Container containing oral pouched products or oral patch products
The container's patterned lid design addresses adherence issues by using projections or recesses to reduce capillary forces, ensuring easy disposal of used oral smokeless products.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2024188459
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-14
AI Technical Summary
Existing containers for oral smokeless pouched and patch products face issues with used products adhering to the disposal compartment lid due to surface capillary forces, leading to potential spillage and difficulty in emptying when the compartment is full.
The disposal compartment lid features a patterned region with projections or recesses that reduce capillary forces, ensuring used products do not stick to the inner surface, thereby preventing spillage and facilitating easy disposal.
The patterned region effectively reduces adherence of moist products to the lid, preventing spillage and making disposal more manageable by minimizing capillary forces.
Smart Images

Figure IMGAF001_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The disclosure relates to a container containing oral smokeless pouched products or oral smokeless patch products, the container comprising a storage compartment and a disposal compartment.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Containers containing oral smokeless pouched products or oral smokeless patch products commonly have a storage compartment for storing oral pouched products or oral smokeless patch products. The oral pouched products may be tobacco-free or substantially tobacco-free products as well as tobacco products. Such products are provided in the form of a pouch containing a filling material and are sized and configured to be accommodated in the oral cavity of a user, such as between the gum and the upper lip of a user. Oral smokeless patch products may be oral smokeless products in the form of an oral patch, such as a nonwoven patch. The patch may comprise active agents for example.
[0003] Containers for oral smokeless pouched products or oral smokeless patch products may also have disposal compartments for storing used oral pouched products or used oral smokeless patch products. This allows the user to take care of the used products by putting the used oral pouched products or used oral smokeless patch products in the disposal compartment when, for example, litterbins are not readily available. Once the user has decided to no longer keep the oral pouched product or the oral patch product in the mouth, the user can open a lid to the disposal compartment and place the oral pouched product or oral patch product therein. It has been observed that should the disposal compartment already contain used oral pouched products or oral patch products and the user opens the lid to the disposal compartment, one or more of the used oral products may have adhered to the inside of the lid and thereby tend to follow the movement of the lid. Should the used oral product then become detached from the lid, it may fall to the ground. Another observation is that if the disposal compartment is full, emptying it may be troublesome as the used pouches may stick to the bottom of the disposal compartment.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide a container containing oral smokeless pouched products or oral smokeless patch products having a disposal compartment which facilitates disposal of a used oral smokeless pouched product or an oral smokeless patch product.
[0005] This object, as well as other objects being apparent to a skilled person studying the present disclosure, are achieved by the container containing at least one oral smokeless pouched product or an oral smokeless patch product as set out in the appended claims.
[0006] The present disclosure relates to a container containing at least one oral smokeless pouched product or at least one oral smokeless patch product. The container comprises a storage compartment and a disposal compartment. The storage compartment comprises a first base wall, a first side wall and a first lid, and the disposal compartment comprises a second base wall, a second side wall and a second lid. The second lid has an open position for access to the disposal compartment and a closed position in which the second lid delimits the disposal compartment. The second lid has a first inner surface, facing the disposal compartment when the second lid is in its closed position, and a first outer surface directed outwards from the disposal compartment. When the second lid is in its closed position, the first inner surface presents an exposed surface area facing the disposal compartment. The first inner surface has a patterned region extending over a patterned region coverage area such that the patterned region coverage area is at least 50% of the exposed surface area. The patterned region has a relief pattern in the form of projections from a relief pattern background extending in a base plane, with the projections each having a highest point from the base plane to create a height difference between the highest point and the base plane, the height difference being between 0.05 and 2.0 mm. The height difference between the highest point and the base plane may be between 0.05 and 1.0 mm.
[0007] Oral smokeless pouch products may be a pouched product wherein the packaging material may be for example a nonwoven material and the packaging material encloses a filling material which may be a tobacco free material or a substantially tobacco free material as well as tobacco material. Oral smokeless patch products may be oral smokeless products in the form of an oral patch, such as a nonwoven patch. The patch may comprise active agents for example.
[0008] As previously mentioned, it has been observed that when the user opens the disposal compartment containing already used oral smokeless pouched products or oral smokeless patch products, some oral smokeless pouched products or oral smokeless patch products may fall out of the disposal compartment. Without being bound by any theory, a reason for this is believed to be that the used oral smokeless pouched products or oral smokeless patch products, which are moist, damp and wet after use, tend to stick to the first inner surface of the disposal compartment lid, possibly due to surface capillary force. Oral pouched products generally comprise a packaging material, which may be a nonwoven material or other suitable material. Oral smokeless patch products may be made of a nonwoven material or other suitable material. The nonwoven material can, for example, be a dry-laid bonded nonwoven comprising viscose rayon fibres, i.e. rayon fibres and a polymer that acts as a binder in the nonwoven material. The binder may contribute to sealing effects of the pouches. Nonwoven materials are fabrics that are neither woven nor knitted. Methods for manufacturing of nonwoven materials are commonly known in the art. When the package material in the form of nonwoven material or other suitable material or the patch material are exposed to moisture, they absorb liquid and a thin film of water may form on the surface. This film may create a surface capillary force that can cause the nonwoven material or suitable packaging material or suitable patch material to adhere to a smooth surface. It is believed that this is what may happen with used oral pouched products or oral smokeless patch products which have become wet.
