Child resistant container

Abstract

A snuff container (101), comprising a base part (102) and a lid part (103) and a snuff storage compartment (105) arranged in the base part (102). The snuff container comprises a locking arrangement for locking the lid part (103) on the base part (102), the locking arrangement comprising locking features in the form of ridges arranged at two different levels on an inner surface of a lid side wall (113) and on an outer surface (111) of a base side wall (109), the locking features co-operating to keep the snuff container in a locked configuration with the lid part (103) on the base part (102). The lid part (103) can be rotated on the base part (102) to any one of two release position in which the lid part (103) can be squeezed between two pressure areas on the side wall (113) to deform the lid and disengage locking features on the lid part (103) from locking features on the base part (102), whereafter the lid part (103) can be removed from the base part (102).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The disclosure pertains to a snuff container comprising a base part and a lid part and a snuff storage compartment having an access opening and being arranged in the base part. The lid part is arranged to close the access opening and the snuff container comprises a child resistant locking arrangement for locking the lid part on the base part. A method for opening the child resistant snuff container is also disclosed.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[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 and optionally including a disposal 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 the snuff products packaged in the container have been used. The emptied container is commonly discarded and replaced by a new container with fresh snuff products. As snuff products may be hazardous to children, it has been proposed to provide snuff containers with child safety arrangements to make the containers difficult to open by a child. A partly conflicting demand on a child safety arrangement for a snuff container is that the container should be user friendly and easy to open and close also by an adult having reduced manual dexterity and hand strength.

[0003] Child resistant snuff containers have been previously described, e.g., in WO2017 / 125405A1 which discloses a relatively complicated double-walled container. A further example of a child resistant snuff container is disclosed in WO2019 / 154971A1. The snuff container in WO2019 / 154971A1 has a base portion with at least one side wall section having a reduced thickness and thereby a reduced bending stiffness. The locking arrangements of these two containers have high child resistance but need manipulation both of the container lid and the container base for opening: one hand is used to rotate the container lid into a correct position, and the other hand is used to press a portion or portions of the base inward to decouple locking features on the base from locking features on the lid.

[0004] As child resistant packaging often comes at the cost of user friendliness, there is an ongoing need for an easy-to-use snuff container with child resistant features while still complying with other market requirements and wishes.

[0005] The snuff container is preferably easy to open and close by an adult snuff user but is resistant to opening by a child. As snuff 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.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to offer a snuff container which is child resistant, but which can be readily opened by an adult having reduced manual capacity. A further object may be to offer a simple and reliable child resistant snuff container which can be produced by cost efficient manufacturing methods such as injection-moulding. Yet a further object may be to offer a slim locking arrangement for a child resistant snuff container, thus providing the snuff container with a maximized inner packaging space.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] One or more of the above objects may be achieved with a child resistant snuff container according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 17. Variations of the disclosure are set out in the dependent claims and in the following description.

[0008] Disclosed herein is a snuff container, comprising a base part and a lid part, the snuff container comprising a locking arrangement for locking the lid part on the base part, wherein the base part comprises a bottom wall, a base side wall extending in an axial direction from the bottom wall to a circular base side wall edge, a snuff storage compartment, and an access opening at the base side wall edge; the lid part comprises a top wall and a lid side wall, the lid side wall being resiliently deformable by manual force and extending from the top wall to a circular lid side wall edge; in a closed configuration of the snuff container, the lid part is applied on the base part with the lid side wall overlapping the base side wall and with an inner surface of the lid side wall facing an outer surface of the base side wall, the lid part being rotatable on the base part; and the locking arrangement comprises: a) a first pair of ridges being arranged diametrically opposite each other on the inner surface of the lid side wall adjacent the top wall, parallel with the lid side wall edge and a second pair of ridges being arranged diametrically opposite each other on the inner surface of the lid side wall adjacent and parallel with the circular lid side wall edge, the first pair of ridges being arranged perpendicular to the second pair of ridges along a circumference of the lid side wall, each ridge of the first pair of ridges having a first ridge length and each ridge of the second pair of ridges having a second ridge length, the first ridge length being greater than the second ridge length; and b) a first locking ring on the outer surface of the base side wall, parallel with and adjacent the circular base side wall edge, a first pair of interruptions being arranged in the first locking ring, the first pair of interruptions being arranged opposite each other along the circumference of the base side wall, each interruption of the first pair of interruptions having a first interruption length, the first interruption length being equal to or smaller than the first ridge length and being equal to or greater than the second ridge length; and c) a second locking ring being arranged on the outer surface of the base side wall adjacent the bottom wall and being parallel to the circular base side wall edge, a second pair of interruptions being arranged in the second locking ring each interruption of the second pair of interruptions being aligned in the axial direction with a corresponding interruption of the first pair of interruptions, the first pair of ridges on the lid side wall being located below the first locking ring and the second pair of ridges on the lid side wall being located below the second locking ring as seen in the axial direction from the top wall of the lid part to the bottom wall of the base part when the snuff container is in the closed configuration.

[0009] In a snuff container as disclosed herein, a third pair of interruptions may be arranged in the first locking ring. The third pair of interruptions are arranged opposite each other and perpendicular to the first pair of interruptions in the first locking ring. The interruptions of the third pair of interruptions have a third interruption length. The third interruption length may be equal to or smaller than the first interruption length.

[0010] A technical effect of the third pair of interruptions having a smaller length than the first ridges is that when the snuff container is in the release position and the lid part is squeezed by applying pressure on two opposing pressure areas located on the outside of the lid side wall below the first pair of ridges, a popping sensation or even a popping sound is created as the ridges in the first pair of ridges on the lid part move in the upward direction and snap over the first locking ring on the base part. The popping sensation and / or sound signals to a user that the locking features have been released and that the lid part can be lifted off the base part.

[0011] In a snuff container as disclosed herein, a fourth pair of interruptions may be arranged in the second locking ring. The fourth pair of interruptions are arranged opposite each other and perpendicular to the second pair of interruptions in the second locking ring. The interruptions of the fourth pair of interruptions have a fourth interruption length.

[0012] The fourth interruption length may be greater than the first ridge length, equal to the first ridge length, or smaller than the first ridge length.

[0013] A technical effect of arranging a fourth pair of interruptions in the second locking ring is that it provides more room for the lid side wall to deform without restriction from the second locking ring when the snuff container is in the release position and is squeezed to disengage the locking features.

[0014] Thus, the locking arrangement on the snuff container comprises locking features in the form of ridges arranged at an upper and a lower level on the inner surface of the lid side wall and on an outer surface of the base side wall. The locking features co-operate in keeping the snuff container in a locked configuration with the lid part attached to the base part in all rotational positions. The lid part can be rotated on the base part to any one of two release positions in which the lid part can be squeezed by hand between two pressure areas on the side wall to deform the lid and disengage locking features on the lid part from locking features on the base part, whereafter the lid part can be removed from the base part.

