WO2016207665A1

WO2016207665A1 - Container for dispensing artefacts, package therewith and use thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2016207665A1
Application number: PCT/GB2016/051917
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Anthony SWAIN
Original assignee: Robinsons Soft Drinks Limited
Priority date: 2015-06-26
Filing date: 2016-06-27
Publication date: 2016-12-29
Also published as: GB201511253D0

Abstract

A container is disclosed comprising: a chamber for containing one or more artefacts; at least one receiving means for receiving an artefact; an actuation means operable to actuate the receiving means to move from a collecting position to a dispensing position, wherein, in the collecting position, the receiving means is in communication with the chamber such that the artefact is received by the receiving means, and wherein, when the receiving means is in the dispensing position the artefact is dispensed from the container.

Description

CONTAINER FOR DISPENSING ARTEFACTS, PACKAGE THEREWITH AND USE THEREOF

The present invention relates to containers for consumer products. In particular, the invention relates to containers for storing a consumer product and dispensing the stored consumer product in a controllable manner.

It is known to provide consumer products in the form of artefacts of a well-defined shape and size, e.g. tablets. Such consumer products may include food and beverage products, household cleaning and laundry products and medicines. By providing the product in the form of a tablet, a desired amount of the product can be reliably delivered per tablet to a consumer.

In order to achieve a good shelf -life for a product, the product may be packaged in a container which provides an at least partially sealed environment, to control the amount of air and/or moisture to which the product may be exposed while in the container.

For artefacts such as tablets, it may be desirable to provide a container which is configured to controllably dispense or dose the artefacts and/or control the exposure of the artefacts within the container to air and/or moisture.

A first aspect of the invention provides a container comprising: a chamber for containing one or more artefacts; at least one receiving means for receiving an artefact; an actuation means operable to actuate the receiving means to move from a collecting position to a dispensing position, wherein, in the collecting position, the receiving means is in communication with the chamber such that the artefact is received by the receiving means, and wherein, when the receiving means is in the dispensing position the artefact is dispensed from the container. In an embodiment, the receiving means may be sized and dimensioned to receive a single artefact.

By controlling the dispense of the artefacts to one artefact at a time, a user may be less likely to dispense too much of a product on any one occasion. As a result, unwanted wastage and/or mess may be reduced. The receiving means may comprise a receiving cavity.

Optionally, the container may be at least partially sealed, e.g. hermetically sealed, when the receiving means is in the receiving position. Additionally or alternatively, the container may be at least partially sealed, e.g. hermetically sealed, when the receiving means is in the dispensing position.

The container may be provided with one or more seals and/or valves to control air and/or moisture flow into and/or out of the chamber. The seal(s) may comprise one or more o-rings, taper seals, parallel seals, butt seals, interference seals, lap seals, pseudo-seals or semi-seals. Thevalve(s) may comprise, for instance, one or more ketchup valves.

Optionally, the container may comprise one or more guides arranged within the chamber to direct the artefacts towards the receiving means when the receiving means is in the receiving position.

In an embodiment, the actuation means may be biased, e.g. resiliently biased, such that, in use, the receiving means may return automatically to the collecting position after an artefact has been dispensed from the container.

In an embodiment, upon actuation the receiving means may move linearly, rotationally or helically from the collecting position to the dispensing position. In an embodiment, the actuation means may be configured to be pressed, lifted, pulled and/or twisted. The actuation means may comprise a button, a drawer, a lid, e.g. a flip-lid, or a twistable element.

One or more baffles may be arranged within the chamber. The baffle(s) may be configured to restrict and/or control movement of the artefacts within the chamber during use, thereby helping to protect the artefacts from damage.

The container may comprise a desiccant to keep the environment within the chamber dry. The desiccant may, for instance, be provided in an adhesive strip attached to an inner surface of the container. At least a portion of the container maybe at least partially transparent. For instance, the container may comprise one or more windows, which may allow a user to see into the chamber. The container may be substantially rigid, semi-rigid or at least partially collapsible.

The container may be provided at least partially within shrinkwrap. The shrink wrap or a portion thereof may need to be removed before an artefact c an be dispensed from the container. The shrink wrap may carry branding and/or other information.

In an embodiment, the actuation means may be configured to be operable by a typical child. For instance, a force of around 20 N or more may be required to operate the actuation means. In an embodiment, the container maybe configured to provide audible and/or tactile feedback to a user when an artefact is dispensed from the container.

In an embodiment, the container may be ergonomically shaped. For instance, the container maybe shaped and dimensioned such that a user can hold it in one hand.

A second aspect of the invention provides a container comprising: a chamber for containing one or more artefacts; an outlet with a valve; an artefact dispensing element; and an actuation means operable to actuate the artefact dispensing element to cause an artefact to move out of the container through the valve, thereby dispensing the artefact.

The artefact dispensing element may push the artefact out of the container through the valve. The artefact dispensing element may comprise a receiving means, e.g. a receiving cavity, for receiving an artefact.

A third aspect of the invention provides a container comprising: a chamber for containing one or more artefacts, the chamber having an orifice sized and dimensioned to allow a single artefact to pass through the orifice at a particular time; and a container outlet; wherein the container is configured such that an artefact cannot be dispensed from the container without a user manipulating the container in such a way as to cause the artefact to pass from the orifice to the container outlet. In some embodiments, the user may cause the artefact to pass from the orifice to the container outlet by operating an actuation means.

The actuation means may be operable to actuate a receiving means from a collecting position to a dispensing position.

The receiving means may be sized and dimensioned to receive a single artefact.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a container according to the first aspect of the invention or a container according to the second aspect of the invention or a container according to thethird aspect of the invention, the container containing one or more artefacts.

In an embodiment, the artefacts may comprise tablets which are shaped and dimensioned such that they have a reduced tendency to stack and/or lock and/or bridge within the container. Stacking and/or locking and/or bridging of the artefacts may hinder dispense of the artefacts.

A fifth aspect of the invention provides a package containing a plurality of containers according to the first aspect of the invention, the second aspect of the invention, the third aspect of the invention or the fourth aspect of the invention.

The package may comprise a point of sale display.

A sixth aspect of the invention provides a use of a container according to the first, second, third or fourth aspects of the invention to dispense an artefact.

A seventh aspect of the invention provides a method of preparing a product comprising dispensing one or more artefacts from a a container according to the first, second, third or fourth aspects of the invention. In order that the invention may be well understood it will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is an exploded view of the components of a first example embodiment of a container according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows the first example embodiment of the container assembled from the components shown in Figure 1 ; Figure 3 is an exploded view of the components of a second example embodiment of a container according to the invention;

Figure 4 shows the second example embodiment of the container assembled from the components shown in Figure 3 ;

Figure 5 shows a third example embodiment of a container according to the invention;

Figure 6 is a cross section through the third example embodiment of the container, a receiving means being located in a collecting position;

Figure 7 is a cross section through the third example embodiment of the container, the receiving means being located in a dispensing position;

Figure 8 is a cross section through a fourth example embodiment of the container, a receiving means being located in a collecting position;

Figure 9 is a cross section through the fourth example embodiment of the container, the receiving means being located in collecting dispensing position; Figure 10 shows a portion of a cam track mechanism of a fifth example embodiment of a container according to the invention;

Figure 1 1 shows a cross section through an upper portion of the fifth example embodiment of a container according to the invention; Figure 12 shows a partial cut-away view of a sixth example embodiment of a container according to the invention;

