container

Abstract

A container (1) for storing unused and used oral products such as snus. The container comprises a base (2) and a lid (3) which define a first compartment for storing unused snus. The container also comprises a separating element (8) which is deformable to enable a user to form or enlarge a second compartment (6) for storing used snus, the second compartment being located on the other side of the separating element to the first compartment. The base, the lid and the separating element are all formed from the same material.

Description

[0001] Container

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The present invention relates to a container for an oral product such as snus.

[0004] Background

[0005] Snus may be sold either in loose form or in portions disposed in permeable bags and it is packaged in boxes having a resealable lid so to maintain the snus moist. Snus is typically consumed by placing it under the upper lip for an extended period of time, thereafter it should preferably be disposed of in a suitable place such as a bin or the like to avoid littering. However, littering of snus is a common problem as, unlike cigarette smoking, consumption of snus is not restricted to a designated area and so a user may not always be in the vicinity of a bin when they need to discard used snus. To overcome the above-mentioned problem, it is known to provide a container having a first compartment for storing unused snus, wherein the container also comprises a second compartment for holding used or consumed snus. It is further known to provide the container with a separating element which divides the first and second compartments.

[0006] However, a problem with known containers is that they are difficult to recycle. When a user has finished the snus, the container is typically thrown in non-recyclable waste.

[0007] The same problems arise for other oral products such as pouches of tobacco, loose tobacco, moist tobacco, and moist snuff.

[0008] Another problem is that the containers are not always best adapted to accommodate used snus or other oral products, as fresh oral products are consumed and used oral products accumulate.

[0009] Summary

[0010] The present invention seeks to provide a container for oral products that overcomes or substantially alleviates the problems mentioned above. For example, the present invention provides a container that can be recycled as a single unit. According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container comprising a base and a lid, wherein the base and the lid define a first compartment therebetween for storing unused oral products, wherein at least the base or the lid includes a separating element which is deformable to enable a user to form or enlarge a second compartment for storing used oral products, the second compartment being located on the other side of the separating element to the first compartment, and wherein the base, the lid and the separating element are all formed from the same material. The oral products may be snus or other oral products such as pouches of tobacco, loose tobacco, moist tobacco, moist snuff. The oral products may be chewable products or products which may be placed under the lip. The oral products may or may not contain nicotine. The same material may be polypropylene or polyethylene.

[0011] The container may further comprises a cover for opening to provide access to the second compartment. The cover may be formed from the same material as the base, the lid and the separating element.

[0012] In an initial undeformed position, the separating element may be non-planar.

[0013] In an initial undeformed position, the separating element protrudes away from the first compartment. The separating element may have a domed shape.

[0014] The separating element maybe deformable between more than two configurations. Each configuration may not be a predetermined configuration.

[0015] The separating element may be plastically deformable. The separating element may be deformed plastically when the second compartment is formed or enlarged. During plastic deformation, when pressure is applied to the separating element, so as to deform the separating element, and that pressure is subsequently removed, the separating element will not return to its previous position.

[0016] The separating element maybe deformable at localised regions of the separating element to accommodate used oral products. The separating element may be plastically deformable at a region local to the region at which force is applied to the separating element by a user.

[0017] The separating element may form an uneven and / or irregular surface when the separating element is deformed to form or enlarge the second compartment.

[0018] The separating element may have a thickness of around imm or less. The thickness of the separating element may be between o.imm and 0.5mm. The thickness of the separating element maybe around 0.25mm.

[0019] The separating element may comprise an additive for assisting deformation of the separating element, and optionally the additive may comprise a plastomer.

[0020] The separating element may comprise a polypropylene homopolymer or a random copolymer polypropylene. The separating element may consist of a polypropylene homopolymer or a random copolymer polypropylene.

