Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Container for a tobacco related product
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a container for a tobacco related product.
BACKGROUND
A variety of different tobacco related products is offered on the market,
wherein some of
these products do not require combustion but are intended for either oral or
nasal
administration. Examples of such products comprise chewing tobacco, smokeless
snuff and
so called "snus". Snus is a smokeless tobacco product which is provided in
loose form or in
individually wrapped pouches. As most moist tobacco products, snus is
particularly sensitive
to environmental impacts such as changes in temperature or humidity. In order
to ensure
freshness of such products they are usually delivered in substantially air
tight packages.
A typical package, e.g. for snus, is a substantially cylindrical container can
which is made
from metal or a resilient plastic material. After consumption, the used
product has to be
disposed. It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a package
for a tobacco
related product that allows for a convenient disposal of used product with
minimal
interference with unused product and decreased risk of mixing used and unused
product.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
According to an aspect of the present invention, a container for a tobacco
related product,
particularly snus, is provided. The container according to the invention
comprises a top
portion that is detachably connected to a base portion and that comprises a
cap and a lid.
The base portion comprises a storage compartment for storing the tobacco
related product
and the cap comprises a top wall configured for fully covering the storage
compartment. The
lid is swiveable about an axis of rotation that projects substantially
perpendicular to the top
wall and is configured to close at least one additional compartment that is
arranged in the top
wall of the cap.
In other words the present invention provides a container with a storage
compartment for
storing unused product that is fully enclosed between a base portion and a top
portion. Thus,
a user has to separate the top portion from the base portion for accessing the
unused
product in the storage compartment. The top portion comprises two components,
i.e. the cap
and the lid, wherein at least one additional compartment is arranged in the
cap. The
additional compartment might be a waste compartment, i.e. a compartment for
used product.
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The lid is configured to close the at least one additional compartment,
particularly by being
rotated about an axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to a
main plane of the cap.
Essentially, the lid is attached to the cap. Preferably, the lid's axis of
rotation is located in the
center of a top wall of the lid and further preferred of a top wall of the
cap. The axis of
rotation can be a virtual axis of rotation of the lid around which the lid can
be rotated.
However, it can also be a real axis, like a stud or the like that is extending
perpendicular to
the plane of the lid, preferably to an inner side of the lid, i.e. towards cap
and base portion.
In other words, the container according to the invention advantageously
comprises at least
three portions: a base portion, a cap and a lid. The unused tobacco related
product can be
arranged in the base portion. The cap is coupled to the base portion and fully
covers a
storage compartment that is surrounded by a bottom wall and a first lateral
side wall of the
base portion. Thus, the customer has to remove the cap from the base station
for grabbing
the unused tobacco related product. In other words, the cap serves to fully
cover and to
complete the inner storage compartment provided by the base portion. The lid
is arranged on
top of the cap and can be turned or rotated in order to open and close an
additional
compartment, e.g. a waste compartment, which is arranged in the cap.
In other words, the container according to the invention comprises a storage
compartment for
unused product and an additional compartment, preferably for used product,
wherein the
storage compartment and the additional compartment are distinguished spatially
and in
terms of access. Thus, a user will always be aware of which compartment he is
actually
accessing. Thus an erroneous access of the storage compartment or the
additional
compartment, particularly a disposal of used product within the unused
product, can be
avoided. In other words, the risk of bringing the content of the storage
compartment in
contact with the content of the additional compartment is minimized. Hence,
the additional
compartment can be used for substances that shall not come in contact with the
content of
the storage compartment. Thus, the usability of the additional compartment is
enhanced. =
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base portion of the
container
comprises a bottom wall and a first lateral wall that surrounds the storage
compartment.
Further, the cap comprises the top wall for covering the storage compartment
and a second
lateral wall that is configured for being connected to the first lateral wall.
The bottom wall and
the first lateral wall are preferably firmly bonded and further preferred
monolithic. Further, the
cap's top wall and the second lateral wall are preferably firmly bonded and
further preferred
monolithic. In other words, the base portion and the cap are configured to be
fixed to each
other and/or to engage with each other. The fixation or engagement may be
provided by at
least one of a screw closure, a pressure fit, a bayonet fitting, a selective
adhesive, a snap fit,
a hinged connection, a combination of protrusions and notches and a welded
connection.
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Particularly, the cap can engage with the base portion on the inside of the
base portion or the
cap can engage with the base portion on an outer surface of the base portion.
In other
words, the second lateral wall of the cap may circumferentially encompass the
first lateral
wall of the base portion, or, alternatively, the first lateral wall of the
base portion may
circumferentially encompass the second lateral wall of the cap. The connection
or coupling
between the base portion and the cap may then be provided in the area where
the two lateral
walls overlap.
