A container configured for storage of a plurality of snuff portions

Abstract

A container (2) configured for storage of a plurality of snuff portions, comprising a containment part (4), comprising a storage compartment (18), and a cover part (8). The containment part extends from a first end (10) to a second end (12) in a height direction (H), and in a lateral direction (L), perpendicular to the height direction. The containment part comprises a side wall (14), having a length along a periphery of the storage compartment, and a height in the height direction, and the storage compartment is delimited by the side wall in the lateral direction. The containment part further comprises a bounding wall (16), connected to the side wall and configured to further delimit the storage compartment, and a cover support surface (20). The cover part comprises a first cover portion (22), covering at least portion of the cover support surface of the containment part, and configured to be fixed thereto, and a second cover portion (24), hinged to the first cover portion, and configured such that the second cover portion is movable between a first position (P1), the storage compartment is closed, and a second position (P2), wherein the storage compartment is open. The containment part comprises a protrusion (26) extending from the cover support surface, and wherein the first cover portion comprises a cut-out (28), the protrusion being arranged therein.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The disclosure pertains to a container configured for storage of a plurality of snuff portions, comprising a containment part and a cover part, the containment part comprising a storage compartment. The cover part is fixed to the containment part and configured to close the storage compartment.BACKGROUND

[0002] Orally used smokeless tobacco products and non-tobacco products, referred to herein as "snuff" or "snuff products" are generally packaged in small, handy containers, each container being designed to contain several portions of unused snuff in a compartment, and optionally including an additional compartment for temporary storage of used snuff. The containers are designed for convenient use by a snuff consumer and is sized and configured to be carried by a user in a pocket or a handbag until all snuff products packaged in the container have been used. When the snuff products have been used, the emptied container is commonly discarded and replaced with a new container with fresh snuff products. Containers configured for storage of a plurality of snuff portions comprise multiple parts, for example a containment part, which may form a compartment, and a cover part which may be moved such that the compartment may be opened and closed.

[0003] In at least some cases it may be desired that the cover may be attached to containment part, such as to prevent loss thereof.

[0004] The attachment of a cover part to a further part of the container often can be expensive to manufacture, requiring complex parts and / or energy intensive processes. As containers of this kind are generally disposable containers, which are discarded once the snuff product packaged in the container has been used, a further desire is that the container has a simple construction and can be readily and cost-efficiently manufactured by common techniques such as injection-moulding. Additionally, if may be difficult to ensure that a part is adequately attached.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to offer a container configured for storage of a plurality of snuff portions, wherein the cover part is attached to a containment part. A further object may be to offer a simple container which can be produced by cost efficient manufacturing methods such as injection-moulding.SUMMARY

[0006] One or more of the above objects may be achieved with a container according to claim 1. Variations of the disclosure are set out in the dependent claims and in the following description.

[0007] Disclosed herein is a container configured for storage of a plurality of snuff portions, comprising a containment part, comprising a storage compartment, and a cover part, wherein the containment part extends from a first end to a second end in a height direction, and in a lateral direction, perpendicular to the height direction, the containment part comprising: a side wall, having a length along a periphery of the storage compartment, and a height in the height direction, the storage compartment being delimited by the side wall in the lateral direction, a bounding wall, connected to the side wall and configured to further delimit the storage compartment such that the storage compartment extends in the height direction from the bounding wall towards the second end, a cover support surface, wherein the cover part comprises: a first cover portion, covering at least a portion of the cover support surface of the containment part, and configured to be fixed thereto, a second cover portion, hinged to the first cover portion, and configured such that the second cover portion is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein at the first position the storage compartment is closed, and at the second position the storage compartment is open, wherein the containment part comprises a protrusion extending from the cover support surface, and wherein the first cover portion comprises a cut-out, the protrusion being arranged in the cut-out of the cover part.