Figure 13 shows a cross section through a seventh example embodiment of a container according to the invention, a receiving means being located in a collecting position;

Figure 14 shows a lower portion of the seventh example embodiment of the container, the receiving means being located in a dispensing position; Figure 15 shows a cross section through an eighth example embodiment of a container according to the invention, a receiving means being located in a dispensing position;

Figure 16 shows an exploded view of the components of the eighth example embodiment of a container according to the invention;

Figure 17 shows a cross section through a ninth example embodiment of a container according to the invention;

Figure 18 shows a cross section through a tenth example embodiment of a container according to the invention, a receiving means being located in a collecting position;

Figure 19 shows a cross section through the tenth example embodiment of a container according to the invention, the receiving means being located in a dispensing position; Figure 20 shows a cross section through an eleventh example embodiment of a container according to the invention;

Figure 21 shows a cross section through a twelfth example embodiment of a container according to the invention, a receiving means being located in a collecting position; and

Figure 22 shows a cross section through the twelfth example embodiment of a container according to the invention, the rec eiving means being located in a dispensing position. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, an example embodiment of a container 1 according to the invention comprises an upper container body 2, a button 3, a dose rod 4 and a container cover 5. The upper container body 2 is a hollow body made from a transparent plastics material. The upper container body 2 has a first open end configured to receive the container cover 5. The upper container body 2 has a second end with an opening configured to receive the button 3. The upper container body 2 may have any cross- sectional shape. The upper container body 2 may be opaque rather than transparent. The upper container body 2 may be made from a material other than a plastics material, e.g. a metal.

The dose rod 4 is bump fitted to the button 3. The dose rod 4 has at its top a horizontal attachment bar 6, which engages with one or more features (not shown) on an underside of the button 3 to connect the dose rod 4 to the button 3.

Extending downwardly from the horizontal attachment bar 6, the dose rod 4 generally comprises an elongate vertical element. A deflector 7 comprising an inclined plate either side of the elongate vertical element is located about half-way up the dose rod 4. Four spring return arms 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d are located on a lower part of the dose rod 4. The lower part of the dose rod 4 comprises a receiving cavity 10. The receiving cavity 10 is open to a side of the dose rod 4 and has an inclined base. A feedback arm 11 protrudes from a rear face of the lower part of the dose rod 4. The container cover 5 comprises a base with an aperture therethrough. The aperture is shaped and dimensioned for the lower part of the dose rod 4 to be able to pass through it in use. The base has a perimeter rim comprising a feedback hole 12. Extending upwards from the base, within the perimeter rim, are three sets of vertical fins 9a, 9b, 9c. The first set of vertical fins 9a comprises a plurality of parallel fins arranged behind the aperture across the width of the rear sectionof the base. The tops of the fins slope downwards from the rear of the container cover 5 towards the front of the container cover 5. The second set of vertical fins 9b and the third set of vertical fins 9c comprise a plurality of parallel fins arranged either side of the aperture. The tops of the fins slope downwards from the outer edge of the container cover 5 towards the aperture. When, in use, the container 1 contains a plurality of artefacts, e.g. tablets, δ the tops of the fins act to tumble and guide the artefacts towards the receiving cavity 10 when the receiving cavity 10 is in a collecting position. Also, dust can collect between the vertical fins. The provision of a dust collection feature within a container according to the invention may be advantageous, since it may help to minimise or reduce contact with or exposure to dust of artefacts within the container.

The dose rod4 is bump fittedto the button 3. The assembly of thedoserod 4 and the button 3 is then fitted into the container body 2. The upper container body 2 is then filled with a plurality of artefacts, typically comprising a consumer product. The upper container cover 5 is bump fittedto the container body 2 with the lower portion of the dose rod 4 being received in the aperture.

In order to dispense a single artefact from the container 1, a user presses the button 3 causing the dose rod4 to move downwards. A user pressing the button 3 actuates the receiving cavity 10 to move from the collecting position to a dispensing position. Accordingly, an artefact located within the receiving cavity 10 is dispensed outside the container 1. The spring return arms 8a, 8b, 8c,8dact to return quickly the dose rod 4 to its initial position (the collecting position), in which the receiving cavity 10 is positioned to receive a further artefact from within the container body 2. In order to dispense a further artefact from the container 1, the user can press the button again. For each press of the button 3, a single artefact is dispensed from the container 1.

Each time an artefact is dispensed from the container 1, the feedback arm 11 engages with the feedbackhole 12 to provide an audible "click" to the user. Engagement of the feedback arm 11 with the feedbackhole 12 may also provide tactile feedback to the user.

Another example embodiment of a container 30 according to the invention is shown in Figures 3 and 4.

The container 30 comprises a button 31, an outer housing 32, a magazine 33 and a base 38.

The magazine 33 provides a hopper for containing, in use, a plurality of artefacts. The magazine 33 has a generally tubular upper portion and a narrower lower portion 34. Sloping walls connect the tubular upper portion to the narrower lower portion 34. The sloping walls provide a funnel to guide artefacts into the narrower lower portion 34 of the magazine 33. The lower portion 34 of the magazine 33 has at its base a receiving cavity 36. Two spring return arms 35a, 35b are also connectedto the lower portion 34 of the magazine 33. Above one of the spring return arms 35a, a feedback arm 39 protrudes from the lower portion 34 of the magazine 33.

The base 38 is configured to be fitted around the bottom of the lower portion 34 of the magazine 33. The base 38 has a hinge, e.g. a live hinge, to allow it to be fitted around the bottom of the lower portion 34 of the magazine 33. Protruding upwards, the base 38 comprises a formation 37, whichprovides a closure surface, in use, for the opening to the receiving cavity 36. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the closure surface may be shaped and dimensioned to fully cover the opening to the receiving cavity 36. The shape, dimensions and orientation of the closure surface may be determined by the shape, dimensions and orientation of the opening to the receiving cavity 36. The closure surface may be configured to seal at least partially the opening to the receiving cavity 36. The base 38 has a ledge 40 located towards its perimeter to one side of the formation 37. The outer housing 32 is configured to provide a sleeve for the magazine 32. The outer housing 32 may be transparent at least in part.

In order to assemble the container 30, the base 38 is fitted around the lower portion 34 of the magazine 33. The assembly comprising the base 38 and the magazine 33 is bump fitted into the outer housing 32. For instance, this may be achieved by a clip fit between the base 38 and the outer housing 32. The magazine 33 is then filled with artefacts, the closure surface being located such that no artefacts can exit the magazine via the opening of the receiving cavity 36. The button 31 is then sealed and bump fitted to the top of the magazine 33.

In order to dispensea single artefact from the container 1, a user presses the button 31 , thereby c ausing the magazine 33 to move downwards relative to the outer hous ing 32 and the base 38. Hence, as shown in Figure 4, the opening to the receiving cavity 36 is revealed and an artefact can be dispensed from the receiving cavity 36. The spring return arms 35a, 35b act to return quickly the magazine 33 to its initial position.

Each time an artefact is dispensed from the container 30, the feedback arm 39 engages with the ledge 40 to provide an audible "click" to the user. Engagement of the feedback arm 39 with the ledge 40 may also provide tactile feedback to the user.

