A DISPENSING APPARATUS

Abstract

 A dispensing apparatus comprising: a first component (2) configured to be engagable with an opening of a container; a second component (4) movably mounted on the first component, the second component having a dispensing opening (5) and at least one inlet opening (6) and having an arrangement for communicating fluid therebetween. The dispensing opening being for pouring the contents of the container into a receptacle for receiving dispensable contents of the container; the second component being movable relative to the first component such that the dispensing apparatus has at least a first dispensing position wherein the inlet opening (6) is positioned to allow entry of the contents of the container and subsequent dispensing of the contents via the fluid communicating arrangement and through the dispensing opening (5), and a second non-dispensing position wherein the inlet opening (6) is positioned such that the contents of the container cannot enter therethrough; the dispensing apparatus has an arrangement (8) for moving the first component and second component relative to one another between the dispensing position and non-dispensing position whilst the dispensing opening is locatable in the receptacle for receiving dispensable contents of the container.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispensing apparatus and in particular to a dispensing apparatus for the controlled dispensing of the contents of a container.

[0002] The dispensing of liquids or other flowable contents from containers takes many forms from a simple opening to complicated measuring and controlling systems. In terms of manual dispensing from a container in particular, certain options exist which permit a user to have greater control over the dispensing process than they would have with a simple opening. These solutions range from spouts which can be wedged into the opening of a bottle to reduce and better target the flow, to more complicated devices involving measurement such as those utilised to accurately dispense liquor.

[0003] Whilst the available dispensing devices do partially address some of the issues with regards to dispensing accurately and consistently, none provide a device which is simple to use, reduces the likelihood of unwanted spillages, and allows for better control during the entire dispensing process, whilst maintaining a simple structure.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate the problem of providing a dispensing apparatus which maintains a simple structure yet provides control throughout the dispensing process.

[0005] Accordingly, the present invention provides a dispensing apparatus comprising;

a first component configured to be engagable with an opening of a container;

a second component movably mounted on the first component and the second component having a dispensing opening and at least one inlet opening and having means for communicating fluid therebetween, the dispensing opening being for pouring the contents of the container into a receptacle for receiving dispensable contents of the container;

the second component being movable relative to the first component such that the dispensing apparatus has at least a first dispensing position wherein the inlet opening is positioned to allow entry of the contents of the container and subsequent dispensing of the contents via the fluid communicating means and through the dispensing opening, and a second non-dispensing position wherein the inlet opening is positioned such that the contents of the container cannot enter therethrough;
wherein the dispensing apparatus has means for moving the first component and second component relative to one another between the dispensing position and non-dispensing position whilst the dispensing opening is locatable in the receptacle for receiving dispensable contents of the container.

[0006] Advantageously, the dispensing apparatus can be closed even whilst dispensing which negates the requirement to remove the dispensing apparatus or part thereof from the receptacle prior to closing the dispensing apparatus, providing a more controlled dispense of material and a reduced likelihood of spillage outside the intended vessel into which the material is being dispensed.

[0007] Ideally, the dispensing opening is insertable into a receptacle for receiving dispensed contents of the container.

[0008] Ideally, the receptacle is a receptacle designed for consumption of a fluid.

[0009] Preferably, the receptacle is a cup, glass, bottle, or any other such receptacle designed for consumption of a fluid.

[0010] Preferably, the first component comprises a generally tubular portion.

[0011] Ideally, the generally tubular portion of the first component extends from a rim portion of the first component configured to be engagable with an opening of a container.

[0012] Ideally, the generally tubular portion of the first component has a through channel formed therein.

[0013] Preferably, the second component comprises a generally tubular portion.

[0014] Ideally, the generally tubular portion of the second component has a through channel formed therein.

[0015] Ideally, the generally tubular portion of the second component has the least one dispensing opening at a first end.

[0016] Preferably, the generally tubular portion of the second component comprises at least one inlet opening at or about a second end distal the first end.

[0017] Ideally, the dispensing opening and inlet opening of the second component are in fluid communication with one another via the through channel formed in the second component.

[0018] Preferably, the generally tubular portion of the second component has a closed base at its end distal the first end having the dispensing opening.

