Space lid

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a snus container, comprising a body (11) defining a first compartment (110), a first lid (12) defining a second compartment (120) separated from the first compartment (110) in the direction of a first axis (A), adapted to be releasably attached to the body (11) so that the first lid (12) closes the first compartment, and a second lid (13) adapted to be releasably attached to the first lid (12) so that it closes the second compartment (120), wherein the first lid (12) comprises two separate parts: a frame part (121) and a base part (122), the base part (122) is configured to move in the direction of the first axis (A) relative to the frame part (121) between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2), wherein the volume of the first compartment (110) will decrease and the volume of the second compartment (120) will increase when the base part (122) moves from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2). Further a method for adjusting the volume of the compartments of a snus container is disclosed.

Description

[0001] SPACE LID

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present inventive concept relates to a snus container comprising a plurality of compartments for storing packaged snus portions.

[0004] Snus is generally sold to consumers as packaged snus portions stored in a container with a resealable lid. These containers are conventionally cylindrical in shape and made from plastic or polymer material.

[0005] After a snus portion is used, the snus portion is to be discarded, for example in a public waste bin. However, when there is no waste bin in the vicinity, there is a need to store used snus portions. A solution to this problem is to provide snus containers comprising two separate compartments. By this, unused snus portions can be stored in one compartment and used snus portions can be stored in the other compartment until they can be discarded in a waste bin.

[0006] A problem of two-compartment snus containers is that it is difficult to provide a two-compartment snus container where the compartment for used snus portions is sufficiently large and does not limit the compartment for storing unused snus portions. Used snus portions are moist from saliva and if the compartment for used snus portion is overfilled, the pressure on the used snus portions can cause the moist to leak and then in turn escape the container. an object of the present invention to provide an improved solution that alleviates the mentioned drawbacks with present solutions. In particular, a first object of the invention is to provide a snus container comprising: a body defining a first compartment, a first lid defining a second compartment separated from the first compartment in the direction of a first axis, adapted to be releasably attached to the body so that the first lid closes the first compartment, and a second lid adapted to be releasably attached to the first lid so that it closes the second compartment, wherein the first lid comprises two separate parts: a frame part and a base part, the base part is configured to move in the direction of the first axis relative to the frame part between a first position and a second position, wherein the volume of the first compartment will decrease and the volume of the second compartment will increase when the base part moves from the first position to the second position. An advantage of this snus container, with adjustable sizes of the compartments, is that the compartment intended for used snus can initially be smaller and thus allowing for a more compact snus container, or the snus container may comprise more unused snus when sold as compared to a snus container with fixed sized compartments.

[0007] When some of the snus have been used and there is empty space in the compartment for unused snus it is possible to move the base part from the first position to the second position and thus creating a larger volume for the used snus when needed. This solves the problem with providing a snus container having a sufficiently large compartment for used snus, since the volume of the two compartments can be adjusted dependent on the amount of unused snus versus used snus that is intended to be stored in the snus container at the moment.

[0008] Used and unused snus portions may be stored in either the first compartment and / or the second compartment. One of the first compartment and the second compartment may be adapted in shape and size to provide a compartment of smaller volume than the other. The smaller compartment may be used to store used snus portions whereas the larger compartment may be used to store unused snus portions or vice versa.

[0009] The compartments may be rigid enough not to be squeezed or compressed if the snus container is accidentally sat on, for example when storing the snus container in the back pocket, thus reducing the risk for moist from used snus to leak and then in turn escape the container. The term “defining a first compartment” should be understood as limiting a space within the body of the snus container being the first compartment.

[0010] The term “defining a second compartment” should be understood as limiting a space within a side of the first lid not being the side configured to be releasably attached to the body of the snus container, being the second compartment.

[0011] The term “releasably attached” should be understood as the lids can be opened and closed several times.

[0012] When referring to an event, movement, or position in relation to the first axis, such as being separated in the direction of the fist axis, it may be meant that said event, movement or position is being carried out along a direction at least partly parallel, but preferably substantially parallel to a main axis. Said main axis may be a centre axis of the snus container. Said main axis may be the rotational axis. The direction of the rotational axis may be defined by how the first lid rotates relative the body. Said main axis may be a cylindrical axis in the case the snus container is provided with a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0013] The snus container may be adapted in size and shape to have a form factor similar to conventional snus containers. The snus container may have a substantially cylindrical shape. The first compartment may have a substantially cylindrical shape also.

