Container

Abstract

A container includes a body portion and a cover having a snap fastener for the body portion and the cover. The snap fastener includes a ring element having a gap and a snap element interacting with the ring element. The container also includes a haptic mechanism that indicates a release state of the snap fastener in which the cover is removable from the body portion. The haptic mechanism includes a haptic element disposed at the gap and disposed above or below the snap element when the snap fastener is in a snap state in which the cover is not detachable from the body portion. The snap fastener includes a ring element having a gap and a snap element interacting with the ring element. The container also includes a haptic mechanism that indicates when the snap fastener is in the released state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to containers, and in particular to containers including a fixed closure. Background Art

[0002] In the field of consumable products intended for authorized personnel, it is known to provide product packaging with security features to prevent unauthorized opening of the packaging. For example, hazardous liquids are provided in bottles that include a security closure that is difficult to open even for adults. Such closures are not suitable for consumable products that should be easily accessible to authorized users.

[0003] It would therefore be desirable to provide a container having a secure closure to prevent unauthorized opening of the container, wherein opening of the container is still simple and intuitive for an authorized user. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container comprising a main body portion and a cover. The container comprises a snap fastener for the main body portion and the cover. The snap fastener comprises a ring element having a gap and a snap element interacting with the ring element. The container further comprises a tactile mechanism that indicates a released state of the snap fastener, wherein the cover is detachable from the main body portion and the container is correspondingly in an openable state. The tactile mechanism comprises a tactile element that is arranged at the gap, for example, flush with the gap, adjacent to the gap, or close to the gap. When the snap fastener is in a snap state in which the cover is not detachable from the main body portion, the tactile element is arranged above or below the snap element when viewed relative to the disassembly direction of the cover.

[0005] Closures comprising snap fasteners are simple and effective fasteners for containers. The audible and tactile feedback of the snap fasteners also indicates secure closure of the container, even for visually and possibly acoustically impaired users. Providing a snap fastener comprising one or more snap elements but only one interrupter ring element allows for the manufacture of containers having a simple, secure, and space-saving fastener for the cover on the body portion.

[0006] Furthermore, the presence of a gap in the ring element that interacts with the snap element allows the snap fastener to be released only in a specific rotational position of the cover and body. Consequently, the cover and body must be specifically aligned to open the container. Advantageously, this configuration can reduce the risk of the container being opened inadvertently. It can also help preserve one or more properties of the consumable product in the container.

[0007] Providing a tactile mechanism in the container is an intuitive and supportive means of indicating that the open position of the container has been reached or is about to be reached and that the cover can and can be removed from the main body of the container in said open position. The tactile mechanism makes the container suitable also for consumers with impaired vision or blindness, or for use in low light conditions, such as, for example, at night or in a bar or nightclub.

[0008] Tactile mechanisms are often associated with auditory feedback. However, tactile feedback can be tangible even if the acoustic feedback is barely audible or inaudible, for example, too low for the user to hear, such as in noisy conditions. Thus, by utilizing a tactile mechanism provided on the container, even hearing-impaired users can be intuitively guided to the container's open position.

[0009] A tactile mechanism comprising tactile elements, in particular in the form of ribs, is simple to manufacture and effective.

[0010] The tactile element is arranged at the gap so as to indicate the position of the gap once the tactile element has passed the corresponding obstacle, or vice versa, thereby causing a tactile signal, such as a vibration. For example, an obstacle (such as a separate element of the tactile mechanism) passes the tactile element, thereby causing a tactile signal and preferably also an acoustic signal.

[0011] When an obstacle passes over the tactile element, the tactile mechanism typically causes a certain resistance when the cover and the main body rotate relative to each other. Humans are very sensitive to tactile effects, especially changes in tactile experience (such as changes in resistance when an obstacle passes over the tactile element).

[0012] The tactile element can be precisely arranged at or near the gap so that the tactile signal emitted by the element passing through the tactile element and possibly also the acoustic signal indicate that the snap element is aligned with or near the gap. The tactile element can, for example, be arranged flush with the end of the ring element, which forms one end of the gap. The tactile element can be arranged to shift at the end of the ring element, which forms one end of the gap. For example, the tactile element can be arranged within 0 to 5 mm from the end of the gap, but outside the gap. Preferably, the tactile element is arranged 1 to 3 mm apart from the end of the ring element.

[0013] Preferably, the tactile element is arranged at one end of the gap.

[0014] As described above, when viewed relative to the direction of disassembly of the cover, the tactile element is arranged above or below the snap element. That is, when viewed relative to the direction of disassembly of the cover, the entire tactile element can be arranged above the snap element. Alternatively, when viewed relative to the direction of disassembly of the cover, the entire tactile element can be arranged below the snap element. Arranging the tactile element above or below the snap element in the snap state of the snap fastener (i.e. when the cover is installed and attached to the main body) allows the tactile mechanism to be set on the container regardless of the fastening action of the snap fastener also provided on the container. In particular, when viewed relative to the direction of disassembly of the cover, by arranging the tactile element on one side of the snap element or on the opposite side of the snap element, the snap element and the ring element can be arranged independently of the tactile mechanism and in particular independently of the tactile and acoustic mechanism. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elements of the snap fastener and the elements of the tactile mechanism do not mechanically interact with each other. As will be outlined in more detail below, in some preferred embodiments, the snap element may interact with further elements of the container and contribute to the tactile mechanism of the container.

[0015] Preferably, the tactile element is arranged above the snap element and above the loop element, thus above the snap fastener.

[0016] Preferably, the tactile element is arranged above and adjacent to the ring element. The adjacent arrangement of the tactile element and the ring element allows for a compact arrangement of the safety and opening assistance device for the container closing and opening mechanism. This space-saving arrangement of these elements is particularly suitable for low-profile covers or generally for containers having a low profile, such as cans.

[0017] If the tactile element is arranged below the snap element, the tactile element is preferably arranged below the snap element so as not to interfere with the rotational movement of the snap element. However, preferably, the tactile element arranged below the snap element is arranged close to the snap element in a space-saving manner.

[0018] Preferably, the ring element comprising the gap is an interrupted circular rib.