In the container according to the present invention the top wall of the cap
may comprises at
least one closed section and the least one additional compartment section. The
cap may
further comprise a plurality of additional compartment sections, e.g. for
separating
compartments with different purposes, and at least one inner wall for
separating the
additional compartments. Particularly preferred, at least one additional
compartment is
configured as a depression in the top wall of the cap. In other words, by
varying the height of
the cap's top wall with respect to the lid, at least one additional
compartment can be formed
by lowering the top wall's height, i.e. by increasing the distance between the
cap's top wall
and the lid. Therein the volume of an additional compartment increases the
same amount as
the volume of the storage compartment decreases, wherein these volumes are
fully
separated by the cap's top wall.
The cap's top wall is fully closed and configured for fully covering the base
portion. Thus, the
at least one depression is connected to the non-depressed sections of the
cap's top wall by
vertical or angled wall sections. In the context of the present invention, the
non-depressed
sections are also referred to as closed sections. Preferably, the closed
sections are in close
contact with an inner side of the lid, while the lid is attached to the cap.
Particularly preferred,
all closed sections have the same height with respect to the lid, while
different additional
compartments may have different heights, forms or volumes, depending on their
intended
purpose.
Further preferred, in the container of the invention the lid preferably
comprises at least one
closed section and at least one access opening section. Particularly
preferred, the at least
one closed section of the lid has at least the size of an additional
compartment section of the
cap. By rotating the lid about the axis of rotation, the closed section of the
lid can be aligned,
i.e. brought in coincidence, with the additional compartment section. As the
closed section
has the same size, particularly preferred the same plain surface, the closed
section can fully
cover the additional compartment section. Thus, the sizing of the closed
section at least as
large as the additional compartment section allows for safely closing this
compartment.
Preferably, the size of the closed section exceeds the size of the additional
compartment.
Thus, a reliable sealing of the additional compartment can be secured by the
closed section.
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Further preferred, the at least one access opening of the lid has maximal the
size of an
additional compartment of the cap. Increasing the size of an access opening
over the size of
the additional compartment has no or only little benefit for the user, while
it minimizes the
area that is available for forming closed sections. Particularly preferred,
the size of the at
least one access opening in the lid roughly equals the size of the at least
additional
compartment in the cap. However, usually the lid will comprise a single access
opening for
being sequentially aligned with one more closed section and one or more
additional
compartments as a user usually intends to access only one compartment at a
time.
According to a further preferred embodiment of the container, at least one of
the additional
compartments of the cap, the access opening of the lid and closed sections of
the cap and
the lid is configured as circular sector and/or circular segment. In other
words, either one or
all of the closed sections, additional compartment section and access opening
section can be
circular sectors and/or circular segments. In the present context a circular
sector (or circle
sector) is the portion of a disc (circle) enclosed by two radii and an arc.
The central angle is
the angle between the two radii enclosing the sector. A sector with the
central angle of 1800
is a semicircle. Sectors with other central angles may be referred to as
quadrants (90 ),
sextants (60 ) and octants (450).
In the context of the present application, the term circular sector/section
relates to the
partitioning (dimensioning) of the areas of the top wall of the cap and the
top wall of the lid.
For example, the access opening section of the top wall of the lid is the
section in which the
opening section is located. The access opening would then basically be in the
center of this
section. The same applies to the additional compartment (for example waste
compartment)
section. The additional compartment is considered to be basically located in
the center of the
additional compartment section. However, neither does the additional
compartment itself
necessarily occupy the entire additional compartment section, nor does the
access opening
necessarily occupy the entire access opening section. According to aspects of
the invention,
there is typically a certain frame or border around the access opening and
around the
additional compartment. This frame or border is also considered part of the
respective
section. In particular, the depression for the additional compartment needs a
certain frame
for providing a smooth and stable transition between the depression and the
closed section.
In view of the above definitions, the central angle of the at least one access
opening section
of the lid may be 90 , 120 , 180 or 270 . In view of the above definitions,
the central angle of
at least one closed section of the lid may be 90 , 120 , 180 or 270 . The
central angle of at
least one closed section of the cap may be 90 , 120 , 180 or 270 .
According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
lid comprises a
radial protrusion that is configured to engage with the cap and for limiting
the maximum angle
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of rotation of the lid with respect to the cap. Therein, the radial protrusion
preferably extends
axially outwards from an outer rim of the lid's top wall. The radial
protrusion may also
protrude over an outer rim of the cap's top wall while it is particularly
preferred that the radial
protrusion is arranged mainly on top of the cap's top wall. Further preferred,
the cap
comprises at least one blocking mean that protrudes upward from the cap's top
wall, i.e.
towards the lid, and that is configured to engage with the radial protrusion.
The at least one
blocking means is preferably arranged at an outer rim of the cap's top wall.
Particularly
preferred, the lid's top wall is dimensioned such that it covers a main part
of the cap's top
wall except an outer rim of the cap's top wall. Further preferred, two
blocking means are
arranged in that rim and the radial protrusion extends radially outward into a
circular section
of that outer rim between these two blocking means. Thus, the blocking means
limit the
rotation of the lid in both directions of rotation. Alternatively preferred,
the whole outer rim
section may protrude upward from the top wall of the cap such that outer rim
and the lid may
be essentially flush. Than the blocking means may be realized by a gap in the
outer rim into
which the radial protrusion of the lid extends and. Then the radial protrusion
engages with
the sidewalls of the gap for limiting the maximum angle of the rotation of the
lid.