Figure 5 shows another example embodiment of a container 50 according to the invention. The container 50 comprises a top part 51, which can be twisted by a predetermined amount relative to a bottom part 52, in order to dispense an artefact 53 from the container 50. The container 50 may be configured such that the predetermined amount maybe half a turn, a third of a turn, a quarter of a turn, a fifth of a turn, a sixth of a turn or any other amount. Figure 6 and Figure 7 show in cross section another example embodiment of a container 60 according to the invention. The container 60 comprises a top part 61, which is connected by a screw thread to and is rotatable relative to a bottom part 65.

The top part 61 has a neck 63 and a top 62, the top 62 being joined to the neck 63 by one or more outwardly flared walls. Extending downwards from the top 62 is a shaft 64 having at its distal end a receiving cavity 68. The receiving cavity 68 is shaped and dimensioned to receive a single artefact 70.

The bottom part 65 comprises abase 67 with an aperture therethrough. A side wall extends upwardly from the base 67. An inner surface of the side wall engages with an outer surface of the neck 63 via a screw thread. Alternatively, an outer surface of the side wall could engage with an inner surface of the neck 63 via a screw thread. A conical wall 66 is located within the bottom part 65 of the container 60, to guide artefacts 69 within the container towards the receiving cavity 68 when the receiving cavity 68 is in a collecting position.

As can be seen in Figure 6, in the collecting position, the distal end of the shaft 64 is substantially flush with the base 67, the distal end of the shaft 64 being located in the aperture in the base 67. Twisting the top part 61 relative to the bottom part 65 causes the shaft 64 to pass through the aperture to a dispensing position (see Figure 7). In the dispensing position, the receiving cavity 68 is located outside the bottom part 65 of the container 60 and the artefact 70 held in the receiving cavity 68 can be dispensed. Twisting the top part 61 relative to the bottom part 65 in the opposite direction causes the shaft 64 to pass back through the aperture to the collecting position (see Figure 6), where a further artefact 70 of the plurality of artefacts 69 within the container 60 can be received by the receiving cavity 68.

Figures 8 and 9 show in cross section another example embodiment of a container 80 according to the invention. The container 80 comprises a top part 81, which is connected by a screw thread to and is rotatable relative to a bottom part 88.

The top part 81 comprises a neck 83 and a top 82. The top 82 is joined to the neck 83 by one or more outwardly flared walls. Extending downwards from the top 82 is a shaft 84 having at its distal end a receiving cavity 96. The receiving cavity 96 is shaped and dimensioned to receive a single artefact 94.

Moving along the shaft 84 from the top 82, there is a first o-ring seal 85, located a short distance before an annular abutment lip 95, then towards the distal end of the shaft 84 there is a second o-ring seal 92 and a third o-ring seal 93, the second o-ring seal 92 and the third o-ring seal 93 being positioned either side of the receiving cavity 96.

The bottom part 88 comprises abase 89 with an aperture therethrough. A first side wall section extends upwardly from the base 89. At the top of the first side wall section, there is a first inward step and a second side wall section 87 extends upwards from the first inward step. At the top of the second side wall section 87, there is a second inward step and a third side wall section 86 extends upwards from the second inward step. The third side wall section 86 defines an upper opening into the bottom part 88. An outer surface of the second side wall section 87 engages with an inner surface of the neck 83 via a screw thread. Alternatively, an inner surface of the second side wall section 87 could engage with an outer surface of the neck 83 via a screw thread.

A conical guide surface 91 within the bottom part 88 provides a funnel guiding artefacts towards the aperture in the base 89. There is a gap between the outer edge of the conical guide surface 91 and an inner surface of the first side wall section. The gap is not wide enough for an artefact 94 to pass through. However, dust particles can fall through the gap and be collected underneath the conical guide surface 91. Figure 8 shows the container 80 with the receiving cavity 96 located in a collecting position. In the collecting position, the receiving cavity 96 is able to receive the single artefact 94. The conical guide surface 91 guides artefacts 94 towards the receiving cavity 96. With the receiving cavity 96 located in the collecting position, the container 80 is sealed in a substantially air-tight manner. This may be advantageous, since it may help to prolong the shelf -life of a product within the container. The annular abutment lip 95 abuts the second inward step. This may help to prevent the top part 81 and the bottom part 88 from being unscrewed from one another, in use. In addition, when the annular abutment lip 95 abuts the second inward lip, the first o-ring seal 85 is located such that it seals the upper opening and the third o-ring seal 93 is located such that it seals the aperture in the base 89.

Twisting the top part 81 relative to the bottom part 88 causes the shaft 84 to pass through the aperture in the base 89, thereby moving the receiving cavity 96 to a dispensing position (see Figure 9). As shown in Figure 9, in the dispensing position, the receiving cavity 98 is located outside the container 80 and the artefact 94 held in the receiving cavity 96 can be dispensed. In the dispensing position, the second o- ring seal 92 provides a substantially air-tight seal within the aperture in the base 89. Twisting the top part 81 relative to the bottom part 88 in the opposite direction causes the shaft 84 to pass backthrough the aperture to the collecting position (see Figure 8), where a further artefact 94 can be received by the receiving cavity 96.

Figure 11 shows a cross section through an upper portion of another example embodiment of a container 100 according to the invention. The container 100 comprises a cam track mechanism, a portion of which is shown in Figure 10.

The container 100 comprises a top part 101 and a bottom part 105. The top part 101 c omprises a stepped neck portion 1 10 and a top 102. The top 102 is connected to the stepped neck portion 1 10 by an outwardly flared side wall 108. Extending downwards from the top 102 and into the bottom part 105 is a shaft 103. At its distal end (not shown) , the shaft 103 may c omprise a rec eiving c avity (not shown) .

Around a low er portion 1 09 of the stepped neck portion 1 10, there is a c am track 107 (see Figure 10) . Referring to Figure 10, the c am track 107 comprises a c ontinuous groove c omprising a repeating pattern of a downwards curved section with an ever decreasing gradient and a vertical s ection joining the bottom of one curved s ection to the top of the next curved section.

The bottom part 105 comprises an outer wall 1 1 1 . Protruding inw ards from near the top of the outer wall 1 1 1 are one or more pins (not shown) arranged to run, in u se, within the c am track 107. Below the pins , there is a ledge 106, which protrudes inw ards from the outer w all 1 1 1 . A spring 104 extends between the ledge 106 and the underside of the top 102.

In order to dispense an artefact from the c ontainer 100, a us er turns the top part 101 by a predetermined amount, e.g. a quarter of a full rotation, relative to the bottom part 105. The predetermined amount depends on the design of the c am track. This c auses the pin(s) to move along the c am track 107 such that the shaft 103 moves downw ards to dispens e an artefact. After the artefact has been dispensed, the spring 104 acts to return the top part 101 to its initial position. The pin(s) move back up a vert ic al section of the c am track 107 ready for another artefact to be dispens ed by a twist of the top part 101 relative to the bottom part 105.

The c ontainer may comprise more than one spring. The spring(s) may c omprise a metal and/or a plastics material. The spring(s) may be live moulded spring(s) . The spring(s) may be recyclable.

The c ontainer may comprise one or more resilient biasing means other than a spring to return the top part 101 to its initial pos ition. The cam track maybe provided on theinside of the outer wall 111 of the lower part 105 with the pin(s) being provided on the lower portion 109 of the stepped neck portion 110 of the top part 101. The container may not comprise any resilient biasing means. For instance, the cam track maybe configured suchthatthe user can return the toppartto its initial position by further twisting the top part relative to the bottom part.