[0019] Preferably, the snap element is an elongated protrusion. Preferably, the elongated protrusion is in the form of a rib or a slider. A snap element in the form of a rib or a slider is easy to manufacture. Typically, the snap element is formed as a slider that can easily slide along the ring element.

[0020] The length of the snap element is less than the width of the gap, so that when the snap element is aligned with the gap, it can pass through the gap and release the cover from the main body portion in a direction opposite to the snapping direction, so that the contents of the main body portion can be accessed. In other words, the alignment of the snap element and the gap can make the cover detachable from the main body portion in a release direction that is opposite to the snapping direction of the cover.

[0021] In preferred embodiments of the container, the ring element is arranged on the main body portion and the snap element is arranged on the cover portion. In these embodiments, the ring element can, for example, be a radially outwardly projecting rib arranged on the upper region of the sidewall of the main body portion, and the snap element can be a radially inwardly directed protrusion on the sidewall of the cover portion. In the snap fastener's snapped state, the snap element formed by the protrusion can move in the rotational direction below and circumferentially along the outwardly projecting rib forming the ring element.

[0022] In an alternative embodiment of the container, the ring element is arranged at the cover and the snap element is correspondingly arranged at the body portion. In such an embodiment, the snap element can, for example, be a radially outwardly directed protrusion at the upper region of the side wall of the body portion, and the ring element can be a radially inwardly protruding rib at the side wall of the cover. In these embodiments, in the snap-on state of the snap fastener, the snap element formed by the protrusion of the body portion can move in the rotational direction above and circumferentially along the outwardly protruding rib forming the ring element, because in these embodiments the snap element is positioned above the ring element in the snap-on state of the snap fastener.

[0023] The cover may have a side wall. Preferably, the side wall of the cover carries the snap element. In other words, preferably, the snap element is disposed on the side wall of the cover. Preferably, the inner surface of the side wall of the cover carries the snap element. In other words, preferably, the snap element is disposed on the inner surface of the side wall of the cover.

[0024] The tactile element may include a tactile rib. The tactile element interacts with another element to produce tactile feedback, and preferably also produces acoustic or audible feedback. Preferably, the tactile rib interacts with another tactile rib or a ratchet rib. The ratchet rib preferably interacts with a group of tactile ribs.

[0025] The tactile rib can be a single tactile rib, or can be one tactile rib in a group of tactile ribs.Thus, the tactile element can include a group of tactile ribs.

[0026] A set of tactile ribs may include, for example, three to ten tactile ribs. Preferably, a set of tactile ribs includes 5 to 8 tactile ribs.

[0027] In some embodiments of the present invention, the tactile mechanism includes a ratchet rib that interacts with the tactile rib. In these embodiments, the ratchet rib and the tactile rib are not disposed on the same portion of the container, but rather are disposed on different portions of the container. Preferably, when the tactile rib is disposed on the main body portion, the ratchet rib is disposed on the cover portion, or vice versa, such that the ratchet rib and the tactile rib can interact when the cover portion and the main body portion rotate relative to each other.

[0028] In an embodiment of the container comprising interacting tactile and ratchet ribs, the ratchet rib and the snap element are preferably both arranged on the cover of the container, or alternatively, both arranged on the body portion, wherein the ratchet rib and the snap element are aligned such that when the container is opened, a tactile effect and preferably also an acoustic effect is generated when the ratchet rib passes the tactile rib, and further such that when tactile feedback from the interacting ratchet and tactile ribs has been generated, the snap element is positioned or is being positioned in the released state of the snap fastener.

[0029] Arranging the ratchet rib and the snap element at the same portion of the container allows arranging the ring element with the gap and the tactile element at a corresponding other portion of the container.

[0030] Preferably, the ratchet ribs are adapted to interact with a set of tactile ribs.

[0031] When viewed in the snap fastener's snapped state, in which the cover is not removable from the main body, elements of the tactile mechanism, in particular the tactile element, can be arranged above or below the snap element, in particular above or below the snap fastener. Thus, the tactile element can also be arranged above the ring element of the snap fastener. In a preferred embodiment of the container, when the snap fastener is in the snapped state, in which the cover is not removable from the main body, the tactile element is arranged on the side of the ring element opposite the snap element, and therefore above the ring element.

[0032] The container can be provided with two or more tactile elements, in particular, two sets of tactile ribs. Preferably, each of the two sets of tactile ribs is arranged at opposite ends of the gap. This provides a tactile mechanism, regardless of whether the container is to be opened or moved into an openable position by rotating the cover in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Two ratchet ribs can be provided on another part of the container to interact with the two sets of tactile ribs. In an alternative embodiment, the two ratchet ribs are arranged at opposite ends of the gap. Thus, two tactile ribs or two sets of tactile ribs can be provided on another part of the container to interact with the two ratchet ribs.

[0033] The container may include an surmountable end stop configured to interact with a snap element so that the snap element can surmount the surmountable end stop to cause the snap fastener to change from a snapped state in which the cover is not removable from the main body portion to a released state of the snap fastener in which the cover is removable from the main body portion.

[0034] Preferably, the overridable end stop is provided at one end of the gap and is arranged below the ring element. In the snap fastener's snap state, the snap element and the overridable end stop are arranged at substantially the same circumferential height of the container. In these embodiments, in the snap fastener's snap state, both the snap element and the overridable end stop are arranged below the ring element.

[0035] The overridable end stop provides an obstacle to further relative rotation of the cover and the main body, thereby hindering, but not prohibiting, the release of the snap fastener. Release of the snap fastener can be achieved by overriding the overridable end stop. In particular, the overridable end stop can be overcome by applying a releasing rotational force between the cover and the main body. Advantageously, this configuration ensures the container remains closed and prevents accidental opening. By providing an overridable end stop, the child-resistant nature of the container can be further improved. A user who does not have sufficient ability to apply a releasable rotational force will not be able to overcome the overridable end stop and, therefore, will not be able to move the snap fastener into its released position.