[0008] Thus, the container is provided with a pair of features associated with one another, namely the protrusion of the containment part and the cut-out of the cover part, by way of the protrusion being arranged in the cut-out, such that relative movement of the cover support surface and the first cover portion may be delimited in the lateral direction. Furthermore, in at least some examples relative rotation of the cover support surface and the first cover portion may be delimited about an axis extending in the height direction. Furthermore, in at least some examples the cover support surface and the first cover portion may be fixed to one another, by way of the protrusion being arranged in the cut-out. In at least some examples the protrusion and the cut-out may be formed such that they are fitted to one another such that the cover support surface and the first cover portion are fixed to one another. Furthermore, in at least some examples the protrusion and the cut-out form an interface extending on an external face of the container such that the cover support surface and the first cover portion may be fixed to one another.

[0009] The container as disclosed herein may be provided with a plurality of protrusions extending from the cover support surface and / or the first cover portion may comprise a plurality of corresponding cut-outs.

[0010] In the container as disclosed herein, the protrusion and the cut-out may be formed having a complementary shape. Furthermore, the protrusion and the cut-out may be formed having a complementary size. The protrusion and the cut-out may be configured for an interference fit. An interference fit between the protrusion and the cut-out may contribute to stabilize and strengthen the connection between the containment part and the cover part.

[0011] The container as disclosed herein may comprise an adhesive label, adhesively fixed to the protrusion of the containment part and the first cover portion. Thus, the cover support surface and the first cover portion are fixed to one another, the interface between the protrusion and the cut-out contributing to an increased interface between the cover support surface and the first cover portion offering a large and preferably flat attachment area for the label such that an improved fixation may be achieved. In at least some examples the adhesive label may comprise a warning label. Alternatively, the adhesive label may comprise other necessitated information, such as an ingredient list, best before date, barcode, etc., or branding for the product contained therein. In at least some examples the adhesive label may be permanently attached to the container. The permanent attachment of a warning label may comprise a legal requirement of a container configured for storage of a plurality of snuff portions.

[0012] In the container as disclosed herein, the adhesive label may be adhesively fixed to the second cover portion and may bridge a hinge between the first cover portion and the second cover portion. Thus in at least some examples the adhesive label extends across the hinge of the cover part, such that the hinge may be reinforced by the adhesive label.

[0013] In the container as disclosed herein, the containment part may comprise a hole formed in the cover support surface, and wherein the first cover portion may comprise a pin extending into the hole. Thus, the container may be provided with a further pair of features associated with one another, namely the hole of the containment part and the pin of the cover part, by way of the pin extending into the hole, such that the cover support surface and the first cover portion may be fixed to one another.

[0014] In the container as disclosed herein, the pin and the hole may be configured for an interference fit. Thus, a fixation between the cover support surface and the first cover portion may be achieved by a combination of the pin and the hole, and the protrusion and the cut-out, such that a more robust fixation method may be achieved. Additionally, the fixation between the cover support surface and the first cover portion may involve an adhesive applied between the cover support surface and the first cover portion. Reinforcement of the attachment between the cover support surface and the first cover portion may be thus achieved by fixation by way of the hole of the containment part and the pin of the cover part and / or the use of adhesive. As set out herein, the containment part may be provided with multiple protrusions and the cover part may be provided with multiple cut-outs, matching the protrusions in the containment part. Similarly, the containment part may be provided with multiple holes and the cover part may be provided with multiple corresponding pins. Additionally, the first cover portion may comprise an indent, and the containment part may comprise a corresponding snap fit element configured to be fitted in the indent, wherein fixation between the first cover portion and the containment part may be achieved by inserting the snap fit element into the indent via a snap fit.

[0015] In the container as disclosed herein, a thickness of the first cover portion may be equal to the extension of the protrusion of the containment part. Thus, the first cover portion and the protrusion may lie flush, such that in at least some examples the container may be more stably placed, for example, on an external surface via the cover thereof. Furthermore, it may be easier to apply an adhesive label onto the flat surface formed by the first cover portion and the protrusion.

[0016] In the container as disclosed herein, the side wall may comprise a cylindrically shaped outer surface.

[0017] The container as disclosed herein may comprise a cylindrical shape. A cylindrical container which is sized and configured to fit in a pocket, or a handbag may be advantageous, as it has no sharp edges or corners which may cause damage to a user's clothing or to contents in a handbag. Moreover, a cylindrically shaped container rests comfortably in the palm of a hand and can be easily held by one hand while being manipulated with the other hand.

