of a spigot which is adapted to not only provide a seal for the container when in a closed position, but also provide a means for dispensing the liquid from the container 1 when in an open position. The spigot 30 preferably has provided a connection portion 34 which is adapted to be connected to the neck portion 31 of the container 1 and allow liquid to flow through the neck portion 31 and outwardly from the spigot 30. The connection portion 34 preferably has a complimentary shape to the neck portion 31 and may preferably have provided an aperture and a threaded portion (not shown) which is complimentary in shape to the threaded portion (not shown) provided on the neck portion 31 of the container 1 such that it is adapted to be received and engageable with the neck portion 31 of the container 1.

- 10 The spigot 30 preferably includes a fluid passageway 35 for dispensing the liquid from the container 1. The spigot 30 preferably has provided a valve 36 or any other suitable means which is adapted to control the rate of water flow through the conduit and dispensing means 30 of the container 1. The dispensing means 30 can preferably be removed for filling of the container 1. In a further embodiment of the invention, it is envisaged that a cap for filling the container with liquid may be provided separately to the dispensing means 30 of the invention. It is further envisaged that any other suitable dispensing means may be provided for the container or be eliminated for non-dispensing containers. Therefore, the structure of the spigot 30 allows the entire contents of the container 1 to be filled with water. This means there are no compressible air pockets and hence the bottle can be designed using less plastic whilst maximising on the internal pressure formed. Therefore, filling to the brim is essential. Air compresses more readily than water. The less air within the container 1 allows strengthens the effect of the internal water pressure to give the container 1 stability. As the second handle is solid, the container 1, in the upright position has the neck portion 30 as the highest point to be filled. The design eliminates any possible air pocket and therefore allows the bottle to contain substantially 100% of water. The water has nowhere to escape to and therefore the internal water pressure combined with the barrel like shape gives relatively even pressure to all walls of the bottle and hence greatly improves rigidity. The container comprises of a body portion with predetermined side walls having expansion and bulging capabilities, The container 1 of the invention preferably has provided at least one protrusion 40 and at least one recessed portion 50 which are adapted to provide a means for enabling the container to be stackable and connected with another same container which is positioned adjacently. In a preferred embodiment, the container 1 has two protrusions 40 which are adapted to extend outwardly from the edge of the top portion 3 of the body portion 2 of the container 1. The two protrusions 40 are preferably positioned on either side of the handle 10. The protrusions are preferably adapted to be integrally formed with the top portion such that they form part of the top portion 3 of the body portion 2 of the container and liquid is able to be received therein to provide internal liquid pressure and strength to the protrusions 40. In an alternate embodiment, the protrusions 40 may be in the form of any other suitable - 11 connection means which may be integrally formed with or separately secured to the container 1. In an alternate embodiment, it is envisaged that the water may not pass through the protrusions. In a preferred embodiment, the container 1 has two recessed portions 50. The recessed portions 50 are adapted to be integrally formed with the bottom portion 4 of the body portion 2 of the container 1 and extend inwardly toward the centre of the container 1. The two recessed portions 50 are preferably adapted to be positioned such that they correspond to the positioning of the protrusions 40 provided on the top portion 3 of the body portion 2 of the container 1. The recessed portions 50 are preferably adapted to be complimentary in shape to the protrusions 40 so that the protrusions 40 can be received within the recessed portions 50. When the containers 1 are horizontally stacked, the outwardly extending portions of a first container are received and connected within the recessed portions 50 provided on a second container (not shown) placed on top of the first container to provide stability for the stacked containers. In practice, the container 1 is placed in a vertical position and a nozzle connected to a water/liquid supply is inserted into the container 1 via an open neck portion 31 of the container 1. The container 1 is then filled with water/liquid until the water/liquid fills the container 1 right up to the flat side surface and up through the neck portion 31 of the container 1 leaving only a tiny air bubble remaining, as complete eradication of such a bubble would require filling and sealing of the container under water thus, the container 1 of the invention is able to be filled up to 99.5% of the container's volume unlike current containers which are only capable of being filled up to approximately 95% of the total volume of the container 1. When the container is completely full, the water/liquid molecules will be evenly distributed throughout the container 1 and the internal pressure of water/liquid molecules inside will provide compressive strength and stability for the container 1 to maintain its shape without the need for the use of excessive amounts of material to make the container 1, and eliminating the need for external packaging and/or support the container 1. The container 1 is a brim filled barrel shaped stackable and interlockable container designed to be shipped without external packaging. The container 1 relies on internal pressure to maintain its shape thus requiring considerably less plastic to produce than other bottles with similar functionality.

- LL In the filled state, the panels of the body portion 2 can bulge from the internal water pressure. Therefore, the dimension of the container 1 alter when the bottle is in the unfilled state, when the water is in the filled state and when the water is in the field ) state and stacked during transport. The table below illustrates the changing dimensions of the container 2. Bottle Height Width Length Unfilled Single 198 mm 185 mm 380 mm Empty Filled State 195 mm 193.5 mm 380 mm Single* Filled State 180 mm 201.5 mm 380 mm Stacked** * a single filled bottle under its own weight ** when under compression on a finished pallet stacked 5 bottles high and ready for transportation. The table illustrates that when stacked, the container is under compression and results in the container 1 bulging from the line of symmetry. As a result of the bulging, the container gains 8 mm around the overall width and decreases in height by approximately 15 mm. The length of the container is maintained during the filled and unfilled state although the bottom end does bulge. The bulging feature of the invention is further illustrated in Figure 3. It can be seen that the predetermined areas around the body portion 2 are expanded. If the container 1 in Figure 3 was further stacked, the bulging, as a result of the internal pressure, would be further evident. As seen in the table above, when the bottle is filled and stacked the height of the filled state decrease from the unfilled state to 180 mm and gains a width of 201.5 mm. While we have described herein a particular embodiment of the container 1, it is further envisaged that other embodiments of the invention could exhibit any number - 1:3 and combination of any one of the features previously described. However, it is to be understood that any variations and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