[0015] The child resistant snuff container as disclosed herein provides child resistance through two aspects. When opening the container, the lid part of the container must first be correctly aligned with the base part whereafter force has to be applied at predetermined and distinct locations on the lid part. Correctly squeezing the lid between two fingers will result in a controlled deformation of the lid material, allowing the locking features arranged on the inner surface of the lid side wall and on the outer surface of the base side wall to become disengaged. Thereby, the container lid may be removed from the container base to expose the snuff storage compartment which is arranged in the container base part. In embodiments in which the lid part can be freely rotated in relation to the base part both clockwise and anticlockwise, the difficulty in opening the snuff container may be somewhat higher than in embodiments having a built-in resistance to rotation in e.g., the anticlockwise direction. The lid can be opened in two distinct release positions relative to the base and only in these two release positions. The snuff container can be closed with the lid part in any rotational position in relation to the base part by snapping the lid part onto the base part.

[0016] The snuff container as disclosed herein is provided with child resistance by cooperating protruding locking features in the form of ridges which are arranged around the base part and the lid part. The ridges are arranged on two different levels on the outer surface of the base side wall and on the inner surface of the lid side wall. The top level of the locking features of the base part as seen in the axial direction from the bottom wall towards the base side wall edge is constituted by a circumferentially extending first locking ring having a pair of interruptions, the interruptions being placed diametrically opposite each other on the outer surface of the base side wall. Optionally, the fist locking ring is provided with two pairs of interruptions with the interruptions in one of the pairs of interruptions being arranged perpendicular to the interruptions in the other pair of interruptions. The size of the interruptions in one of the pairs of interruptions may be the same or different from the size of the interruptions in the other pair of interruptions. The circumferential location and size of the interruptions are adapted to the circumferential location and size of the paired ridges arranged on the inner surface of the lid side wall. When the lid part is incorrectly aligned with the base part, the ridges on the lid side wall will not be able to pass the locking rings on the base side wall. The snuff container can only be opened when the second pair of ridges on the lid side wall are matched with the first pair of interruptions in the first locking ring on the base side wall. In this position, the second pair of ridges on the lid side wall are also matched with the second pair of interruptions in the second locking ring on the base side wall. In all other rotational positions, the first and second locking rings on the base side wall cooperate with the first and second pairs of ridges on the lid side wall to keep the lid part locked on the base part and prevent the lid part from being removed from the base part. The ridges in the first pair of ridges on the lid side wall cannot pass through the first pair of interruptions in the first locking ring on the base side wall as they have a length which is greater than the length of the interruptions in the first pair of interruptions in the first locking ring.

[0017] The snuff container as disclosed herein preferably comprises a release position indicator, the release position indicator being arranged to indicate that the lid part is in the release position which is a rotational position in relation to the base part in which the locking arrangement can be disabled and the snuff container can be opened. The child resistant snuff container as disclosed herein has only two release positions along the circumference of the snuff container. The release positions are arranged diametrically opposite each other on the snuff container and are attained when the ridges of the second pair of ridges on the inner surface of the lid side wall are aligned in the axial direction with the first pair of interruptions in the first locking ring on the outer surface of the base side wall. Only when the lid has been rotated on the base to one of the two release positions can the lid be removed from the base. The can is opened by placing the thumb and another finger e.g., the middle finger on opposing pressure areas arranged between the first and second locking rings and perpendicular to the aligned second pair of ridges on the lid and the first pair of interruptions on the base side wall. By squeezing the lid between the pressure areas, the lid side wall is deformed and the locking features on the base side wall and the lid side wall become disengaged, allowing the lid to be lifted off the base in the axial direction of the snuff container.

[0018] The release position indicator may comprise or consist of visual indication means, sensory indication means, sound indication means or a combination of two or more such indication means. Visual indication means include arrows, matching graphical elements and colours. Matching graphical elements may be decorative images, logos, text, etc. Sensory indication means may be three-dimensional indicators, such as arrows, knobs, etc. Sensory indication means include haptic indications means. Haptic indication means include a change in the resistance to rotate the container lid on the container base, a sudden "popping" sensation when an obstruction is overcome, vibrations, etc. Sound indication means may include interacting three-dimensional features such as knobs, ridges, etc., which produce a sound when moved relative each other. Useful sounds are popping sounds, click sounds, etc.

[0019] In a snuff container as disclosed herein, a distance in the axial direction between the first locking ring on the base side wall and the second locking ring on the base side wall may be from 3 mm to 7 mm, preferably from 4.5 mm to 6.5 mm.

[0020] In a snuff container as disclosed herein, a distance in the axial direction between the first pair of ridges on the lid side wall and the second pair of ridges on the lid side wall may from 3 mm to 7 mm, preferably from 4.5 mm to 6.5 mm.

[0021] The distance in the axial direction between the two levels of protruding locking features on the inner surface of the lid side wall and the outer surface of the base side wall may typically be in the order of from 3 mm to 7 mm, preferably from 4.5 mm to 6.5 mm to provide deformation room for the lid side wall when correctly squeezed in the release position. After rotating the lid on the base to reach one of the two release positions, the snuff container can be opened by applying pressure to pressure areas located opposite each other below the first pair of ridges on the inner surface of the lid side wall. If pressed in an incorrect location, even when the lid part and the base part are in the release position, it may still be difficult to remove the lid. For example, if the lid is squeezed on or close to where the second pair of ridges on the inner surface of the lid side wall are located, the second pair of ridges will be pressed firmly against the base side wall, making the lid hard to remove.

[0022] The snuff container as disclosed herein may comprise a pressure area indicator, the pressure area indicator indicating the location of an area in which pressure should be applied when opening the snuff container.

[0023] The pressure area indicator may comprise or consists of any suitable indication means such as visual indication means and sensory indication means or a combination of two or more such indication means. Visual indication means include arrows, graphical elements and colours. Sensory indication means may be three-dimensional indicators, such as arrows, knobs, surface texture, etc.

[0024] In a snuff container as disclosed herein, a protrusion may be arranged at each end of one or both of the interruptions in the second pair of interruptions in the second locking ring, the protrusions being arranged to cooperate with the second pair of ridges on the lid side wall to haptically and / or audially signal alignment of the second pair of ridges with the second pair of interruptions.

[0025] The protrusions may be in the form of small bumps or knobs providing a small and discrete haptic feedback when the rotational orientation of the lid in relation to the base is correct for opening of the snuff container i.e., to signal that the release position has been reached. Rotating the lid on the base until the first protrusion is felt means that the lid part and the base part are correctly aligned in the release position. If the lid is rotated further, and the second protrusion is reached, the lid part is brought to a position in which the snuff container cannot be opened. The haptic feedback from the protrusions allows the user to locate a correct alignment between the lid part and the base part without looking at the snuff container.