[0018] In the container as disclosed herein, the first cover portion and the second cover portion may be hinged via a living hinge. Thus, the first cover portion and the second cover portion may be manufactured as a single piece.

[0019] In the container as disclosed herein, the first cover portion and the second cover portion may be formed integrally.

[0020] In the container as disclosed herein, the containment part may comprise a further storage compartment extending between the bounding wall and the first end. Thus, the containment part may comprise separate storage compartments, such that a first lot of stored snuff portions may be stored separately from a further lot of stored products, such as a further snuff portion.

[0021] In the container as disclosed herein, a further cover may be configured to close the further storage compartment.

[0022] In the container as disclosed herein, the further storage compartment may be configured for the storage of an unused snuff portion and the storage compartment may be configured for the storage of a used snuff portion.

[0023] In the container as disclosed herein, a volume of the further storage compartment may be greater than a volume of the storage compartment.

[0024] In the container as disclosed herein the further storage compartment may comprise a plurality of unused snuff portions.

[0025] In the container as disclosed herein, the side wall may have a length along a periphery of the containment part. Thus, the storage volume, such as that of the storage compartment, may be maximised in relation to the volume of the containment part.

[0026] In the container as disclosed herein, the containment part further may comprise an outer wall, the outer wall having a length along a periphery of the containment part, and a height in the height direction, and wherein the side wall is connected to the outer wall. Thus, the side wall may be protected from deformation. Furthermore, in at least some examples the height extension of a further storage compartment may be equal to the height extension of the containment part.

[0027] In the container as disclosed herein, at least a portion of the cover support surface may be spaced from the bounding wall in the height direction and wherein a normal to the cover support surface has a component acting in the height direction.

[0028] In the container as disclosed herein, the cover support surface may be formed at a location between the bounding wall and the second end of the containment part. Thus, in at least some examples the cover part may be inset from the second end of the containment part and may be protected about its periphery by the side wall of the containment part.

[0029] In the container as disclosed herein, the cover support surface may be formed at the second end of the containment part.

[0030] In the container as disclosed herein, the protrusion may extend in the height direction from the cover support surface.

[0031] In the container as disclosed herein, the second cover portion and the containment part comprise engaging elements configured to releasably lock the cover part at the first position.

[0032] The container as disclosed herein is suitable for smokeless tobacco products as well as tobacco free snuff products, or snuff products having a low tobacco content. Tobacco free or almost tobacco free snuff products may contain an active substance such as nicotine and are usually flavored compositions comprising a filling material which may e.g., comprise microcrystalline cellulose and / or fiber material derived from plants other than tobacco.

[0033] Traditionally, snuff products are used in the oral cavity of a consumer to provide a user with the benefits of an active substance such as nicotine, caffeine, and / or different flavors. A common type of nicotine containing snuff products is oral smokeless tobacco products. Such products generally comprise water, salt, pH adjuster(s) and additional components such as flavors and humectants.

[0034] The terms "pouched product for oral use" or "oral pouched product" are interchangeably used to refer to a portion of a smokeless composition containing saliva extractables and being packed in a saliva-permeable pouch material. Oral pouched products as disclosed herein, are intended for use in the oral cavity. An oral pouched snuff product as disclosed herein is sized and configured to be completely accommodated in the oral cavity and to be comfortably and inconspicuously placed e.g., between the upper or lower gum and the lip or cheek. A pouched snuff product may also be referred to as a portion-packed snuff product for oral use. A container as disclosed herein may alternatively contain a snuff product in bulk form, i.e., not being packed in individual portion-sized pouches, or a pouchless products such as a plurality of patches.

[0035] A "user container" as referred to herein is a consumer package having a shape and a size adapted for conveniently carrying the consumer package in a pocket or in a handbag. The user container may be used for packaging any known type of snuff product for use in the oral cavity, such as loose snuff, pouched snuff products and moulded snuff products.

[0036] A user container as disclosed herein may typically contain in the range of 10-30 pouched products, such as in the range of 20-25 pouched products, or a corresponding amount of loose snuff. The pouched products may be placed randomly in the user container or in a pattern. A storage compartment configured for the storage of used snuff portions may typically contain in the range of 5-10 pouched products, or a corresponding amount of loose snuff or pouchless products.