[0021] The separating element, the base, and the lid may consist of polypropylene, and wherein the separating element consists of a different grade of polypropylene to the grade of polypropylene of the lid and the base. The separating element, the base, the cover and the lid may consist of polypropylene, and wherein the separating element consists of a different grade of polypropylene to the grade of polypropylene of the lid, the base and the cover. The separating element may have a uniform thickness.

[0022] The lid may comprise an outer frame which supports the separating element.

[0023] The separating element may comprise a protrusion which extends into the second compartment, wherein the protrusion is for a user to press to deform the separating element towards the first compartment. The protrusion maybe located at the centre of the separating element.

[0024] Deformation of the separating element maybe accompanied by an audible sound. The separating element may comprise a plurality of radially extending lines of weakness which allow deformation of the separating element towards the first compartment. The separating element may comprise a central portion surrounded by one or more annular weaknesses which allow deformation of the separating element towards the first compartment. The central portion may be surrounded by two or more annular weaknesses which allow deformation of the separating element towards the first compartment.

[0025] In use, a portion of used oral product has an external dimension which is greater than a height of a cavity in the second compartment such that when the portion of used oral product is placed in the cavity, the separating element is deformed towards the first compartment when the user closes the cover and thereby presses the portion of used oral product against the separating element.

[0026] Unused oral product may be located within the container. The container may further comprise used oral product in the first compartment and / or unused oral product in the second compartment. The oral product may comprise oral product parcels or loose oral product. The oral product maybe snus.

[0027] The container may have planar sides.

[0028] The container may have a hexagonal-shaped cross section. The lid and the base of the container may have a hexagonal shaped cross section. The cover may have a hexagonal shaped cross-section.

[0029] The container may have an oval-shaped cross section, a triangular-shaped cross section or a square-shaped cross section.

[0030] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a container comprising a base and a lid, wherein the base and the lid define a first compartment therebetween for storing unused oral products, wherein at least the base or the lid includes a separating element which is deformable to enable a user to form or enlarge a second compartment for storing used oral products, the second compartment being located on the other side of the separating element to the first compartment, and wherein the container has a hexagonal-shaped cross-section. The container may comprise any of the features described herein.

[0031] Further described is a method of using the container described herein. The method comprises a user pressing on the separating element to deform to separating element to form or enlarge the second compartment for storing used oral products.

[0032] Brief description of the drawings

[0033] Figure 1 shows a simplified version of a container according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 shows the container of Fig. 1 from a different perspective;

[0035] Figure 3 shows the container in more detail and when a cover of a lid of the container is open;

[0036] Figure 4 shows a simplified cross-section of the container, along the line IV-IV from Fig. 2, with the separating element in an initial position;

[0037] Figure 5 shows the container from Fig. 4, with the cover omitted for clarity, when the separating element has been deformed; Figure 6 shows the container from Figs. 4 and 5, with the cover omitted for clarity, in when the separating element has been further deformed and showing used oral product pouches in the second compartment;

[0038] Figure 7A shows an alternative embodiment of the container with the separating element in an undeformed position; Figure 7B shows the container of Fig. 7A after the separating element has been deformed;

[0039] Figure 7C shows a sectional view of Fig. 7 A;

[0040] Figure 7D shows a sectional view of Fig. 7B;

[0041] Figure 8A shows a further alternative embodiment of the container with the separating element in an undeformed position;

[0042] Figure 8B shows the container of Fig. 8A after the separating element has been deformed;

[0043] Figure 8C shows a sectional view of Fig. 8A;

[0044] Figure 8D shows a sectional view of Fig. 8B; Figure 9A shows a further alternative embodiment of the container with the separating element in an undeformed position; Figure 9B shows the container of Fig. 9A after the separating element has been deformed;

[0045] Figure 9C shows a sectional view of Fig. 9A;

[0046] Figure 9D shows a sectional view of Fig. 9B; Figure 10 shows a further embodiment of the container having a hexagonal cross-section; and

[0047] Figure 11 shows a cross-section of a further embodiment of the container.

[0048] Detailed description Reference is now made to the drawings, in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views.