The cam track need not comprise a continuous groove. The cam track could have ends , in which case the direction of twisting of the top part relative to the bottom part to dispense an artefact could reverse when the pin(s) reach the ends of the cam track.

The embodiments described above in respect of Figures 5 to 11 have much in common. Twisting the container in order to dispense an artefact maybe relatively fun or engaging for the user, which could help to increase the container's appeal, particularly to children.

Various modifications to the example embodiments described above in respect of Figures 5 to 11 may be apparent to the person skilled in the art.

Insteadof having o-ring seals located either side of the receiving cavity, a valve, typically a ketchup valve, could be provided in the aperture in the base of the container. For instance, the valve maybe configured to be closed when the receiving cavity is in the collecting position and may be caused to open by the shaft moving through the aperture when an artefact is being dispensed.

In an embodiment with a valve in the base of the cavity, the shaft may not comprise a receiving cavity. Alternatively, in use, the shaft may be operable to dispense an artefact by pushing the artefact through the valve.

The container may be configured to provide an audible click by way of feedback to a user dispensing an artefact from the container.

The parts of the containers may be made from any suitable materials. For instance, the top part may be made from blow moulded polyethylene for embodiments comprising a screw thread. In embodiments comprising a cam track, the top p art may comprise injection moulded polypropylene.

Typically, the parts of the container may be made frompolymeric materials using any suitable manufacturing or forming technique. For instance, one or more of the parts may be manufactured by injection moulding or blow moulding.

The shaft may be formed integrally with the top part. Alternatively, the shaft may be a discrete component, fitted to the top part.

A tear-off tab may be utilised to provide tamper evidence.

The container may comprise a desiccant to dry the atmosphere within the container. This may help to preserve the artefacts contained therein. The desiccant may be provided as an adhesive strip adhered to an inner surface of the container, e.g. to an underside of the top. Alternatively, the desiccant maybe provided as granules, e.g. in a bag or sachet.

Figure 12 shows a partial cutaway view of another example embodiment of a container 120 accordingto the invention. The embodimentis broadly similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 8 and Figure 9 and discussed above. The container 120 comprises a top part 121 and a bottompart 122. The top part 121 and the bottom part 122 are rotatable relative to one another via a screw thread, in order to move a receiving cavity 124 from a collecting postion to a dispensing position and vice versa. The receiving cavity 124 is located towards an end of a shaft 123. A first o-ring seal 125 is located above the receiving cavity 124 and a second o-ring seal 126 is located below the receiving cavity 124.

The container 120 is shown in Figure 12 in the dispensing position. The shaft 123 extends through an aperture in a base 127 of the bottom part 122 of the container 120. In the dispensing position, the receiving cavity 124 is outside the container 120 and the first o-ring seal 125 provides a substantially air-tight seal in the aperture in the base 127. The container 120 further comprises a skirt 128 extending downwards from the base 127. The skirt 128 extends downwards by a distance greater than the distance the shaft 123 protrudes from the aperture in the base 127, when the receiving cavity 124 is in the dispensing position. Hence, the skirt 128 allows the container 120 to be stood upright even when the receiving cavity 124 is in the dispensing position. This may be advantageous for presenting the container 120 on a shelf in a retail establishment. It may be desirable for the container 120 to be presented on a shelf with the top part 121 screwed down on to the bottom part 122 and retained with a tamper evident strip. In this way, the product within the container may be dispensed only once the tamper evident strip has been broken, typically following purchase.

The container 120 may be shrink wrapped at least in part.

Figure 13 shows a cross section through another example embodiment of a container 130 according to the invention. The container 130 comprises a top part 131 having a domed shape. The top part 131 is connected by a snap fit to a bottom part 132. The container 130 contains a plurality of artefacts 138.

Referring to Figure 13 and Figure 14, the bottom part 132 comprises a concave surface 1 3 having an aperture 141 therethrough at the lowest point of the concave surface 133. When the bottom part 132 is connectedto the toppart 131, the concave surface 133 provides a lower surface of a chamber, which contains, in use, the plurality of artefacts 138.

Within the bottompart 132, below the concave surface 133 thereis a cavity containing a drawer. The drawer comprises a horizontal panel 136 with an aperture 140 therethrough. The aperture 140 is sized and dimensioned to receive an artefact 139 from the plurality of artefacts 138. When the drawer is closed, as shown in Figure 13, the aperture 140 is located directly below the aperture 141 in the concave surface 133.

The drawer further comprises a frontpanel 134. The frontpanel 134 is perpendicular to and connectedto an end of the horizontal panel 136. The front panel is shaped and dimensioned to cover a drawer opening, which is provided with a lip seal 135 around its perimeter to provide a substantially air -tight seal when the drawer is closed. The lip seal 135 may comprise a co-moulded lip seal.

The drawer further comprises a track panel 142. The track panel 142 extends from and is vertically offset above the horizontal panel 136. The track panel 142 and the horizontal panel 136 are substantially parallel. The trackpanel 142 comprises on its underside a cam track having the form of a groove extending lengthways along the underside of the trackpanel, which track engages with a laterally flexible pin 137. The laterally flexible pin 137 rides in the track as the drawer moves in and out of the bottom part 132 of the container 130.

The front panel 134 may provide a button for a user to press to open the drawer. The button may be on a push-push latch. When a user presses the front panel 134, the drawer extends fully out of the container and the artefact 139 drops out of the aperture 140. In order to return the aperture 140 to a collecting position, the user can push the drawer all the way back in until a click is heard. The user can then let go of the drawer, which willremain shutuntil it is desired to dispense another artefact 138.

The clearance between the drawer and theaperture 141 in the concave surface 133 is selected to be such that an artefact cannot get wedged when the drawer is being opened, irrespective of the orientation of the artefact within the aperture 140.

The outer surface of thetop part 131 could be provided with a plurality of ergonomic ridges to assist a user in holding the container, e.g. in one hand.

The container may be provided with a desiccant. For instance, an adhesive desiccant strip could be adhered to an inner surface of the top part 131.

The container may be provided within a shrink wrap. The shrink wrap may carry branding and/or other information. In an embodiment, the shrink wrap may comprise a perforated area located over the front panel 134 of the drawer. The perforated area of shrink wrap would needto be removed before an artefact could be dispensed from the container. Hence, the perforated area of shrink wrap may provide tamper evidence.

A foil or other membrane maybe located across the underside of the aperture 141 to help preserve the artefacts stored in the container 130. The foil or membrane may be configured such that the foil breaks when a user first operates the drawer to dispense an artefact from the container 130, e.g. the foil or membrane may comprise at least one line of weakness. The top part 131 could be connected to the bottom part 132 by a bayonet-style fitting. The drawer could be bump-fitted into the bottom part 132.

In an embodiment, a piece of low density foam or sponge could be arranged in the top part 131 above the artefacts 138. The piece of low density foam or sponge may protect and/or hold the artefacts 138 in place from above. As artefacts 138 are dispensed, in use, the low density foam or sponge could expand to fill at least partially the space. Figure 15 and Figure 16 show another example embodiment of a container 150 according to the invention.

The container 150 comprises a container body 154. The container body 154 contains a plurality of artefacts 161.

The container body 154 has a top 151. A portion of the top 151 and a side of the container body 154 is cut away to provide a recess, in which there is a step 165 with an aperture 164 passing through an upper surface thereof. The container body 154 has a base 167 with an aperture therethrough. The aperture in the base 167 is aligned with the aperture 164 passing through the upper surface of the step 165. Within the container body 154, two sloping surfaces 155, 156 are configured so as to guide the artefacts towards the aperture in the base 167 of the container body 154.