[0036] In some embodiments of the container, the tactile mechanism includes a ratchet rib that interacts with the at least one tactile rib, and the container is further provided with an overridable end stop configured to interact with the snap element as described above. Thus, in addition to providing tactile feedback to the user and preferably also acoustic feedback due to the resistance exerted by the interaction between the ratchet rib and the at least one tactile rib, the overridable end stop also provides tactile and acoustic effects by applying additional resistance that must be overcome by the snap element. Overcoming the overridable end stop indicates that the release state of the snap fastener and the corresponding open position of the container have been reached.

[0037] The overridable end stop can be formed, for example, by a rib, a bead or a wedge-shaped projection.

[0038] In some embodiments of the container, the tactile element is arranged on one side of the ring element, for example, above the ring element, and the overridable end stop is arranged on the opposite side of the ring element, for example, below the ring element. With the help of the releasable rotational force, the snap element overcomes the overridable end stop and guides the snap fastener into its released state, thereby preferably generating tactile and audible feedback to the user. Thus, the overridable end stop can be part of the tactile mechanism, which can also be audible.

[0039] In some embodiments of the invention, the container may comprise two overridable end stops, each of which is arranged at an opposite end of the gap.The two overridable end stops may be formed identically or differently.

[0040] When the snap element approaches the gap, overridable end stops at either end of the gap hinder clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the cover and body. However, in either rotational direction, the overridable end stops can be overcome by applying the required rotational force to release the snap fastener. The snap element can then pass the overridable end stops at either end of the gap and be guided into the gap, thereby entering the released state of the snap fastener.

[0041] Typically, the snap fastener is brought into the snapped state by moving the cover and the container against each other in a linear snapping direction. The snap element snapping with the ring element in the snapped state typically does not allow the snap fastener to be released in the opposite snapping direction of the snap fastener. However, when the snap fastener is in the snapped state, a mutual rotation of the cover and the main body in two rotational directions (thus in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction) is typically allowed. Therefore, the container can usually be opened by rotating the cover clockwise on the main body or by rotating the cover counterclockwise on the main body until the release state of the snap fastener and thus the open position of the container are reached. The cover can then be removed from the main body by a simple lifting movement in the release direction of the cover.

[0042] It may be preferable to allow the cover to be rotated in only one rotational direction, or to allow the container to be brought into an open position by rotation of the cover in only one rotational direction.

[0043] Therefore, the cover and the main body can be allowed to rotate relative to each other in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.Preferably, the restriction of the relative rotational movement of the cover and the main body is achieved by restricting or prohibiting the rotation of the snap element.

[0044] Preferably, the container comprises an end stop for the snap element, said end stop allowing the cover and the body portion to be rotated relative to each other in only one direction in the snap-fit ​​state of the snap fastener. Allowing relative rotation in only one direction may include some rotation also in the opposite direction, but never to the extent that the release state of the snap fastener is reached by rotation in said opposite direction.

[0045] Preferably, the container comprises an end stop for the snap element, said end stop prohibiting the cover from rotating in a counterclockwise direction on the main body. Since containers, in particular bottles, jars or cans, can usually be opened by unscrewing the cover or cap from the bottle, jar or can in a counterclockwise rotation direction, allowing the cover to rotate only in a clockwise direction can further increase the level of security of the container against unauthorized persons.

[0046] Since any type of end stop is preferably provided in the container to interact with the snap element of the snap fastener, in the snapped state of the snap fastener the snap element and the overridable end stop or end stop are arranged at the same or essentially the same circumferential height of the container and therefore have a position on the same circumference of the container.

[0047] The container may include two or more gaps in the ring element and two or more snap elements.

[0048] While any number of gaps can be present in the ring element and the corresponding snap element, it is preferred to have more than one gap and more than one snap element. In particular, with two, three, or four gaps and snap elements, the rotational movement of the cover until the release position of the snap fastener is reached can be limited to less than one full turn, and preferably less than half a full turn. Furthermore, with more than one snap element, a symmetrical container, and in particular a symmetrical snap fastener, can be provided, wherein the closing and opening forces can be evenly distributed over the circumference of the container.

[0049] Preferably, two or more gaps and snap elements are regularly arranged at equal distances along the circumference of the container.

[0050] The container may comprise more gaps than snap elements or the same number of gaps and snap elements.

[0051] Preferably, the container comprises an equal number of gaps in the ring element and snap elements.

[0052] In order to protect the contents of the container from environmental influences, the container can be closed in a sealed manner.The sealed state of the container is preferably achieved when the snap fastener is snapped into a snap state.

[0053] Preferably, the product in the container is protected from environmental influences that may degrade the product stored in the container. However, a certain permeability of the container, in particular a certain permeability of the seal between the cover and the body portion, may be beneficial to the shelf life of the product.

[0054] Preferably, the edge portion of the body portion and the cover are arranged in a sealing manner in a closed state of the container, in particular in a snap-fit ​​state of the snap-fit ​​fastener.

[0055] The inner side wall of the cover may, for example, comprise a circumferentially extending sealing shoulder which abuts an outer edge portion of the body portion in the closed state of the container, in particular in the snap-on state of the snap-on fastener.

[0056] The cover may comprise a pushing element for pushing the edge portion of the main body part against the cover in the closed state of the container, in particular in the snap-on state of the snap fastener. In particular, the pushing element may push the edge portion of the main body part against a circumferentially extending sealing shoulder. The pushing element may ensure the correct position of the cover on the main body part. When the container is closed, they may fix the edge of the main body part in an adjacent position. In addition, the pushing element and the sealing shoulder may provide a certain clamping of the edge of the main body part in the cover. Therefore, even when the snap fastener is in the released state, a certain resistance acting on the cover may prevent the cover from being completely released from the main body part. Thus, an easy fall-off of the cover may be prevented.

[0057] It has been found that several pushing elements are sufficient to achieve a reasonable sealing effect.Preferably, the cover comprises a regular circumferential arrangement of pushing elements.

[0058] For example, 2 to 8 push elements are circumferentially arranged along the inner top side of the cover, more preferably 3 to 6 push elements, such as 4 push elements. The number of push elements within the above range has been shown to provide the best balanced sealing effect.

[0059] The pushing element may have a circumferential extension, for example, between 5 and 50 mm, preferably between 5 and 30 mm, more preferably between 10 and 20 mm.The pushing element may for example have substantially the same circumferential extension as the snap element.