[0009] This problem is addressed in accordance with the present invention by providing the first inner surface of the second lid with a patterned region. When the first inner surface of the second lid has a relief pattern in the form of projections, the oral smokeless pouched products or oral smokeless patch products tend not to stick to the surface of the second lid. Due to the projections, it is believed that the capillary forces between the first inner surface of the second lid and the wet or moist oral pouched products or the wet or moist oral smokeless patch products are reduced. Consequently, the oral pouched products or the oral patch products do not stick to the first inner surface of the second lid to the same degree compared to an inner surface of a lid not having projections on its inner surface.
[0010] In the following, reference may be made to oral pouches or oral patches. When referring to oral pouches, oral smokeless pouched products are concerned and when referring to oral patches, oral smokeless patch products are concerned.
[0011] It is believed that the same theory regarding the adherence to the inner surface of a disposal lid relates both to oral smokeless pouched products and oral smokeless patch products.
[0012] The present disclosure further relates to a container containing at least one oral smokeless pouched product or at least one oral smokeless patch product. The container comprises a storage compartment and a disposal compartment. The storage compartment comprises a first base wall, a first side wall and a first lid, and the disposal compartment comprises a second base wall, a second side wall and a second lid. The second lid has an open position for access to the disposal compartment and a closed position in which the second lid delimits the disposal compartment. The second lid has a first inner surface extending in a base plane and facing the disposal compartment when the second lid is in its closed position, and a first outer surface directed outwards from the disposal compartment. When the second lid is in its closed position, the first inner surface presents an exposed surface area facing the disposal compartment. The first inner surface has a patterned region extending over a patterned region coverage area such that the patterned region coverage area is at least 50% of the exposed surface area. The patterned region has a pattern in the form of recesses extending from the base plane towards the first outer surface, with the recesses each having a lowest point from the base plane to create a height difference between the lowest point and the base plane, the height difference being between 0.05 and 1.0 mm.
[0013] As mentioned above, used oral pouches or used oral patches may stick to the inside of the second lid of the disposal compartment. When the first inner surface of the second lid has a pattern in the form of recesses, the oral pouches or oral patches tend not to stick to the first inner surface of the second lid. It is believed that, due to the recesses, the capillary forces between the first inner surface of the second lid and wet or moist oral pouches or oral patches are reduced. Consequently, the oral pouches or oral patches do not stick to the first inner surface of the second lid to the same degree compared to an inner surface of a lid not having recesses on its inner surface.
[0014] The present disclosure further relates to a container containing at least one oral smokeless pouched product or at least one oral smokeless patch product. The container comprises a storage compartment and a disposal compartment. The storage compartment comprises a first base wall, a first side wall and a first lid, and the disposal compartment comprises a second base wall, a second side wall and a second lid. The second lid has an open position for access to the disposal compartment and a closed position in which the second lid delimits the disposal compartment. The second lid has an first inner surface extending in a base plane and facing the disposal compartment when the second lid is in its closed position, and a first outer surface directed outwards from the disposal compartment. When the second lid is in its closed position, the first inner surface presents an exposed surface area facing the disposal compartment. The first inner surface has a patterned region extending over a patterned region coverage area such that the patterned region coverage area is at least 50% of the exposed surface area. The patterned region has a pattern in the form of projections and recesses. The projections extend from the base plane, with the projections each having a highest point from the base plane to create a height difference between the highest point and the base plane, the height difference being between 0.05 and 2.0 mm. The recesses extend from the base plane towards the first outer surface, with the recesses each having a lowest point from the base plane to create a height difference between the lowest point and the base plane, the height difference being between 0.05 and 1.0 mm. The height difference between the highest point of the projections and the base plane may be between 0.05 and 1.0 mm.
[0015] In the same manner as discussed above, used oral pouches or used oral patches may tend not to stick to the first inner surface of the second lid of the disposal compartment due to the pattern in the form of the projections and the recesses in the first inner surface of the second lid of the disposal compartment.
[0016] In the container disclosed herein, each projection may have a base plane coverage area such that all projections in the patterned region provide a total base plane coverage area of between 20 % and 98 % of the patterned region coverage area. When wet or moist oral products stick to the first inner surface of a disposal compartment lid, there may form a capillary attraction between the used oral pouches or used oral patches and the first inner surface of the second lid. It has been found that when all projections provide a base plane coverage area of between 20 % and 98 %, the used oral pouches or used oral patches may not stick to the first inner surface of the second lid to the same degree compared to a non-patterned region. Each projection may have a base plane coverage area such that all projections in the patterned region may provide a total base plane coverage area of between 30 % to 98 % or preferably of between 40 and 98 % of the patterned region coverage area. Improved results may be achieved with increased total base plane coverage area of the projections, i.e. the adherence of the pouches or patches to the first inner surface of the second lid may be reduced.