[0019] Preferably, the dispensing apparatus has means for moving the first component and the second component relative to one another between the dispensing position and non-dispensing position whilst the dispensing apparatus is being actively utilized to dispense the contents of the container.

[0020] Ideally, the generally tubular portion of the first component comprises a wall section defining the through channel therein.

[0021] Preferably, the wall section of the generally tubular portion of the first component is a cavity wall section comprising an inner wall portion which defines the through channel of the first component.

[0022] Preferably, the wall section comprises an outer wall portion which extends around the inner wall portion.

[0023] Ideally, the wall section comprises a gap between the inner wall portion and the outer wall portion.

[0024] Preferably, the generally tubular portion of the second component has a substantially similar cross sectional shape to the generally tubular portion of the first component.

[0025] Preferably, the generally tubular portion of the second component and the generally tubular portion of the first component are of generally circular cross sectional shape although other shapes of cross section are possible.

[0026] Ideally, the generally tubular portion of the second component containing the inlet opening is of a size such that it is slidable within an internal through channel of the generally tubular portion of the first component.

[0027] Ideally, the generally tubular portion of the second component is of a size such that it is slidable within the through channel of the generally tubular portion of the first component leaving minimal clearance between the generally tubular portion of the second component and the inner wall of the generally tubular portion of the first component.

[0028] Preferably, the generally tubular portion of the second component and the generally tubular portion of the first component are slidable or movable telescopically.

[0029] Ideally, the portion of the first component configured to be engagable with an opening of a container is configured to be threaded onto a threaded top of a bottle.

[0030] Preferably, when attached to a container, the end of the second component having the at least one inlet opening is closer to the container than the end having the at least one dispensing opening.

[0031] Ideally, the at least one inlet opening is locatable on a side wall of the generally tubular portion of the second component, most preferably, proximal to the base.

[0032] Advantageously, this reduces the travel to achieve the dispensing position.

[0033] Ideally, the second component is movable such that the at least one inlet opening is wholly or partially in fluid communication with the interior of the container.

[0034] Preferably, when the second component is moved towards the container into a dispensing position, at least a portion of at least one inlet opening extends beyond the first component which forms a fluid passage for the contents of the container between the inlet opening and the dispensing opening.

[0035] Preferably, the at least one inlet opening is locatable such that in use, when the second component is moved away from the container into a non-dispensing condition, the inlet opening is moved such that it is entirely enclosed in the through channel of the generally tubular portion of the first component thereby closing off the fluid passage for the contents of the container.

[0036] Ideally, the at least one inlet opening is locatable such that in use, when the second component is moved away from the container into a non-dispensing condition, the inlet opening is moved such that it is covered by the inside wall of the generally tubular portion of the first component.

[0037] Preferably, the first component and/or the second component have seal means for sealing between the first and second component.

[0038] Preferably, the second component has seal means locatable between the at least one inlet opening and the end of the second component distal the end having the dispensing opening.

[0039] The seal means of the second component extend around the entire outer circumference of the tubular portion of the second component.

[0040] Ideally, the first component has seal means distal its end having the dispensing opening.

[0041] Preferably, the seal means of the first component is locatable such that in the non-dispensing position the seal means of the first component is in contact with the second component at a point on the side wall of the second component between the base and the at least one inlet opening.

[0042] Ideally, the first component and the second component have seal members which act together to form a seal when aligned in the non-dispensing position.

[0043] Ideally, in the non-dispensing position, the base of the second component is locatable such that it prevents movement of the contents of the container into the through channel of the first component via the at least one inlet opening of the second component.

[0044] Ideally, in the non-dispensing position, at least a portion of the base of the second component is locatable at the opening of the rim portion of the first component, just inside the through channel of the first component.

[0045] Preferably, the base of the second component is of a size such that, either alone or in combination with the seal means, the base of the second component is such that it contacts the entire inner perimeter of the through channel of the first component.

[0046] Ideally, when the second component is moved away from the container into a non-dispensing condition, the seal means form a seal with at least a portion of the first component.

[0047] Advantageously, when the second component is moved away from the container into a non-dispensing condition, the contents of the container cannot enter through channel of the second component and travel to the dispensing opening.

[0048] Preferably, the second component has an outer skirt portion.

[0049] Ideally, the outer skirt comprises a first portion extending generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second component.