[0060] It has been found that by clamping the edge portion of the main body portion between several push elements and a circumferentially extending sealing shoulder of the cover (i.e. clamping only at discrete points along the circumference of the cover), the tightness of the seal of the container can be designed according to the characteristics of the product to be stored in the container.

[0061] For example, a complete circumferential sealing rib in the cover generally creates the desired complete airtight seal of the container.

[0062] The provision of multiple individual pusher elements, preferably regularly arranged along the circumference of the cover, can provide a complete or nearly complete airtight seal. Several individual pusher elements can provide an optimally balanced seal. Thus, by preventing excessive air from entering or leaving the container, the product in the container can be protected from environmental influences, such as excessive humidity or dryness. On the other hand, several pusher elements still allow some air to permeate into and out of the container, enhancing flavor retention and preventing product degradation, for example. This may be particularly useful for products with high moisture content, such as oral consumables.

[0063] In the container, the body portion forms a first compartment for containing fresh consumable product.

[0064] In some embodiments of the present invention, the container may include a preferably separate second compartment. The second compartment may advantageously be used for one or more of the following: storing used goods; storing consumables of a different type from those stored in the first compartment; and storing one or more accessories for use with the consumables stored in the first compartment, such as, for example, a tool for picking consumables from the container. Depending on the products to be stored in the container, these products may need to be properly disposed of after use, such as used nicotine-containing products. For intermediate or final disposal, the used products can therefore be reinserted into the container, in particular into a second, preferably separate compartment. The second compartment may, for example, be a waste compartment.

[0065] Preferably, the second compartment is arranged in the cover of the container.

[0066] The cover may comprise a lid. The second compartment may be accessible by opening the lid.

[0067] The cover may be permanently attached to the cover.The cover may be removable from the cover.

[0068] Preferably, the cap forms part of the top wall of the cover.

[0069] The container may include an indicator that indicates the release position of the snap fastener. The indicator may be embodied as, for example, an optical indicator or a tactile indicator.

[0070] Respective indicator elements may be arranged at the cover and the body portion.

[0071] Preferably, the indicator element is arranged so that the indicator element of the cover and the indicator element of the main body are aligned in the released state of the snap fastener.Thus, by the indicator, the user is easily guided how to open the container.

[0072] Preferably, the indicator is an optical indicator.

[0073] Preferably, the indicator is a tactile indicator.

[0074] The indicator may be a combined optical and tactile indicator.

[0075] The indicator may comprise a gripping element that facilitates gripping of the container.For example, the indicator may be embodied as a structure on the cover or on the main body portion or on both the cover and the main body portion.

[0076] Preferably, the same number of indicator elements as the number of gaps provided in the ring element are arranged on the cover. Thus, each release position of the snap fastener and each open position of the container is indicated by an indicator element and is visible or otherwise perceptible to the user of the container.

[0077] The container according to the present invention may comprise or be made of substantially any material suitable for the desired product to be stored in the container.The container may for example comprise or be made of a plastic material, a cellulosic material or a metal.

[0078] Preferably, the container comprises polypropylene (PP), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), molded pulp, cardboard or metal.

[0079] Preferably, the container is made of polypropylene (PP), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), molded pulp, cardboard or metal.

[0080] Preferably, the height of the container is smaller than the diameter of the container.

[0081] The diameter of the container can be, for example, 3 to 10 times greater than the height of the container. Preferably, the diameter is 5 to 8 times greater than the height of the container.

[0082] Preferably, the container is a can.

[0083] Although the container is suitable for containing basically any solid product, the container preferably contains products of the food industry, tobacco industry, pharmaceutical industry or cosmetics industry.

[0084] Preferably, the container holds an oral product containing nicotine, such as an oral pouch. The oral product containing nicotine may include tobacco. The nicotine-containing product may be tobacco-free and not include tobacco. The nicotine-containing product may include a carrier material that carries the nicotine.

[0085] The container according to the present invention can be implemented in various variations. For example, the container can include a snap fastener and a tactile mechanism comprising a tactile rib or a set of tactile ribs that interact with a ratchet rib. In such a container, the overridable end stop or end stops can be omitted.

[0086] The container may include a snap fastener and a tactile mechanism comprising a tactile rib or a set of tactile ribs that interact with a ratchet rib and an overridable end stop disposed at one end of a gap in a ring element of the snap fastener.

[0087] The container may include a snap fastener and a tactile mechanism comprising a tactile rib or a set of tactile ribs that interact with a ratchet rib, and two overridable end stops provided at opposite ends of a gap in a ring element of the snap fastener.

[0088] The container may comprise a snap fastener and a tactile mechanism comprising a tactile rib or a set of tactile ribs that interact with a ratchet rib, and an end stop.Such a container may be opened by rotating the cover in only one rotational direction.

[0089] The container may include a snap fastener and a tactile mechanism comprising a tactile rib or a set of tactile ribs that interact with a ratchet rib, and end stops and overridable end stops disposed at opposite ends of a gap in a ring element of the snap fastener.

[0090] The container may include a snap fastener and a tactile mechanism comprising two tactile ribs or two sets of tactile ribs arranged at opposite ends of the gap in the ring element that interact with two ratchet ribs. Such a container may additionally be provided with one or two overridable end stops, have only one end stop, or have both an overridable end stop and an end stop arranged at opposite ends of the gap in the ring element. Such a container is preferably provided with one or two ratchet ribs that interact with one or two sets of tactile ribs.

[0091] If several gaps are provided in the ring element, each gap can be provided with one or two tactile elements and with one or two overridable end stops, or with one end stop or one end stop and one overridable end stop.

[0092] Further combinations of the container elements described above are possible, in particular combinations of snap fastener elements, tactile mechanisms, and both types of end stops. In particular, containers comprising one or more snap elements and a ring element comprising one or more gaps are also foreseen, with or without tactile mechanisms in combination with any type of end stop. For example, the snap element and the ring segment formed by one or more gaps may be arranged partially on the body portion and partially on the cover.

[0093] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment or aspect described herein.