[0026] The protrusion or protrusions may be configured to promote rotation of the lid part in a clockwise direction and restrict or prevent free rotation of the lid part in a counterclockwise direction. Such effect may be achieved by providing the protrusion or protrusions with an asymmetrical shape in the circumferential direction of the snuff container. The protrusion or protrusions may have one surface which is slanted to promote rotation in a desired direction and a vertical surface on the other side, to create a distinct stop or high resistance when trying to rotate the lid part in a non-desired direction.

[0027] In a snuff container as disclosed herein, the container may have a diameter of from 45 mm to 80 mm and a height of from 10 mm to 30 mm, such as a diameter of from 45 mm to 75 mm and a height of from 17 mm to 27 mm.

[0028] In a snuff container as disclosed herein, a continuous gasketing flange may be arranged along the circular base side wall edge, the gasketing flange being arranged above the first locking ring on the base side wall.

[0029] When closing the snuff container by pressing down the lid part on the base part, the gasketing flange bends and conforms to the inner surface of the lid part to produce an inner gasketing seal between the base part and the lid part. The gasketing seal contributes to protecting the product packed in the snuff container from outside moisture or dehydration. Further sealing between the lid part and the base part may be provided by a label applied over a split-line between the lid part and the base part which is located on the outer surface of the snuff container.

[0030] In a snuff container as disclosed herein, a circumferentially extending inclined sliding surface may be arranged on the base part, the inclined sliding surface being arranged below the second locking ring on the outer surface of the base side wall and being arranged to cooperate with the lid side wall edge to promote upward movement of the lid part when opening the snuff container. The inclined sliding surface may have a curvature in the axial direction of the snuff container to create a smooth upward movement of the lid part.

[0031] When the lid is in a release position and is squeezed by applying pressure at the pressure areas on the outer surface of the lid side wall, the initial quick upward movement created by the inclined sliding surface will be transferred to the user's hand as a haptic signal that the lid has become disengaged from the base. This gives the user a feeling of high quality and user friendliness of the snuff container. Thus, the pressure-induced upward movement of the lid part contributes to an initial opening of snuff container and thereby facilitates lifting the lid part off the base part of the snuff container.

[0032] In a snuff container as disclosed herein, the snuff storage compartment may contain pouched snuff products, such as 5 to 30 pouched snuff products.

[0033] A child resistant snuff container as disclosed herein may be opened by a method comprising the steps of: rotating the lid part on the base part until the second pair of ridges on the inner surface of the lid side wall are aligned with the first pair of interruptions in the circumferentially extending locking ring on the base side wall; deforming the lid side wall by applying pressure at two diametrically opposite pressure areas on the lid side wall, the pressure areas being located below the first pair of ridges on the inner surface of the lid side wall and perpendicular to the first pair of interruptions and the second pair of interruptions, thereby disabling the locking arrangement; and lifting the lid part away from the base part.

[0034] The lid side wall is resiliently deformable by manual force. When the snuff container is in the release position, squeezing the lid part by simultaneously applying an inward directed force on the pressure areas causes the lid side wall to deform, thereby moving the first pair of ridges on the inner surface of the lid side wall out of engagement with the first locking ring on the outer surface of the base side wall. In the release position, the ridges in the second pair of ridges are aligned with the corresponding interruptions in the first pair of interruptions in the first circumferential locking ring and the corresponding interruptions in the second pair of interruptions in the second locking ring, which means that the second ridges on the lid part can move unhindered in the axial direction through the second pair of interruptions in the second locking ring and through the first pair of interruptions in the first locking ring on the base part. If a third pair of interruptions is arranged in the first locking ring, the ridges in the first pair of ridges will be aligned with the corresponding interruptions in the third pair of interruptions as well as with corresponding interruptions in an optional fourth pair of interruptions in the second locking ring.

[0035] When the lid part is in the release position in relation to the base part, the lid part cannot be separated from the base part without disengaging the locking features which are arranged perpendicular to the ridges in the second pair of ridges on the lid part and with the corresponding interruptions in the first pair of interruptions in the first circumferential locking ring and the corresponding interruptions in the second pair of interruptions in the second locking ring on the base part.

[0036] When the lid part and the base part are set in the correct release position, the locking features which are still in engagement with each other, i.e., at least a first pair of locking ridges on the inside of the lid part and the first locking ring on the outside of the base part can be disengaged by applying pressure on the pressure areas, causing the lid side wall to deform and the first pair of locking ridges to move over the first locking ring on the base part. As set out herein, the first locking ring may be provided with a third pair of interruptions, having an interruption length which is smaller than the length of the locking ridges in the first pair of locking ridges. Both in this case and in the case when no third pair of interruptions is provided, the ridges of the first pair of ridges will bend and snap over the parts of the first locking ring which overlap with the ridges of the first pair of ridges and will give a haptic and / or audial signal that the lid part has become disengaged from the base part.

[0037] The snuff 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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 snuff container as disclosed herein may alternatively contain a snuff product in bulk form, i.e., not being packed in individual portion-sized pouches.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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. The pouched products may be placed randomly in the user container or in a pattern, for instance as described in WO 2012 / 069505 A1.

[0042] The user container as disclosed herein may include a disposal compartment for storage of used oral pouched products. The disposal compartment is physically separated from the snuff storage compartment where the fresh snuff product is stored up until use. The disposal compartment may be arranged in the lid part or in the base part of the snuff container. The disposal compartment is commonly closed with a lid which is separate from the lid part of the snuff container.

[0043] As used herein, the terms "up", "down", "top", "bottom", "upward", "downward", "inner" and "outer", "below", "above", etc. refer to a snuff container when rested with the bottom wall on a horizontal surface. The upward direction of the snuff container coincides with a vertical axis of the snuff container and is the vertical direction toward the top wall of the snuff container. The downward direction is the vertical direction towards the bottom wall of the snuff container. The upward and downward directions are axial directions of the snuff container. An inner surface is a surface facing the storage compartment and an outer surface is a surface away from the storage compartment.

[0044] A "flexible component", as used herein, is a component which may be bent or flexed by manual force. A resilient component is a component which may be deformed by application of a force, but which will fully, or at least substantially fully, return to its non-deformed state as soon as the force is removed. A resiliently flexible component will flex back to its non-flexed position when the flexing force ceases.

[0045] The lid side wall of the snuff 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.

[0046] The snuff containers as disclosed herein have a cylindrical shape. The primary function of a snuff 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.

[0047] In the closed configuration of a snuff container as disclosed herein, the lid part is attached to the base part and covers the access opening of the snuff storage compartment.

[0048] In a cylindrical snuff container as disclosed herein, the lid part is arranged to be rotatable both clockwise and anticlockwise in relation to the base part when the snuff container is closed with the lid part attached to the base part. The lid part can be arranged to be freely rotated on the base part, or the snuff container may comprise features preventing or discouraging rotation in a non-preferential direction of rotation. As set out herein, the snuff container may comprise features which affect the force required to rotate the lid part on the base part. Such features include knobs and other types of protrusions which may be used to signal that a locked position or a release position has been attained.