In a further preferred embodiment of the container, the lid further comprises
a grid element
for rotating the lid with respect to the cap. The grid element may be arranged
on the lid
additionally or alternatively to the radial protrusion. Preferably, the grid
is disposed on the top
wall of the lid and may protrude upward from the top wall of the lid. The grid
element may
further comprise an increased roughness and/or stickiness compared to the
remaining
surface of the lid's top wall. Particularly preferred, the grid element is a
rubber element that is
attached to the lid's top wall. The grid element may further comprise a
structures top wall for
enhancing the grip with respect to a user's finger to simplify the rotation of
the lid.
Further preferred, the lid comprises a stud that is protruding substantially
perpendicular from
the inner side of the lid towards the cap and the cap comprises a
corresponding recess that
is configured for engaging with the stud. According to this embodiment, the
axis of rotation
for rotating the lid with respect to the cap is a real axis that is realized
in the stud. Particularly
preferred, the connection between the stud and the recess is non-detachable,
once the stud
is inserted into the recess. Therefore, the stud preferably comprises
thickened end facing the
cap and the recess passes through the cap. If the thickened ending is pressed
through the
recess it hinders the lid to be removed from the cap again. Alternatively, the
stud comprises
a circumferential protrusion that fits into a circumferential notch of the
recess. Essentially, the
stud may be fixed into the recess using a snap fit.
According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the container according to
the invention,
the lid comprises an inner lid and an outer lid. Both lids preferably have an
essentially disc-
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shaped and essentially congruent shape. The inner lid is arranged between the
outer lid and
the cap. Further preferred, each of the inner lid and the outer lid comprises
at least one
closed section and at least one access opening section. The inner lid
preferably comprises
an access opening section and a closed section. Therein, the closed section of
the inner lid
can have at least the shape and size of an access opening section of the outer
lid.
Accordingly, the inner lid can be used to close the access opening in the
outer lid. Thus, an
additional compartment may be even closed if the closed section in the cap is
not large
enough to entirely cover an access opening in the lid.
Further preferred, the inner lid is rotatable coupled to the outer lid and at
least one of the
inner lid and the outer lid is swiveable about the axis of rotation.
Exemplarily, the outer lid
may be firmly attached to cap and not configured to rotate about the central
axis of rotation.
Then the inner lid may be actuated and rotated through an access opening of
the outer lid for
accessing the additional compartment in the cap. Further preferred, the outer
lid comprises a
stud that is protruding essentially perpendicular from its inner surface
towards the cap and
that is configured to engage with a corresponding recess of the cap. The stud
may be fixed in
the recess in a non-rotatable fashion. The stud may comprise at plurality of
protrusion that
are positioned apart from each other on the circumference of the stud and
engage with a
plurality of corresponding indents within the circumference of the recess. The
inner lid may
comprise a central opening configured for enclosing the stud that functions as
shaft for a
rotation of the inner lid around the shaft. The inner lid may also be
configured to be rotated
about the same axis of rotation about which the outer lid can be rotated.
According to a further preferred embodiment, the inner lid has an axial
protrusion which is
configured to engage with an edge of an access opening of the outer lid for
limiting the
maximum angle of rotation of the inner lid with respect to the outer lid.
According to this
aspect, the inner lid is limited in the angle of rotation about the central
axis of rotation which
can be advantageous for hygienic aspects and can also simplify the handling of
the package.
Furthermore, also the outer lid can be configured to have only a limited angle
of rotation. This
can also be useful for hygienic aspects or for simplifying the handling of the
package. The
limited angle of rotation provides that the outer lid can be rotated by 3600
or more.
In another embodiment, the inner lid can also be configured to substantially
cover the
additional compartment in the cap. It may then not be disc-shaped. The inner
lid may then
comprise a top wall that has the shape of a circle segment. The inner lid can
have a part that
can be coupled to the cap to provide a hinge about which the inner lid can be
swiveled. In
other words, the inner lid can be rotatable connected to the cap. The inner
lid can be
dimensioned and shaped such that it can only be opened when the access opening
in the
outer lid coincides substantially entirely with the inner lid. This prevents
unintended opening
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of the additional compartment. In this embodiment, the package may have a
blocking
mechanism which prevents that the outer lid is rotated over the open
additional compartment
when the inner lid is open.
According to a further preferred embodiment of the container, the outer lid
comprises a
ventilation opening that is configured to be overlapped with an access opening
of the inner lid
and for providing gas exchange between the storage compartment and the
environment. The
ventilation opening is arranged in a closed section of the outer lid. The
ventilation opening is
configured such that the tobacco related product can not pass the ventilation
opening. This
can be achieved by sizing the ventilation opening smaller than the tobacco
related product or
by disposing a mesh or grid or the like within the ventilation opening. Thus,
the inner lid may
be rotated such that an access opening coincides with the additional
compartment and the
outer lid may be rotated such that the ventilation opening coincides with the
access opening
of the inner lid. Thus, used product within the additional compartment may
become dried.