[0017] In the container disclosed herein, each recess may have a base plane opening area such that all recesses in the patterned region provide a total base plane opening area of between 20 % and 98 % of the patterned region coverage area. When all recesses have a base plane opening area of between 20 % and 98 %, the used oral pouches or used oral patches tend not to stick to the first inner surface of the second lid of the disposal compartment to the same degree, probably due to reduced capillary forces between the used oral pouches or the used oral patches and the first inner surface of the second lid, compared to a non-patterned region. Each recess may have a base plane opening area such that all recesses in the patterned region may provide a total base plane opening area of between 30 % to 98 % or preferably of between 40 and 98 % of the patterned region coverage area. Improved results may be achieved with increased total base plane opening area of the projections, i.e. the pouches or patches may not stick to the first inner surface of the second lid. The adherence to the first inner surface of the second lid may be reduced.
[0018] In the container disclosed herein, each projection may have a base plane coverage area and each recess may have a base plane opening area such that all projections and recesses in the patterned region provide a total sum of the base plane coverage area and the base plane opening area of between 20 % and 100 % of the patterned region coverage area. Each projection may have a base plane coverage area and each recess may have a base plane opening area such that all projections and recesses in the patterned region provide a total sum of the base plane coverage area and the base plane opening area of between 30 % and 100 % or preferably from 40 % to 100 % of the patterned region coverage area. In the same manner as described above, the capillary forces between the used oral pouches or the used oral patches and the first inner surface of the second lid may be reduced compared to a non-patterned region or surface. Improved results may be achieved with increased total sum of the base plane coverage area of the projections and the base plane opening area of the recesses, i.e. the pouches or patches may not stick to the first inner surface of the second lid. The adherence to the first inner surface of the second lid may be reduced.
[0019] In the container disclosed herein, the patterned region coverage area may be at least 60%, 70%, 80% or 90% of the exposed surface area. The effect of the reduction of adherence and stickiness to the first inner surface of the second lid of the disposal compartment may be improved when the patterned region coverage area is at least 60%. The effect is even more improved when the patterned region coverage area is at least 70%, 80% or 90%. The reduction of the adherence and stickiness may be due to reduction of capillary forces.
[0020] In the container disclosed herein, the projections and / or the recesses are essentially uniformly distributed over the patterned region. The tendency of the used oral pouches or used oral patches to adhere to the first inner surface of the second lid is diminished when the projections and / or the recesses are essentially uniformly distributed over the patterned region.
[0021] In the container disclosed herein, each projection may have a top portion, which forms the highest point from the base plane. A top portion may form a part which reduces the adherence of oral pouches or oral patches to the first inner surface of the second lid.
[0022] In the container disclosed herein, the patterned region may comprise 1 to 50 projections per cm 2< . The number of projections is advantageous for reducing the tendency of the oral pouches or oral patches to adhere to the first inner surface of the second lid of the disposal compartment.
[0023] In the container disclosed herein, the patterned region may comprise 1 to 50 recesses per cm 2< . The number of recesses is advantageous for reducing the tendency of the oral pouches or oral patches to adhere to the first inner surface of the second lid of the disposal compartment.
[0024] In the container disclosed herein, the patterned region coverage may comprise 1 to 50 projections and / or recesses per cm 2< . The number of projections and recesses is advantageous for reducing the tendency of the oral pouches or oral patches to adhere to the first inner surface of the second lid of the disposal compartment.
[0025] In the container disclosed herein, the projections and / or recesses may have the form of circles, half spheres, ovals, half ovals, rings, cuboids, cubes, polygons, octagons, dodecahedrons, tetrahedron, octahedrons, icosahedrons, triangles, triangular prisms, pentagonal prisms, hexagonal prisms, pyramids, triangular pyramids, square pyramids, pentagrammic pyramids, hexagonal pyramids, octagonal pyramids, tripped square pyramids, tripped hexagonal pyramids, cones, truncated cones, stars, dots, cylinders, pentagonal prisms, hexagonal prisms, star prisms, pentagrammic prisms, rhombs, rhomboids, torus, dode and / or ribs.
[0026] The projections may have a shape that increases continuously in height from the base plane to the top portion of the projection. For a half sphere for example, the projection will start at the base plane and then increase by following the half sphere circumference to the top portion of the half sphere.
[0027] The projections may have a constant height, wherein the height at the top portion is flat. For example, a cylinder projection may have the same height over the whole projection.
[0028] The height of the projections may differ.
[0029] In the container disclosed herein, the second base wall may have a second inner surface and the second inner surface of the second base wall may have a patterned region as disclosed herein.
[0030] An advantage with a patterned region on the second inner surface of the second base wall may be that, when emptying the disposal compartment, the oral pouches or the oral patches may tend not to stick to the second inner surface of the second base wall.