[0049] Unless the lid part and base part are set in a release position and the lid is correctly squeezed to cause the locking arrangement to become disabled, the snuff container remains closed and with the locking arrangement in a locked configuration in all rotational positions of the lid part in relation to the base part. As disclosed herein, the locking arrangement can only be disabled at two select release positions along the circumference of the snuff container. If the lid part and the base part are not in a release position, they can be moved to a release position by relative rotation between the parts.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] The present invention will be further explained hereinafter by means of non-limiting examples and with reference to the appended drawings wherein: Fig. 1shows a perspective view of a snuff container in a closed state and in a release position; Fig. 2shows a perspective view of the base part of the snuff container in Fig. 1; Fig. 3shows a side view of the base part of the snuff container in Fig. 1; Fig. 4shows a perspective view of the lid part of the snuff container in Fig. 1; Fig. 5shows a cross-section through the lid part of the snuff container in Fig.1; Fig. 6shows a first cross-section through the snuff container in Fig.1; and Fig. 7shows a second cross-section through the snuff container in Fig.1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] It is to be understood that the drawings are schematic and that individual components are not necessarily drawn to scale. The child resistant snuff 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.

[0052] The child resistant snuff container 101 which is shown in Fig. 1 comprises a base part 102 and a lid part 103. The snuff container 101 has a generally cylindrical shape. As indicated in Fig. 1, the closed snuff container 101 has an axial direction A coinciding with a vertical direction when the snuff container is placed with the base part 102 on a horizontal surface, a radial direction R coinciding with a horizontal direction when the snuff container 101 is placed with the base part 102 on a horizontal surface, the radial direction R being perpendicular to the axial direction A, and a circumferential direction C.

[0053] With reference to Figs. 2 and 3 the base part comprises a bottom wall 108 and a base side wall 109 which extends in the axial direction A from the bottom wall 108 to a circular base side wall edge 110.

[0054] With reference to Figs. 4 and 5 the lid part 103 comprises a top wall 112 and a lid side wall 113 which extends from the top wall 112 to a circular lid side wall edge 114.

[0055] A snuff storage compartment 105 having an access opening 107 is arranged in the base part 102. In the closed configuration of the snuff container 101, the lid part 103 is applied to the base part 102 with the lid side wall 113 overlapping the base side wall 109 and with an inner surface 115 of the lid side wall 113 facing an outer surface 111 of the base side wall 109. The snuff container 101 as disclosed herein can be closed by applying the lid part 103 to the base part 102 in any rotational position of the lid part 103 in relation to the base part 102. In the closed configuration the access opening 107 is closed by the lid part 103 and the lid part 103 can be rotated on the base part 102 in the circumferential direction C. Rotation can either be performed both clockwise and anticlockwise or the snuff container 101 may be provided with features promoting rotation in a preferential direction and optionally restricting or preventing rotation in a non-preferential direction.

[0056] The snuff container 101 comprises a child resistant locking arrangement comprising a first set of locking features arranged on the inner surface 115 of the lid side wall 113 and a second set of locking features arranged on the outer surface 111 of the base side wall 109. The first and second sets of locking features are arranged to co-operate with each other to keep the snuff container in the closed configuration and requires the performance of a three-step procedure for opening the snuff container 101.When closing the snuff container 101 by application of the lid part 103 on the base part 102, the locking features on the inner surface 115 of the lid side wall 113 snaps into locking engagement with the locking features on the outer surface 111 of the base side wall 109.

[0057] The locking arrangement comprises a first pair of ridges 121 being arranged diametrically opposite each other and extending in the circumferential direction C parallel with the circular lid side wall edge 114 on the inner surface 115 of the lid side wall 113 and a second pair of ridges 122 being arranged diametrically opposite each other and extending parallel with the circular lid side wall edge 114 on the inner surface 115 of the lid side wall 113, the first pair of ridges 121 being arranged perpendicular to the second pair of ridges 122 in the circumferential direction C of the lid side wall 113. Each ridge of the first pair of ridges 121 has a first ridge length and is arranged adjacent the top wall 112 and each ridge of the second pair of ridges 122 has a second ridge length and is arranged adjacent the circular lid side wall edge 114. The first ridge length is greater than the second ridge length. It can be noted that only one of the ridges 121 in the first pair of ridges 121 and one of the ridges 122 in the second pair of ridges 122 are visible in the view shown in Fig. 4. Both ridges 121 in the first pair of ridges 121 are visible in Fig. 7 and both ridges 122 in the second pair of ridges 122 are visible in Fig. 6.

[0058] The locking arrangement further comprises a circumferentially extending first locking ring 130 which is arranged adjacent the circular base side wall edge 110 and which is parallel to the circular base side wall edge 110. The first locking ring 130 is arranged on the outer surface 111 of the base side wall 109. A first pair of interruptions 132 and a third pair of interruptions 131 are arranged in the first locking ring 130. The first pair of interruptions 132 are arranged perpendicular to the third pair of interruptions 131 in the circumferential direction C of the base side wall 109. The provision of a third pair of interruptions 131 is optional to the snuff container 101 as disclosed herein. Each interruption 131 in the first pair of interruptions 132 has a first interruption length and each interruption in the third pair of interruptions 131 has a third interruption length. The third interruption length is adapted to the first ridge length and is preferably smaller than the first ridge length. When the snuff container 101 is in a release position, the ridges of the first pair of ridges 121 overlap at least to some extent with the first locking ring 130 as seen in the axial direction. Thereby, sensory signal of disengagement between the first pair of ridges and the first locking ring 130 may be created as the first pair of ridges 121 moves over the first locking ring 130 when removing the lid part 103 from the base part 102.

[0059] The first interruption length is equal to or preferably greater than the second ridge length to allow the ridges of the second pair of ridges to pass unhindered through the interruptions of the first pair of interruptions 132. The first and second ridge lengths may be the same or different. The second ridge length may typically be smaller than the first ridge length. It can be noted that only one of the interruptions in the third pair of interruptions 131 and one of the interruptions in the first pair of interruptions 132 are visible in the view shown in Fig. 2. Both interruptions in the third pair of interruptions 131 are visible in Fig. 6 and both interruptions in the first pair of interruptions 132 are visible in Fig. 3.

[0060] A circumferentially extending second locking ring 135 is arranged adjacent the bottom wall 108 of the base part 102 and is parallel to the circular base side wall edge 110, the second locking ring 135 being arranged on the outer surface 111 of the base side wall 109.

[0061] A second pair of interruptions 137 and a fourth pair of interruptions 136 are arranged in the second locking ring 135. Each interruption of the fourth pair of interruptions 136 is aligned in the axial direction A with a corresponding interruption in the third pair of interruptions 131. The ridges of the first pair of ridges 121 on the lid side wall 113 are located below the first locking ring 130 and the ridges of the second pair of ridges 122 on the lid side wall 113 are located below the second locking ring 135 when the snuff container 101 is in the closed configuration. The fourth pair of interruptions 136 in the second locking ring are optional but may be beneficial as it contributes to provide increased room for inward deformation of the lid side wall 113 without restriction from the second locking ring 135 when pressure is applied to the lid side wall 113 in an area above the fourth pair of interruptions 136.