[0037] The user container as disclosed herein may include a disposal compartment for storage of used oral pouched products. The disposal compartment is separated from the snuff storage compartment where the fresh snuff product is stored up until use.

[0038] As used herein, the terms "up", "down", "top", "bottom", "upward", "downward", "inner" and "outer", etc. refer to a container when rested with the bottom wall on a horizontal surface. The upward direction or axial direction coincides with a vertical axis of the snuff is the vertical direction toward the top wall of the container. The downward direction is the vertical direction towards the bottom wall of the container, an inner surface is a surface facing the storage compartment and an outer surface is a surface away from the storage compartment.

[0039] The container as disclosed herein is preferably made of a resiliently flexible polymeric material. Suitable polymeric materials include thermoformable polymers, such as polyolefins, polyesters, and the like.

[0040] The containers as disclosed herein have a cylindrical shape. The primary function of a container as disclosed herein is to contain fresh ready-to-use snuff products. Accordingly, the bottom surface and the top surface may be disc shaped or have a modified disc shape, such as a non-planar disc shape. Non-planar disc shapes as used herein include profiled shapes comprising embossed or raised profile elements such as figurative elements and / or functional elements. Figurative elements may be symbols, letters, patterns, etc. and functional elements may be stacking elements, a recess for used snuff products, etc.

[0041] In the closed configuration of a container as disclosed herein, the second cover portion is attached to the containment part and covers an access opening of the snuff storage compartment.

[0042] The term "permanently attached" is used to refer to an attachment which is not easily broken. For example, by two parts being permanently attached it may not be possible to mechanically separate the two parts without destroying at least one of the two parts.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Fig. 1ashows a cross-sectional side view of a container in a closed state; Fig. 1bshows a cross-sectional side view of the container in Fig. 1a in an open state; Fig. 1cshows a cross-sectional top view of the container in Fig. 1a in a closed state; Fig. 1dshows a cross-sectional top view of a containment part of the container in Fig. 1a; Fig. 1eshows a cross-sectional top view of a cover part of the container in Fig. 1a; Fig. 2ashows a perspective view of a container in a closed state; Fig. 2bshows a perspective view of the container in Fig. 2a in an open state; Fig. 3ashows a cross-sectional side view of a container in a closed state; Fig. 3bshows a cross-sectional side view of the container in Fig. 3a in an open state; Fig. 4ashows a cross-sectional top view of a container in a closed state; Fig. 4bshows a perspective view of a lid part of the container in Fig. 4a.

[0044] It is to be understood that the drawings are schematic and that individual components are not necessarily drawn to scale. The container shown in the figures is provided as an example and should not be considered limiting to the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is determined solely by the appended claims.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Fig. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a container in a closed state. Furthermore, Fig. 1b illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the container in Fig. 1a in an open state. Fig. 1c illustrates a cross-sectional top view of the container in Fig. 1a in a closed state. Fig. 1d illustrates a cross-sectional top view of a containment part of the container in Fig. 1a. Fig. 1e illustrates a cross-sectional top view of a cover part of the container in Fig. 1a.

[0046] The container 2 which is shown in Fig. 1a-e is configured for storage of a plurality of snuff portions, and comprises a containment part 4, comprising a storage compartment 18, and a cover part 8. The container 2 has a generally cylindrical shape. In the shown example the side wall 14 comprises a cylindrically shaped outer surface. In the shown example the container 2 comprises a cylindrical shape. As indicated in Fig. 1a, the containment part 4 extends from a first end 10 to a second end 12 in a height direction H, and in a lateral direction L, perpendicular to the height direction H. In the shown example an access opening 13 is formed at the second end 12 of the containment part 4.

[0047] The containment part 4 comprises a side wall 14, having a length along a periphery of the storage compartment 18, and a height in the height direction H, the storage compartment 18 being delimited by the side wall 14 in the lateral direction L. In the shown example the side wall 14 extends in the height direction H. The side wall 14 may be inclined with respect to the height direction H. Furthermore, the side wall 14 may be curved along the height thereof.