[0049] Figures 1 to 6 show a container 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] The container 1 comprises a base 2, a lid 3 and a cover 4.

[0051] The base 2 and the lid 3 define a first space or compartment 10 therebetween for storing fresh or unused oral products such as snus. The base 2 and the lid 3 are separable to access the first compartment 10. The base 2 and the lid 3 maybe connected by a threaded connection or through an interference fit, for example, to enable their separation.

[0052] The container also has a cover 4 which can be opened to access a second compartment 6 for storing used oral products. In Fig. 3, the cover 4 is shown as being attached to the lid 3 by a hinged connection although alternative connections are possible, such as the cover 4 being free, that is completely detachable from the lid 3. For example, the cover 4 may be attached to the lid 3 via a threaded connection or an interference fit.

[0053] Fig. 3 shows the container 1 in more detail. In the depiction of Figure 3, the cover 4 of the container 1 has been opened so as to reveal the second compartment 6 for storing used oral products. The first compartment cannot be seen in Figure 3 because the base 2 is attached to the lid 3, thus enclosing the first compartment 10.

[0054] The cover 4 is attached to the lid 3 by means of a hinge so that the cover 4 is openable and closable about the hinge. The lid 3 comprises an outer frame 7 which supports a separating element 8, the separating element serving to separate the first and second compartments 10, 6. The separating element 8 may be thermoformed with the outer frame 7. However, other connections between the separating element 8 and the frame 7 are possible, such as via a mechanical connection. The separating element 8 is described in more detail below. In all of the arrangements shown and described herein, including Figs. 1 to 11, the separating element is made from the same material as the base and the lid. This means that the base, the lid and the separating element can all be recycled as a single unit.

[0055] The cover may also be made of the same material is the separating element, the base, and the lid. This means that the entire container of each of the embodiments described herein can be recycled as a single unit. The same material maybe polypropylene or polyethylene for example.

[0056] The separating element 8 is plastically deformable. The separating element undergoes plastic deformation when it is pressed by a user. In other words, after a user has deformed the separating element 8, its shape is permanently altered and it does not go back to its previous configuration after the force is removed or at least, it does not elastically return to its original configuration. The separating element 8 is deformed plastically when the second compartment 6 is formed or enlarged. In another embodiment (not shown), the separating element maybe elastically deformable.

[0057] Figs. 3 and 4 show the separating element 8 in an initial, undeformed position, prior to use of the container. The separating element 8 has a non-planar configuration, and thereby has a greater surface area compared to if it had a planar configuration. The separating element 8 protrudes away from the first compartment 10 and, in the example shown in the figures, the separating element 8 has a domed shape. The surface area of the separating element 8 accommodates deformation of the separating element 8 towards the first compartment 10, for example without significant stretching and thinning of the separating element. Having the separating element 8 protruding away from the first compartment also allows the first compartment 10 to have a greater volume initially, compared to if the separating element had a planar configuration.

[0058] Figure 5 shows the separating element 8 after it has undergone deformation, caused by the user exerting a force on the separating element 8 in the direction of the arrow 12. As can be seen, the separating element 8 is deformed in a region which is localised around the application of the force. Figure 6 shows the separating element 8 after it has undergone further deformation, caused by a user exerting pressing forces at multiple locations on the separating element 8. Figure 6 also shows used oral product pouches 14, such as snus pouches, within the second compartment 10. The volume of the second compartment 6 has increased, whereas the volume of the first compartment 10 has decreased.

[0059] The separating element 8 is deformable between more than two configurations. Each configuration is not a predetermined configuration.

[0060] The separating element 8 forms an uneven and / or irregular surface when the separating element 8 is deformed to form or enlarge the second compartment. This can be seen in the examples shown in Figs. 5 and 6. The surface of the separating element 8 facing the first compartment 10 is uneven and irregular when the separating element 8 is deformed. The surface of the separating element 8 facing the second compartment 6 is uneven and irregular when the separating element 8 is deformed.