The container 150 further comprises a plunger. The plunger comprises a top panel 152 with a front panel 166 extending downwards from an edge of the top panel 152. A shaft 158 extends from an underside of the toppanel 152. A first o-ring seal 153 is located on the shaft 158 a short distance from the top anel 152. At the distal end of the shaft 158 there is a receiving cavity 157. A second o-ring seal 159 is located on the shaft 158 a short distance above the receiving cavity 157 and a third o-ring seal 160 is located on the shaft 158 a short distance below the receiving cavity 160.

A spring 163 is wound around the shaft 158 between the to panel 152 and the first o - ring seal 153. The shaft 158 passes through the aperture 164 in the upper surface of the step 165 and the aperture in the base 167 of the container body 154. The spring 163 is located between the top panel 152 and the upper surface of the step 165. The spring 163 is configured to bias the plunger towards a position in which the top panel 152 is substantially flush with the top 151 of the container body 154. In this position, the container body 154 is sealed in a substantially air-tight manner. The first o-ring seal 153 acts to seal the aperture 164 in the step 165 and the third o-ring seal 160 acts to seal the aperture in the base 167 of the container body 154. When the top panel 152 is substantially flush with the top 151 of the container body 154, the receiving cavity 157 is located in a collecting position to receive an artefact 162 from the plurality of artefacts 161 contained within the container body 154.

In order to dispense the artefact 162, a user presses down on the top panel 152 of the plunger, causing the receiving cavity 157 to move to a dispensing position. As can be seen from Figure 15, in the dispensing position, the receiving cavity 157 is located outside the container body 154 and the artefact 162 within the receiving cavity 157 can be dispensed. In the dispensing position, the second o-ring seal 159 acts to seal the aperture in the base 167 of the container body 154. As can be seen from Figure 15, in the dispensing position, the top panel 152 and the front panel 166 of the plunger sit around and close to the upper surface and front face of the step 165.

When the user stops pressing down on the top panel 152, the spring 163 acts to move the plunger back to its initial position with the receiving cavity 157 being located to receive a further artefact for subsequent dispense.

The container 150 may comprise more than one spring. The spring(s) may comprise a metal and/or a plastics material. The spring(s) may be live moulded spring(s). The spring(s) may be recyclable. The container 150 may comprise one or more resilient biasing means other than a spring to return the plunger to its initial position.

The container may not comprise any resilient biasing means. Instead of o-rings, the container 150 may comprise any other suitable sealing means, e.g. co-moulded silic one/rubber lip seals.

Insteadof having seals located either side of the receiving cavity, a valve, typically a ketchup valve, could be provided in the aperture in the base of the container. For instance, the valve maybe configured to be closed when the receiving cavity is in the collecting position and may be caused to open by the shaft moving through the aperture when an artefact is being dispensed. In an embodiment with a valve in the base of the cavity, the shaft may not comprise a receiving cavity. Alternatively, in use, the shaft may be operable to dispense an artefact by pushing the artefact through the valve.

The container 150 maybe manufactured from two clamshell parts fitted together.

The container 150 maybe providedwith tamper evidenceby a tear-off tab configured to ensure that the plunger cannot be operated without removing the tab.

Figure 17 shows another example embodiment of a container 170 according to the invention. The container 170 has substantially the same form as and works in the same way as the container 150 shown in Figure 15 and Figure 16.

The container 170 comprises a container body 171. The container body 171 may contain, in use, one or more artefacts.

The container body 171 has a top 179. A portion of the top 179 and a side of the container body 171 is cut away to provide a recess, in which there is a step 177 with an aperture pas sing through an upper surface thereof. In front of the step, there is a crevice 174 formedbetween a front surface of the step and an extended side wall section of the container body 171.

The container body 171 has a base 178 with an aperture therethrough. The aperture in the base 178 is aligned with the aperture pas sing through the upper surface of the step 177. The container 170 further comprises a plunger. The plunger comprises a top panel

172 with a front panel 173 extending downwards from close to an edge of the underside of the top panel 172. A shaft 175 extends from the underside of the top panel 172. At the distal end of the shaft 175 there is a receiving cavity (not shown).

The shaft 175 passes through the aperture in the upper surface of the step 177 and the aperture in the base 178 of the container body 171. A spring 176 is located between the top panel 172 and the upper surface of the step 177. The spring 176 is configured to bias the plunger towards a position in which the top panel 172 is substantially flush with the top 179 of the container body 171. In this position, the container body 171 may be sealed in a substantially air-tight manner.

In order to dispense an artefact, a user presses down on the top panel 172 of the plunger, causing the receiving cavity to move to a dispensing position. In the dispensing position, the top panel 172 and the front panel 173 of the plunger sit around and close to the upper surface and front face of the step 177. The front panel

173 of the plunger is received in the crevice 174. When the user stops pressing down on the top panel 172, the spring 176 acts to move the plunger back to its initial position with the receiving cavity being located to receive a further artefact for subsequent dispense.

The container 170 may comprise more than one spring. The spring(s) may comprise a metal and/or a plastics material. The spring(s) may be live moulded spring(s). The spring(s) may be recyclable.

The container 150 may comprise one or more resilient biasing means other than a spring to return the plunger to its initial position.

The container may not comprise any resilient biasing means.

Instead of o-rings, the container 170 may comprise any suitable sealing means, e.g. co-moulded silicone/rubber lip seals. Insteadof having seals located either side of the receiving cavity, a valve, typically a ketchup valve, could be provided in the aperture in the base of the container. For instance, the valve maybe configured to be closed when the receiving cavity is in the collecting position and may be caused to open by the shaft moving through the aperture when an artefact is being dispensed.

Figure 18 and Figure 19 show another embodiment of a container 180 according to the invention.

The container 180 comprises a container body 181 with a cavity in an upper portion thereof. The cavity contains a plurality of artefacts 184. The cavity comprises two sloping surfaces 182, 183 configured to guide the artefacts 184 towards an aperture at the bottom of the cavity. One or more baffles may be arranged within the cavity.

In a lower portionof the container body 181, below the aperture at the bottom of the cavity, there is mounted a rotatable disc 188. The rotatable disc 188 is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the height of the container 180. The rotatable disc 188 comprises a receiving cavity 186, accessible via an opening in the edge of the disc 188. On a face of the rotatable disc 188, around the axis of rotation, there is a toothed wheel 192.

The receiving cavity 186 is sized and dimensioned to receive a single artefact, irrespective of the orientation of the artefact. For instance, the dimensions of the opening to the receiving cavity 186 may be approximately 10% larger than the longest dimension across the artefact. A receiving cavity 186 of this size may be able to receive an artefact, irrespective of the orientation of the artefact, whilst not being large enough to receive two artefacts at the same time.

A lip seal 185 around the perimeter of the aperture at the bottom of the cavity provides a substantially air-tight seal with the rotatable disc 188. The container 180 further comprises a lift-up lid 189 on a lower corner of the container body 181. The lift-up lid 189 is pivotable about a pivot pin 190 and has a toothed quarter circle 191 , which meshes with the toothed wheel 192 on the rotatable disc 188.

In Figure 18, the lift-up lid 189 is closed and the receiving cavity 186 is located directly beneath the aperture at the bottom of the cavity. An artefact 187 of the plurality of artefacts 184 contained in the cavity has dropped though the aperture and into the receiving cavity 186. The receiving cavity 186 is in a collecting position when it is located directly beneath the aperture.