[0048] The containment part 4 further comprises a bounding wall 16, connected to the side wall 14 and configured to further delimit the storage compartment 18 such that the storage compartment 18 extends in the height direction H from the bounding wall 16 towards the second end 12. In the shown example the bounding wall 16 is located at a position between the first end 8 and the second end 10 of the containment part 4. Furthermore, in the shown example a normal to the bounding wall 16 extends in the height direction H. In at least some examples the bounding wall 16 may be located at the second end 10 of the containment part 4. In the shown example the bounding wall 16 comprises a planar surface. In at least some examples the bounding wall 16 may comprise a curved surface or may formed by a plurality of curved and / or planar surface portions which may extend at an inclination to one another.

[0049] The containment part 4 further comprises a cover support surface 20. In the shown example at least a portion of the cover support surface 20 is spaced from the bounding wall 16 in the height direction H and with a normal to the cover support surface 20 having a component acting in the height direction H. Furthermore, in the shown example the normal to the cover support surface 20 extends in the height direction H. In the shown example the cover support surface 20 is formed on a stepped portion 21, wherein the stepped portion 21 extends from the bounding wall 16 and the side wall 14. In the shown example the stepped portion 21 is formed integrally with the bounding wall 16 and the side wall 14. The stepped portion 21 may alternatively extend from only one of the bounding wall 16 or the side wall 14. The stepped portion 21 may be formed integrally with only the bounding wall 16 or the side wall 14. In the shown example, the normal to the cover support coincides with the height direction H. However, the normal to the cover support surface 20 may alternatively be inclined with respect to the height direction H. Furthermore, the normal to the cover support surface 20 may extend in the lateral direction L. For example, the cover support surface 20 may be formed on the side wall 14, on the inside or the outside thereof.

[0050] In the shown example the cover support surface 20 is formed at the second end 12 of the containment part 4. Furthermore, in the shown example the cover support surface lies flush with the side wall 14. Alternatively, the second end 12 of the of the containment part 4 may be formed by the cover support surface 20 such that the side wall 14 is spaced from the cover support surface 20 in the height direction.

[0051] The cover part 8 comprises a first cover portion 22, covering at least a portion of the cover support surface 20 of the containment part 4, and configured to be fixed thereto. In the shown example the first cover portion 22, covers the cover support surface 20. In the shown example the first cover portion 22 and the cover support surface 20 are formed having a complementary shape. Furthermore, in the shown example the first cover portion 22 and the cover support surface 20 are formed having a complementary size. In the shown example the first cover portion 22 and the cover support surface 20 are formed having a semi-circular shape.

[0052] The cover part 8 further comprises a second cover portion 24, hinged to the first cover portion 22, and configured such that the second cover portion 24 is movable between a first position P1 and a second position P2. Furthermore, at the first position P1 the storage compartment 18 is closed, and at the second position P2 the storage compartment 18 is open. In the shown example at the first position P1 the access opening 13 is covered, and at the second position P2 the access opening 13 is accessible. In the shown example the container 2 is in the closed state when the second cover portion 24 is at the first position P1, and in the open state when the second cover portion 24 is at the second position P2. In the shown example the first cover portion 22 and the second cover portion 24 are hinged via a living hinge formed in the material of the cover part 8. The interface between the first cover portion 22 and the second cover portion 24 may be formed having a reduced thickness as compared to the thickness of the material in the first cover portion 22 and the second cover portion 24. Alternatively, the first cover portion 22 and the second cover portion 24 may be separately formed and may be attached to one another via a hinge, which may be integral with the first cover portion 22, the second cover portion 24, or may be formed as a separate part (not shown). Such separate hinge part may be an adhesively attached sheet of material bridging the interface between the first cover portion 22 and the second cover portion 24. The sheet of material may have the additional function of serving as a label which may carry graphics such as text, symbols, decorative elements, logos, etc.

[0053] The containment part 4 comprises a protrusion 26 extending from the cover support surface 20, and wherein the first cover portion 22 comprises a cut-out 28, the protrusion 26 being arranged in the cut-out 28 of the cover part 8. In the shown example the containment part 4 comprises a plurality of protrusions 26 extending from the cover support surface 20. Furthermore, in the shown example the first cover portion 22 comprises a plurality of cut-outs 28. In the shown example the protrusion 26 extends in the height direction H from the cover support surface 20.