[0014] Being “separate parts” should be understood as the frame part and the base part can be separated from each other. When being put together the frame part and the base part may constitute a sufficiently tight lid. The frame part may surround the base part in in a circumferential extension around the base part. The frame part may also extend with an axial overlap with the base part.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the frame part comprises an engaging portion configured to engage with a cooperating engaging portion of the body so that the first lid is releasably attached to the body. The engaging portions of the frame part and the cooperating engaging portion of the body can make the snus container user friendly by making it easy to open and close. Said engaging portions may be configured to be rotated relative to each other to be opened or closed. Said engaging portions may be configured to be to be opened or closed by applying a force to the first lid so as to force the engaging portions to disengage.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the frame part has at least one frame coupling portion and the base part has at least one base coupling portion configured to be coupled with the at least one frame coupling portion, so that the base part is movable between the first and the second position. When a coupling portion of the base part is coupled to a coupling portion of the frame part, the base part may be hold in a stable position. By a stable position may be meant that the base part will stay in its position when in normal use and not applying an intended force to the base part.

[0017] In one embodiment, the at least one frame coupling portion and the at least one base coupling portion has a circumferential extension of at least one fourth of the circumference, preferably at least one third of the circumference, more preferably at least half the circumference, more preferably at least two thirds of the circumference. In one embodiment, the at least one frame coupling portion and the base part has at least one base coupling portion extends substantially the entire circumference of the base part.

[0018] According to one embodiment there are two or more of the at least one frame coupling portion and / or the at least one base coupling portion. The coupling portions of one of the frame part and the base part may be protrusions and the corresponding coupling positions on the frame part or the base part may be recesses configured to receive said protruding coupling portion.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the base part has at least two base coupling portions and, the base part is in the first position when the at least one frame coupling portion is coupled to a first of the at least two base coupling portions and the base part is in the second position when the at least one frame coupling portion is coupled to a second of the at least two base coupling portions

[0020] According to one embodiment, the frame part has at least two frame coupling portion and the base part is in the first position when the at least one base coupling portion is coupled to a first of the at least two frame coupling portion and the base part is in the second position when the at least one base coupling portion is coupled to another of the at least two frame coupling portions.

[0021] The number of coupling portions either associated with the frame part or the base part may correspond to the number of possible stable positions for the base part. The one of the base part and the frame part having the most coupling portions may correspond to the number of possible stable positions for the base part.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the base part and / or the frame part has a sliding surface configured to allow a sliding movement between the first position and the second position of the base part relative the frame part.

[0023] By “sliding movement” it may be meant that a frame coupling portion or a base coupling portion slides along the sliding surface in the direction of the first axis.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the base part has a sliding surface between the two the at least one base coupling portions on which the frame coupling portion is adapted to slide when the base part moves between the first position and the second position. According to one embodiment, the frame part has a sliding surface between the at least two frame coupling portions on which the base coupling portion is adapted to slide when the base part moves between the first position and the second position.

[0025] The sliding surface may be provided as a rectangular thin strips that extends between two coupling portions. There may be more than one sliding surface provided on the base part or the frame part. The sliding surface may be a continuous surface that extends annularly around the base part or the frame part. The advantage of an embodiment comprising a sliding surface may be that the movement between the first position and the second position is controlled.

[0026] The sliding surface may be a smooth surface giving a low friction force between the frame part and the base part.

[0027] The base part may be held stable in intermediate positions between the first position and the second position by the frame coupling portions or the base coupling portions being presses against the sliding surface. Thus, compared to an embodiment without a sliding surface, the force required to disengage the frame coupling portion from the base coupling portion may be more similar to the force required to move the base part from the first position to the second position. Consequently, when disengaging the base coupling portion to the frame coupling portion in the first position may require an increased axial force for moving the base part into the second position if no sliding surface is provided.

[0028] The term “adapted to slide” should be read as that the coupling portion adapted to slide on the sliding surface will move along, and being in contact with, the sliding surface when a force is applied to the base part or the frame part.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the base part has a spacing element which extends axially from the base part in the second compartment in the axial direction. The spacing element may be manufactured in one piece with the base part. The spacing element may extend about a distance from the bottom of the base part as the height of the second compartment when the base part is in the first position. The spacing element may give stability to the second lid, so as not compressing or squeezing the second compartment if the snus container is accidentally sat on.

[0030] Another advantage of the spacing element is that a force can be applied to the base part through the spacing element. This may allow a user to push the base part to the second position without touching the base part bottom which could be stained by old snus portions. Another possibility may be to push the base part to the second position through the second lid. The second lid may be flexible enough to flex so that force can be put onto the spacing element through the second lid.