The container according to the invention may further comprise a latching
mechanism
between the lid and the cap. This latching mechanism can serve to hold the lid
in a specific
position. The latching mechanism can comprise at least one surface
protuberance (small
knuckle or bump) on the top wall of the cap or on the inner surface of the
lid. Any
protuberance can advantageously interact with a respective recess in the
respective opposite
part by engaging with a recess. The latching mechanism can be configured to
the keep the
lid at least in one open position and at least one closed position of the
access opening. The
latching mechanism can be configured to provide higher resistance when the lid
is rotated
towards opening the additional compartment (for example waste compartment)
than towards
closing the additional compartment. In this aspect of the invention, the
protuberance(s) and
respective recesses can be larger or have a specific shape such that more
force is needed to
turn the lid in a position in which the additional compartment is accessible.
The container can further comprise an additional top cap that is completely
closed (without
opening) and can be placed above the lid. This additional cap can be used when
the
container is sold and removed by the consumer when the container is opened for
the first
time. Furthermore, any access opening (either in the lid or in the cap) may be
sealed using a
transparent foil. The transparent sealing allows a visual inspection of the
content, for
example the snus pouches. This may be advantageous for optical quality
assurance during
production and storage or may allow a customer to visually inspect the tobacco
related
product prior to purchase. The foil also serves to preserve humidity and/or
flavor of the
tobacco related product.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
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Further features of the invention will become apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art by
describing in detail exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached
drawings in
which:
Fig. 1 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a closed container
according to a
first embodiment with non-accessible additional compartment;
Fig. 2 illustrates a schematic perspective view of the closed container
according to
the first embodiment with accessible additional compartment;
Fig. 3 illustrates a schematic perspective view of an opened container
according to
the first embodiment with accessible additional compartment;
Fig. 4 illustrates schematic exploded views of the container according to
the first
embodiment (A) in a first and (B) in a second perspective;
Fig. 5 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a closed container
according to a
second embodiment with non-accessible additional compartment;
Fig. 6 illustrates a schematic perspective view of the closed container
according to
the second embodiment with accessible additional compartment;
Fig. 7 illustrates schematic exploded views of the container according to
the second
embodiment (A) in a first and (B) in a second perspective;
Fig. 8 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a closed container
according to a
third embodiment with non-accessible additional compartment;
Fig. 9 illustrates a schematic perspective view of the closed container
according to
the third embodiment with accessible additional compartment;
Fig. 10 illustrates schematic exploded views of the container according to
the third
embodiment (A) in a first and (B) in a second perspective;
Fig. 11 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a closed container
according to a
fourth embodiment with non-accessible additional compartment;
Fig. 12 illustrates a schematic perspective view of the closed container
according to
the fourth embodiment with accessible additional compartment; and
Fig. 13 illustrates schematic exploded views of the container according to
the fourth
embodiment (A) in a first and (B) in a second perspective.
DETAILLED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are
illustrated in
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the accompanying drawings. Effects and features of the exemplary embodiments,
and
implementation methods thereof will be described with reference to the
accompanying
drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals denote like elements, and
redundant
descriptions are omitted. The present invention, however, may be embodied in
various
different forms, and should not be construed as being limited to only the
illustrated
embodiments herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided as examples so that
this
disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the aspects
and features of
the present invention to those skilled in the art.
Accordingly, processes, elements, and techniques that are not considered
necessary to
those having ordinary skill in the art for a complete understanding of the
aspects and
features of the present invention may not be described. In the drawings, the
relative sizes of
elements, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity.
As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or
more of the
associated listed items. Further, the use of "may" when describing embodiments
of the
present invention refers to "one or more embodiments of the present
invention." In the
following description of embodiments of the present invention, the terms of a
singular form
may include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
It will be understood that although the terms "first" and "second" are used to
describe various
elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are
only used to
distinguish one element from another element. For example, a first element may
be named a
second element and, similarly, a second element may be named a first element,
without
departing from the scope of the present invention. As used herein, the term
"and/or" includes
any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
Expressions such as
"at least one of," when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire list
of elements and do
not modify the individual elements of the list.
As used herein, the term "substantially," "about," and similar terms are used
as terms of
approximation and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the
inherent
deviations in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by those
of ordinary
skill in the art. Further, if the term "substantially" is used in combination
with a feature that
could be expressed using a numeric value, the term "substantially" denotes a
range of +/- 5%
of the value centered on the value.