[0054] In the shown example the protrusion 26 and the cut-out 28 are formed having a complementary shape. The protrusion 26 and the cut-out may instead have different shapes, wherein a plurality of points may be arranged in close contact about the perimeter of the protrusion 26 and the cut-out 28 such that movement of the protrusion 26 may be restricted perpendicular to the direction of the extension of the protrusion 26.

[0055] Furthermore, in the shown example the protrusion 26 and the cut-out 28 are formed having a complementary size. The protrusion 26 may alternatively be larger than the cut-out 28, such that the protrusion 26 and / or the cut-out must be deformed such that it may pass through the cut-out 28. In at least some examples of the protrusion 26 and the cut-out 28 are configured for an interference fit.

[0056] In the shown example the container 2 comprises an adhesive label 29, adhesively fixed to the protrusion 26 of the containment part 4 and the first cover portion 22. In at least some examples the adhesive label 29 may comprise a warning label. Alternatively, the adhesive label 29 may comprise other necessitated information, such as an ingredient list, best before date, barcode, etc. or branding for the product therein. The label may further carry decorative print and / or colouring. The adhesive label 29 is preferably permanently attached to the container 2 in order to prevent the label from being deliberately or unintentionally removed from the snuff container. In the shown example the adhesive label 29 is adhesively fixed to the second cover portion 24 and bridges the hinge between the first cover portion 22 and the second cover portion 24.

[0057] In the shown example a thickness of the first cover portion 22 is equal to the extension of the protrusion 26 of the containment part 4.

[0058] In the shown example the containment part 4 comprises a further storage compartment 30 extending between the bounding wall 16 and the first end 10. In the shown example a further access opening 11 is formed at the first end 10 of the containment part 4.

[0059] The further storage compartment 30 may be configured for the storage of an unused snuff portion and the storage compartment 18 is configured for the storage of a used snuff portion. In the shown example a volume of the further storage compartment 30 is greater than a volume of the storage compartment 18. In the case of the storage compartment 18 being a disposal compartment and being configured for the storage of a used snuff portion the storage compartment 18 may typically have capacity for in the range of 5-10 pouched products, or a corresponding amount of loose snuff or pouchless products. A further storage compartment 30 being configured for the storage of an unused snuff portion and may typically have capacity for in the range of 20-30 pouched products, or a corresponding amount of loose snuff or pouchless products.

[0060] In the shown example the side wall 14 has a length along a periphery of the containment part 4. In at least some examples the side wall 14 may have a length along the entire perimeter of the containment part 4.

[0061] Fig. 2a illustrates a perspective view of a container 2 in a closed state. Furthermore, Fig. 2b illustrates a perspective view of the container 2 in Fig. 2a in an open state. In the shown example the container 2 comprises a further cover 6 configured to close the further storage compartment 30. In the shown example the further cover 6 is configured to cover the further access opening 11. The further storage compartment 30 may be configured for the storage of an unused snuff portion. In the shown example the further cover 6 is configured to surround a portion of the containment part 4. In at least some examples the further cover 6 may be configured to fit inside a portion of the containment part 4. The further cover 6 and the containment part 4 may comprise any known locking means such that the further cover 6 may be releasably attached to the containment part 4. In at least some examples the further cover 6 and / or the containment part 4 may comprise any number of protrusion and / or grooves configured to engage one another when the further cover 6 closes the further storage compartment 30. Furthermore, in at least some examples the further cover 6 and the containment part 4 may be configured such that they may be sealingly closed. In at least some examples the further cover 6 and / or the containment part 4 may comprise circumferential ridges and / or grooves configured to seal the further storage compartment 30 when the further cover 6 closes the further storage compartment 30. In the shown example the container 2 is in the closed state when the second cover portion 24 is at the first position P1 and the further cover 6 is closes the further storage compartment 30, and in the open state when the second cover portion 24 is at the second position P2 and the further cover 6 is removed from the container 2.