[0031] The snus container may be made from a polymer material. The snus container may be made from a plastic material. Alternatively, the snus container may be made from a material comprising a metal such as aluminium, titanium, etc. One or more of the parts of the snus container may be made from the same material. The body may be made from a polymer material, plastic material or said metal. The first lid may be made from a polymer material, plastic material or said metal. If present, the second lid may be made from a polymer material, plastic material or said metal.

[0032] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for adjusting the volume of the compartments of a snus container comprising a body defining a first compartment and a first lid defining a second compartment separated from the first compartment in the direction of a first axis, the first lid having a frame part and a base part, the method comprising the steps of disengaging a first base coupling portion from a cooperating frame coupling portion, wherein the base part comprises the first base coupling portion and the frame part comprises the frame coupling portion, moving the base part along the first axis from a first position to a second position by sliding the frame coupling portion over a sliding surface of the base part, the sliding surface between the first base coupling portion and a second base coupling portion of the base part, wherein the volume of the first compartment will decrease and the volume of the second compartment will increase when the base part moves from the first position to the second position, engaging the frame coupling portion with the second base coupling portion.

[0033] The method may be performed so as to move the base portion from the second position to the first position. The method will in large have the same advantages as described in relation to the product, that the use of the snus container with adjustable sizes of the compartments may allow a user to keep the compartment intended for used snus small initially and then increasing it as the need for it is increasing. That will allow for a more compact snus container, or the snus container may comprise more unused snus when sold as compared to a snus container with fixed sized compartments.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the steps disengaging a first base coupling portion and moving the base part is achieved by applying an axial force to the base part.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the base part has a spacing element which extends from the base part in the second compartment in the direction of the first axis A and the axial force applied to the base part is concentrated to the spacing element directly or through a second lid which closes the second compartment. By applying the force to the spacing element the user do not have to touch the bottom of the base part which may be moist by saliva from used snus or do not have to touch used snus being stored in the second compartment.

[0036] The invention is defined by the appended independent claims, with embodiments being set forth in the appended dependent claims, in the following description and in the drawings.

[0037] Brief description of drawings

[0038] The invention will in the following be described in more detail with reference to the enclosed drawings, wherein:

[0039] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a snus container according to one embodiment.

[0040] Figs 2a-2c show perspective views of the body, the first lid and the second lid of a snus container according to one embodiment.

[0041] Figs 3a-3b show perspective views of the frame part and the base part of the first lid according to one embodiment. Figs 4a-4d show perspective views of the body, the frame part of the first lid, the base part of the first lid and the second lid of the snus container according to one embodiment.

[0042] Figs 5a-5b show perspective views of the snus container according to one embodiment, wherein the base part is in a first position respective in a second position.

[0043] Figs 6a-6b show cross-sectional views of a snus container according to one embodiment, wherein the base part is in a first position respective in a second position.

[0044] Fig. 7 shows a flow chart of a method for adjusting the volume of two compartments of a snus container according to one embodiment.

[0045] Detailed description

[0046] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a container 1 according to one embodiment of the invention. The snus container 1 comprises a body 11 defining a first compartment 110. The snus container 1 further comprises a first lid 12 defining a second compartment 120, separated from the first compartment 110. The first compartment 110 and the second compartment 120 are illustrated in the following figures and are further described below.

[0047] The first lid 12 is adapted to be releasably attached to the body 11 covering the opening of the first compartment 110, so that the first compartment 110 can be closed and opened. In Fig 1 , the first lid 12 is coupled to the body 11 , thereby closing the first compartment 110. The snus container further comprises a second lid 13. The second lid 13 is adapted to be releasably attached to the first lid 12 covering the opening of the second compartment 120, so that the second compartment 120 can be opened and closed. In Fig. 1 the second lid 13 is coupled to the first lid 12, thereby closing the second compartment 120.

[0048] The snus container 1 in Fig. 1 has a cylindrical shape, like a conventional snus container. However, the snus container 1 is not limited to this shape. The snus container 1 may be in the shape of a cuboid or a prism. Although in Fig. 1 , the body 11 and the first lid 12 have the same width and the second lid 13 has a narrower width than the body 11 and the first lid 12, other designs are possible. The first lid 12 may be narrower or wider than the body 11 . The second lid 13 may be narrower or wider that the first lid 12.

[0049] In Fig. 1 , the snus container 1 has rounded edges which is preferable for increased comfort for the user while carrying the snus container 1 in a pocket. This design is however optional, and the edges can be chamfered, sharp or have a list.

[0050] The snus container 1 , may be made from plastic or polymer material but may also be made from other materials such as metals. The snus container 1 may also be made from a combination of material.