[0031] When the second inner surface of the second base wall has a patterned region, the projections may have a lower height difference in the second inner surface of the second base wall than the projections of the second lid, and / or the recesses have a lower height difference in the second inner surface of the second base wall than the recesses of the second lid.
[0032] It may be useful to have a patterned region on the second inner surface of the second base wall of the disposal compartment which has lower height differences of the projections compared to the height differences of the projections on the patterned region of the first inner surface of the second lid of the disposal compartment. This could be the case when it is desired that the used oral pouches or the used oral patches should stay in the disposal compartment and will tend to become more stuck to the second inner surface of the second base wall than to the first inner surface of the second lid. A higher capillary force may be obtained on the second inner surface of the second base wall compared to the first inner surface of the second lid.
[0033] The patterned region of the second inner surface of the second base wall may have projections and / or recesses, as have been disclosed herein.
[0034] The second inner surface of the second base wall may have a patterned region as disclosed herein. The patterned region of the second inner surface of the second base wall may have a patterned region which extends over the second inner surface of the second base wall. The patterned region of the second inner surface of the second base wall may extend over an area corresponding to the patterned region coverage area of the second lid.
[0035] The patterned region on the second inner surface of the second base wall may have the same features as disclosed herein for the patterned region of the first inner surface of the second lid of the disposal compartment.
[0036] The second inner surface of the second base wall may have a patterned region corresponding to the patterned region on the first inner surface of the second lid, but in a mirror-inverted pattern, when the second lid is in its closed position.
[0037] Any surface on the inside of the disposal compartment may have a patterned region as disclosed herein. A patterned region on a surface on the inside of the disposal compartment may have projections and / or recesses, as have been disclosed herein. The second side wall may have a third inner surface and the third inner surface of the second side wall may have a patterned region or patterned surface as disclosed herein. Further, the second lid may have a skirt directed into the disposal compartment when the second lid is in closed position. The skirt has a fourth inner surface directed into the disposal compartment when the second lid is in a closed position. The fourth inner surface of the skirt may have a patterned region or patterned surface. This may avoid that any oral pouches or oral patches may stick to the fourth inner surface of the skirt.
[0038] The disposal compartment may be arranged on the side directed outwards from the storage compartment of the first lid of the storage compartment.
[0039] In the container disclosed herein, the first base wall may separate the storage compartment from the disposal compartment and thereby the first base wall forms the second base wall of the disposal compartment.
[0040] Any surface on the inside of the disposal compartment may have a patterned surface as disclosed herein.
[0041] The second side wall of the disposal compartment may have a third inner surface. The second lid may have a skirt extending in a direction from the first inner surface of the second lid into the disposal compartment when in a closed position. The skirt may be configured to fit into the disposal compartment against the third inner surface of the second side wall of the disposal compartment for sealing the disposal compartment with the second lid. The second lid with the patterned region may have advantageous properties in relation to reduced adherence to wet oral pouches or wet oral patches.
[0042] The second lid may be a hinged lid. The hinge may be a thinned region in the second lid. The thinned region may be formed for example when the second lid is produced by for example injection moulding. A hinged lid may be an advantage in that the second lid will not be lost. The disposal compartment will then not lose its second lid and any information, such as a label, will not be lost.
[0043] The shape of the container is typically circular, but also other, non-shown shapes are encompassed in the scope of the disclosure, such as for example elliptic, rectangular or quadratic.
[0044] When the container is circular, the diameter of the container may be in the range of 30 mm to 90 mm, preferably 40 mm to 80 mm. The height of the container may be in the range of 10 mm to 40 mm, preferably 15 mm to 25 mm. The height of the disposal compartment may be 5-20 mm.
[0045] The first base wall of the storage compartment may have a thickness of 0.5 to 2 mm. The first side wall of the storage compartment may have a thickness of 0.5 to 2 mm. The first lid of the storage compartment may have a thickness of 0.5 to 2 mm.
[0046] The second base wall of the disposal compartment may have a thickness of 0.5 to 2 mm. The second base wall of the storage compartment may have a thickness of 0.5 to 2 mm. The second lid of the disposal compartment may have a thickness of 0.5 to 2 mm.
[0047] The oral smokeless pouched products may have a length of 15 to 40 mm, a width of 5 to 25 mm and a thickness of 0.5 to 5.0 mm. The oral smokeless patch products may have a length of 10-35 mm, a width of 5-20 mm, and a thickness of 0.2 to 5 mm.
[0048] The container is typically made of a plastics material. The plastics material may be a polymer, such as polypropylene. The storage compartment, the first lid, the disposal compartment and the second lid of the disposal compartment may each be manufactured in one piece by moulding of plastics material. The various parts may be made by injection moulding. The container may also be made of a fiber-based cellulose material. A fiber-based cellulose material may further contain a polymer material. The container material may be a nonwoven material which has been compressed.