[0062] Fig. 3a illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a container 2 in a closed state. Furthermore, Fig. 3b illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the container 2 in Fig. 3a in an open state. In the shown example the container 2 differs from that described with reference to Fig. 1a-1e as the containment part 4 further comprises an outer wall 32, the outer wall 32 having a length along a periphery of the containment part 4, and a height in the height direction H, and wherein the side wall 14 is connected to the outer wall 32. In the shown example the outer wall 32 comprises a cylindrically shaped outer surface. In the shown example the outer wall 32 extends in the height direction H. In at least some examples the outer wall 32 may be inclined with respect to the height direction H. Furthermore, in at least some cases the outer wall 32 may be curved along the height thereof.

[0063] Furthermore, in the shown example the container 2 differs from that described with reference to Fig. 1a-1e as the cover support surface 20 is formed at a location between the bounding wall 16 and the second end 12 of the containment part 4. In the shown example the second end 12 of the containment part 4 is formed by the outer wall 32. Furthermore, in the shown example the thickness of the first cover portion 22 is equal to the distance between the cover support surface 20 and the second end 12 of the containment part 4 along the height direction H, such that the first cover portion 22 lies flush with the outer wall 32. The thickness of the first cover portion 22 may be less than the distance between the cover support surface 20 and the second end 12 of the containment part 4 in which case the first cover portion 22 will be somewhat set-in from the second end 12 of the containment part 4. Such arrangement may be beneficial, as the cover part 8 and any label attached thereto will be protected by the second end 12 of the containment part 4 when the snuff container is placed e.g., on a table resting on the second end 12 of the containment part 4.

[0064] Fig. 4a illustrates a cross-sectional top view of a container 2 in a closed state.

[0065] Furthermore, Fig. 4b illustrates a perspective view of a lid part 12 of the container 2 in Fig. 4a. In the shown example the container 2 differs from that described with reference to Fig. 1a-1e as the containment part 4 comprises a hole 34 formed in the cover support surface 20, and wherein the first cover portion 22 comprises a pin 36 extending into the hole 34. In at least some examples the pin 36 and the hole 34 may be attached to one another. In at least some examples the pin 36 and the hole 34 are configured for an interference fit. In at least some examples the pin 36 and the hole 34 may be connected by adhesive. In the shown example the hole 34 extends only partially through the thickness of the cover support surface 20. In at least some examples the hole 34 may comprise a through hole, such that the hole 34 extends through the cover support surface 20. In the shown examples the containment part 4 comprises a plurality of holes 34 formed in the cover support surface 20, and wherein the first cover portion 22 comprises a plurality of pins 36 extending into the plurality of holes 34. In the shown example the plurality of pins 36 and the plurality of holes 34 are formed in a triangular arrangement.

[0066] Furthermore, in the shown example the first cover portion 22 comprises an indent 40, and the containment part 4 comprises a snap fit element (not shown) configured to be fitted in the indent 40. Fixation between the first cover portion 22 and the containment part 4 may be achieved by inserting the snap fit element into the indent 40 via a snap fit. In the shown example, the indent 40 is formed on the peripheral edge of the first cover portion 22. Furthermore, in the shown example the first cover portion 22 comprises a plurality of indent 40, each configured to be engaged with a plurality of snap fit elements (not shown).

[0067] Furthermore, in the shown example the container 2 differs from that described with reference to Fig. 1a-1e as the second cover portion 24 and the containment part 4 comprise engaging elements configured to releasably lock the cover part 8 at the first position P1. In the shown example the lid part 12 comprises a lid engaging element 38 configured to engage the side wall 14. Furthermore, in the shown example the lid engaging element 38 is configured to fit inner to the side wall 14. In the shown example the lid engaging element 38 is formed as a circumferential protrusion configured to extend in the height direction H when the cover part 8 is at the first position P1. In at least some examples an engaging element of the lid 12 may fit inner to and / or outer to the side wall 14 and / or the outer wall 32 of the containment part 4. Furthermore, the engaging elements may be configured to extend in the lateral direction L when the cover part 8 is at the first position P1. At least one of the engaging elements may be elastically deformable, such that the engaging element must be deformed in order to transition from the first position P1 and the second position P2 and vice-versa.

[0068] Although the container shown in the figures is empty, it is to be understood that a container as disclosed herein may be a container which is delivered to a user in a filled state. Commercially available filled snuff containers commonly contain in the order of from 10 to 30 pouched snuff products or a corresponding amount of loose snuff or pouchless products.