In order to dispense the artefact 187, a user opens the lift -up lid 189. Opening the lift- up lid 189 causes the rotatable disc 188 to rotate, as a result of the toothed quarter circle 191 meshing with the toothed wheel 192 on the rotatable disc 188. Once the lift-up lid 189 has been opened fully, the rotatable disc 188 is oriented such that the receiving cavity 186 is in a dispensing position (see Figure 19) and the artefact 187 can be dispensed through an opening previously which is covered when the lift -up lid 189 is closed. Fully closing the lift-up lid 189 cause the rotatable disc 188 to rotate such that the receiving cavity 186 returns to the collecting position. Further artefacts may then be dispensed from the container 180 by opening and closing the lift-up lid 189.

The gearing between the toothed quarter circle 191 and the toothed wheel 192 may be varied. With 2:1 gearing, a quarter turn of the lift-up lid 189 creates a half turn of the rotatable disc 188.

The container may comprise one or more windows to allow a user to view the artefacts within the container and/or at least part of the dispense mechanism, e.g. part of the rotatable disc 188. This may increase the container's appeal, particularly to children.

The container may be provided with a desiccant. For instance, an adhesive desiccant strip could be adhered to an inner wall of the cavity in the upper portion of the container body 181. Alternatively or additionally, desiccant could be provided in a cavity beneath either or both of the two sloping surfaces 182, 183, e.g. as granules with a micro-perforated barrier inserted into the sloping surface(s) 182, 183.

Advantageously, the rotatable disc 188 may act as an air lock. The air inside the container may never have a chance to escape. This may be beneficial for the preservation and/or cleanliness and/or sterility of the artefacts.

In an embodiment, a piece of low density foam or sponge could be arranged in container 181 above the artefacts 184. The piece of low density foam or sponge may protect and/ or hold the artefacts 184 in place from above. As artefacts are dispensed, in use, the low density foam or sponge could expand to fill at least partially the space.

Tamper evidence may be provided by pull off tab over the lift-up lid 189 or a perforate tear section of a shrink wrap around the container 180.

The rotatable element comprising the receiving cavity may have any shape. For instance, the rotatable element may be a round disc as shown in Figure 18 and Figure 19. Alternatively, the rotatable element may have a different shape, e.g. any polygonal, curved or curvilinear shape.

The rotatable element may comprise more than one receiving cavity.

A further example embodiment of a container 200 according to the invention is shown in Figure 20.

The container 200 comprises a container body 201 with an opening 208 and a flip lid 202. The flip lid 202 is connected to the container body 201 by a butterfly hinge. The flip lid 202 covers the opening 208 when the flip lid 202 is closed. Within the container body 201, a passageway 204 leads to the opening 208. An aperture 205 provides communication from a main cavity within the container body 201 into the passageway 204. The passageway 204 extends along an end of the container body 201 and a side of the container body 201 before reaching the opening 208. The passageway 204 is separated from the main cavity by an internal wall 203. The main cavity within the container body 201 contains a plurality of artefacts 206. The aperture205 and the passageway 204 are shaped and dimensioned such that only one artefact 206 can pass into and along the passageway 204 at a time. Two or more artefacts 206 cannot simultaneously enter the passageway 204 or pass along the passageway 204 side by side.

In order to dispense an artefact 207 from the plurality of artefacts 206, a user can hold the container 200 in an orientation such that the artefact 207 will pass through the aperture 205 and into the passageway 204. The user can then open the flip lid 202 and tip the container 200 to cause the artefact 207 to pass along the passageway 204 and out of the opening 208. The butterfly hinge ensures that the flip lid 202 will remain in the open position during tipping of the container 200 to dispense the artefact 207, without the user having to hold the flip lid 202 open. After the artefact 207 has been dispensed, the user can close the flip lid 202. The user can then repeat the process in order to dispense further artefacts from the container 200.

Typically, the passageway may have at least one bend and/or extend along at least one dimension of the container body 201. By providing a labyrinthine passageway (i.e. a passageway having more than one bend and/or extending along at least one dimension of the container body), air and/or moisture exchange between the main cavity and the outside environment maybe limited. Managing and/or controlling air and/or moisture exchange may help to improve the shelf-life and product lifetime of the artefacts within the container. While the passageway should be configured such that an artefact can pass along it, the provision of a labyrinthine passageway maybe advantageous for dispensing only one artefact at a time.

The flip lid may be made from low density polyethylene (LDPE). LDPE may be suitable, due to being a relatively soft and compliant material, which is also capable of giving a good moisture seal.

An adhesive desiccant strip could be adhered to an inner surface of the container body 201. The container may be shrink wrapped. Additionally or alternatively, the container may be provided with a tear-off foil located under the lid, which has to be removed by a user prior to dispensing the first artefact from the container. The container may comprise a lid of any kind, a flip lid being an example of a suitable lid. The lid may be connected to the container by a hinge, e.g. a butterfly hinge, or any other connecting means . The lid may be removable from the container.

Figure 21 and Figure 22 show a further example embodiment of a container 210 according to the invention.

The container 210 comprises a container body 2 1 1. In an upper portion of the container body 21 1 there is a main cavity comprising a plurality of artefacts 217. Two sloping surfaces 212, 213 are arranged to guide the artefacts 217 towards a doser 214. The doser 214 comprises a semi-cylindrical body, pivotable about pivot pin 216. The semi-cylindrical body comprises a quarter-cylindrical receiving cavity 215 for receiving an artefact 218 from the plurality of the artefacts 217 within the container 210. The receiving cavity 215 has a base which acts as a lid and which, when the lid is closed, protrudes a short distance beyond the dimensions of the container body 21 1 so that a user can operate the doser 214.

With the lid closed, the receiving cavity 215 is oriented to receive the artefact 218. In order to dose the artefact 218, a user can cause the doser 214 to rotate about the pivot pin 216 by moving the base. In a dispense position (see Figure 22), the receiving cavity 215 is located outside the container body 21 1 and the artefact 218 can b e dispensed. In order to return the receiving cavity to a collecting position (see Figure 21 ), the user can close the lid of the container 210 by moving the base back to a position where the base is substantially flush with a face of the container body 21 1 . Various modifications to the example embodiments disclosed herein may be apparent to the person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. Features from different example embodiments may be combined without departing from the scope of the invention. A container according to the invention may provide at least one of the following functionalities: one at a time dispensing/ dosing of artefacts ; automatic , e. g. spring, return of an actuation means to an initial position; tactile and/or audible user feedback; at least partially sealed storage of artefacts ; dust collection within the container; tumble assist, e.g. by providing means to guide movement of artefacts within the container.

The containers and/or component parts thereof according to the invention may be made from any suitable material and/or by any suitable manufacturing process .

For instance, the containers and/or component parts thereof may be formed, e.g. by moulding, typically from a polymeric material. The containers and/or component parts thereof may be vacuum formed, injection moulded or blow moulded. The polymeric material may be any suitable polymeric material, e. g. one or more polymeric materials from oil- or bio-based sources, renewable or sustainable sources . Suitable materials may include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), a polyester such as polyethylene terphthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), polycarbonate, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) and synthetic or natural rubbers .