[0050] Preferably, the first portion of the outer skirt portion is locatable at or about the end of the second component having the dispensing opening.

[0051] Ideally, the outer skirt portion further comprises a downwardly depending portion extending generally perpendicular from the end of the first portion of the outer skirt distal the end which extends from the second component.

[0052] Preferably, the downwardly depending portion of the outer skirt portion extends generally parallel to the longitudinal direction of the second component.

[0053] Ideally, the outer skirt portion forms a circumferential channel around the perimeter of the second component between an outer surface of the generally tubular portion of the second component and an inner surface of the outer skirt portion.

[0054] Ideally, the outer skirt portion forms a circumferential channel around the perimeter of the second component between an outer surface of the generally tubular portion of the second component and an inner surface of the downwardly depending portion of the outer skirt portion.

[0055] Preferably, the circumferential channel has a width such that the cavity wall section of the generally tubular portion of the first component is slidable into and out of the circumferential channel.

[0056] Ideally, when the uppermost portion of the cavity wall section of the first component contacts the first portion of the outer skirt of the second component, the first component cannot move further and as such the contact of these two components acts as a stop.

[0057] Ideally, the height of the cavity wall section of the first component and the depth of the circumferential channel formed by the outer skirt are such that when the uppermost portion of the cavity wall section of the first component contacts the first portion of the outer skirt of the second component, the at least one inlet opening is moved into the container.

[0058] Preferably, the height of the cavity wall section of the first component and the depth of the circumferential channel formed by the outer skirt are such that when the second component is moved away from the container into the non-dispensing condition such that the seal means forms a seal with at least a portion of the first component, the cavity wall section of the first component is at least partially inserted in the circumferential channel of the second component.

[0059] Ideally, the means for moving the first and second components relative to one another between the dispensing position and non-dispensing position comprises moving means.

[0060] Preferably, the means for moving the first and second components relative to one another between the dispensing position and non-dispensing position comprises moving means extending laterally from the second component for contacting the receptacle.

[0061] Ideally, the means for moving the first and second components relative to one another between the dispensing position and non-dispensing position comprises receptacle contact means.

[0062] Preferably, the moving means is configured to contact the rim of a receptacle.

[0063] Ideally, the moving means is locatable on the second component.

[0064] Preferably, the moving means is locatable on the second component such that the portion of the second component having the dispensing opening projects from an upper side of the receptacle contact means which faces the receptacle when dispensing into the receptacle.

[0065] Advantageously, the dispensing opening can be placed at least partially into a receptacle whilst the moving means rests upon the lip of the receptacle, which not only allows for more accurate dispensing into the receptacle but allows movement of the second component from the dispensing position to the non-dispensing position by manipulation of the moving means whilst the dispensing opening is still located in the receptacle.

[0066] Ideally, the portion of the second component which projects from the upper side of the moving means forms a spout or other such feature designed to facilitate pouring.

[0067] Preferably, there is one dispensing opening.

[0068] Preferably, there is more than one inlet opening.

[0069] Most preferably, there are two inlet openings.

[0070] Ideally, the dispensing apparatus is biased into the non-dispensing position.

[0071] Ideally, the dispensing apparatus is biased into the non-dispensing position by one or more biasing means such as a spring.

[0072] Preferably, the second component is biased such that it is encouraged away from the container unless manipulated by a user.

[0073] Ideally, the second component is biased away from the container by one or more biasing means such as a spring.

[0074] Ideally, a biasing means is disposed in the circumferential channel of the second component.

[0075] Preferably, the one or more springs are locatable in the circumferential channel of the second component.

[0076] Ideally, the one or more springs are compressible between the uppermost portion of the cavity wall section of the first component and the first portion of the outer skirt of the second portion.

[0077] The skilled man will appreciate that all preferred or optional features of the invention described with reference to only some aspects or embodiments of the invention may be applied to all aspects of the invention.

[0078] It will be appreciated that optional features applicable to one aspect of the invention can be used in any combination, and in any number. Moreover, they can also be used with any of the other aspects of the invention in any combination and in any number. This includes, but is not limited to, the dependent claims from any claim being used as dependent claims for any other claim in the claims of this application.