[0049] The second side wall of the disposal compartment typically has a third inner surface and a second outer surface. The second lid may have a skirt extending in the direction from the first inner surface of the second lid, configured to enclose the second lid of the disposal compartment to the disposal compartment, and the skirt may be configured to fit into the disposal compartment against the third inner surface of the second side wall. The skirt may extend from the first inner surface of the disposal lid in a direction into the disposal compartment when enclosing the disposal compartment lid. The skirt has a first height and the second side wall has a second height. The first height is preferably shorter than the second height. This may reduce the risk that the skirt will interfere with an oral pouch or oral patch, when closing or opening the second lid. An oral pouch or oral patch lying close to and / or in contact with the third inner surface of the second side wall may hinder the skirt from closing the second lid. With a skirt having a shorter height than the height of the second side wall this may be avoided. The height of the skirt is preferably 50 to 70 % of the height of the second side wall of the disposal compartment. The height of the skirt is typically 3 to 10 mm. The height of the second base wall is typically 5 to 20 mm.DEFINITIONS
[0050] The patterned region coverage area is defined by a minimum possible area enclosed by a continuous line encircling all projections / recesses.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0051] The present disclosure will be exemplified in the following, by way of example only and with reference to the attached drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a cross-section of a container as disclosed herein; Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a portion of a second lid for a disposal compartment as disclosed herein; Fig. 3 shows a schematic cross-section of an embodiment of a second lid for a disposal compartment as disclosed herein; Fig. 4 shows a schematic cross-section of an embodiment of a second lid for a disposal compartment as disclosed herein; Fig. 5 shows a schematic cross-section of an embodiment of a second lid for a disposal compartment as disclosed herein; Fig. 6 shows a top view of an inner surface of a second lid for disposal compartment as disclosed herein; Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of a patterned region as disclosed herein; Fig. 8 shows a portion of the patterned region of Fig. 7; Fig. 9 shows an embodiment of a patterned region as disclosed herein; Fig: 10 shows a cross-section of an embodiment of a container as disclosed herein; and Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of a container as disclosed herein, with a hinged lock in open position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0052] It should be understood that the drawings are schematic, and that individual features and components are not necessarily drawn to scale.
[0053] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a container 1 containing at least one oral pouched product or at least one oral patch product (not shown in Fig. 1). The container comprises a storage compartment 2 and a disposal compartment 3. The storage compartment 2 comprises a first base wall 4, a first side wall 5 and a first lid 6. The disposal compartment 3 comprises a second base wall 7, a second side wall 8 and a second lid 9. In this embodiment, the first lid 6 of the storage compartment 2 forms the second base wall 7 and the second side wall 8 of the disposal compartment. The second lid 9 has an open position for access to the disposal compartment (not shown in Fig. 1) and a closed position in which the second lid 9 delimits the disposal compartment 3. Fig. 1 shows the second lid in its closed position. The second lid 9 has a first inner surface 10, facing the disposal compartment 3 when the second lid is in its closed position, and a first outer surface 12 directed outwards from the disposal compartment 3. The second lid 9 may have a skirt 14. The second side wall 8 of the disposal compartment 3 has a third inner surface 30 and a second outer surface 31. In the illustrated embodiment, the skirt 14 is configured to fit into the disposal compartment 3 against the third inner surface 30 of the second side wall 8 in order to seal the disposal compartment 3 with the second lid 9. The skirt 14 extends from the first inner surface 10 of the second lid 9 of the disposal compartment 3 in a direction into the disposal compartment 3 when closing the second lid 9. The skirt has a first height hs and the second side wall has a second height hw. The first height hs of the skirt 14 is preferably shorter than the second height hw of the second side wall 8.
[0054] In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the disposal compartment 3 is arranged on the side directed outwards from the storage compartment 2 of the first lid 6 of the storage compartment 2.
[0055] When the second lid 9 is in its closed position, the first inner surface 10 presents an exposed surface area A e facing the disposal compartment 3. The first inner surface 10 of a second lid 9 is shown in Fig. 6 when not in a closed position. Fig. 6 shows a second lid 9 of a disposal compartment when having the first inner surface 10 faced upwards. The first inner surface 10 has a patterned region 13 (the pattern is not shown) extending over a patterned region coverage area A c . The patterned region coverage area A c may be at least 50% of the exposed surface area A e .
[0056] In Fig. 2 a perspective view of a portion of a second lid 9 is shown. An embodiment of the patterned region 13 is shown, wherein the patterned region is schematically shown. Fig. 2 shows a second lid 9 of a disposal compartment when having the first inner surface 10 faced upwards. Further, a skirt 14 is schematically shown in Fig. 2. The skirt 14 may have a fourth inner surface 47 and a third outer surface 48.