[0051] Figs. 2a, 2b and 2c show perspective views of the body 11 , the first lid 12 and the second lid 13 of a snus container 1 according to one embodiment of the invention. In figure 2a, 2b and 2c, the body 11 , the first lid 12 and the second lid 13 are disassembled and shown separately from each other.

[0052] The first compartment 110 is defined by the portions of the body 11. The body may comprise body walls 111 and a body bottom 112. The body bottom 112 may be a substantially flat floor to the first compartment 110. The body walls 111 may extend circumferentially around the body bottom 112, encapsulating the first compartment 110. The body walls 111 may be adapted to be at least partly overlapped by the first 12 lid when the first compartment 110 is closed by the first lid 12.

[0053] A first axis A is defined from the body bottom 112 through the first compartment 110 and as perpendicular to the body bottom 112.

[0054] The body 11 may further comprise at least one first engaging portion 113. The at least one first engaging portion 113 may be adapted to engage with the first lid 12 so as to releasably attach the first lid 12 to the body 11 . The at least one first engaging portion 113 may be placed on the surface of the body walls 111 which face away from the body 11 centre. The at least one first engaging portion 113 may be placed on the part the body walls 111 which may be adapted to be at least partly overlapped by the first lid 12. In Fig 2, the at least one first engaging portion 113 may extend continuously around the body walls 111 , however there may be multiple engaging portions 113 placed around the surface of the body walls 111 which face away from the body 11 centre.

[0055] The first lid 12 comprises two separate parts, a frame part 121 and base part 122. The two separated parts 121 , 122 can move relative each other and therefore, the volumes of the compartments 110, 120 are adjustable. This mechanism will be described in detail below.

[0056] The base part 122 may comprise a base portion bottom 1224 and base portion walls 1225. The base portion bottom 1124 may be a substantially flat floor to the second compartment 120. The base portion walls 1225 may extend circumferentially around the base portion bottom 1124, at least partly encapsulating the second compartment 120.

[0057] The frame part 121 may extend around the base portion walls 1225 defining the circumference of the first lid 12. The frame part 121 may be adapted to overlap the body walls 111 when the first lid 12 closes the first compartment 110. The frame part 121 may be adapted in size and shape to be placed concentrically around the base part 122. The frame part 121 is adapted to overlap the body when the first lid 12 is attached to the body 11 .

[0058] The frame part 121 of the first lid 12 may have a recess 1214 adapted to facilitate opening of the second lid 13. It may be placed and sized so that, when the second compartment 120 is closed by the second lid 13, a user can reach under an edge of the second lid 13 with a nail or a fingertip. In Fig. 2b the recess 1214 has flat sides but they may also be rounded.

[0059] In the embodiment in Fig. 2b, a spacing element 1223 is extending along the first axis A from the base portion bottom 1224. The spacing element 1223 may extend through the second compartment 120. The spacing element 1223 should preferably not extend beyond the axial height where it prevents closing the second lid 13 in any position of the base part 12. The space 1223 element prevents the second lid 13 to compress the second compartment 120 when, for example, the snus container 1 accidently is sat on by the user while being stored in a back pocket.

[0060] In Fig 2b, the spacing element 1223 has a cylindrical shape with the axis of the cylinder parallel to the first axis A. The hollow shape of the spacing element 1223 is beneficial for material economy. However, the spacing element 1223 is not limited to this shape. The spacing element 1223 can be a solid or a hollow element of any shape. The spacing element 1223 may be a polygonal prism. The spacing element 1223 may have any irregular shape. In Fig. 2b the spacing element 1223 is placed in the middle of the base portion bottom 1224 and the bottom part 122 which is preferable, however it can be placed anywhere on the base portion bottom 1224.

[0061] The second lid 13 may be a substantially flat plate adapted to cover the opening of the second compartment 120. The frame part 121 may comprise at least one third engaging portion 1213. The second lid 13 may have at least one fourth engaging portion 131. The at least one fourth engaging portion 131 is adapted to engage with at least one third engaging portion 1213 of the frame part 121 , thereby realisably attach the second lid 13 to the first lid 12. The at least one third engaging portion 1213 can be viewed in Fig 3a.

[0062] In the embodiment shown in Fig 2c and 3a, the at least one fourth engagement portion 131 and the at least one third engagement portion 1213 are protrusions. The at least one fourth engagement portion 131 and the at least one third engagement portion 1213 have a collaborative mechanism functioning with a snap-in action. The at least one fourth engagement portion 131 is adapted to slightly flex when the second lid 13 is moved towards closing the second compartment 120, so that the engaging portions may slide over the at least one third engagement portion 1213 into a locking position in which movement of the second lid 13 is prevented.