[0062] The distance d B in the axial direction A between the fist locking ring 130 on the base side wall and the second locking ring 135 on the base side wall 111 may be from 3 mm to 7 mm, preferably from 4.5 mm to 6.5 mm.

[0063] The distance d L in the axial direction A between the first pair of ridges 121 on the lid side wall 113 and the second pair of ridges 122 on the lid side wall 113 may be from 3 mm to 7 mm, preferably from 4.5 mm to 6.5 mm.

[0064] The locking features on the base part 102 and on the lid part 103 are preferably arranged such that the first pair of ridges 121 on the lid part 103 are in direct contact with the circumferential locking ring on the base part when the snuff container 101 is in a closed configuration and the lid part 103 and the base part 102 are not in a release position. The second pair of ridges 122 on the lid part 103 are preferably in direct contact with the second locking ring 135 on the base part 102 when the snuff container 101 is in a closed configuration and the lid part 103 and the base part 102 are not in a release position. Such arrangement of the locking features keeps the lid firmly in place in the axial direction A, preventing rattling of the lid part 103 and minimizing the size of a split-line 180 between the lid part 103 and the base part 102. A tight fit between the lid part 103 and the base part 102 may be further enhanced by a mechanical interference fit between the circular base side wall 109 and the lid. In Fig. 2, a circumferential groove 138 for receiving the circular lid side wall edge 114 is arranged at the split-line location on the base side wall 109.

[0065] As shown in the Figures, the first and second locking rings 130, 135 may have inclined upper surfaces to improve the ease of closing the child resistant snuff container 101.

[0066] As is shown in Fig. 1, the snuff container may comprise a release position indicator. The release position indicator which is illustrated in Fig. 1 is a visual release position indicator 140 and comprises a lid position indicator 140' and a base position indicator 140". In the Fig. 1 example, the lid position indicator 140' is a three-dimensional pointer formed as a relief in the outer surface 116 of the lid part 103 and the base position indicator 140" is a small square marking formed on the outer surface 111 of the base side wall 109. The release position indicator 140 is arranged to indicate that the lid part 103 is in a rotational position in relation to the base part 102 in which the locking arrangement can be disabled and the snuff container 101 can be opened. This position is referred to herein as a release position.

[0067] A further type of release position indicator is shown in Figs. 2 and 3. The release position indicator 151 which is illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3 is a sensory release position indicator which conveys a haptic signal indicating that a release position has been attained. The sensory release position indicator which is shown in Figs. 2 and 3 comprises a pair of protrusions 151', 151". The protrusions 151'. 151" are arranged at each end of the interruptions in the second pair of interruptions 137 arranged in the second locking ring 135. The protrusions 151'. 151" cooperate with the second pair of ridges 122 on the inner surface 115 of the lid side wall 113 to haptically and / or audially signal alignment of the second pair of ridges with the third pair of ridges when the lid part 103 is rotated on the base part 102.

[0068] The protrusions 151', 151" which are illustrated in Fig. 3 are configured to promote rotation of the lid part 103 in a clockwise direction and to restrict or prevent rotation of the lid part in a counterclockwise direction. To that effect the protrusions 151', 151" have an asymmetrical shape in the circumferential direction of the snuff container. The protrusions 151', 151" have one surface which is slanted to promote clockwise rotation and a vertical surface which offers a greater resistance when trying to rotate the lid part counterclockwise.

[0069] As disclosed herein, the release position indicator may comprise or consists of visual indication means, sensory indication means, sound indication means or a combination of two or more such indication means. A release position indicator is an optional but preferred feature of a snuff container as disclosed herein.

[0070] When opening a closed child resistant snuff container such as the child resistant snuff container shown in Fig. 1, the lid part 103 is first rotated clockwise in the circumferential direction C until a release position has been reached. In the shown example, the snuff container 101 is provided with protrusions 151', 151" which promote clockwise rotation. However, the snuff container as disclosed herein may alternatively have anticlockwise rotation as a preferred rotational direction or may be designed without a preferred rotational direction. In the release position, the second pair of ridges 122 on the inner surface 115 of the lid side wall are aligned with the first pair of interruptions 132 in the first or upper circumferentially extending locking ring 130 on the outer surface 111 of the base side wall 109 and with the second pair of interruptions 137 in the second or lower circumferentially extending locking ring 135 on the outer surface 111 of the base side wall 109. When setting the lid part 103 and base part 102 in a release position, any release position indicator 140, 151 provided may be used.

[0071] When the lid part 103 and base part 102 have been set in a release position as shown in Fig. 1 and as shown in cross section in Figs. 6 and 7, the lid side wall may be deformed by applying pressure at two diametrically opposite pressure areas 160 on the outer surface 116 of the lid side wall 113. The pressure areas 160 are portions on the outer surface 116 of the lid side wall 113 which are located between the first and second locking rings 130, 135 on the outer surface 111 of the base side wall 109 and below the first pair of ridges 121 on the inner surface 115 of the lid side wall 113 as indicated in Fig. 4. As disclosed herein, the pressure areas 160 may be provided with pressure area indicators to facilitate for a user to identify the location of the pressure areas 160.

[0072] The lid side wall 113 is resiliently deformable by manual force such that squeezing the lid part 102 by simultaneously applying an inward directed force P on the pressure areas 160 causes the lid side wall 113 to bulge away from the base side wall 109, thereby causing the first pair of ridges 121 on the inner surface 115 of the lid side wall 113 to move in an upward direction over the first locking ring 130 on the outer surface 111 of the base side wall 109. Accordingly, by squeezing the lid between the pressure points 160 when the snuff container is in the release position, the locking arrangement is disabled and the lid part 103 can be lifted away from the base part 102. It is to be noted that in the release position, the ridges 121, 122 in the first and second pairs of ridges 121, 122 are aligned with the corresponding interruptions in the first and third pairs of interruptions in the first circumferential locking ring 130.

[0073] With further reference to Figs. 2 and 3, the snuff container may be provided with a circumferentially extending inclined sliding surface 170 is arranged on the base part 102.

[0074] The inclined sliding surface is arranged in the axial direction A below the second locking ring 135 on the outer surface of the base side wall and are arranged to cooperate with the circular lid side wall edge 114 to promote upward movement of the lid part 103 when opening the snuff container 101.

[0075] When the lid part has been moved to a release position and is squeezed by applying pressure at the pressure areas 160 on the outer surface of the lid side wall, the inclined and preferably curved sliding surface will cause an initial quick upward movement of the lid part 102. The user will feel this movement as a popping sensation which constitutes a haptic signal that the lid part has become disengaged from the base part. Thus, the upward movement of the lid part which is induced by squeezing the lid part 103 contributes to an initial opening of snuff container and thereby facilitates removal of the lid part 103 from the base part 102 of the snuff container 101.