[0057] The patterned region 13 extends over a patterned region coverage area A c as shown in Fig. 6. Fig. 2 shows a relief pattern in the form of projections 17 from a relief pattern background extending in a base plane x, with the projections 17 each having a highest point 20 from the base plane x to create a height difference hdp between the highest point 20 and the base plane x. The height difference hdp between the highest point 20 and the base plane x may be between 0.05 and 2.0 mm or between 0.05 and 1.0 mm. The projections in Fig. 2 are cones. The projections have a base plane coverage area. A line Lp crossing a base plane coverage area is shown in Fig. 2. All projections in the patterned region may provide a total base plane coverage area of between 20 % and 98% of the patterned region coverage area.
[0058] In Fig. 3 a cross-section of a further second lid 9 is shown. An embodiment of the patterned region 13 is shown, wherein the patterned region is schematically shown. The patterned region 13 extends over a patterned region coverage area A c as shown in Fig. 6. The patterned region 13 has a pattern in the form of recesses 15 extending from the base plane x towards the first outer surface 12, with the recesses 15 each having a lowest point 21 from the base plane x to create a height difference hdr between the lowest point 21 and the base plane x. The height difference between the lowest point 21 and the base plane x may be between 0.05 and 1.0 mm. The recesses 15 have a base plane opening area. A line Lr crossing a base plane opening area is shown in Fig. 3. All recesses in the patterned region may provide a total base plane opening area of between 20 % and 98% of the patterned region coverage area.
[0059] In Fig. 4 a cross-section of yet another second lid 9 is shown. An embodiment of the patterned region 13 is shown, wherein the patterned region is schematically shown. The patterned region 13 extends over a patterned region coverage area A c as shown in Fig. 6. The patterned region 13 has a pattern in the form of projections 17 and recesses 15. The projections 17 extend from the base plane x, with the projections 17 each having a highest point 20 from the base plane x to create a height difference hdp between the highest point 20 and the base plane x. The height difference hdp may be between 0.05 and 2.0 mm. Further, the height difference hdp may be between 0.05 and 1.0 mm. The recesses 15 extend from the base plane x towards the first outer surface 12, with the recesses 15 each having a lowest point 21 from the base plane x to create a height difference hdr between the lowest point 21 and the base plane x, the height difference hdr being between 0.05 and 1.0 mm. The projections 17 have a base plane coverage area. A line Lp crossing a base plane coverage area is shown in Fig. 4. The recesses have a base plane opening area. A line Lr crossing a base plane opening area is shown in Fig. 4. The projections and recesses in the patterned region may provide a total sum of a base plane coverage area and a base plane opening area of between 20 % and 98 % of the patterned region coverage area.
[0060] In Fig. 5 a cross-section of another second lid 9 is shown. An embodiment of the patterned region 13 is shown, wherein the patterned region is schematically shown. The patterned region 13 extends over a patterned region coverage area A c as shown in Fig. 6. The patterned region 13 has a pattern in the form of projections 17 and recesses 15. The projections 17 extend from the base plane x, with the projections 17 each having a highest point 20 from the base plane x to create a height difference hdp between the highest point 20 and the base plane x. The height difference hdp may be between 0.05 and 2.0 mm. Further, the height difference hdp may be between 0.05 and 1.0 mm. The recesses 15 extend from the base plane x towards the first outer surface 12, with the recesses 15 each having a lowest point 21 from the base plane x to create a height difference hdr between the lowest point 21 and the base plane x, the height difference hdr being between 0.05 and 1.0 mm. The projections have a base plane coverage area. A line Lp crossing a base plane coverage area is shown in Fig. 5. The recesses have a base plane opening area. A line Lr crossing a base plane opening area is shown in Fig. 5. The projections 17 and recesses 15 in the patterned region may provide a total sum of a base plane coverage area and a base plane opening area of between 20 % and 100 % of the patterned region coverage area.
[0061] A skirt 14 is not shown in Fig. 3 to 5, but could also be used in those embodiments.
[0062] Each projection 17 has a top portion 25, which is shown in Figs. 2, 4 and 5.
[0063] Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of a patterned region as disclosed herein. When the second lid 9 is in its closed position (not in closed position in Fig. 7), the first inner surface 10 presents an exposed surface area A e facing the disposal compartment 3. The first inner surface 10 of a second lid 9 is shown in Fig. 7 when not in a closed position. Fig. 7 shows a second lid 9 of a disposal compartment when having the first inner surface 10 facing upwards. The first inner surface 10 has a patterned region 13 extending over a patterned region coverage area Ac. The patterned region comprises projections in the form of projecting stars 35. The projecting stars 35 are substantially uniformly distributed over the patterned region 13. In Fig. 7, the patterned region coverage area Ac coincides with the exposed surface area Ae.
[0064] An enlarged portion A of the second lid 9 in Fig. 7 is shown in Fig. 8. Projections in the form of stars 35 are shown. A skirt 14 is shown and delimits the exposed surface area A e and in this case also the patterned region coverage area Ac.