[0063] The second lid 13 may be removed from the locking position by a predetermined force being put upon the second lid 13 forcing the at least one third engaging portion 131 to flex so that the second lid 13 can move away from the second compartment 120. The engagement between the least one fourth engagement portion 131 and the at least one third engagement portion 1213 may be of other nature than a snap-in action.

[0064] The first lid 12 and / or the second lid 13 may be at least partly threaded so that the second lid 13 can be screwed on an off. The first lid 12 and the second lid 13 may be adapted in shape and size so that the second lid 13 can be press fitted to stay in the closed position.

[0065] The second lid 13 and the first lid 12 may be equipped with a hatch and hinge to close and open the first lid.

[0066] The second lid 13 and / or the first lid 12 may be equipped with magnets to hold the second lid in place. The first lid 12 and the second lid 13 may be equipped with a bayonet fitting arrangement for attaching the lid.

[0067] The above-mentioned examples for attaching the second lid 13 to the first lid 12 should be considered as examples for releasably attaching the second lid 13 to the first lid 12 only, and are not limiting to the invention.

[0068] Fig 3a and 3b show a perspective view of the frame part 121 and the base part 122, respectively, where the frame part 121 and the base part 122 are disassembled from each other.

[0069] The frame part 121 may comprise a first ring 1215. The frame part 121 may further comprise a second ring 1216. The first ring 1215 is positioned concentrically outside of the second ring 1216. The first ring 1215 may be adapted in size and shape to partly overlap the body walls 111 when the first lid 12 closes the first compartment 120. The second ring 1216 may be adapted in shape and size to be placed inside of the first compartment 110 when the first lid 12 closes the first compartment 110.

[0070] The first ring 1215 may be adapted to releasably attach to the body walls 111. The at least one second engagement portion 1212 may be placed on the surface of the first ring 1215 which faces the centre of the snus container 1. The at least one second engagement portion 1212 can be seen in Fig 4b. The at least one second engagement portion 1212 may be adapted to engage with the at least one first engagement portion 113 of the body 11 . The second ring 1216 may be adapted to be releasably attached to the second lid 13. The at least one third engagement portion 1213 may be placed on the surface of the second ring 1216 which faces the centre of the snus container 1. In Fig. 3a, there are six of the at least one third engagement portion 1213 distributed around the surface of the inner ring 1216 facing the centre of the snus container 1 . However, there may be more or fewer at least one third engagement portion. There may be one continuous engagement portion around the surface of the inner ring 1216 facing the centre of the snus container 1 .

[0071] The inner ring 1216 may be adapted to be coupled to the base part 122. The frame part 121 may comprise at least one frame coupling portion 1211. The at least one frame coupling portion 1211 may be placed on the surface of the second ring 1216 that faces the centre of the snus container 1. The at least one frame coupling portion 1211 may be adapted to be coupled with at least one base coupling portion 1221 of the base part 122. Although, the at least one frame coupling portion is continuous around the surface of the second ring 1216 that faces the centre of the snus container 1 in the embodiment of Fig 3a, other shapes are possible. The frame coupling portion 1211 may extend only partly around the surface of the second ring 1216 that faces the centre of the snus container 1 and / or be divided in shorter segments.

[0072] Moreover, there are two at least one base coupling portion 1221 placed on the surface of the base walls 1225 facing away from the centre of the snus container 1 in fig. 3b. The two at least one base coupling portions 1221 are place one above the other and both are adapted to couple with the at least one frame coupling portion 1211. The at least one frame coupling portion 1221 may be continuous around the surface of the base walls 1225 facing away from the centre of the snus container 1 , as in the embodiment of Fig 3b. However, the at least one frame coupling portion 1221 may also be divided into shorter segments. The two at least one base coupling portions 1221 enable the base part 122 to be coupled with the frame part 121 in two different positions: a first position P1 and a second position P2.

[0073] The base part 122 may comprise three or more base coupling portions

[0074] 1221 . The tree or more base coupling portions 1221 may correspond to three or more positions (P1 , P2, P3, ... ) of the base part 122 in relationship to the frame part 121.

[0075] The base part 122 may further comprise a sliding surface 1222. The sliding surface may be placed between the at least one base coupling portions 1221 , on the surface of the second ring 1216 that faces the centre of the snus container 1. Said sliding surface 1222 serves as a guide for the at least one frame coupling portion 1211 when the base part 122 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P1 or from the second position P2 to the first position P1 . When the base part 122 is in an intermediate position between the first P1 and the second position P2 the at least one frame coupling portion 1211 will pe pressed against the sliding surface. The at least one frame coupling portion 1211 is adapted to slide over the sliding surface 1222 when the base part 122 is moving from the second position P2 to the first position P1 or from the first position P1 to the second position P1.