[0061] The separating element 8 is not symmetrical about a mid-point of the separating element when the separating element 8 is deformed. When the separating element 8 is deformed then the separating element 8 is not symmetrical about an axis which extends through the first compartment 10 and the second compartment 6 and wherein the axis extends through the mid-point of the separating element 8.

[0062] A user may press on the separating element 8 directly or indirectly, for example a user may press a used oral product pouch 14 onto the separating element 8 to cause the deformation of the separating element 8.

[0063] A portion of used oral product, such as a used snus pouch 14, which may be a snus pouch, has an external dimension d, such as the width, the length or the height of the oral product pouch, which may be greater than a height of a cavity h in the second compartment 6 (see Fig. 4). The cavity maybe between the cover 4 and the separating element 8 or between the cover 4 and a used oral product parcel located within the second compartment 6. A user can locate a used oral product pouch 14 in the second compartment 6 and close the cover 4, with the cover pressing a used oral product pouch 14 onto the separating element 8 and thereby causing the separating element 8 to deform when the cover is closed. Oral products are also available in a loose form, rather than in pouches, such as loose snus or tobacco. The loose oral products could also be pressed onto the separating element 8 via the cover 4 to cause deformation of the separating element 8, as described above in relation to the oral product parcel, if it has an external dimension which is greater than a height of the cavity.

[0064] The separating element 8 may produce an audible sound when it is deformed. The sound provides feedback to the user that the separating element 8 has been deformed.

[0065] In use, a user opens the lid 3 from the base 2 to access the first compartment 10. A user takes an oral product from the first compartment 10. When the user is ready to discard the oral product, they open the cover 4 to access the second compartment 6. The user deforms the separating element 8, either by pressing directly on the separating element or indirectly, for example by closing the cover 4 to press used oral product onto the separating element, to form or enlarge the second compartment 6 and located the used oral product therein. The cover 4 is closed to enclose the used oral product within the second compartment 6. In the examples shown in the figures, the second compartment for storing used oral products 6 already exists prior to a user inserting used oral products therein. However, alternatively, the second compartment 6 could have a zero or negligible volume prior to use. The user could form the second compartment 6 on the first time that they deform the separating element 8. In such embodiments, the separating element 8 may abut the cover 4 prior to use.

[0066] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the separating element could be provided on the base 2 rather than the lid 1. The separating element may have a uniform thickness, at least in the deformable part of the separating element 8. The separating element may have a uniform thickness across its entire extent, including the parts of the separating element which are connected to the lid. The thickness of the separating element may be around 1 mm or less. Preferably, the thickness of the separating element is less than 0.9 mm. The thickness of the separating element maybe between o.i mm and 0.9 mm. Preferably the thickness of the separating element is between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm Further preferably, the thickness of the separating element is around 0.25mm. These thicknesses of the separating element advantageously improve the ease of deforming the separating element.

[0067] The word “around” means ± 10% in this specification.

[0068] The separating element 8 may contain additives which make it easier to deform the separating element 8. The separating element 8 is still made of the same material as the other parts of the container 1, and the container can still be recycled as a single unit since the additives in the separating element do not affect the ability of the separating element to be recycled with the other components of the container. The additives may comprise a plastomer such as an ethylene based plastomer for example Queo™ 8230. This is a known ethylene based octene-i plastomer, produced in a solution polymerisation process using a metallocene catalyst. The plastomer constitutes between o % and 5% by weight of the separating element. Preferably, the additive, such as the plastomer, comprises less than 5% of the weight of the separating element. Preferably, the plastomer constitutes between o % and 3% of the weight of the separating element.

[0069] The separating element 8 may be formed from a particular grade of polypropylene which may be the same or different to the grade of polypropylene which is used for other components of the container 1. The grade of polypropylene of the separating element maybe selected to make the separating element easier to deform and / or manufacture.