[0065] Fig. 9 shows an embodiment of a patterned region as disclosed herein. When the second lid 9 is in its closed position (not in closed position in Fig. 9), the first inner surface 10 presents an exposed surface area A e facing the disposal compartment 3. The first inner surface 10 of a second lid 9 is shown in Fig. 9 when not in a closed position. Fig. 9 shows a second lid 9 of a disposal compartment when having the first inner surface 10 facing upwards. The first inner surface 10 has a patterned region 13 extending over a patterned region coverage area Ac. The patterned region comprises projections in the form of ribs 36. The ribs 36 are substantially uniformly distributed over the patterned region 13.
[0066] The Figs. 6 and 9 embodiments may also have skirts, but these are not shown in Fig. 6 and 9.
[0067] Fig. 10 shows cross section of an embodiment of a container 1 as disclosed herein. Fig. 10 schematically illustrates a container 1 containing at least one oral smokeless pouched product or at least one oral smokeless patch product (not shown in Fig. 10). The container comprises a storage compartment 2 and a disposal compartment 3. The storage compartment 2 comprises a first base wall 4, a first side wall 5 and a first lid 6. The disposal compartment 3 comprises a second base wall 7, a second side wall 8 and a second lid 9. The second lid 9 has an open position for access to the disposal compartment (not shown in Fig. 10) and a closed position in which the second lid 9 delimits the disposal compartment 3. Fig. 10 shows the second lid 9 in its closed position. The second lid 9 has a first inner surface 10, facing the disposal compartment 3 when the second lid is in its closed position, and a first outer surface 12 directed outwards from the disposal compartment 3. The second lid 9 may have a skirt 14.
[0068] In the embodiment of Fig. 10, the first base wall 4 separates the storage compartment 2 from the disposal compartment 3. The first base wall 4 then forms the second base wall 7 of the disposal compartment 3. The second lid 9 is attached to the disposal compartment with a hinge 50.
[0069] Fig. 11 shows two perspective views of a container similar to the one in Fig. 10. In Fig. 11 the container is shown with the disposal compartment 3 faced upwards. The second lid 9 is shown in an open position. The second lid 9 of the disposal compartment is shown in the upper part of Fig. 11 with the first inner surface 10 shown with a patterned region 13. The patterned region shows projections in the form of stars. The container has a storage compartment (not shown) and a disposal compartment 3, the disposal compartment is shown with the second lid 9 in an open position and the first lid 6 in a closed position. In the lower part of Fig. 11, the first outer surface 12 of the second lid 9 is shown. The first lid 6 of the storage compartment extends over the first side wall (not shown) of the storage compartment in Fig. 11.
Claims
1. A container (1) containing at least one oral smokeless pouched product or at least one oral smokeless patch product, said container comprising a storage compartment (2) and a disposal compartment (3), the storage compartment (2) comprising a first base wall (4), a first side wall (5) and a first lid (6), and the disposal compartment (3) comprising a second base wall (7), a second side wall (8) and a second lid (9), said second lid (9) having an open position for access to said disposal compartment (3) and a closed position in which said second lid (9) delimits the disposal compartment (3), the second lid (9) having a first inner surface (10), facing said disposal compartment (3) when said second lid (9) is in its closed position, and a first outer surface (12) directed outwards from the disposal compartment (3), wherein when said second lid (9) is in its closed position, said first inner surface (10) presents an exposed surface area (Ae) facing said disposal compartment (3), the first inner surface (10) having a patterned region (13) extending over a patterned region coverage area (Ac) such that said patterned region coverage area (Ac) is at least 50% of the exposed surface area (Ae), the patterned region (13) having a relief pattern in the form of projections (17) from a relief pattern background extending in a base plane (x), with said projections (17) each having a highest point (20) from said base plane (x) to create a height difference (hdp) between the highest point (20) and the base plane (x), said height difference (hdp) being between 0.05 and 2.0 mm.
2. A container (1) containing at least one oral smokeless pouched product or at least one oral smokeless patch product, said container comprising a storage compartment (2) and a disposal compartment (3), the storage compartment (2) comprising a first base wall (4), a first side wall (5) and a first lid (6), and the disposal compartment (3) comprising a second base wall (7), a second side wall (8) and a second lid (9), said second lid (9) having an open position for access to said disposal compartment (3) and a closed position in which said second lid (9) delimits the disposal compartment (3), the second lid (9) having a first inner surface (10) extending in a base plane (x) and facing said disposal compartment (3) when said second lid (9) is in its closed position, and a first outer surface (12) directed outwards from the disposal compartment (3), wherein when said second lid (9) is in its closed position, said first inner surface (10) presents an exposed surface area (Ae) facing said disposal compartment (3), the first inner surface (10) having a patterned region (13) extending over a patterned region coverage area (Ac) such that said patterned region coverage area (Ac) is at least 50% of the exposed surface area (Ae), the patterned region (13) having a pattern in the form of recesses (15) extending from said base plane (x) towards said first outer surface (12), with said recesses (15) each having a lowest point (21) from said base plane (x) to create a height difference (hdr) between the lowest point (21) and the base plane (x), said height difference being between 0.05 and 1.0 mm.