The containers and/or component parts thereof may comprise a laminate or a co - extrusion. In an embodiment, the containers and/or component parts thereof may comprise one or more layers of, e.g. a polymeric or metallic , material and an environmental barrier material. In an embodiment, the containers and/or component parts thereofmay c omprise a laminate comprising one or more layers of PET and a layer of a polyvinyl alcohol such as ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), e.g. a laminate comprising a layer of EVOH between two layers of PET. In an embodiment, the containers and/or component parts thereof may comprise a co-extrusion of one or more layers or components of PP and a layer or component of a polyvinyl alcohol such as EVOH. Alternatively, the containers and/or component parts thereof may comprise a layer of PP over-moulded with one or more thermoplastic elastomeric materials . Conveniently, recycled materials may be used in the manufacture of the containers of the invention.

The containers may be biodegradable and/or recyclable in whole or in part.

Conveniently, the container may be ergonomic ally shaped and configured to assist a user holding the container. For instance, the container may be adapted, e. g. by the provision of protrusions and/or indentations and/or one or more handles and/ or one or more gripping panels, such that the container may be easily held in one hand.

Conveniently, the container may be shaped and configured such that a plurality of containers can be arranged, stacked or packed together efficiently, e. g. in a delivery box or a point of sale display. In an embodiment, the container, when empty, may weigh no more than 500 g or no more than 200 g or no more than 100 g or no more than 20 g. The container, when empty, may weigh at least 1 g, e. g. at least 3 g or at least 6 g.

In an embodiment, the container may have a capacity of no more than 2 litres, e. g. no more than 1 1, no more than 500 ml, no more than 250 ml, no more than 150 ml, no more than 100 ml or no more than 70 ml.

Artefacts comprising almost any kind of consumer or industrial product may be contained within and dispensed from a container according to the invention.

The artefacts may be consumable and/or comestible.

The artefact(s) may be dispensed freely to where it/they is/are required for its/their intended end use. For instance, a soluble tablet comprising a beverage composition could be dispensed into water within a drinking vessel such as a cup or a glass .

Alternatively, the artefact(s) may be dispensed into an at least partially enclosed vessel, conduit or container. Accordingly, the according to the invention may be adapted to be connectable, directly or indirectly (e.g. via a separate section of pipe or tubing), to the at least partially enclosed vessel, conduit or container. At least one container according to the invention may be connectable to the at least partially enclosed vessel, conduit or container. The artefact(s) may be dosed into and/or mixed with other substances in the at least partially enclosed vessel, conduit or container. The at least partially enclosed vessel, conduit or container may include a bottle, a beaker, a mixing chamber, a pipe or tube or a watering can. A fluid may be flowing within the conduit, e.g. the pipe or tube. The at least partially enclosed vessel, conduit or container may be provided with mixing or stirring means.

The at least partially enclosed vessel, conduit or container may be fully enclosed. The environment within the at least partially enclosed vessel may be controlled, e.g. at a certain temperature and/or pressure and/or moisture level and/or so that it is substantially sterile. This may be advantageous if the artefact(s) is/are volatile or sensitive or degrades when exposed to atmosphere. The container may be suitable for use under water. With some embodiments, the artefact(s) may be dispensed beneath the surface of a body of fluid without any significant amount of the fluid being able to enter the container and come into contact with artefact(s) stored therein. The container may be optimised for artefacts of a given size and shape. For instance, the or a receiving cavity may be sized and dimensioned so as to be able to accommodate an envelope shape of the artefact, e.g. a spherical envelope shape of the artefact. The or a receiving cavity may be sized and dimensioned to be capable of receiving the maximum circumscribed sphere of a given artefact. Hence, the or a receiving cavity could receive the artefact in any orientation.

The artefact(s), e.g. tablets, may be manufactured by compacting a powder in a die.

In order to provide a reliable, good quality consumer product, it is desirable for the tablets to be robust. The tablets should be robust to improve shelf-life and/or to withstand storage and transportation without breaking. Ideally, the tablet should stay intact until it is used by a consumer, since then the amount of the product contained within the tablet will be known. Accordingly, the manufacturer's intended amount of product per tablet may be delivered reliably and repeatably to the consumer. In some embodiments, the artefacts, e. g. tablets, may be soluble, typically in water, e. g. to produce a beverage or food product, when laundering clothes or to produce a medicinal product. The artefacts can have any shape. Artefacts which are shaped and dimensioned such that they have a reduced tendency to stack and/or lock and/or bridge within the container may be preferred. For example, artefacts may be cylindrical (elongate cylinders or coin-, disc- or puck-shaped cylinders), spherical, in the form of a part sphere (e. g. hemispherical, a spherical cap, or a spherical segment), ovoidal, polyhedral or part polyhedral, pyramidal, cube shaped, in the shape of a prism (e. g. a square or rectangular or triangular or rhombus based prism), tubular, capsule shaped, ring shaped, doughnut shaped or the like. Modified versions of such shapes may also be used, e. g. they may be modified to include an additional shaped portion, such as one or more protrusions or spikes extending from the outer surface, and/or one or more bands or rings extending around some or all of an outer circumference. It may be that a band or ring is located at or near a midpoint of the artefact. For example, a sphere may be modified to include a band or ring, that extends around all of its outer circumferenc e. This may be a "lollipop" type shape. In one embodiment, the artefacts may have a spherical shape, a capsule shape, a modified sphere shape, such as the shape of a sphere with a surrounding band or ring around its outer surface (e.g. a lollipop shape), or a ring or doughnut shape.

Typically, the artefacts may have one or more rounded edges and/or corners. Rounded edges and/or corners may be useful in limiting damage of the tablets during storage and/or transportation and/or use, e.g. as a result of collisions with other tablets within a container.

Artefacts having an at least partially rounded shape may flow past one another relatively well within the container and may be relatively resistant to being damaged within the container. Accordingly, artefacts having an at least partially rounded shape may be particularly amenable to being dispensed from the container. The artefact may be soluble in water. For instance, the artefact may be added to a liquid such as water in the preparation of a beverage. The dissolution of the tablet in the liquid may provide some entertainment during preparation of the beverage. In an embodiment, the artefact may comprise an effervescent composition. Accordingly, the artefact may effervesce when it is dissolved in a liquid, e.g. water. Effervescence may provide additional entertainment, e.g. in the preparation of a beverage. The appeal of the beverage to children may consequently be enhanced. In an embodiment, the artefacts may be beverage tablets thatcanbe dissolved in water (or, optionally, another drinkable aqueous liquid) to form a beverage.

In an embodiment, a tablet for use in preparing a beverage may comprise an effervescent agent and/or a flavouring agent. The effervescent agent may comprise sodium bicarbonate. In an embodiment, a tablet for use in preparing a beverage may comprise sodium bicarbonate and citric acid. The provision of an effervescent agent may provide additional entertainment during the preparation of a beverage. The combination of a tablet shape having a relatively high surface area and an effervescent agent may make for a relatively rapid and dramatic dissolution of the tablet and consequently a higher level of entertainment.

The tablet may further comprise one or more dis integrants, one or more binders and/or one or more lubricants. In an embodiment, the tablet may comprise an effervescent composition comprising: a) effervescent agent comprising a combination of an acid and a base, this effervescent agent being present in an amount of 40% or more by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, b) dis integrant, this disintegrant being present in an amount of up to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, c) binder, this binder being present in an amount of up to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, d) lubricant, this lubricant being present in an amount up to 8% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, and e) flavouring agent, this flavouring agent being present in an amount up to 8% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. When a tablet comprising an effervescent composition is dropped into water, the acid (or acids) present react with the base (or bases) to release carbon dioxide, which produces the desired effervescence. When a tablet comprising an effervescent composition has the shape of a sphere or modified sphere, e.g. with a surrounding band or ring around its outer surface, the tablet can show a rocking movement as the carbon dioxide is released and as the tablet dissolves. This may be beneficial in terms of enhancing its appeal to children.