[0076] The snuff container 101 may be provided with a continuous gasketing flange 175 which is arranged along the circular base side wall edge 110. The gasketing flange 175 is arranged above the first locking ring 130 on the base side wall and may form the circular base side wall edge 110. When closing the snuff container by pressing down the lid part 103 on the base part 102, the gasketing flange 175 bends and conforms to the inner surface of the lid part to produce an inner gasketing seal between the base part 102 and the lid part 103 as can be seen in Fig. 7. The gasketing seal contributes to protect the product packed in the snuff container from outside moisture or dehydration.

[0077] Although the container shown in the Figures is empty, it is to be understood that a snuff container as disclosed herein may be a snuff container which is delivered to a user in a filled state. Commercially available filled snuff containers commonly contain in the order of from 5 to 30 pouched snuff products or a corresponding amount of loose snuff.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0051]It is to be understood that the drawings are schematic and that individual components are not necessarily drawn to scale. The child resistant snuff 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.

[0052]The child resistant snuff container 101 which is shown in Fig. 1 comprises a base part 102 and a lid part 103. The snuff container 101 has a generally cylindrical shape. As indicated in Fig. 1, the closed snuff container 101 has an axial direction A coinciding with a vertical direction when the snuff container is placed with the base part 102 on a horizontal surface, a radial direction R coinciding with a horizontal direction when the snuff container 101 is placed with the base part 102 on a horizontal surface, the radial direction R being perpendicular to the axial direction A, and a circumferential direction C.

[0053]With reference...

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The disclosure pertains to a snuff container comprising a base part and a lid part and a snuff storage compartment having an access opening and being arranged in the base part. The lid part is arranged to close the access opening and the snuff container comprises a child resistant locking arrangement for locking the lid part on the base part. A method for opening the child resistant snuff container is also disclosed.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[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 and optionally including a disposal 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 the snuff products packaged in the container have been used. The emptied container is commonly discarded and replaced by a new container with fresh snuff products. As snuff products may be hazardous to children, it has been proposed to provide snuff containers with child safety arrangements to make the containers difficult to open by a child. A partly conflicting demand on a child safety arrangement for a snuff container is that the container should be user friendly and easy to open and close also by an adult having reduced manual dexterity and hand strength.

[0003] Child resistant snuff containers have been previously described, e.g., in WO2017 / 125405A1 which discloses a relatively complicated double-walled container. A further example of a child resistant snuff container is disclosed in WO2019 / 154971A1. The snuff container in WO2019 / 154971A1 has a base portion with at least one side wall section having a reduced thickness and thereby a reduced bending stiffness. The locking arrangements of these two containers have high child resistance but need manipulation both of the container lid and the container base for opening: one hand is used to rotate the container lid into a correct position, and the other hand is used to press a portion or portions of the base inward to decouple locking features on the base from locking features on the lid.

[0004] As child resistant packaging often comes at the cost of user friendliness, there is an ongoing need for an easy-to-use snuff container with child resistant features while still complying with other market requirements and wishes.

[0005] The snuff container is preferably easy to open and close by an adult snuff user but is resistant to opening by a child. As snuff 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.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to offer a snuff container which is child resistant, but which can be readily opened by an adult having reduced manual capacity. A further object may be to offer a simple and reliable child resistant snuff container which can be produced by cost efficient manufacturing methods such as injection-moulding. Yet a further object may be to offer a slim locking arrangement for a child resistant snuff container, thus providing the snuff container with a maximized inner packaging space.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] One or more of the above objects may be achieved with a child resistant snuff container according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 17. Variations of the disclosure are set out in the dependent claims and in the following description.

[0008] Disclosed herein is a snuff container, comprising a base part and a lid part, the snuff container comprising a locking arrangement for locking the lid part on the base part, wherein the base part comprises a bottom wall, a base side wall extending in an axial direction from the bottom wall to a circular base side wall edge, a snuff storage compartment, and an access opening at the base side wall edge; the lid part comprises a top wall and a lid side wall, the lid side wall being resiliently deformable by manual force and extending from the top wall to a circular lid side wall edge; in a closed configuration of the snuff container, the lid part is applied on the base part with the lid side wall overlapping the base side wall and with an inner surface of the lid side wall facing an outer surface of the base side wall, the lid part being rotatable on the base part; and the locking arrangement comprises: a) a first pair of ridges being arranged diametrically opposite each other on the inner surface of the lid side wall adjacent the top wall, parallel with the lid side wall edge and a second pair of ridges being arranged diametrically opposite each other on the inner surface of the lid side wall adjacent and parallel with the circular lid side wall edge, the first pair of ridges being arranged perpendicular to the second pair of ridges along a circumference of the lid side wall, each ridge of the first pair of ridges having a first ridge length and each ridge of the second pair of ridges having a second ridge length, the first ridge length being greater than the second ridge length; and b) a first locking ring on the outer surface of the base side wall, parallel with and adjacent the circular base side wall edge, a first pair of interruptions being arranged in the first locking ring, the first pair of interruptions being arranged opposite each other along the circumference of the base side wall, each interruption of the first pair of interruptions having a first interruption length, the first interruption length being equal to or smaller than the first ridge length and being equal to or greater than the second ridge length; and c) a second locking ring being arranged on the outer surface of the base side wall adjacent the bottom wall and being parallel to the circular base side wall edge, a second pair of interruptions being arranged in the second locking ring each interruption of the second pair of interruptions being aligned in the axial direction with a corresponding interruption of the first pair of interruptions, the first pair of ridges on the lid side wall being located below the first locking ring and the second pair of ridges on the lid side wall being located below the second locking ring as seen in the axial direction from the top wall of the lid part to the bottom wall of the base part when the snuff container is in the closed configuration.

[0009] In a snuff container as disclosed herein, a third pair of interruptions may be arranged in the first locking ring. The third pair of interruptions are arranged opposite each other and perpendicular to the first pair of interruptions in the first locking ring. The interruptions of the third pair of interruptions have a third interruption length. The third interruption length may be equal to or smaller than the first interruption length.

[0010] A technical effect of the third pair of interruptions having a smaller length than the first ridges is that when the snuff container is in the release position and the lid part is squeezed by applying pressure on two opposing pressure areas located on the outside of the lid side wall below the first pair of ridges, a popping sensation or even a popping sound is created as the ridges in the first pair of ridges on the lid part move in the upward direction and snap over the first locking ring on the base part. The popping sensation and / or sound signals to a user that the locking features have been released and that the lid part can be lifted off the base part.

[0011] In a snuff container as disclosed herein, a fourth pair of interruptions may be arranged in the second locking ring. The fourth pair of interruptions are arranged opposite each other and perpendicular to the second pair of interruptions in the second locking ring. The interruptions of the fourth pair of interruptions have a fourth interruption length.

[0012] The fourth interruption length may be greater than the first ridge length, equal to the first ridge length, or smaller than the first ridge length.