[0076] The base part 122 may comprise more than one sliding surface 1222. In the preferred embodiment in Fig 3b, there are multiple sliding surfaces

[0077] 1222. Said sliding surfaces may be rectangular thin strips that extend from the surface of the second ring 1216 that faces the centre of the snus container 1. The thin strips are preferable for material economy. However, the sliding surfaces 1222 can be of a different design. There may also be only one continuous sliding surface 1222 that expand all around the surface of the second ring 1216 that faces the centre of the snus container 1.

[0078] In the embodiment of Fig. 3a and 3b the frame part 121 comprises one frame coupling portion 1211 and the base part comprises multiple base coupling portions 1221. However, in another embodiment the frame part 121 may comprise more than one frame coupling portion 1211. If the frame part 121 comprise more than one frame coupling portion 1211 the base part 122 may comprise one base coupling portion 1221 . The frame part may comprise a sliding surface 1222 between the frame coupling portions 1221 , on the surface of the first ring 1215 that faces the centre of the snus container 1 . The base coupling portion 1221 may be adapted to slide over the sliding surface 1222 when the base part 122 is moving from the second position P2 to the first position P1 or from the first position P1 to the second position P2. The frame part 122 may comprise more than one sliding surface 1222.

[0079] The frame part 121 may comprise three or more frame coupling portions 1211. The three or more frame coupling portions 1211 may correspond to three or more positions (P1 , P2, P3, ... ) of the base part 122 in relationship to the frame part 121.

[0080] In Fig. 4a-4d the snus container is shown in a perspective view according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0081] The at least one first engaging portion 113 and the at least one second engaging portion 1212 are visible in Fig. 4a and Fig 4b respectively. The at least one first engaging portion 113 may be spanning around the walls 111 of the body 11. The at least one first engagement portion 113 may be placed on the part of the walls 111 that are adapted to be overlapped by the frame part 121. The at least one first engagement portion 113 may not expand all around the body 11 in other embodiments. The at least one first engagement portion 113 may be multiple first engagement portions 113 distributed around the wall 111.

[0082] The at least one second engaging portion 1212 may be spanning around the surface of the outer ring 1215 that faces the centre of the snus container 1. The at least one second engagement portion 1212 may be placed on the part of the outer ring 1215 that are adapted to overlap the body walls 111. The at least one second engagement portion 1212 may not expand all around the surface of the outer ring 1215 that faces the centre of the snus container 1 in other embodiments. The at least one second engagement portion 1212 may be multiple second engagement portions 1212 distributed around the surface of the outer ring 1215 that faces the centre of the snus container 1.

[0083] In the embodiment of Fig. 4a and 4b, the at least one first and second engagement portions 113, 1212 are snap-in connection arrangement. The at least one first engagement portion 113 is the female part of the snap in connection arrangement and the at least one second engagement portion 1212 is the male counterpart. In other embodiments the at least one first engagement portion 113 may be the male part of the snap in connection arrangement and the at least one second engagement portion may be the female counterpart. However, the first lid 12 may be attached to the body 11 in many other ways. The first lid 12 or / and the body 11 may be at least partly threaded so that the first lid 12 may be screwed on. The first lid 12 and the body 11 may be adapted in shape and size so that the first lid 12 may be attached by press fit. The snus container 1 may be equipped with magnets so that the first lid 12 may be reversibly released. The snus container 1 may be equipped with a bayonet fitting arrangement for attaching the first lid 12. The above-mentioned examples for attaching the first lid 12 to the body 11 should be considered as examples for releasably attaching the first lid 12 to the body 11 only, and are not limiting to the invention.

[0084] In the embodiment of Fig. 4d the second lid 13 has partly ribbed surfaces. These ribbed surfaces are optional and may be placed anywhere on the snus container 1 for structural stability.

[0085] Fig. 5a and 5b shows a perspective view of the first lid 12 mounted to the body 11 so that the first compartment 110 is closed. The base part 122 may comprise two at least one base coupling portions 1221 . In Fig. 5a, the base part 122 is in the first position P1 and the frame coupling portion 1211 is coupled to the one of the two at least one base coupling portions 1221 . In Fig. 5b the base part 122 is in the second position P2 and the frame coupling portion 1211 is coupled to the other one of the two at least one base coupling portions 1221 . The base part 122 is adapted to move between the first position P1 and the second position P2. The direction of the movement from the first position P1 to the second position P2, indicated by the thicker arrow in figure 5a, is along the first axis A. The movement may be triggered by predetermined force put on the base part in that same direction, indicated by the thicker arrow in Fig. 5a. The movement is initiated by the at least one frame coupling portion 1211 disengaging from the base coupling portion 1221.