[0094] Example Ex1: A container comprising a main body and a cover,

[0095] wherein the container comprises a snap fastener for the body portion and the cover, wherein the snap fastener comprises a ring element having a gap and a snap element interacting with the ring element,

[0096] And wherein the container further comprises a tactile mechanism that indicates a released state of the snap fastener in which the cover is detachable from the main body portion, wherein the tactile mechanism comprises a tactile rib arranged at the gap, and wherein when the snap fastener is in a snap state in which the cover is not detachable from the main body portion, the tactile element is arranged above or below the snap element when viewed relative to the removal direction of the cover.

[0097] Example Ex2: A container according to example Ex1, wherein the ring element is an interrupted circular rib.

[0098] Example Ex3: The container according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the snap element is an elongated protrusion.

[0099] Example Ex4: A container according to example Ex3, wherein the elongated protrusion is in the form of a rib or a slider.

[0100] Example Ex5: The container according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the ring element is arranged at the body portion, and the snap element is arranged at the cover.

[0101] Example Ex6: A container according to example Ex5, wherein the ring element is a radially outwardly projecting rib arranged at an upper region of the body portion sidewall, and the snap element is a radially inwardly directed protrusion at the cover sidewall.

[0102] Example Ex7: The container according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex4, wherein the ring element is arranged at the cover, and the snap element is arranged at the body portion.

[0103] Example Ex8: A container according to example Ex7, wherein the snap elements are radially outwardly directed protrusions at an upper region of the body portion sidewall, and the ring elements are radially inwardly projecting ribs at the cover sidewall.

[0104] Example Ex9: The container according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the tactile element comprises a tactile rib.

[0105] Example Ex10: The container of example Ex9, wherein the tactile element comprises a set of tactile ribs.

[0106] Example Ex11: The container of example Ex10, wherein the set of tactile ribs includes three to ten tactile ribs.

[0107] Example Ex12: The container of any of Examples E10 to Ex11, wherein the set of tactile ribs comprises five to eight tactile ribs.

[0108] Example Ex 13: The container according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the tactile mechanism comprises a ratchet rib that interacts with a tactile rib.

[0109] Example Ex14: The container according to example Ex13, wherein the ratchet rib and the tactile rib are arranged at different portions of the container.

[0110] Example Ex15: The container according to examples Ex9 to Ex14, wherein the ratchet rib and the snap element are both arranged at the body portion or at the cover of the container.

[0111] Example Ex16: The container according to any one of Examples Ex10 to Ex15, wherein the ratchet rib is adapted to interact with the set of tactile ribs.

[0112] Example Ex17: The container according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein when the snap fastener is in the snap state in which the cover is not detachable from the main body portion, the tactile element is arranged on a side of the ring element opposite to the snap element.

[0113] Example Ex18: A container according to any of the preceding examples, further comprising an surmountable end stop, wherein the surmountable end stop is configured to interact with the snap element so that the snap element can surmount the surmountable end stop to change the snap fastener from the snap state in which the cover cannot be removed from the main body part to the released state.

[0114] Example Ex19: A container according to example Ex18, wherein the overridable end stop can be overcome by applying a releasing rotational force between the cover and the body portion.

[0115] Example Ex20: The container according to any of Examples Ex18 to Ex19, wherein the container comprises two overridable end stops, each overridable end stop being arranged at opposite ends of the gap.

[0116] Example Ex21: The container according to any of Examples Ex18 to Ex20, wherein the tactile element is arranged at one side of the ring element, and the overridable end stop is arranged at the opposite side of the ring element.

[0117] Example Ex22: The container according to any of the preceding examples, comprising two tactile elements, each tactile element being arranged at opposite ends of the gap.

[0118] Example Ex23: The container according to any of the preceding examples, comprising an end stop for the snap element, the end stop allowing the cover and the body portion to rotate relative to each other in one direction only in the snapped state of the snap fastener.

[0119] Example Ex24: The container according to any of the preceding examples, comprising two or more gaps in the ring element and two or more snap elements.

[0120] Example Ex25: A container according to example Ex24, comprising the same number of gaps in the ring element and the snap elements.

[0121] Example Ex26: The container according to any one of Examples Ex24 to Ex25, wherein two or more gaps and two or more snap elements are regularly arranged along the circumference of the container.

[0122] Example Ex27: The container according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the edge portion of the body portion and the cover are arranged in a sealing manner in the closed state of the container, in particular in the snap-on state of the snap-on fastener.

[0123] Example Ex28: A container according to Example Ex27, wherein the inner side wall of the cover comprises a circumferentially extending sealing shoulder, which is adjacent to the outer edge portion of the main body portion in the closed state of the container, particularly in the snap-on state of the snap-on fastener.

[0124] Example Ex29: A container according to any one of Examples Ex27 to Ex28, wherein the cover comprises a pushing element for pushing the edge portion of the main body portion against the cover in the closed state of the container, in particular in the snap-on state of the snap fastener.

[0125] Example Ex30: The container according to any one of the preceding examples, comprising a second compartment.

[0126] Example Ex31: The container according to example Ex30, wherein the second compartment is arranged in the cover.

[0127] Example Ex32: The container according to any one of Examples Ex30 to Ex31, wherein the cover comprises a lid, and wherein the second compartment is accessible by opening the lid.

[0128] Example Ex33: The container of example Ex32, wherein the lid is permanently attached to the cover.

[0129] Example Ex34: The container of example Ex32, wherein the lid is removable from the cover.

[0130] Example Ex35: The container according to any one of Examples Ex32 to Ex34, wherein the lid forms a portion of the top wall of the cover.

[0131] Example Ex36: The container according to any one of the preceding examples, comprising an indicator indicating a release position of the snap fastener.

[0132] Example Ex37: The container according to example Ex36, wherein indicator elements are arranged at the cover and at the body portion.

[0133] Example Ex38: The container of example Ex37, wherein the indicator element of the cover and the indicator element of the body portion are aligned in the released state of the snap fastener.

[0134] Example Ex39: The container according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex38, wherein the indicator is an optical indicator.

[0135] Example Ex40: The container according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex39, wherein the indicator is a tactile indicator.

[0136] Example Ex41: The container according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex40, wherein the indicator comprises a gripping element to facilitate gripping of the container.