3. A container (1) containing at least one oral smokeless pouched product or at least one oral smokeless patch product, said container comprising a storage compartment (2) and a disposal compartment (3), the storage compartment (2) comprising a first base wall (4), a first side wall (5) and a first lid (6), and the disposal compartment (3) comprising a second base wall (7), a second side wall (8) and a second lid (9), said second lid (9) having an open position for access to said disposal compartment (3) and a closed position in which said second lid (9) delimits the disposal compartment (3), the second lid (9) having a first inner surface (10) extending in a base plane (x) and facing said disposal compartment (3) when said second lid (9) is in its closed position, and a first outer surface (12) directed outwards from the disposal compartment (3), wherein when said second lid (9) is in its closed position, said first inner surface (10) presents an exposed surface area (Ae) facing said disposal compartment (3), the first inner surface (10) having a patterned region (13) extending over a patterned region coverage area (Ac) such that said patterned region coverage area (Ac) is at least 50% of the exposed surface area (Ae), the patterned region (13) having a pattern in the form of projections (17) and recesses (15), the projections (17) extending from said base plane (x), with said projections (17) each having a highest point (20) from said base plane (x) to create a height difference (hdp) between the highest point (20) and the base plane (x), said height difference (hdp) being between 0.05 and 2.0 mm and said recesses (15) extending from said base plane (x) towards said first outer surface (12), with said recesses (15) each having a lowest point (21) from said base plane (x) to create a height difference (hdr) between the lowest point (21) and the base plane (x), said height difference (hdr) being between 0.05 and 1.0 mm.
4. The container according to claim 1, wherein each projection (17) has a base plane coverage area such that all projections (17) in said patterned region (13) provide a total base plane coverage area of between 20 % and 98 % of the patterned region coverage area (Ac).
5. The container according to claim 2, wherein each recess (15) has a base plane opening area such that all recesses (15) in said patterned region (13) provide a total base plane opening area of between 20 % and 98 % of the patterned region coverage area (Ac).
6. The container according to claim 3, wherein each projection (17) has a base plane coverage area and each recess (15) has a base plane opening area such that all projections (17) and recesses (15) in said patterned region (13) provide a total sum of the base plane coverage area and the base plane opening area of between 20 % and 100 % of the patterned region coverage area (Ac).
7. The container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said patterned region coverage area (Ac) is at least 60%, 70%, 80% or 90% of the exposed surface area (Ae).
8. The container (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said projections (17) and / or said recesses (15) are essentially uniformly distributed over the patterned region (13).
9. The container (1) according to any of claims 1 3, 4 and 6 to 8, wherein each projection (17) has a top portion (25), which forms said highest point (20) from the base plane (x).
10. The container (1) according to any of claims 1, 4 and 7 to 9, the patterned region (13) comprises 1-50 projections (17) per cm2, or when dependent on any of claims 2, 5, 7 and 8, the patterned region (13) comprises 1-50 recesses (15) per cm2, or when dependent on any of claims 3 and 6 to 9, the patterned region (13) comprises 1-50 projections (17) and / or recesses (13) per cm2.
11. The container (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the projections (17) and / or recesses (15) have the form of circles, half spheres, ovals, half ovals, rings, cuboids, cubes, polygons, octagons, dodecahedrons, tetrahedron, octahedrons, icosahedrons, triangles, triangular prisms, pentagonal prisms, hexagonal prisms, pyramids, triangular pyramids, square pyramids, pentagrammic pyramids, hexagonal pyramids, octagonal pyramids, tripped square pyramids, tripped hexagonal pyramids, cones, truncated cones, stars, dots, cylinders, pentagonal prisms, hexagonal prisms, star prisms, pentagrammic prisms, rhombs, rhomboids, torus, dode and / or ribs.
12. The container (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second base wall (7) has a second inner surface (40) and the second inner surface (40) of the second base wall (7) has a patterned region according to any of the preceding claims.
13. The container according to claim 12, wherein the projections have a lower height difference (hdp) in the second inner surface (40) of the second base wall (7) than the projections (17) of the second lid (9) and / or the recesses have a lower height difference (hdr) in the second inner surface (40) of the second base wall than the recesses of the second lid (9).
14. The container (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the disposal compartment (3) is arranged on the side directed outwards from the storage compartment (2) of the first lid (6) of the storage compartment (2).
15. The container (1) according to any of claims 1-13, wherein the first base wall (4) separates the storage compartment (2) from the disposal compartment (3) and thereby the first base wall (4) forms the second base wall (7) of the disposal compartment (3).
16. The container (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second side wall (8) has a third inner surface (30), and the second lid (9) has a skirt (14) extending in a direction from the first inner surface (10) of the second lid (9) into the disposal compartment when in a closed position, and the skirt (14) is configured to fit into the disposal compartment (3) against the third inner surface (30) of the second side wall (8) of the disposal compartment (3) for sealing disposal compartment with the second lid (9).
17. The container according to any of claims 1-15, wherein the second lid (9) is a hinged second lid.
Citation Information
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