[0070] The grade of polypropylene may comprise or consist of a homopolymer polypropylene, or comprise or consist of a random copolymer polypropylene.

[0071] The separating element 8 may be formed from HG313MO. This is a grade of polypropylene which is intended for injection moulding and is produced by Borealis, for example. HG313MO is a polypropylene homopolymer. The separating element 8 may be formed from SD233CF. This is a soft random heterophasic copolymer and is produced by Borealis, for example.

[0072] The separating element 8 may be formed by injection moulding the separating element from polypropylene.

[0073] The table below illustrates some example compositions for the separating element 8, which is also referred to as a membrane: Table 1

[0074] Example 7 provides a particularly advantageous composition for the separating element 8. The separating element 8 is easily deformable, and it produces a sound when it is deformed. The separating element of example 7 can also be recycled as a single unit with the lid, the base and the cover when they are all made of polypropylene. The example compositions in table 1 may have been mixed by hand. The separating element 8 and the lid were injection moulded in the examples given in table 1. Alternatively, the separating element could be formed by an expandable film.

[0075] Figures 7A to 7D show an alternative container 101 in which the separating element 108 comprises radially extending lines of weakness 116. The radially extending lines of weakness are formed by regions of reduced thickness of the separating element material. The lines extend from a central portion 118 which, in this example, is planar. The central portion 118 is bounded by a line of weakness 120, about which the separating element can flex during deformation. The line of weakness 120 is formed by a region of reduced thickness of the separating element. In an alternative embodiment

[0076] (not illustrated), the central portion 118 can be omitted, and the radially extending lines of weakness 116 could extend to meet at the centre of the separating element 108. In an alternative embodiment, the central portion could have a conical shape. Prior to use, the separating element 108 protrudes away from the first compartment 110, as shown in Figs. 7A and 7C. However, the lines of weakness 116 enable the separating element to be deformed towards the first compartment 110 when a force is exerted on the central portion 118. Figs. 7B and 7D show the separating element 108 after it has been deformed.

[0077] The separating element 108 moves between a first set position and a second set position, shown in Figs. 7A and 7B respectively. The set positions are determined by the cross-sectional length of the separating element. The separating element 108 is integrally formed with the lid 103 as shown, for example, in Figs. 7C and 7D. The separating element 108 and the lid 103 maybe formed by injection moulding. As mentioned, the base 102, the lid 103, the separating element 108 and the cover 104 are all made of same material. The same material maybe polypropylene or polyethylene, as described in more detail above in relation to the earlier embodiment.

[0078] The cover 104 is attached to the lid 103 by an interference fit. The lid 103 is connected to the base 102 by a threaded connection to allow access to the first compartment 106 for storing unused oral products. However, alternative connections between the lid 103 and the base 102, and the lid 103 and the cover 104, are possible.

[0079] In use, a user opens the lid 103 from the base 102 to access the first compartment 110. A user takes an oral product from the first compartment 110 and uses the oral product. When the user is ready to discard the oral product, they open the cover 104 to access the second compartment 106. The user presses down on the central portion 118 to move the separating element from a first position, shown in Fig. 7A, to the second position shown in Fig. 7B. This deforms the separating element 108 and enlarges the second compartment 106 for storing used oral products. Alternatively, a user can locate used oral products in the second compartment 106 and close the cover 104, with the cover pressing the used oral product onto the separating element 108 and thereby causing the separating element 108 to deform when the cover is closed.

[0080] Figures 8A to 8D show an alternative container 201 in which the separating element 208 comprises a central portion 218 surrounded by annular lines of weakness 220. The annular lines of weakness 220 are concentric. The annular lines of weakness 220 form ridges 224 on the surface of the separating element 208. The annular lines of weakness 220 form living hinges. The living hinges are made from the same material as the rest of the separating element 208. In an alternative embodiment, the lines of weakness 220 form only one ridge 224 on the surface of the separating element. The annular lines of weakness may be formed by regions of reduced thickness of the separating element. The central portion 218 may be surrounded by two or more annular lines of weakness 220 which allow deformation of the separating element towards the first compartment. In another embodiment, the central portion 218 may be surrounded by a singular annular line of weakness 220 which allows deformation of the separating element towards the first compartment.