Claims

1. A container (2) configured for storage of a plurality of snuff portions, comprising a containment part (4), comprising a storage compartment (18), and a cover part (8), wherein said containment part (4) extends from a first end (10) to a second end (12) in a height direction (H), and in a lateral direction (L), perpendicular to said height direction (H), said containment part (4) comprising: - a side wall (14), having a length along a periphery of said storage compartment (18), and a height in said height direction (H), said storage compartment (18) being delimited by said side wall (14) in said lateral direction (L), - a bounding wall (16), connected to said side wall (14) and configured to further delimit said storage compartment (18) such that said storage compartment (18) extends in said height direction (H) from said bounding wall (16) towards said second end (12), - a cover support surface (20), wherein said cover part (8) comprises: - a first cover portion (22), covering at least a portion of said cover support surface (20) of said containment part (4), and configured to be fixed thereto, - a second cover portion (24), hinged to said first cover portion (22), and configured such that said second cover portion (24) is movable between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2), wherein at said first position (P1) said storage compartment (18) is closed, and at said second position (P2) said storage compartment (18) is open, wherein said containment part (4) comprises a protrusion (26) extending from said cover support surface (20), and wherein said first cover portion (22) comprises a cut-out (28), said protrusion (26) being arranged in said cut-out (28) of said cover part (8).

2. The container (2) of claim 1, wherein said protrusion (26) and said cut-out (28) are formed having a complementary shape.

3. The container (2) of any one of the preceding claims, comprising an adhesive label (29), adhesively fixed to said protrusion (26) of said containment part (4) and said first cover portion (22).

4. The container (2) of claim 3, wherein said adhesive label (29) is adhesively fixed to said second cover portion (24) and bridges a hinge between said first cover portion (22) and said second cover portion (24).

5. The container (2) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said containment part (4) comprises a hole (34) formed in said cover support surface (20), and wherein said first cover portion (22) comprises a pin (36) extending into said hole (34).

6. The container (2) of claim 5, wherein said pin (36) and said hole (34) are configured for an interference fit.

7. The container (2) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a thickness of said first cover portion (22) is equal to the extension of said protrusion (26) of said containment part (4).

8. The container (2) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said side wall (14) comprises a cylindrically shaped outer surface.

9. The container (2) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said container (2) comprises a cylindrical shape.

10. The container (2) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first cover portion (22) and said second cover portion (24) are hinged via a living hinge.

11. The container (2) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said containment part (4) comprises a further storage compartment (30) extending between said bounding wall (16) and said first end (10).

12. The container (2) of claim 11, comprising a further cover (6), wherein said further cover (6) is configured to close said further storage compartment (30).

13. The container (2) of any one of claims 11-12, wherein said further storage compartment (30) is configured for the storage of an unused snuff portion and said storage compartment (18) is configured for the storage of a used snuff portion.

14. The container (2) of any one of claims 11-13, wherein a volume of said further storage compartment (30) is greater than a volume of said storage compartment (18).

15. The container (2) of any one of claims 11-14, wherein said further storage compartment (30) comprises a plurality of unused snuff portions.

16. The container (2) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said side wall (14) has a length along a periphery of said containment part (4).

17. The container (2) of any one of claims 1-15, wherein said containment part (4) further comprises an outer wall (32), said outer wall (32) having a length along a periphery of said containment part (4), and a height in said height direction (H), and wherein said side wall (14) is connected to said outer wall (32).

18. The container (2) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of said cover support surface (20) is spaced from said bounding wall (16) in said height direction (H) and wherein a normal to said cover support surface (20) has a component acting in said height direction (H),19. The container (2) of claim 18, wherein said cover support surface (20) is formed at a location between said bounding wall (16) and said second end (12) of said containment part (4).

20. The container (2) of claim 18, wherein said cover support surface (20) is formed at said second end (12) of said containment part (4).

21. The container (2) of any one of claims 18-20, wherein said protrusion (26) extends in said height direction from said cover support surface (20).

22. The container (2) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second cover portion (24) and said containment part (4) comprise engaging elements configured to releasably lock said cover part (8) at said first position (P1).

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