[0013] A technical effect of arranging a fourth pair of interruptions in the second locking ring is that it provides more room for the lid side wall to deform without restriction from the second locking ring when the snuff container is in the release position and is squeezed to disengage the locking features.

[0014] Thus, the locking arrangement on the snuff container comprises locking features in the form of ridges arranged at an upper and a lower level on the inner surface of the lid side wall and on an outer surface of the base side wall. The locking features co-operate in keeping the snuff container in a locked configuration with the lid part attached to the base part in all rotational positions. The lid part can be rotated on the base part to any one of two release positions in which the lid part can be squeezed by hand between two pressure areas on the side wall to deform the lid and disengage locking features on the lid part from locking features on the base part, whereafter the lid part can be removed from the base part.

[0015] The child resistant snuff container as disclosed herein provides child resistance through two aspects. When opening the container, the lid part of the container must first be correctly aligned with the base part whereafter force has to be applied at predetermined and distinct locations on the lid part. Correctly squeezing the lid between two fingers will result in a controlled deformation of the lid material, allowing the locking features arranged on the inner surface of the lid side wall and on the outer surface of the base side wall to become disengaged. Thereby, the container lid may be removed from the container base to expose the snuff storage compartment which is arranged in the container base part. In embodiments in which the lid part can be freely rotated in relation to the base part both clockwise and anticlockwise, the difficulty in opening the snuff container may be somewhat higher than in embodiments having a built-in resistance to rotation in e.g., the anticlockwise direction. The lid can be opened in two distinct release positions relative to the base and only in these two release positions. The snuff container can be closed with the lid part in any rotational position in relation to the base part by snapping the lid part onto the base part.

[0016] The snuff container as disclosed herein is provided with child resistance by cooperating protruding locking features in the form of ridges which are arranged around the base part and the lid part. The ridges are arranged on two different levels on the outer surface of the base side wall and on the inner surface of the lid side wall. The top level of the locking features of the base part as seen in the axial direction from the bottom wall towards the base side wall edge is constituted by a circumferentially extending first locking ring having a pair of interruptions, the interruptions being placed diametrically opposite each other on the outer surface of the base side wall. Optionally, the fist locking ring is provided with two pairs of interruptions with the interruptions in one of the pairs of interruptions being arranged perpendicular to the interruptions in the other pair of interruptions. The size of the interruptions in one of the pairs of interruptions may be the same or different from the size of the interruptions in the other pair of interruptions. The circumferential location and size of the interruptions are adapted to the circumferential location and size of the paired ridges arranged on the inner surface of the lid side wall. When the lid part is incorrectly aligned with the base part, the ridges on the lid side wall will not be able to pass the locking rings on the base side wall. The snuff container can only be opened when the second pair of ridges on the lid side wall are matched with the first pair of interruptions in the first locking ring on the base side wall. In this position, the second pair of ridges on the lid side wall are also matched with the second pair of interruptions in the second locking ring on the base side wall. In all other rotational positions, the first and second locking rings on the base side wall cooperate with the first and second pairs of ridges on the lid side wall to keep the lid part locked on the base part and prevent the lid part from being removed from the base part. The ridges in the first pair of ridges on the lid side wall cannot pass through the first pair of interruptions in the first locking ring on the base side wall as they have a length which is greater than the length of the interruptions in the first pair of interruptions in the first locking ring.

[0017] The snuff container as disclosed herein preferably comprises a release position indicator, the release position indicator being arranged to indicate that the lid part is in the release position which is a rotational position in relation to the base part in which the locking arrangement can be disabled and the snuff container can be opened. The child resistant snuff container as disclosed herein has only two release positions along the circumference of the snuff container. The release positions are arranged diametrically opposite each other on the snuff container and are attained when the ridges of the second pair of ridges on the inner surface of the lid side wall are aligned in the axial direction with the first pair of interruptions in the first locking ring on the outer surface of the base side wall. Only when the lid has been rotated on the base to one of the two release positions can the lid be removed from the base. The can is opened by placing the thumb and another finger e.g., the middle finger on opposing pressure areas arranged between the first and second locking rings and perpendicular to the aligned second pair of ridges on the lid and the first pair of interruptions on the base side wall. By squeezing the lid between the pressure areas, the lid side wall is deformed and the locking features on the base side wall and the lid side wall become disengaged, allowing the lid to be lifted off the base in the axial direction of the snuff container.

[0018] The release position indicator may comprise or consist of visual indication means, sensory indication means, sound indication means or a combination of two or more such indication means. Visual indication means include arrows, matching graphical elements and colours. Matching graphical elements may be decorative images, logos, text, etc. Sensory indication means may be three-dimensional indicators, such as arrows, knobs, etc. Sensory indication means include haptic indications means. Haptic indication means include a change in the resistance to rotate the container lid on the container base, a sudden "popping" sensation when an obstruction is overcome, vibrations, etc. Sound indication means may include interacting three-dimensional features such as knobs, ridges, etc., which produce a sound when moved relative each other. Useful sounds are popping sounds, click sounds, etc.

[0019] In a snuff container as disclosed herein, a distance in the axial direction between the first locking ring on the base side wall and the second locking ring on the base side wall may be from 3 mm to 7 mm, preferably from 4.5 mm to 6.5 mm.

[0020] In a snuff container as disclosed herein, a distance in the axial direction between the first pair of ridges on the lid side wall and the second pair of ridges on the lid side wall may from 3 mm to 7 mm, preferably from 4.5 mm to 6.5 mm.

[0021] The distance in the axial direction between the two levels of protruding locking features on the inner surface of the lid side wall and the outer surface of the base side wall may typically be in the order of from 3 mm to 7 mm, preferably from 4.5 mm to 6.5 mm to provide deformation room for the lid side wall when correctly squeezed in the release position. After rotating the lid on the base to reach one of the two release positions, the snuff container can be opened by applying pressure to pressure areas located opposite each other below the first pair of ridges on the inner surface of the lid side wall. If pressed in an incorrect location, even when the lid part and the base part are in the release position, it may still be difficult to remove the lid. For example, if the lid is squeezed on or close to where the second pair of ridges on the inner surface of the lid side wall are located, the second pair of ridges will be pressed firmly against the base side wall, making the lid hard to remove.

[0022] The snuff container as disclosed herein may comprise a pressure area indicator, the pressure area indicator indicating the location of an area in which pressure should be applied when opening the snuff container.

[0023] The pressure area indicator may comprise or consists of any suitable indication means such as visual indication means and sensory indication means or a combination of two or more such indication means. Visual indication means include arrows, graphical elements and colours. Sensory indication means may be three-dimensional indicators, such as arrows, knobs, surface texture, etc.

[0024] In a snuff container as disclosed herein, a protrusion may be arranged at each end of one or both of the interruptions in the second pair of interruptions in the second locking ring, the protrusions being arranged to cooperate with the second pair of ridges on the lid side wall to haptically and / or audially signal alignment of the second pair of ridges with the second pair of interruptions.