[0081] The separating element 208 flexes about the annular lines of weakness 220 when a force is applied to the central portion 218 to allow the separating element 208 to be deformed towards the first compartment 210. In the deformed position, shown in Figs. 8B and 8D, the separating element 208 forms a stepped terrace down towards the first compartment 210.

[0082] In an initial position, prior to use of the container 221, the central portion 218 is spaced from the cover 204 and defines a second compartment 206 for storing used oral products therebetween. Oral product parcels or loose oral products can be located between the central portion 218 and the cover 204 prior to any deformation of the separating element 208. The central portion 218 is planar, in this example. The cover 204 is attached to the lid 203 by an interference fit. The lid 203 is connected to the base 202 by a threaded connection to allow access to the first compartment 210 for storing unused oral products. However, alternative connections between the lid 203 and the base 202, and the lid 203 and the cover 204, are possible.

[0083] The separating element 208 is integrally formed with the lid 203 as shown, for example, in Figs. 8C and 8D. As mentioned, the base 202, the lid 203, the separating element 208 and the cover 204 can all be made of the same material. The same material maybe polypropylene or polyethylene, as described in more detail above in relation to the earlier embodiment. The separating element 208 moves between a first set position and a second set position, shown in Figs. 8A and 8B respectively, in which all of the living hinges have been flexed. The set positions are determined by the relative arrangements of the lines of weakness 220. The separating element 208 may also rest at positions between the first and the second positions, in which just one or some of the living hinges have been flexed.

[0084] In use, a user presses down on the central portion 218 to move the separating element 208 from a first position, shown in Figs. 8A and 8C, to the second position shown in Figs. 8B and 8D. This deforms the separating element 208 and enlarges the second compartment 206 for storing used oral products. Alternatively, a user can locate used oral products in the second compartment 206 and close the cover 204, with the cover pressing the used oral product onto the separating element 208 and thereby causing the separating element 208 to deform when the cover is closed. Figures 9A to 9D show an alternative container 301 in which the separating element

[0085] 308 comprises a surface 318 which has annular lines of weakness 320 at its peripheral edge. The annular lines of weakness 320 may form one or more living hinges. The example shown in figs 9A to 9D comprises a triple living hinge. The surface 318 is planar, in this example.

[0086] The annular lines of weakness 320 flex to enable the separating element 308 to be deformed towards the first compartment 310 when a force is exerted on the surface 310. Figs. 9B and 9D show the separating element 308 after it has been deformed. The separating element 308 has a protrusion 324 which extends from the surface 318 into the second compartment 306. The user can press on the protrusion to move the separating element 308 towards the first compartment 310 for storing unused oral products.

[0087] The protrusion 324 may act as a handle or grip element for allowing a user to pull on the separating element to move the separating element towards its original configuration. The volume of the first compartment can thereby be increased. This advantageously allows control of the relative volumes of the first and second compartments. The protrusion 324 may be integrally formed with the surface 318, for example by thermoforming. The protrusion 324 may have a cylindrical shape. The protrusion 324 may have a planar upper surface 326 which facilitates the user contacting and exerting the force on the separating element 308. The protrusion is centrally located on the separating element in this example.

[0088] The cover 304 is attached to the lid 303 by an interference fit. The lid 303 is connected to the base 302 by a threaded connection to allow access to the first compartment 306 for storing unused oral products. However, alternative connections between the lid 303 and the base 302, and the lid 303 and the cover 304, are possible.

[0089] The separating element 308 is integrally formed with the lid 303 as shown, for example, in Figs. 9C and 9D. The separating element 308 and the lid 303 maybe formed by thermoforming. As mentioned, the base 302, the lid 303, the separating element 308, including the protrusion, and the cover 304 may all be made of same material. The same material maybe polypropylene or polyethylene, as described in more detail above in relation to the earlier embodiment.