[0079] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which show by way of example only one embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the invention. In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the dispensing apparatus in the non-dispensing condition;

Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the dispensing apparatus;

Figure 3 is a side view of the dispensing apparatus;

Figure 4 is a sectional view of the dispensing apparatus taken through section A-A of figure 3; and

Figure 5 is a sectional view of the dispensing apparatus taken through section A-A of figure 3 and showing biasing members.

[0080] In the drawings, there is shown a dispensing apparatus indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 comprising a first component 2 configured to be engagable with an opening of a container 3 and a second component 4 movably mountable in relation to the first component. The second component 4 having dispensing opening 5 and two inlet openings 6 and having a through channel 7 for communicating fluid therebetween. The dispensing opening 5 being for pouring the contents of the container 3 into a receptacle for receiving dispensable contents of the container 3.

[0081] The second component 4 is slidable relative to the first component 2 such that the dispensing apparatus 1 has a first dispensing position wherein the inlet openings 6 is positioned to allow entry of the contents of the container 3 and subsequent dispensing of the contents via the through channel 7 and through the dispensing opening 5. The second component 4 further having a second non-dispensing position wherein the inlet opening 6 is positioned such that the contents of the container 2 cannot enter therethrough. The dispensing apparatus 1 has a movement member 8 for moving the first component 2 and second component 4 relative to one another between the dispensing position and non-dispensing position whilst the dispensing opening 5 is locatable in the receptacle for receiving dispensable contents of the container. The dispensing apparatus 1 can therefore be closed just after dispensing which negates the requirement to remove the dispensing apparatus 1 or part thereof from the receptacle prior to closing the dispensing apparatus 1, providing a more controlled dispense of material and a reduced likelihood of spillage outside the intended vessel into which the material is being dispensed.

[0082] The dispensing opening 5 is insertable into a receptacle for receiving dispensed contents of the container, the receptacle being a receptacle designed for consumption of a fluid such as a cup, glass, or bottle.

[0083] The first component 2 comprises a generally tubular portion 9 which extends from a rim portion 10 of the first component configured to be engaged with an opening of a container 3. The rim 10 of the first component 2 configured to be engaged with an opening of a container 3 is configured to be threaded onto a threaded top of a bottle. The generally tubular portion 9 of the first component 2 has a through channel formed therein 11. The second component 4 comprises a generally tubular portion 12 which has the through channel 7 formed therein. The dispensing opening 5 and inlet openings 6 of the second component 4 are in fluid communication with one another via the through channel 7 formed in the second component 4 and the generally tubular portion 7 of the second component 4 has a closed base 13 at its end distal the end having the dispensing opening 5.

[0084] The generally tubular portion 9 of the first component 2 comprises a cavity wall section comprising an inner wall 14 portion which defines the through channel 11 of the first component 4, and an outer wall portion 15 which extends around the inner wall portion 14. The cavity wall section further comprises a gap 16 between the inner wall portion 14 and the outer wall portion 15.

[0085] The generally tubular portion 12 of the second component 4 and the generally tubular portion 9 of the first component 2 are of generally circular cross sectional shape and the generally tubular portion 12 of the second component 4 containing the inlet opening 6 is of a size such that it is slidable within the through channel 11 of the first component 2 with minimal clearance between the two components 2, 4.

[0086] When attached to a container 3, the end of the second component 4 having the inlet openings 6 is closer to the container 3 than the end having the at least one dispensing opening 5. The inlet openings 6 are locatable on a side wall of the generally tubular portion 12 of the second component 4, proximal to the base 13. This reduces the travel to achieve the dispensing position. The second component 4 is movable such that the inlet openings 6 are wholly or partially in fluid communication with the interior of the container 3. When the second component 4 is moved towards the container 3 into a dispensing position, the inlet openings 6 extend beyond the first component 2 which forms a fluid passage for the contents of the container 3 between the inlet openings 6 and the dispensing opening 5. The inlet openings 6 are located such that in use, when the second component 4 is moved away from the container 3 into a non-dispensing condition, the inlet openings 6 are moved such that they are entirely enclosed in the through channel 11 of the first component 2, thereby closing off the fluid passage for the contents of the container 3. The inlet openings 6 in the non-dispensing condition are moved such that they are covered by the inside wall 14 of the first component 2.