[0137] Example Ex42: The container according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex41, wherein the same number of indicator elements as the number of gaps provided in the ring element are arranged on the cover.

[0138] Example Ex43: The container according to any one of the preceding examples, comprising or made of plastic material, cellulosic material or metal.

[0139] Example Ex44: The container according to example Ex43, comprising polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), molded pulp, cardboard or metal.

[0140] Example Ex45: The container according to any one of Examples Ex43 to Ex44, which is made of polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), molded pulp, cardboard or metal.

[0141] Example Ex46: The container according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the height of the container is less than the diameter of the container.

[0142] Example Ex47: The container according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the diameter is 3 to 10 times the height of the container.

[0143] Example Ex48: The container according to example Ex47, wherein the diameter is 5 to 8 times the height of the container.

[0144] Example Ex49: A container according to any one of the preceding examples, which is a can.

[0145] Example Ex50: A container according to any one of the preceding examples, containing a nicotine-containing oral product.

[0146] Example Ex51: The container according to example Ex50, wherein the nicotine-containing oral product is an oral pouch.

[0147] Example Ex52: The container according to any one of Examples Ex50 to Ex51, wherein the nicotine-containing oral product comprises tobacco.

[0148] Example Ex53: The container according to any one of Examples Ex50 to Ex51, wherein the nicotine-containing oral product does not include tobacco. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0149] Examples will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0150] Figure 1 A perspective view of the container is shown;

[0151] Figure 2 For example, Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of a container;

[0152] Figure 3 showing a perspective view of the interior of a cover of a container;

[0153] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the main body portion of the container;

[0154] Figure 5 showing a detail of a partial cross section of a closure of a container;

[0155] Figure 6 Shown Figure 3 Details of the interior of the covering;

[0156] Figure 7 A transparent view of a closed container is shown;

[0157] Figure 8 Shown Figure 4 and Figure 7 Details of the main body of the

[0158] Figure 9 Examples of end stops are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0159] Figure 1 A container 1 in the form of a can is shown, comprising a body portion 10 and a cover 11 mounted on the body portion 10 .

[0160] The container 1 represents a can and has a circular cross section and rounded edges. The diameter of the container 1 is about three times the height of the container 1. The container 1 is preferably made of plastic material, paper or cardboard or a combination of paper, cardboard and plastic material.

[0161] The cover 11 includes a lid 110. The lid 110 can be opened at an opening section 111 to provide access to a waste compartment provided in the cover 11 (at Figure 1 ) is not shown.

[0162] The cover 11 and the main body 10 are provided with an indicator element 112. Figure 1 , the indicator element is in the form of a colored arrow. When the indicator elements 112 of the cover 11 and the main body 10 are aligned with each other, the container 1 is in an openable state, wherein the cover 11 can be lifted from the main body 10 by a linear movement in the release direction of the cover 11. The container 1 includes child-resistant features in the form of a snap fastener and an assessment aid, which will be described in more detail below.

[0163] Figure 2 The container 1 (e.g. Figure 1 A compartment 13 formed by the body portion 10 is provided to accommodate a product, for example a nicotine-containing oral product, such as an oral pouch.

[0164] The cover 11 is attached to the main body 10 via a snap fastener disposed between the cover 11 and the main body 10. The snap fastener is formed by an interrupted, circumferentially extending rib 30 disposed at the outer surface of the upper portion of the main body 10 and extending radially therefrom. The circumferentially extending rib 30 interacts with at least one snap element 20 formed as a protrusion extending radially inward from the inner surface of the side wall 114 of the cover 11. The rib 30 has a smoothly inclined top side for the snap element 20 to slide along the rib 30 when the cover 11 is pushed downwardly onto the main body 10 in a snap-fitting direction. The underside of the rib 30 forms an undercut, with the generally planar side of the rib 30 being substantially parallel to the top wall 115 of the cover 11, so that in the snap-fitting state of the snap fastener, the snap element 20 is in a locked position below the rib 30.

[0165] The interior of the main body portion 10 forms a first compartment for accommodating user products (e.g., oral pouches). The cover 11 includes a second, waste compartment 12, for example, for storing used products (e.g., used oral pouches) in the waste compartment 12. The waste compartment 12 is closed by a lid 110 and is accessible by opening the lid 110. The lid 110 is preferably removable from the cover 11 to access the waste compartment 12. However, the lid 110 can also be permanently connected to the cover 11, for example, by a hinge. The bottom 113 of the waste compartment 112 is arranged parallel to the bottom of the main body portion 10.

[0166] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 The perspective view of the embodiment of the present invention shows a structure including two snap elements 20 (in Figure 3 The two snap elements can be connected with the interrupted circumferentially extending rib 30 ( Figure 4 ) to form a snap fastener.

[0167] exist Figure 3 As can be seen in FIG, two snap elements 20 are arranged opposite each other at 0 / 360 degrees and 180 degrees at the inner part of the circumference of the side wall 114 of the cover 11. The snap elements 20 are in the form of elongated protrusions extending from and along the inner part of the side wall 114 of the cover 11.

[0168] The cover 11 comprises four push elements 50 which are circumferentially displaced by 90 degrees and are regularly arranged at the inside of the top wall 115 of the cover 11. The circumferential extension of the push elements 50 is slightly greater than the circumferential extension of the snap elements 20, for example 2 mm greater. Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, the circumferential extension of the snap element 20 and the pushing element 50 is about 8 mm to 15 mm. The pushing element 50 facilitates alignment of the cover 11 and the main body 10 by guiding the upper edge 100 of the main body 10 when assembling the cover 11 and the main body 10. In addition, the pushing element 50 pushes the upper edge 100 of the main body 10 against the circumferentially extending shoulder 51 of the cover side wall 114. This ensures a contact area along the circumference between the cover 11 and the main body 10, particularly in the area where the upper edge 100 of the main body 10 is clamped between the pushing element 50 and the shoulder 51, to seal the container 1 and minimize moisture absorption and moisture loss of the product in the main body 10. These features can also be used in Figure 5 Detailed view of . Figure 5 In FIG. 1 , the locking state of the locking element 20 and the circumferential rib 30 , and the pushing element 50 and the shoulder 51 is shown in an enlarged view.