The use of a combination of effervescent agent, disintegrant, binder, lubricant and flavouring agent may be beneficial in that it enables a tablet to be produced that has good hardness, that dissolves quickly in water to provide a flavoured beverage, and where the tablet shows a rocking movement as the tablet dissolves, giving rise to "theatre" and a visual appeal to children. Tablets comprising the effervescent composition may have one or more of the following characteristics and advantages: (a) the ability to form a high quality beverage having an excellent taste and aroma; (b) the ability to quickly dissolve in water with no stirring; (c) no tendency to form unsightly insoluble deposits on the bottom of the vessel containing the beverage; (d) the ability to be rapidly soluble but structurally strong; (e) the ability to be formulated as voluminous or shaped tablets; and (f) the ability to be non-friable, so the tablets do not quickly collapse or break when added to water, before being fully dissolved, and therefore they do not leave undissolved particles. Typically, the artefacts may be denser than water. The artefacts may have a density of at least 1.1 g/cm³. The artefacts may have a density of up to or at least 1.25 g/cm³, up to or at least 1.5 g/cm³ or up to or at least 2 g/cm³. The artefacts may have a density of up to 3 g/cm³. In an embodiment, the artefacts may have a density of around 1.35 g/cm³.

Optionally, the artefacts may be coated with various coatings known in the art to modify the flavours, tastes, colours, and shapes of the artefacts. The artefacts may have utility in a wide range of commercial and industrial fields, not limited to beverages. For instance, the artefacts may have utility in the delivery of soluble or non-soluble consumer or industrial products. In an embodiment, the artefact(s) may comprise a food or drinkproduct. For instance, the artefact(s) may be soluble, e.g. in a quantity of water or milk, to provide a food product such as a cooking product, a sauce or a stock. Alternatively, the tablet may be soluble, e.g. in a quantity of water or milk, to provide a hot or cold, still or carbonated beverage. The artefact could comprise a confectionery item such as a sweet or chocolate. The artefact could comprise animal feed, bird feed, pet food or plant food. The artefact could comprise a water purification tablet.

In an embodiment, the artefact may comprise a household or home care product, e.g. a cleaning agent. The tablet could have utility in cleaning toilets, sinks, showers and baths and/or in unblocking plugholes, toilets, drains or pipes. The artefact could have utility in cleaning clothes, e.g. the tablet could comprise a laundry detergent or fabric softener or conditioner.

In an embodiment, the artefact may comprise a personal care product such as toiletries or cosmetics.

In an embodiment, the artefact may comprise a medicament or a supplement. The artefact comprising the medicament or supplementmay be dissolved in water before being taken, typically orally, by an individual. Alternatively, an individual could take the medicament by allowing the artefact comprising the medicament to dissolve in his mouth. Alternatively, the artefact comprising the medicament could be swallowed whole and allowed to dissolve within the body. By varying and/or controlling the composition and/or geometry (size and shape) of the artefact, the dissolution behaviour of the artefact within the bodymay be relatively predictable. Accordingly, the artefact may provide a degree of control over the release of a medicament or supplement within the body.

The artefact could comprise a product for consumption by a human or an animal. The artefact could comprise a garden product such as a plant food, a weedkiller or a product for use in cleaning outdoor furniture and/or surfaces such as patios, driveways or decking. The artefact could comprise a colour- imparting product such as a pigment, a dye or a paint.

The artefacts could comprise a motoring product. The artefacts could comprise an additive for a fuel.

The artefacts could comprise a lubricant, a detergent or an anti-freezing agent.

The artefacts could comprise toys or novelty items. For instance, the artefacts could comprise marbles, stones, collectible items or the like.

The artefacts could comprise high value ingredients or items .

Claims

1. A container comprising: a chamber for containing one or more artefacts; at least one receiving means for receiving an artefact; an actuation means operable to actuate the receiving means to move from a collecting position to a dispensing position, wherein, in the collecting position, the receiving means is in communication with the chamber such that the artefact is received by the receiving means, and wherein, when the receiving means is in the dispensing position the artefact is dispensed from the container.

2. A container according to claim 1, wherein the receiving means is sized and dimensioned to receive a single artefact.

3. A container according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the receiving means comprises a receiving cavity.

4. A container according to claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the container is at least partially sealed, when the receiving means is in the receiving position.

5. A container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the container is at least partially sealed, when the receiving means is in the dispensing position.

6. A container according to any one of the preceding claims comprising one or more seals and/or valves to control air and/or moisture flow into and/or out of the chamber.

7. A container according to any one of the preceding claims comprising one or more guides arranged within the chamber to direct the artefacts towards the receiving means when the receiving means is in the receiving position.

8. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuation means is biased, such that, in use, the receiving means returns automatically to the collecting position after an artefact has been dispensed from the container.

9. A container according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein upon actuation the receiving means move linearly, rotationally or helically from the collecting position to the dispensing position.

10. A container according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the actuation means is configured to be pressed, lifted, pulled and/or twisted.

1 1. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuation means comprises a button, a drawer, a lid, or a twistable element.

12. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more baffles are arranged within the chamber.

13. A container according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a desicc ant to keep the environment within the chamber dry.

14. A container according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein at least a portion of the container is at least partially transparent.

15. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container is substantially rigid, semi-rigid or at least partially collapsible.

16. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container is provided at least partially within shrink wrap.

17. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container is configured to provide audible and/or tactile feedback to a user when an artefact is dispensed from the container.

18. A container comprising: a chamber for containing one or more artefacts ; an outlet with a valve; an artefact dispensing element; and an actuation means operable to actuate the artefact dispensing element to cause an artefact to move out of the container through the valve, thereby dispensing the artefact.

19. A container according to claim 18, wherein the artefact dispensing element pushes the artefact out of the container through the valve.

20. A container according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the artefact dispensing element comprises a receiving means for receiving an artefact.

21. A container comprising: a chamber for containing one or more artefacts, the chamber having an orifice sized and dimensioned to allow a single artefact to pass through the orifice at a particular time; and a container outlet; wherein the container is configured such that an artefact cannot be dispensed from the container without a user manipulating the container in such a way as to cause the artefact to pass from the orifice to the container outlet.

22. A container according to claim 21, wherein the user causes the artefact to pass from the orifice to the container outlet by operating an actuation means.

23. A container according to claim 22, wherein the actuation means is operable to actuate a receiving means from a collecting position to a dispensing position.

24. A container according to claim 23, wherein the receiving means is sized and dimensioned to receive a single artefact.

25. A container according to any one of claims 1 to 24, the container comprising one or more artefacts.

26. A container according to claim 25, wherein the artefacts comprise tablets which are shaped and dimensioned such that they have a reduced tendency to stack and/or lock and/or bridge within the container.

27. A package containing a plurality of containers according to any one of claims 1 to 26.

28. A use of a container according to any one of claims 1 to 26 to dispense an artefact.

29. A method of preparing a product comprising dispensing one or more artefact from a container according to any one of claims 1 to 26.

30. A container substantially as described herein with reference to th accompanying drawings .