[0086] Subsequently, the at least one frame coupling portion 1211 slides over the sliding surface 1222 and the base part 122 moves until the other one of the at least one base coupling portions 1221 base reaches the at least one frame coupling portion 1211. The at least one frame coupling portion 1211 couples with the other one of the at least one base coupling portions 1221 . Consequently, the base part 122 will be stable in the second position P2, depicted in Fig. 5b.

[0087] The spacing element 1223 may be used as the contact point for applying a force to the base part 122. Thereby, the user can avoid touching the base bottom 1224 or old snus portions that may pe placed in the second compartment 120. The spacing element 1223 may also be formed so that it reached close enough the second lid 13, when the second compartment 120 is closed, so that the force can be applied through the second lid 13. The second lid 13 may be flexible enough so that it is possible to apply the force onto the spacing element 1223 through the second lid 13.

[0088] Fig. 6a and 6b show cross sectional views of the snus container 1 according to one embodiment of the invention with the first compartment 110 and the second compartment 120 closed. In Fig 6a the base part 122 is in the first position P1 . In Fig 6b the base part 122 is in the second position P2. The first compartment 110 may extend from the from the body bottom 112 to the first lid 12. The second compartment 120 may extend from the base part bottom 1224 to the second lid 13. As shown, the volume of the first compartment 110 decreases when the base part 122 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2. The volume of the second compartment 120 increases when the base part 122 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2.

[0089] Moreover, in the embodiment in Fig 6a and 6b the at least one frame coupling portion 1211 is a protrusion. The at least on base coupling portions 1221 are recesses which together with the protrusion of the at least one frame coupling portion 1211 form a latching mechanism. As an alternative, the at least one frame coupling portion may be a recess and the at least one base coupling portions may be protrusions which together form the latching mechanism.

[0090] As shown, when the first compartment 110 and the second compartment 120 are closed, the first compartment 110 and the second compartment 120 are arranged next to each other or on top of each other but separated from one another by the first lid 12. Thus, unused snus portions and used snus portions may be stored in the same snus container without coming in contact with each other. The larger compartment of the first compartment 110 and the second compartment 120 may be intended for storing unused snus portions. The smaller compartment of the first compartment 110 and the second compartment 120 may be intended for storing used snus portions.

[0091] The first compartment 110 may have a larger volume that than the second compartment 120. A smaller compartment may be preferred for storing used snus portions as a user only needs to store used snus temporarily, thus only a smaller space is needed.

[0092] Fig. 7 shows a flow chart of a method SO for adjusting the volumes of the compartments 110,120 according to one embodiment of the invention. The method SO comprises the step of disengaging S1 a first base coupling portion 1221 from a cooperating frame coupling portion 1211. This may be achieved by applying a force onto the base part 122 in the direction of the first axis A. The base part 122 may start to move in the same direction and the protrusion of the frame coupling portion 1211 slips out of the recess of the base coupling portion 1221. Alternatively, the protrusion of the base coupling portion 1221 slips out of the recess of the frame coupling portion 1211.

[0093] The method SO further comprises a step of moving S2 the base part 122 along the first axis A from a first position P1 to a second position P2. This is attained by sliding the frame coupling portion 1211 over a sliding surface 1222 of the base part 122 or, alternatively by sliding the base coupling portion

[0094] 1221 over a sliding surface 1222 of the frame part 121. The sliding surface

[0095] 1222 is placed between the first base coupling portion 1221 and a second base coupling portion 1221 of the base part 122, alternatively, between the first frame coupling portion 1211 and a second frame coupling portion 1211 of the frame part 121. The volume of the first compartment 110 or the second compartment 120 will decrease and the volume of the other compartment 120,110 will increase when the base part 122 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2. The method also comprises the step of engaging S3 the frame coupling portion 1211 with the second base coupling portion 1221 , alternatively, engaging S3 the base coupling portion 1221 with the second frame coupling portion 1211.