[0087] The second component 4 has seal members 17 located between the inlet openings 6 and the base 13 of the second component 4. The seal members 17 extend around the entire outer circumference of the tubular portion 12 of the second component 4.

[0088] In an alternative embodiment not shown in the drawings, the first component 2 alone has seal members, the seal members of the first component 2 being located such that in the non-dispensing position they are in contact with the second component 4 at a point on the side wall of the second component 4 between the base 13 and the inlet openings 6.

[0089] In yet another alternative embodiment not shown in the drawings, the first component 2 and the second component 4 may have seal members which act together to form a seal when aligned in the non-dispensing position.

[0090] In the non-dispensing position, the base 13 of the second component 4 is located such that it prevents movement of the contents of the container 3 into the through channel 11 of the first component 2 via the inlet openings 6 of the second component 4. The base 13 of the second component is located at the opening of the rim 10 portion of the first component 2, just inside the through channel 11 of the first component 2. The base 13 of the second component 4 is of a size such that, in combination with the seal means 17, the base of the second component is such that it contacts the entire inner perimeter of the through channel 11 of the first component 2.

[0091] The second component 4 has an outer skirt portion 18 comprising a first portion 19 extending generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second component 4, the first portion 19 of the outer skirt portion 18 being locatable at or about the end of the second component 4 having the dispensing opening 5. The outer skirt portion 18 further comprises a downwardly depending portion 20 extending generally perpendicular from the end of the first portion 19 of the outer skirt 18 distal the end which extends from the second component 4. The downwardly depending portion 20 of the outer skirt portion 18 extends generally parallel to the longitudinal direction of the second component 4. The outer skirt portion 18 forms a circumferential channel 21 around the perimeter of the second component 4 between an outer surface of the generally tubular portion 12 of the second component 4 and an inner surface of the downwardly depending portion 20 of the outer skirt portion 18.

[0092] The circumferential channel 21 has a width such that the cavity wall section of the generally tubular portion 9 of the first component 2 is slidable into and out of the circumferential channel 21. When the uppermost portion 22 of the cavity wall section of the first component 2 contacts the first portion 19 of the outer skirt 18 of the second component 4, the first component 2 cannot move further and as such the contact of these two components acts as a stop. The height of the cavity wall section of the first component 2 and the depth of the circumferential channel 21 formed by the outer skirt 18 are such that when the uppermost portion 22 of the cavity wall section of the first component contacts the first portion 19 of the outer skirt 18 of the second component 4, the inlet openings 6 are moved into the container 3. In addition, the height of the cavity wall section of the first component 2 and the depth of the circumferential channel 21 formed by the outer skirt 18 are such that when the second component 4 is moved away from the container 3 into the non-dispensing position such that the seal means 17 forms a seal with at least a portion of the first component 2, the cavity wall section of the first component 2 is at least partially inserted in the circumferential channel 21 of the outer skirt 18.

[0093] The movement member 8 for moving the first and second components 2, 4 relative to one another between the dispensing position and non-dispensing position extends laterally from the second component 4 like a pair of wings and is capable of contacting a receptacle (not shown), being configured in one embodiment to contact the rim of a receptacle. The moving member 8 is locatable on the second component 4 such that the portion of the second component 4 having the dispensing opening 5 projects from an upper side of the moving member 8 which faces the receptacle when dispensing into the receptacle. As a result, the dispensing opening 5 can be placed at least partially into a receptacle whilst the moving member 8 rests upon the lip of the receptacle, which not only allows for more accurate dispensing into the receptacle but allows movement of the second component 4 from the dispensing position to the non-dispensing position by manipulation of the moving member 8 whilst the dispensing opening 5 is still located in the receptacle. The portion of the second component 4 which projects from the upper side of the moving member 8 forms a spout 23 designed to facilitate pouring.

[0094] In one embodiment shown in figure 5, the dispensing apparatus 1 is biased into the non-dispensing position by one or more biasing members 25 such as a spring, such that the second component 4 is encouraged away from the container 3 unless manipulated by a user. The biasing members 25 are located in the circumferential channel 21 of the second component 4 and are compressible between the uppermost portion 22 of the cavity wall section of the first component 2 and the first portion 19 of the outer skirt 18 of the second portion 4.