Claims

1. A container for storing and/or dispensing liquid including: a substantially rectangular body with rounded edges; the body comprising a top face and a bottom face separated by a height distance, and four side panels, and a line of symmetry extending through the top face, the bottom face and two of the side panels; at least one protrusion and at least one corresponding recessed portion located in the line of symmetry, the at least one protrusion and at least one recessed portion being shaped and positioned to permit stacking of the container with a second like container, with inter-fitting of the at least one protrusion and at least one recessed portion; and a neck portion having an opening feeding into the body of the container; whereby when filled and stacked, the height of the container is compressed and two of the side panels that are not located in the line of symmetry bulge symmetrically relative to the line of symmetry, which results in the container utilising internal liquid pressure to provide strength for the filled container.

2. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the container further comprises at least one handle.

3. A container as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the container is a self dispensing container.

4. A container as claimed in claim 2 wherein a first handle is integrally formed in the top face of the body portion of the container and provides a first carrying means for enabling a person to lift and carry the portable container in a horizontal position. 4153924 1 tMHIA,fte. PQ41U All 15

5. A container as claimed in claim 4 wherein an elongate handle grip of the handle extends along the line of symmetry along the top face of the body portion.

6. A container as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the first handle includes an aperture located between the underside of the handle grip and the body portion of the container which is adapted to enable a user to wrap their fingers around the handle and obtain a sufficient grip of the handle.

7. A container as claimed in claim 2 wherein a second handle is integrally formed with one of the two side panels of the container through which the line of symmetry extends and provides a second carrying means for enabling a person to lift and carry the portable container in a vertical position.

8. A container as claimed in claim 7 wherein the second handle has an inverted u shape whereby the open ends of the u-shape, are adapted to be integrally formed with the surface of said side panel of the container so that the handle grip extends outwardly from the side of the container.

9. A container as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the second handle has provided an aperture located between the handle and the side panel of the body portion of the container which is adapted to enable a user to wrap their fingers around the handle and obtain a sufficient grip of the handle.

10. A container as claimed in any one of claim 7 to claim 9 wherein the second handle is adapted to extend outwardly-from the container to a point which is the same or more than the protrusion of a dispensing means.

11. A container as claimed in any one of the above claims wherein a base of the neck portion is integrally formed in one of the two side panels of the container through which the line of symmetry extends.

12. A container as claimed in claim 11 wherein the neck portion is circular in shape and is adapted to have provided a threaded portion provided on the outer surface of the neck portion which is adapted to receive, and be engageable with, a dispensing means connected thereto. 4153924_1 (GHMattels) P911B4.AU 16

13. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims which further includes a dispensing means in the form of a spigot which is adapted to provide a seal for the container when in a closed position and a means for dispensing the liquid from the container when in an open position.

14. A container as claimed in claim 13 wherein the spigot has a connection portion which is adapted to be connected to the neck portion of the container and a fluid passageway for dispensing the liquid from the container.

15. A container as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14 wherein the spigot has a valve which is adapted to control the rate of water flow through the conduit and dispensing means.

16. A container as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the container containstwo protrusions which extend outwardly from the top face of the body of the container.

17. A container as claimed in claim 16 where the protrusions are integrally formed with the top face such that they form part of the top face of the body of the container and liquid is able to be received therein.

18. A container as claimed in any one of the above claims wherein the container has two recessed portions which are integrally formed with the bottom face of the body of the container and extend inwardly toward the centre of the container.

19 A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the height of the container, when filled and closed, is compressed by at least 7% when four like containers are filled and stacked on top of the container, compared to the empty unstacked container.

20 A container as claimed any one of the preceding claims, wherein the width of the container between the surfaces of the two side panels that bulge, when filled and closed, and stacked with four like containers on top, is 8% or greater, compared to the empty and unstacked container. 41539241 (GHMauers) P91184.AU 17

21. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two side panels that bulge do not contain any formations that provide strength or rigidity to those panels.

22. A container for storing and dispensing liquids, comprising: a compressible body that is substantially rectangular with rounded edges, and a neck having an opening feeding to the body, with said body of said container having a plurality of formations located along a line of symmetry, forming a spinal type support formation, such that, when the said container is substantially filled and stacked, the said container acquires a substantially symmetrical bulging shape relative to the line of symmetry; the said plurality of formations comprising at least one protrusion and at least one recessed portion, said at least one recessed portion being positioned symmetrically at opposite sides to the at least one protrusion and being shaped for respective inter-fitting to permit vertical or horizontal stacking of a first container with a second container, and said at least one protrusion or said at least one recessed portion being located on the line of symmetry; wherein said container utilises the internal pressure of said container, so that filling and stacking provides strength to said container allowing the container to bulge outwardly beyond normal dimensions and become compressed in height, and removal of liquid from the container, thereby reducing internal pressure, provides means of decompressing said container to a non-compressed state.

23. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the container includes a dispensing means in the form of a spigot and a handle located relative to the dispensing means and extending from the container at a height substantially equal to or higher than the spigot. 4153924_1 (GHMatters) P91194AU 18

24. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the container includes a handle with an aperture provided between the underside of the handle and the body portion of the container to enable a user to wrap their fingers around the handle, wherein the handle limits longitudinal expansion of the container.

25. A container as substantially described herein with reference to the above examples and drawing figures, 4153924 1 (GHMallers) P91184.AU