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a closed container 100
according to a
first embodiment of the present invention. The Figures 2, 3 and 4 also
illustrate the
container 100 shown in Figure 1, wherein Figure 2 shows the container 100 with
accessible
additional compartment 32, Figure 3 illustrates a schematic perspective view
of the opened
container 100 with accessible additional compartment 32 and Figure 4 shows
schematic
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exploded views of the container 100 (A) in a first and (B) in a second
perspective. The
container 100 according to the first embodiment is described in the following
with reference
to a respective one of the Figures 1 to 4 where it applies.
The container 100 for a tobacco related product 90 comprises a base portion 10
and a top
portion 20, wherein the top portion 20 comprises a cap 30 and lid 40.
The diameter of the container 100 is preferably 40 mm to 100 mm and more
preferably
50 mm to 80 mm. These dimensions are advantageously applicable to all
embodiments of
the invention. Preferably, the container 100 and thus the base portion 10 have
a substantially
cylindrical shape. The base portion 10 may be manufactured using a metal or a
rigid
synthetic material. Preferably, the base portion 10 is an injection molded
part of PP
(polypropylene), PE (polyethylene) or ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
copolymer).
The base portion 10 comprises a bottom wall 12 and a first lateral wall 13
that projects
substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall 12. The bottom wall 12 and the
first lateral
wall 13 surround a storage compartment 11 that serves to accommodate the
smokeless
tobacco product 90. The first lateral wall 13 of the base portion 10 comprises
an upper rim 14
which is a free end of the first lateral wall 13. The free end 14 is averted
from the bottom wall
12. An outer surface of the first lateral wall 13 may be provided with an
appealing design or
with an embossing to simplify handling of the container for the tobacco
related product 90.
The diameter of the base portion 10 preferably is about 40 mm to 100 mm and
more
preferably 50 mm to 80 mm. The height of the base portion 10 is about 10 mm to
50 mm,
preferably 15 to 30 mm. These dimensions are advantageously applicable to all
embodiments of the container 100.
The cap 30 of the top portion 20 comprises a top wall 31 that is substantially
disc-shaped
and may be manufactured from a metal or a rigid synthetic material. For
example, a
transparent or opaque plastic material which is based on one or more
polyolefins such as
polyethylene or polypropylene (PP) may be applied. The cap 30 may be an
injection molded
part of PP, ABS or any other suitable synthetic material. Advantageously, the
used materials
may be recyclable or degradable (preferably biodegradable), as for example
cardboard,
paper etc. and may be formed with or without a coating of plastic or metal or
the like.
However, other materials, such as metal may be applied for the cap 30.
The cap 30 comprises a second lateral wall 34 that is firmly bonded to the top
wall 31 and
can be detachably connected to the first lateral wall 13 of the base portion
10. The
detachable connection provides that the storage compartment 11 is fully
enclosed by the
bottom wall 12, the first and second lateral walls 13, 34 and the top wall 31.
The connection
may further provide that the base portion 10 and the cap 30 cannot rotate with
respect to
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each other. A lower end 36 of the second lateral wall 34 of the cap 30 can
engage with an
upper end 15 of the first lateral wall 13 of the base portion 10. The height
of the cap 30 can
be smaller than the height of the base portion 10. The diameter of the cap 30
can be about
the same as the diameter of the base portion 10.
The lower end 36 of the second lateral wall 34 may either be located inside
the upper end 15
of the first lateral wall 13 or outside. In other words, the diameter of the
upper end 15 of the
first lateral wall 13 of the base portion 10 may be smaller than the diameter
of the lower
end 36 of the second lateral wall 34 such that the second lateral wall 34
circumferentially
encompasses the first lateral wall 13. In another embodiment the diameter of
the upper
end 15 of the first lateral wall 13 may be greater than the diameter of the
lower end 36 of the
second lateral wall 34 such that the first lateral wall 13 encompasses the
first lateral wall 13.
There may be a frictional connection between the cap 30 and the base portion
10 due to
mechanic friction between the outer surfaces of the lateral walls 13 and 34.
However, the
base portion 10 and the cap 30 may also be glued or joined together in a
different way. The
connection between base portion 10 and the cap 30 may also be a screw
connection or a
bayonet fitting. The storage compartment 11 inside the base portion 10 is
accessible only by
removing the top portion 20, i.e. the cap 30 and the lid 40, from the base
portion 10. Thus, for
allowing a user to repeatedly access the storage compartment 11 the connection
between
the lateral walls 13 and 34 is configured to be repeatedly released and
reattached.
The lid 40 is also substantially cylindrically shaped and comprises an
essentially disc-shaped
top wall 48 that may be firmly bonded to a third lateral wall 47 that
protrudes essentially
perpendicular from the top wall 48. However, the third lateral wall 47 can
also be omitted or
may be realized by the height or thickness of the top wall 48. Alternatively,
a gasket may be
provided on a lower side of the top wall 48. The diameter of the lid 40
preferably is about
40 mm to 100 mm and more preferably 50 mm to 80 mm. The diameter of the cap 30
can be
slightly smaller than the diameter of the lid 40 so that a third lateral wall
47 of the lid 40 can
encompass (overlap or cover) the second lateral wall 34 of the cap 30. The
thickness of the
lateral walls 14, 34 and 47 can range from less than a millimeter to several
millimeters.