[0090] In use, a user presses down on the protrusion 324 to move the separating element 308 from a first position, shown in Figs 9A and 9C, to the second position shown in Figs. 9A and 9D. This deforms the separating element 308 and enlarges the second compartment 306 for storing used oral products.

[0091] The separating elements 8, 108, 208, 408, 508 shown and described in relation to the other embodiments in this application may also comprise a protrusion, as described herein, which extends into the second compartment. It is also possible that the embodiment shown in Figs. 9Ato 9D could be provided without the protrusion 324. Fig. 10 shows an alternative container 401 which has corresponding features to those described herein in relation to the other embodiments. A separating element 408 separates a first compartment for storing unused oral products from a second compartment 406 for storing used oral products. The lid 403 comprises an outer frame 407 which supports the separating element 408.

[0092] The cover 404 is connected to the lid 403 by an interference fit but other connections are possible, such as the hinged connection shown in relation to Fig. 3. The base 402, the lid 403, the cover 404 and the separating element 408 are all made from the same material such as polypropylene or polyethylene.

[0093] The base 402, the lid 403 and the cover 404 of the container 401 have planar sides 405.

[0094] The container has a hexagonal-shaped cross section. The base 402, the lid 403 and the cover 404 have a hexagonal cross section. The cover 404 need not have the same cross- sectional shape as the lid and it could instead have a circular cross-sectional shape, for example.

[0095] The hexagonal shape makes the container easier to grip. The hexagonal shape of the container also makes it easier to package and display the containers 401 since the containers abut along their edges when they are stacked together.

[0096] Alternatively, the container could have a cross-section in the shape of an oval, a triangle or a square. The base, the lid and the cover could have an oval-shaped cross-section, a triangular-shaped cross section or a square-shaped cross section. The cover need not have the same cross-sectional shame as the lid and it could instead have a circularshaped cross-section, for example.

[0097] The containers shown In the other embodiments in this application have circular cross- sections but they could alternatively have other shaped cross-sections, as described above.

[0098] Fig. 11 shows a further embodiment of a container 501 which has corresponding features to those described herein in relation to the other embodiments, particularly in relation to the embodiment shown and described in relation to Figs. 1 to 6. A separating element 508 separates a first compartment 510 for storing unused oral products from a second compartment 506 for storing used oral products.

[0099] The container has a base 502 and a lid 503 which are separable to allow access to the first compartment 510 for storing unused oral products. A cover 504 is openable to provide access to the second compartment 506. The base 502, the lid 503, the separating element 508 and the cover 504 are all made from the same material such as polypropylene or polyethylene. Fig. 11 shows the separating element 508 in an initial configuration, prior to use of the container, in which the separating element 508 protrudes away from the first compartment 510. The separating element 508 has a sinusoidal-shaped cross section. The separating element comprises a central depression 530 which facilitates a user deforming the separating element 508.

[0100] The separating element 508 is plastically deformable. The separating element undergoes plastic deformation when it is pressed by a user. In other words, after a user has deformed the separating element 508, its shape is permanently altered and it does not go back to its previous configuration after the force is removed or at least, it does not elastically return to its original configuration.

[0101] For all of the embodiments described herein, the oral products maybe snus or other oral products such as pouches of tobacco, loose tobacco, moist tobacco, moist snuff.

[0102] The oral products maybe chewable products or products which maybe placed under the lip. The oral products may or may not contain nicotine.

[0103] Of course, further different configurations of the container are also possible.

[0104] Numerous modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Although the present disclosure has been described in connection with some embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein. Additionally, although a feature may appear to be described in connection with particular embodiments, one skilled in the art would recognize that various features of the described embodiments may be combined in any manner suitable to implement the technique.