[0169] exist Figure 3 The cover 11 in the illustrated embodiment includes ratchet ribs 40. The ratchet ribs 40 are short ribs extending vertically along the interior of the side wall 114 of the cover 11 and projecting radially therefrom. When the snap fastener is in the snapped state, the ratchet ribs 40 are circumferentially aligned with one end of the snap element 20, but are arranged above the snap element 20 and also above and adjacent the circumferentially extending ribs 30. The ratchet ribs 40 are configured to engage with a set of tactile ribs 41 arranged at the body portion 10 (e.g., at the bottom). Figure 4 The alignment of the ratchet rib 40 with the snap element 20 ensures that the snap element 20 is in or enters the released state of the snap fastener when the ratchet rib 40 has passed the corresponding tactile element on the main body portion 10 and has provided corresponding tactile feedback, as will be further shown below.

[0170] exist Figure 6 The alignment of the snap elements 20 and the ratchet ribs 40 is shown in a detailed view of a portion of the cover 11 in FIG.

[0171] In such a Figure 4 In the illustrated main body portion 10, the circumferentially extending rib 30 is interrupted by four gaps 31. The gaps 31 are spaced apart in the circumferentially extending rib 30 and are regularly spaced apart by 90 degrees. The four gaps 31 represent four release states of the snap fastener, wherein once the snap elements 20 of the cover 11 are circumferentially aligned with the gaps 31, the cover 11 can be removed (i.e., lifted) from the main body portion 10. The provision of the four gaps 31 reduces the maximum rotation of the cover 11 required to open the container 1 to 90 degrees.

[0172] In order to make Figure 4 The main part of the Figure 3 For a container 1 with a cover 11, the main body 10 may be provided with only two gaps 31 spaced 180 degrees apart. In such an embodiment, the maximum rotation for opening the container 1 will be 180 degrees. Figure 3 The cover 11 shown in FIG. 1 may be provided with four snap elements 20 circumferentially spaced 90 degrees along the inner sidewall of the cover.

[0173] As in Figure 4 As can be seen in FIG, a tactile element in the form of a set of tactile ribs 41 is arranged near gap 31 and above but adjacent to circumferentially extending ribs 30. For example, a set of tactile ribs 41 is circumferentially spaced a few millimeters, such as 1 to 5 millimeters, from gap 31. However, a set of tactile ribs 41 may also be precisely aligned with one end of gap 31.

[0174] Below the circumferentially extending rib 30 and on opposite sides of the set of tactile ribs 41, end stops 45, 46 are provided on each side of the gap 31. The end stops 45, 46 are arranged flush with the circumferentially extending rib 30 on its underside below the gap 31.

[0175] The end stop 46 arranged at the end of the gap 31 opposite to the side of the gap provided with the set of tactile ribs 41 is preferably embodied as an end stop for the snap element 20. The snap element 20 is arranged under the rib 30 in the snap-on state of the snap fastener and can slide circumferentially under the circumferentially extending rib 30 when the cover 11 and the body part 10 are rotated against each other. When the snap element 20 abuts the end stop 46, the cover cannot be rotated further. Figure 4 By virtue of the end stop 46 , the rotation of the cover 11 is restricted to the clockwise direction.

[0176] The end stop 45 arranged on the same side of the gap 31 as the set of tactile ribs 41 is formed as an overridable end stop. Thus, by applying sufficient force, the snap element 20 can override the overridable end stop 45 and can be brought into a released state of the snap fastener, in which the cover 11 can be removed from the body portion 10. The cover 11 can be lifted from the body portion 20 in a linear release direction.

[0177] End stops 45, 46 and a set of tactile ribs 41 are located in the Figure 4 However, it is clear from the description that a set of tactile ribs and end stops 46 and overridable end stops 45 can be arranged at one, two, several or all gaps 31 provided in the circumferentially extending ribs 30.

[0178] Figure 3 and 5 The cover 11 is provided with grips 155 on its outer side. The grips 155 are four sets of grooves arranged equidistantly along the rounded edge of the cover 11. The two grips 155 are arranged on the outside of the cover 11 at the same locations as the snap elements 20 are arranged on the inside of the cover 11. Thus, the two oppositely arranged grips 155 also serve as indicators, optically and tactilely indicating the release position of the snap fastener of the container 1.

[0179] exist Figure 7In the transparent view of the container 1, the snap fastener of the container 1 is still in the snapped state. However, by rotating the cover 11 in the clockwise direction, the ratchet ribs 40 of the cover 11 have passed the set of tactile ribs 41 of the main body 10, and the snap element 20 of the cover 11 abuts the overridable end stop 45 at the main body 10. The gripping element 155 and the tactile and acoustic feedback from the ratchet formed by the ratchet rib 40 and the set of tactile ribs 41 indicate to the user that the container 1 is close to its release position. By further rotating the cover 11 in the clockwise direction and initiating the release force so that the snap element 20 overrides the overridable end stop 45, the snap fastener can be brought into its release position and the container can be opened by lifting the cover 11 from the main body 10.

[0180] When viewed in the circumferential direction, the tactile and acoustic effects produced by the ratchet formed by the set of tactile ribs 41 and the interacting ratchet ribs 40, as well as by the traversable end stop 45 interacting with the snap element 20, are arranged continuously, or more precisely, the corresponding elements are arranged to produce a continuous tactile and acoustic effect. The effect of the traversable end stop 45 begins when the ratchet rib 40 has passed the tactile rib closest to the gap 31 and the tactile and acoustic ratcheting effect has ended.

[0181] exist Figure 8 , the gap 31 region of the main body portion 10 of the container 1 is shown in greater detail. In particular, the position and form of the set of tactile ribs 41 and the end stops 46 and overridable end stops 45 can be seen. The set of tactile ribs 41 and the end stops 45, 46 are respectively arranged above and below the circumferentially extending rib 30 and are directly adjacent to the circumferentially extending rib 30. The tactile ribs 41, the circumferentially extending rib 30 and the end stops 45, 46 can be formed integrally with the main body portion 10.

[0182] exist Figure 9 In FIG. 4 , several embodiments of an overridable end stop 45 or a combined end stop with an overridable end stop are shown.