These dimensions are advantageously applicable (with or without some
modifications
dependent on the specific design) to all embodiments of the container 100.
The lid 40 is rotatable about an axis of rotation H1 relatively to the cap 30.
Particularly, the
lid 40 comprises a stud 46 that protrudes inwards, i.e. towards the cap 30, in
a direction
substantially perpendicular to the top wall 48 of the lid 40, i.e.
substantially parallel to a
normal direction of the top wall 48. The stud 46 engages with a corresponding
recess 35 of
the cap 30 that might pass through the cap 30 or that might be closed at an
end facing the
base portion 10. The stud 46 and the recess 35 realize a rotatable connection
between the
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lid 40 and the cap 30. Alternatively, a lower rim of the third lateral wall 37
of the lid 40 can
engage with the second lateral wall 34 of the cap 30. The lid 40 can be
coupled to the cap 30
using a snap fit connection. The snap fit connection can be either realized in
the stud 46 and
the recess 35 or may be realized by a protrusion at the second lateral wall 34
which fits in a
suitable notch in the third lateral wall 47 or vice versa.
The top wall 48 of the lid 40 comprises a closed section 43 and an access
opening
section 41, wherein the relative positions of these sections 41, 43 with
respect to the cap 30
can be altered by rotating the lid 40 with respect to the cap 30.
The cap 30 comprises an additional compartment 32 formed as a depression in
the top
wall 31 of the cap 30. Thus, the top wall 31 of the cap 30 is divided in the
additional
compartment section 32 and a closed section 33. However, the closed section 33
and the
additional compartment section 32 are closed in that they do not comprise any
openings.
Thus, the top wall 31 of the cap 30 fully covers the area that is surrounded
by the second
lateral wall 34. Hence, the cap 30 is configured to fully cover the storage
compartment 11 of
the base portion 10. Particularly, the closed section 33 continuously
transitions into the
additional compartment section 32 via vertical sections 37 of the top wall 31.
Thus, the
additional compartment section 32 and the closed section 33 differ in height
with respect to
the lid 40.
Depending on the rotational position of the lid 40, the depression 32 of the
cap 30 and the
closed section 43 of the attached lid 40 fully enclose the additional
compartment 32. This is
the case while the closed section 43 of the lid 40 is aligned with the
additional
compartment 32 of the cap 30. Alternatively, the access opening 41 of the
attached lid 40 is
aligned with the additional compartment 32. Then, the additional compartment
32 in the
cap 30 is accessible via the access opening 41 of the lid 40. In other words,
if the access
opening 41 in top wall 48 and the depression 32 of top wall 31 coincide, i.e.
if the user
rotates the lid 40 in the right position (open position), the user has access
to the additional
compartment 32. If the access opening 41 of the lid 40 coincides with the
closed section 33
of the cap 30, the container 100 is in a closed state and the additional
compartment 32 can
not be accessed by a user. The access opening 41 can be closed by turning the
lid 40.
The lid 40 is pivotable around a central axis of rotation H1, wherein the axis
H1 is
substantially perpendicular to a main plane of the top wall 31 of the cap 30
and to a main
plane of the top wall 48 of the lid 40. The possible rotation of the lid 40 is
illustrated by arrows
in the Figures 1 and 2. Furthermore, the outer surface(s) of the third lateral
wall 47 of the
lid 40, the second lateral wall 34 of the cap and/or the first lateral wall 13
of the base
portion 10 may be configured to facilitate the opening and closing. Signs like
arrows or other
indicators may be provided on the lid 40 and/or the cap 30 and/or the base
portion 10 in
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order to inform a user on how to open and close the additional compartment 32
of the
container 100.
Figure 1 shows the closed state of the container 100 in which the storage
compartment 11 as
well as the additional compartment 32 cannot be accessed by a user.
Particularly, the access
opening 41 of the lid 40 is in a position in which it entirely coincides with
the closed
section 33 of the cap 30. The lid 40 further comprises a radial protrusion 44
attached to the
lid 40 in an edge region of the lid 40, wherein the edge region is surrounding
the access
opening 41. A first function of the radial protrusion 44 is simplifying the
rotation of the lid 30
as a user can actuate the protrusion 44 for rotating the lid 40. As shown in
Figures 1,2 and 4
the protrusion 44 is arranged in a gap of an outer rim of the second lateral
wall 34, wherein
the outer rim protrudes upward from the top wall 31 of the cap 30 so as to be
flush with the
attached lid 40. The protrusion 44 thus engages with the second lateral wall
34 at the edges
of the gap in this outer rim. Hence, a second function of the radial
protrusion 44 is limiting the
maximum angle of rotation of the lid 40 with respect to the cap 30. The gap in
the upper rim
corresponds to a circular section that is larger than two times the radial
extension of the open
section 41 of the lid 40. Thus, limiting the rotation of the lid 40 does not
interfere with safely
closing the compartment 32.