Claims

Claims1. A container comprising a base and a lid, wherein the base and the lid define a first compartment therebetween for storing unused oral products, wherein at least the base or the lid includes a separating element which is deformable to enable a user to form or enlarge a second compartment for storing used oral products, the second compartment being located on the other side of the separating element to the first compartment, and wherein the base, the lid and the separating element are all formed from the same material.

2. The container according to claim 1, wherein the container further comprises a cover for opening to provide access to the second compartment.

3. The container according to claim 2, wherein the cover is formed from the same material as the base, the lid and the separating element.

4. The container according to any preceding claim wherein, in an initial undeformed position, the separating element is non-planar.

5. The container according to any preceding claim wherein, in an initial undeformed position, the separating element protrudes away from the first compartment.

6. The container according to claim 5, wherein the separating element has a domed shape.

7. The container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the separating element is deformable between more than two configurations, and optionally wherein each configuration is not a predetermined configuration.

8. The container according to any preceding claim, wherein the separating element is plastically deformable and / or wherein the separating element is deformed plastically when the second compartment is formed or enlarged.

9. The container according to any preceding claim, wherein the separating element forms an uneven and / or irregular surface when the separating element is deformed to form or enlarge the second compartment. to. The container according to any preceding claim, wherein the separating element is deformable at localised regions of the separating element to accommodate used oral products. n. The container according to any preceding claim, wherein the material is polypropylene or polyethylene.

12. The container according to claim 11, wherein the thickness of the separating element is around imm or less, and preferably wherein the thickness of the separating element is around 0.9mm or less, and optionally wherein the thickness of the separating element is around 0.25mm.

13. The container according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the separating element comprises an additive for assisting deformation of the separating element, and optionally wherein the additive comprises a plastomer.

14. The container according to claim 11, 12, or 13, wherein the separating element comprises or consists of a polypropylene homopolymer or a random copolymer polypropylene.

15. The container according to any preceding claim, wherein the separating element, the base, and the lid consist of polypropylene, and wherein the separating element consists of a different grade of polypropylene to the grade of polypropylene of the lid and the base.

16. The container according to any preceding claim, wherein the separating element has a uniform thickness.

17. The container according to any preceding claim, wherein the lid comprises an outer frame which supports the separating element.

18. The container according to any preceding claim, wherein the separating element comprises a protrusion which extends into the second compartment, wherein the protrusion is for a user to press to deform the separating element towards the first compartment.

19. The container according to claim 18, wherein the protrusion is located at the centre of the separating element.

20. The container according to any preceding claim, wherein deformation of the separating element is accompanied by an audible sound.

21. The container according to any preceding claim, wherein the separating element comprises a plurality of radially extending lines of weakness which allow deformation of the separating element towards the first compartment.

22. The container according to any preceding claim, wherein the separating element comprises a central portion surrounded by one or more annular weaknesses which allow deformation of the separating element towards the first compartment, and optionally wherein the central portion is surrounded by two or more annular weaknesses which allow deformation of the separating element towards the first compartment.

23. The container according to claim 2 or any one of claims 3 to 22 when dependent upon claim 2, wherein, in use, a portion of used oral product has an external dimension which is greater than a height of a cavity in the second compartment such that when the portion of used oral product is placed in the cavity, the separating element is deformed towards the first compartment when the user closes the cover and thereby presses the used portion of oral product against the separating element.

24. The container according to any preceding claim, wherein the container has planar sides.

25. The container according to any preceding claim, wherein the container has a hexagonal-shaped cross section.

26. The container according to any preceding claim, wherein unused oral product is located within the container.

27. A container comprising a base and a lid, wherein the base and the lid define a first compartment therebetween for storing unused oral products, wherein at least the base or the lid includes a separating element which is deformable to enable a user to form or enlarge a second compartment for storing used oral products, the second compartment being located on the other side of the separating element to the first compartment, and wherein the container has a hexagonal-shaped cross-section.

28. A container according to claim 27, wherein the container comprises the features of any of claims 1 to 26.

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