[0095] In relation to the detailed description of the different embodiments of the invention, it will be understood that one or more technical features of one embodiment can be used in combination with one or more technical features of any other embodiment where the transferred use of the one or more technical features would be immediately apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art to carry out a similar function in a similar way on the other embodiment.

[0096] In the preceding discussion of the invention, unless stated to the contrary, the disclosure of alternative values for the upper or lower limit of the permitted range of a parameter, coupled with an indication that one of the said values is more highly preferred than the other, is to be construed as an implied statement that each intermediate value of said parameter, lying between the more preferred and the less preferred of said alternatives, is itself preferred to said less preferred value and also to each value lying between said less preferred value and said intermediate value.

[0097] The features disclosed in the foregoing description or the following drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing a disclosed function, or a method or a process of attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may separately, or in any combination of such features be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A dispensing apparatus comprising: a first component configured to be engagable with an opening of a container; a second component movably mounted on the first component, the second component having a dispensing opening and at least one inlet opening and having means for communicating fluid therebetween, the dispensing opening being for pouring the contents of the container into a receptacle for receiving dispensable contents of the container; the second component being movable relative to the first component such that the dispensing apparatus has at least a first dispensing position wherein the inlet opening is positioned to allow entry of the contents of the container and subsequent dispensing of the contents via the fluid communicating means and through the dispensing opening, and a second non-dispensing position wherein the inlet opening is positioned such that the contents of the container cannot enter therethrough; wherein the dispensing apparatus has means for moving the first component and second component relative to one another between the dispensing position and non-dispensing position whilst the dispensing opening is locatable in the receptacle for receiving dispensable contents of the container.

2. A dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first component comprises a generally tubular portion having a through channel wherein the generally tubular portion of the first component extends from a rim portion of the first component configured to be engagable with an opening of a container.

3. A dispensing apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the second component comprises a generally tubular portion having a through channel formed therein.

4. A dispensing apparatus as claimed claim 3, wherein the generally tubular portion of the second component comprises the dispensing opening at a first end and at least one inlet opening at or about a second end distal the first end.

5. A dispensing apparatus as claimed claim 3 and 4, wherein the dispensing opening and inlet opening of the second component are in fluid communication with one another via the through channel formed in the second component.

6. A dispensing apparatus as claimed in claims 2 and 3, wherein the generally tubular portion of the second component containing the inlet opening is of a size such that it is slidable within the through channel of the generally tubular portion of the first component and the generally tubular portion of the second component and the generally tubular portion of the first component are slidable or movable telescopically.

7. A dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one inlet opening is locatable on a side wall of the generally tubular portion of the second component and wherein the second component is movable such that the at least one inlet opening is wholly or partially in fluid communication with the interior of the container.

8. A dispensing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first component and/or the second component have seal means for sealing between the first and second components.

9. A dispensing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing apparatus is normally biased into the non-dispensing position.

10. A dispensing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for moving the first and second components relative to one another between the dispensing position and the non-dispensing position comprises moving means extending laterally from the second component for contacting the receptacle.

11. A dispensing apparatus as claimed in any one of the claims 2 to 10, wherein the generally tubular portion of the first component comprises a wall section defining the through channel therein, the wall section of the generally tubular portion of the first component is a cavity wall section comprising an inner wall portion which defines the through channel of the first component, the wall section comprises an outer wall portion which extends around the inner wall portion, the wall section comprises a gap between the inner wall portion and the outer wall portion.

12. A dispensing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 11, wherein the second component has an outer skirt portion, the outer skirt portion forms a circumferential channel around the perimeter of the second component between an outer surface of the generally tubular portion of the second component and an inner surface of the outer skirt portion.

13. A dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 11 and 12, wherein the circumferential channel has a width such that the cavity wall section of the generally tubular portion of the first component is slidable into and out of the circumferential channel.

14. A dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein a biasing means is disposed in the circumferential channel of the second component.

15. A dispensing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 3 and 4 to 14 when dependent on claim 3, wherein the generally tubular portion of the second component has a closed base at its end distal the first end having the dispensing opening and in the non-dispensing position, the base of the second component is locatable such that it prevents movement of the contents of the container into the through channel of the first component via the at least one inlet opening of the second component.

Drawing