[0183] The end stop 45 is provided with an abutment wall 461 which is perpendicularly directed from the surface 101 of the object (e.g. the outer wall of the main body or the side wall 114 of the cover). Thus, the abutment wall 461 for the snap element 20 extends from the corresponding surface by a stop angle 460 of approximately 90 degrees. Figure 8 In the embodiment of the embodiment of the invention, the end stops 45, 46 extend from the outer surface of the side wall of the body portion 10. The snap element 20 can be rotated until it abuts the abutment surface 461. No further rotation in said direction is possible, and therefore it is not possible to put the cover 11 into the release position of the snap fastener by rotating it in said rotational direction.

[0184] If the abutment surface 451 comprises an surmountable angle 450 exceeding 90 degrees, preferably about 100 to 150 degrees, the snap element 20 can slide over the surmountable abutment surface and surmount the surmountable end stop 45. The surmounting of the surmountable end stop 45 by the snap element 20 can produce acoustic and tactile effects.

[0185] The overridable end stop 45 provides another safety mechanism to prevent unauthorized opening of the container 1. An authorized user knows when and how to open the container 1 by an indicator provided on the container or by a tactile mechanism (such as a ratchet which may be combined with the overridable end stop 45).

[0186] Figure 9 The arrows 455, 466, 456 on the right hand side of the cover are provided as in Figure 9 In the case of the uppermost end stop 45 shown in FIG, only the counterclockwise opening direction 455 is indicated. Figure 9 In the case of the end stop shown in the middle, only the clockwise direction 466 is indicated, and in the case of an arrangement such as Figure 9 The two rotational directions 456 are indicated in the case of the overridable end stop 45 shown in the lowermost figure, which has two overridable abutment walls 451 with a corresponding overridable angle 450 of approximately 105 degrees.

[0187] It is clear from the invention described that, for example, Figure 8 As shown in the embodiment of , respective end stops are provided at one or both ends of the gap 31 so as to allow the snap element 20 to pass through or abut the respective end stops before the snap element 20 reaches the gap 31 .

[0188] The terms "above" or "below" in the illustrated containers are to be understood in terms of the release or removal direction of the cover and body portion or their common position relative to the container, whereby the cover forms the top of the container and the body portion forms the bottom of the container.

[0189] The container has been shown with examples of snap elements and ratchet ribs arranged at the inner side wall of the cover and a ring element and a set of tactile ribs with a gap arranged at the outer side wall of the main body of the container. However, the ring element can also be arranged at the inner side wall of the cover and the corresponding (one or more) snap elements are arranged at the outer side wall of the main body. In addition, the elements of the tactile mechanism can basically be selected as desired, for example, a set of tactile ribs can be arranged at the inner side wall of the cover and the interacting ratchet ribs are arranged at the outer side wall of the main body, for example flush with the gap in the ring element, or arranged above or below the cover aligned with the snap element but in its release direction. The position of the snap fastener and the elements of the tactile mechanism can be adjusted accordingly.

[0190] Exemplary data for cover 11 are:

[0191] Diameter: 35-85mm, for example 70; height: 4-35mm, for example 9mm.

[0192] Exemplary data for cover 110 is:

[0193] Diameter: 30-70mm, for example 62; height: 3.5-9mm.

[0194] Exemplary data for body portion 10 is:

[0195] Diameter: 30-80mm, for example 70; height: 10-35mm, for example 22mm.

[0196] Exemplary materials for the container 1 are: polypropylene (PP), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), molded pulp.

[0197] For the purpose of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers representing amounts, quantities, percentages, etc. should be understood to be modified by the term "about" in all cases. Moreover, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein that may be specifically listed or may not be listed in this article. Therefore, in this context, the number A is understood to be 10% of A±A. In this context, the number A can be regarded as including the numerical value within the general standard error for the measurement of the attribute modified by the number A. In some cases used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate from the percentage listed above, provided that the amount of A deviation does not substantially affect the basic characteristics and novel features of the invention claimed. Moreover, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein that may be specifically listed or may not be listed in this article.

Claims

1. A container comprising a main body portion for storing consumables and a cover member for covering the main body portion, wherein the container comprises a snap fastener for the body portion and the cover, wherein the snap fastener comprises a ring element having a gap and a snap element interacting with the ring element, And wherein the container further comprises a tactile mechanism that indicates a released state of the snap fastener in which the cover is detachable from the main body portion, wherein the tactile mechanism comprises a tactile element arranged at the gap, and wherein when the snap fastener is in a snap state in which the cover is not detachable from the main body portion, the tactile element is arranged above or below the snap element when viewed relative to the removal direction of the cover.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the ring element is an interrupted circular rib.

3. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the snap elements are elongate protrusions.

4. The container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ring element is arranged at the body portion and the snap element is arranged at the cover.

5. The container of any preceding claim, wherein the tactile element comprises a tactile rib.

6. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tactile mechanism comprises a ratcheting rib that interacts with the tactile element.

7. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tactile element is arranged on a side of the ring element opposite to the snap element when the snap fastener is in the snap state.

8. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an overridable end stop, wherein the overridable end stop is configured to interact with the snap element so that the snap element can pass over the overridable end stop to allow the snap fastener to change from the snap state to the released state.

9. A container according to any preceding claim, comprising two tactile elements, each tactile element being arranged at opposite ends of the gap.

10. A container according to any preceding claim, comprising an end stop for the snap element, the end stop allowing the cover and body portion to be rotated relative to each other in one direction only in the snapped condition of the snap fastener.

11. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner side wall of the cover comprises a circumferentially extending sealing shoulder which abuts against an outer edge portion of the main body portion in the closed state of the container, in particular in the snap-on state of the snap-on fastener.

12. The container according to claim 11, wherein the cover comprises a pushing element for pushing an edge portion of the main body portion against the cover in a closed state of the container, in particular in a snap-fit ​​state of the snap fastener.

13. A container according to any preceding claim, comprising a second compartment.

14. A container according to any preceding claim, comprising an indicator indicating a release position of the snap fastener.

15. The container of claim 14, wherein the indicator is an optical indicator.

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