As a user rotates the lid 40 using the protrusion 44 the closed container 100
transits into a
state wherein the additional compartment 32 is accessible, while the storage
compartment 11 remains non-accessible. FIG. 2 shows the container 100 of the
first
embodiment with open additional compartment 32. In this state the access
opening 41 in the
lid 40 coincides with the depression 32 of the cap 30. In the open position,
it is possible for
the user to dispose used tobacco related product in the additional compartment
32.
According to the first embodiment, the cap 30 comprises a closed section 33
that is formed
as a circular section with a central angle of approximately 90 . In other
words, the closed
section 33 makes up essentially a quadrant of the surface of the top wall 31
of the cap 30.
Accordingly, the lid 40 of the container 100 according to the first embodiment
comprises an
access opening 41 that is formed as circular segment with a central angle of
approximately
90 . The access opening section 41 and the closed section 33 comprise roughly
the same
size, wherein the central angle and the radial extension of the access opening
41 might be
slightly smaller than that of the closed section 33. Thus, by aligning the
access opening 41
with the closed section 33 the additional compartment 32 of the cap 30 can be
safely closed.
The packages for a smokeless tobacco product 90 according to the above
referenced
embodiments may be substantially cylindrical. The tobacco related product 90
may be so
called "snus", which is a smokeless tobacco product that is wrapped in
individual pouches for
oral administration. However, the container 100 according to all embodiments
of the
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invention is also suitable for any other smokeless tobacco product such as
chewing tobacco,
smokeless snuff, dissolvable films etc.
Figures 5, 6 and 7 show a second embodiment of a container 100 according to
the present
invention, wherein Figure 5 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a
closed
container 100 according to the second embodiment with non-accessible
additional
compartment 32, Figure 6 illustrates a schematic perspective view of the
closed
container 100 according to the second embodiment with accessible additional
compartment
32 and Figure 7 illustrates schematic exploded views of the container 100
according to the
second embodiment (A) in a first and (B) in a second perspective.
The base portion 10 of the container 100 according to the second embodiment is
similar to
the base portion 10 of the container 100 according to the first embodiment.
The cap 30 and
the lid 40 of the container according to the second embodiment differ from
that of the first
embodiment in the size of the depression 32 of the cap 30 and of the access
opening
section 41 of the lid 40.
According to the second embodiment, the cap 30 comprises an additional
compartment
section 32 that is formed as a circular section with a central angle of
approximately 135 . In
other words, the closed section 33 is formed as a circular section with a
central angle of
approximately 225 . The lid 40 of the container 100 according to the second
embodiment
comprises an access opening 41 that is formed as circular segment with a
central angle of
approximately 135'. Thus, the access opening section 41 and the additional
compartment
section 32 comprise roughly the same size. As the size of the closed section
33 of the cap 30
exceeds the size of the additional compartment section 32 of the cap 30 the
size of the
access opening 41 is rather fitted to the depression 32 than to the closed
section 33 as it
brings no benefit for the user when the access opening 41 is larger than the
additional
compartment 32, while it makes the closing of the additional compartment 32
more
complicated. Thus in the second embodiment, the central angle of the access
opening 41 is
significantly smaller than that of the closed section 33. Thus, by aligning
the access
opening 41 with the closed section 33 the additional compartment 32 of the cap
30 can be
easily closed.
The container 100 according to the second embodiment further comprises a grip
element 45
for making the rotation of the lid 40 with respect to the cap 30 more
convenient. Further, the
radial protrusion 44 of the lid 40 is omitted and thus there is no maximum
angle of rotation of
the lid 40. Thus, the user can freely choose where to position the open
section 41 of the
lid 40 on the much larger closed section 33 of the cap 30. In order to avoid
any unwanted
movement of the lid 40 with respect to the cap 30, the cap 30 and the lid 40
may comprise
corresponding latching mechanisms that serves to hold the lid 40 in one or
more specific
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positions with respect to the cap 30. The latching mechanism may comprise two
surface
protuberances on the top wall 31 of the cap 30. Each such protuberance may be
configured
to Interact with a respective recess in the respective opposite part, i.e. an
inner wall of the
lid 40, when the lid is rotated around the axis of rotation H1.
The latching mechanism can be configured to keep the lid 40 at least in one
open position
and at least in one closed position of the access opening 41. In such
embodiment there
would be two pairs of protuberances and corresponding notches. Advantageously,
the
latching mechanism can be configured to provide higher resistance when the lid
40 is rotated
towards closing (making accessible) the additional compartment (for example
waste
compartment) 32 than towards the closed section 33. In this aspect of the
invention, some of
the protuberance(s) and corresponding recesses may have larger dimensions so
that more
force is needed to turn the lid 40 into a position in which the additional
compartment (for
example waste compartment) 32 is accessible than to turn the lid 40 into any
other position.
