Container and bag apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a container having a hollow shell defining a body with a dispensing aperture, and a bag within the shell, the open end of the bag extending through the dispensing aperture and being secured with respect to the outside of the shell. The bag is made from a material suitable for containing the intended contents of the container. The shell may be formed from a material that would not be suitable for containing the intended contents of the container alone. The shell may be formed from a biodegradable material, such as wood or paper pulp. The bag may be separated from the main body of the container to allow for separate disposal. The container may be sealed by providing a spout through which the contents of the container are to be dispensed, and by folding the spout over to create a nip which seals the container.

1 . A container comprising a hollow shell defining the container body and including a dispensing aperture, and a bag or liner provided within the shell, the hollow shell formed from a recycled and/or biodegradable pulp material, the shell being moulded as an open shell which is folded to form the hollow shell or in which the shell is formed from a plurality of separate parts which are joined together to form the hollow shell. 
     
     
         2 . A container according to  claim 1 , in which the bag or liner is arranged to contain the contents of the container for dispensing through the dispensing aperture of the hollow shell. 
     
     
         3 . A container according to  claim 1 , in which the hollow shell is formed from wood pulp or paper pulp. 
     
     
         4 . A container according to  claim 3 , in which the hollow shell is formed by vacuum forming the wood pulp or paper pulp. 
     
     
         5 . A container according to  claim 1 , in which the container includes a seal for sealing the dispensing aperture comprising a plug or stopper which is removable and replaceable in the dispensing aperture of the container, a foil or other layer which seals the dispensing opening of the container and is peelable or otherwise removable from the opening when the contents are to be dispensed, or a screw cap. 
     
     
         6 . A container according to  claim 1 , in which the dispensing aperture is resealable. 
     
     
         7 . A container according to  claim 1 , in which the portion of the bag or liner provided within the hollow shell has a maximum internal volume greater than the internal volume of the shell. 
     
     
         8 . A container according to  claim 1 , in which the bag or liner is provided loosely within the shell. 
     
     
         9 . A container according to  claim 1 , in which the bag or liner is formed of a biodegradable material. 
     
     
         10 . A container according to  claim 1 , in which the hollow shell is provided with a moisture resistant covering on the outer surface. 
     
     
         11 . A container according to  claim 1 , in which the shell includes an accelerator that helps promote the degradation of the shell after use. 
     
     
         12 . A container according to  claim 1 , in which the container includes a spout or neck portion that is formed separately from the remainder of the shell. 
     
     
         13 . A container according to  claim 12 , in which the spout or neck portion includes a flange or extension member for connection to the hollow shell. 
     
     
         14 . A container according to  claim 13 , in which the spout or neck portion is attached to the hollow shell by an adhesive or mechanical connection. 
     
     
         15 . A container according to  claim 12 , in which the bag or liner is attached to the spout or neck portion before the spout or neck portion is attached to the hollow shell. 
     
     
         16 . A container according to  claim 1 , in which the shell includes at least one an extension portion, tab or similar feature arranged to extend over and attach to another portion of the shell to assemble the hollow shell. 
     
     
         17 . A container according to  claim 1 , in which the shell includes one or more flanges that are joined together to join one or more parts of the shell. 
     
     
         18 . A container according to  claim 17 , in which the flange includes an opening to define a handle portion for holding the container. 
     
     
         19 . A container according to  claim 18 , including an extension piece arranged to be folded over the flange so that the handle portion has multiple thicknesses of material to provide a strong handle.