[0096] Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that a number of changes and modifications, or alterations of the invention as described herein may be made. Moreover, the different embodiments described above may be combined in different ways without departing from the scope of the inventive concept. Thus, it is to be understood that the above description of the invention and the accompanying drawing is to be regarded as a non-limiting example thereof and that the scope of the invention is defined in the appended patent claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A snus container (1 ), comprising: a body (11 ) defining a first compartment (110), a first lid (12) defining a second compartment (120) separated from the first compartment (110) in the direction of a first axis (A), adapted to be releasably attached to the body (11) so that the first lid (12) closes the first compartment, and a second lid (13) adapted to be releasably attached to the first lid (12) so that it closes the second compartment (120), wherein the first lid (12) comprises two separate parts: a frame part (121 ) and a base part (122), the base part (122) is configured to move in the direction of the first axis (A) relative to the frame part (121 ) between a first position (P1 ) and a second position (P2), wherein the volume of the first compartment (110) will decrease and the volume of the second compartment (120) will increase when the base part (122) moves from the first position (P1 ) to the second position (P2), wherein the base part and / or the frame part has a sliding surface (1222) configured to allow a sliding movement between the first position (P1 ) and the second position (P2) of the base part (122) relative the frame part (121 ).

2. Snus container (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the body (11 ) comprises at least one first engaging portion (113), and the frame part (121 ) comprises at least one second engaging portion (1212), and wherein the at least one second engagement portion (1212) is adapted to engage with the at least one first engaging portion (113) so that the first lid (12) is releasably attached to the body (11 ).

3. Snus container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the frame part (121 ) has at least one frame coupling portion (1211) and the base part (122) has at least one base coupling portion (1221 ) configured to be coupled with the at least one frame coupling portion (1211 ), so that the base part (122) is movable between the first (P1 ) and the second position (P2).

4. Snus container (1) according to claim 3, wherein there are two or more of the at least one frame coupling portion (1211 ) and / or the at least one base coupling portion (1221).

5. Snus container (1) according to claim 4, wherein the base part (122) has at least two base coupling portions (1221) and, the base part (122) is in the first position (P1 ) when the at least one frame coupling portion (1211 ) is coupled to a first of the at least two base coupling portions (1221 ) and the base part (122) is in the second position (P2) when the at least one frame coupling portion (1211 ) is coupled to a second of the at least two base coupling portions (1221 )6. Snus container (1) according to claim 4, wherein the frame part has at least two frame coupling portion (1211 ) and the base part (122) is in the first position (P1 ) when the at least one base coupling portion (1221 ) is coupled to a first of the at least two frame coupling portion (1211 ) and the base part (122) is in the second position (P2) when the at least one base coupling portion (1221 ) is coupled to another of the at least two frame coupling portions (1211).

7. Snus container (1) according to claim 5, wherein the base part has a sliding surface (1222) between the at least two base coupling portions (1221 ) on which the frame coupling portion (1211 ) is adapted to slide when the base part (122) moves between the first position (P1 ) and the second position (P2).

8. Snus container (1) according to claim 6, wherein the frame part (121 ) has a sliding surface between the at least two frame coupling portions (1211 ) on which the base coupling portion (1221) is adapted to slide when the base part (122) moves between the first position (P1 ) and the second position (P2).

9. Snus container (1) according to any preceding claims, wherein the base part (122) has a spacing element (1223) which extends axially from the base part (122) in the second compartment (120) in the axial direction.

10. A method (SO) for adjusting the volume of the compartments (110, 120) of a snus container (1 ) comprising a body (11) defining a first compartment (110) and a first lid (12) defining a second compartment (120) separated from the first compartment (110) in the direction of a first axis (A), the first lid (12) having a frame part (121 ) and a base part (122), the method comprising the steps of: disengaging (S1 ) a first base coupling portion (1221 ) from a cooperating frame coupling portion (1211 ), wherein the base part (122) comprises the first base coupling portion (1221 ) and the frame part (121) comprises the frame coupling portion (1211), moving (S2) the base part (122) along the first axis (A) from a first position (P1 ) to a second position (P2) by sliding the frame coupling portion (1211 ) over a sliding surface (1222) of the base part (122), the sliding surface (1222) between the first base coupling portion (1221 ) and a second base coupling portion (1221 ) of the base part (122), wherein the volume of the first compartment (110) will decrease and the volume of the second compartment (120) will increase when the base part (122) moves from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2), engaging (S3) the frame coupling portion (1211) with the second base coupling portion (1221 ).

11. Method according to claim 10, wherein the steps disengaging (S1 ) a first base coupling portion (1221 ) and moving (S2) the base part (122) is achieved by applying an axial force to the base part (122).

12. Method according to claim 11 , wherein the base part (122) has a spacing element (1223) which extends from the base part (122) in the second compartment (120) in the direction of the first axis A and the axial force applied to the base part (122) is concentrated to the spacing element (1223) directly or through a second lid (13) which closes the second compartment (120).

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