In other words, the protuberances and recesses can be varied in size and/or
shape so that
the resistance for rotating the lid 40 into the position where the additional
compartment (for
example waste compartment) 32 is accessible is greater than the resistance for
a rotation
towards the closed section 33 of the package. This shall prevent an unintended
opening of
the additional compartment (for example waste compartment) 32.
Figures 8, 9 and 10 show a third embodiment of a container 100 according to
the present
invention, wherein Figure 8 illustrates a schematic perspective view of the
closed
container 100 according to the third embodiment with non-accessible additional
compartment 32, Figure 9 illustrates a schematic perspective view of the
closed
container 100 according to the third embodiment with accessible additional
compartment 32
and Figure 10 illustrates schematic exploded views of the container according
to the third
embodiment (A) in a first and (B) in a second perspective.
The container 100 according to the third embodiment comprises a lid 40 that
consists of an
inner lid 50 and an outer lid 60, wherein the inner lid 50 is arranged between
the outer lid 60
and the cap 30. The cap 30 has a closed section 33 and an additional
compartment
section 32 that each make up essentially a half of a top wall 31 of the cap
30. In other words,
each of the section 32, 33 comprises a central angle of approximately 180 .
The inner lid 50
has a closed section 53 and an access opening 51, wherein the central angle of
the access
opening 51 is slightly smaller than 180 , e.g. by 15 , and wherein the central
angle of the
closed section 53 is slightly larger than 180 , e.g. by 150. The outer lid 60
also has an access
opening 61 and a closed section 63, wherein the central angles of both
sections 61, 63 are
again roughly 180 .
The outer lid 60 and the inner lid 50 mainly serve to close the container 100,
are both
CA 03041506 2019-04-15
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substantially flat and essentially disc-shaped. The inner lid 50 further
comprises a central
hole 55 through which a stud 65 that is protruding substantially perpendicular
from an inner
side of the outer lid 60 towards the inner lid 50 can be inserted into the
corresponding
recess 35 in the cap 30. The inner lid 50 further comprises a small axial
protrusion/protuberance/handle 54 or the like that is provided on the top side
of the inner
lid 50 to allow rotating the inner lid 50 at least partially independently
from the outer lid 60. In
principal, the inner lid 50 as well as the outer lid 60 can then be rotated
around the axis H1 of
the container 100 The inner lid 50 provides hygienic advantages as it can be
used as an
additional cover between the inner side of the outer lid 60 and the waste
compartment 32.
Figures 11, 12 and 13 show a fourth embodiment of a container 100 according to
the present
invention, wherein Figure 11 illustrates a schematic perspective view of the
closed
container 100 according to the fourth embodiment with non-accessible
additional
compartment 32, Figure 12 illustrates a schematic perspective view of the
closed container
100 according to the fourth embodiment with accessible additional compartment
32 and
Figure 13 illustrates schematic exploded views of the container according to
the fourth
embodiment (A) in a first and (B) in a second perspective.
The container 100 according to the fourth embodiment comprises a similar
structure as the
container 100 according to the third embodiment, particularly also comprises
an inner lid 50
and an outer lid 60. The container 100 of the fourth embodiment differs from
that of the third
embodiment in that the inner lid 50 as well as the outer lid 60 comprises
closed sections
53, 63 with a central angle of approximately 270 and access openings 51, 61
with a central
angle of approximately 90 . The cap 30 also comprises a closed section 33 with
a central
angle of approximately 270 and thus has an additional compartment section
with a central
angle of approximately 90 . Thus the additional compartment (e.g. waste
compartment) 32 is
significantly smaller than that of the container 100 of the third embodiment.
Further, the outer lid 60 comprises a ventilation opening 64 that is arranged
in the closed
section 63 and opposite to the access opening section 61. The ventilation
opening 64 is
configured such that the tobacco related product 90 cannot pass the
ventilation opening 64,
while gas exchange through the ventilation opening 64 is possible. This may be
achieved by
adjusting the size of the ventilation opening 64 and or by arranging a mesh or
grid within the
ventilation opening 64. Thus, by rotating the inner lid 50 such that the
access opening 51 of
the inner lid 50 coincides with additional compartment 32 and by rotating the
outer lid 60
such that the ventilation opening 64 coincides with access opening 51 of the
inner lid 50 the
container 100 can be securely closed, while drying of used product within the
additional
compartment 32 can be achieved. This can make the disposal of the used product
from the
additional compartment 32 more convenient.
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Reference signs
100 container
90 tobacco related product
base portion
11 storage compartment
12 bottom wall
13 first lateral wall
14 upper rim of first lateral wall
upper end of first lateral wall
top portion
cap
31 top wall
32 additional compartment
33 closed section
34 second lateral wall
recess
36 lower end of second lateral wall
37 vertical sections of top wall
lid
41 access opening
43 closed section
44 radial protrusion
grid element
46 stud
47 third lateral wall
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48 top wall
50 inner lid
51 access opening
53 closed section
54 axial protrusion
55 central hole
60 outer lid
61 access opening
63 closed section
64 ventilation opening
65 stud
H1 axis of rotation
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