[0025] The protrusions may be in the form of small bumps or knobs providing a small and discrete haptic feedback when the rotational orientation of the lid in relation to the base is correct for opening of the snuff container i.e., to signal that the release position has been reached. Rotating the lid on the base until the first protrusion is felt means that the lid part and the base part are correctly aligned in the release position. If the lid is rotated further, and the second protrusion is reached, the lid part is brought to a position in which the snuff container cannot be opened. The haptic feedback from the protrusions allows the user to locate a correct alignment between the lid part and the base part without looking at the snuff container.

[0026] The protrusion or protrusions may be configured to promote rotation of the lid part in a clockwise direction and restrict or prevent free rotation of the lid part in a counterclockwise direction. Such effect may be achieved by providing the protrusion or protrusions with an asymmetrical shape in the circumferential direction of the snuff container. The protrusion or protrusions may have one surface which is slanted to promote rotation in a desired direction and a vertical surface on the other side, to create a distinct stop or high resistance when trying to rotate the lid part in a non-desired direction.

[0027] In a snuff container as disclosed herein, the container may have a diameter of from 45 mm to 80 mm and a height of from 10 mm to 30 mm, such as a diameter of from 45 mm to 75 mm and a height of from 17 mm to 27 mm.

[0028] In a snuff container as disclosed herein, a continuous gasketing flange may be arranged along the circular base side wall edge, the gasketing flange being arranged above the first locking ring on the base side wall.

[0029] When closing the snuff container by pressing down the lid part on the base part, the gasketing flange bends and conforms to the inner surface of the lid part to produce an inner gasketing seal between the base part and the lid part. The gasketing seal contributes to protecting the product packed in the snuff container from outside moisture or dehydration. Further sealing between the lid part and the base part may be provided by a label applied over a split-line between the lid part and the base part which is located on the outer surface of the snuff container.

[0030] In a snuff container as disclosed herein, a circumferentially extending inclined sliding surface may be arranged on the base part, the inclined sliding surface being arranged below the second locking ring on the outer surface of the base side wall and being arranged to cooperate with the lid side wall edge to promote upward movement of the lid part when opening the snuff container. The inclined sliding surface may have a curvature in the axial direction of the snuff container to create a smooth upward movement of the lid part.

[0031] When the lid is in a release position and is squeezed by applying pressure at the pressure areas on the outer surface of the lid side wall, the initial quick upward movement created by the inclined sliding surface will be transferred to the user's hand as a haptic signal that the lid has become disengaged from the base. This gives the user a feeling of high quality and user friendliness of the snuff container. Thus, the pressure-induced upward movement of the lid part contributes to an initial opening of snuff container and thereby facilitates lifting the lid part off the base part of the snuff container.

[0032] In a snuff container as disclosed herein, the snuff storage compartment may contain pouched snuff products, such as 5 to 30 pouched snuff products.

[0033] A child resistant snuff container as disclosed herein may be opened by a method comprising the steps of: rotating the lid part on the base part until the second pair of ridges on the inner surface of the lid side wall are aligned with the first pair of interruptions in the circumferentially extending locking ring on the base side wall; deforming the lid side wall by applying pressure at two diametrically opposite pressure areas on the lid side wall, the pressure areas being located below the first pair of ridges on the inner surface of the lid side wall and perpendicular to the first pair of interruptions and the second pair of interruptions, thereby disabling the locking arrangement; and lifting the lid part away from the base part.

[0034] The lid side wall is resiliently deformable by manual force. When the snuff container is in the release position, squeezing the lid part by simultaneously applying an inward directed force on the pressure areas causes the lid side wall to deform, thereby moving the first pair of ridges on the inner surface of the lid side wall out of engagement with the first locking ring on the outer surface of the base side wall. In the release position, the ridges in the second pair of ridges are aligned with the corresponding interruptions in the first pair of interruptions in the first circumferential locking ring and the corresponding interruptions in the second pair of interruptions in the second locking ring, which means that the second ridges on the lid part can move unhindered in the axial direction through the second pair of interruptions in the second locking ring and through the first pair of interruptions in the first locking ring on the base part. If a third pair of interruptions is arranged in the first locking ring, the ridges in the first pair of ridges will be aligned with the corresponding interruptions in the third pair of interruptions as well as with corresponding interruptions in an optional fourth pair of interruptions in the second locking ring.

[0035] When the lid part is in the release position in relation to the base part, the lid part cannot be separated from the base part without disengaging the locking features which are arranged perpendicular to the ridges in the second pair of ridges on the lid part and with the corresponding interruptions in the first pair of interruptions in the first circumferential locking ring and the corresponding interruptions in the second pair of interruptions in the second locking ring on the base part.

[0036] When the lid part and the base part are set in the correct release position, the locking features which are still in engagement with each other, i.e., at least a first pair of locking ridges on the inside of the lid part and the first locking ring on the outside of the base part can be disengaged by applying pressure on the pressure areas, causing the lid side wall to deform and the first pair of locking ridges to move over the first locking ring on the base part. As set out herein, the first locking ring may be provided with a third pair of interruptions, having an interruption length which is smaller than the length of the locking ridges in the first pair of locking ridges. Both in this case and in the case when no third pair of interruptions is provided, the ridges of the first pair of ridges will bend and snap over the parts of the first locking ring which overlap with the ridges of the first pair of ridges and will give a haptic and / or audial signal that the lid part has become disengaged from the base part.

[0037] The snuff 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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 snuff container as disclosed herein may alternatively contain a snuff product in bulk form, i.e., not being packed in individual portion-sized pouches.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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. The pouched products may be placed randomly in the user container or in a pattern, for instance as described in WO 2012 / 069505 A1.

[0042] The user container as disclosed herein may include a disposal compartment for storage of used oral pouched products. The disposal compartment is physically separated from the snuff storage compartment where the fresh snuff product is stored up until use. The disposal compartment may be arranged in the lid part or in the base part of the snuff container. The disposal compartment is commonly closed with a lid which is separate from the lid part of the snuff container.

[0043] As used herein, the terms "up", "down", "top", "bottom", "upward", "downward", "inner" and "outer", "below", "above", etc. refer to a snuff container when rested with the bottom wall on a horizontal surface. The upward direction of the snuff container coincides with a vertical axis of the snuff container and is the vertical direction toward the top wall of the snuff container. The downward direction is the vertical direction towards the bottom wall of the snuff container. The upward and downward directions are axial directions of the snuff container. An inner surface is a surface facing the storage compartment and an outer surface is a surface away from the storage compartment.

[0044] A "flexible component", as used herein, is a component which may be bent or flexed by manual force. A resilient component is a component which may be deformed by application of a force, but which will fully, or at least substantially fully, return to its non-deformed state as soon as the force is removed. A resiliently flexible component will flex back to its non-flexed position when the flexing force ceases.

[0045] The lid side wall of the snuff 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.

[0046] The snuff containers as disclosed herein have a cylindrical shape. The primary function of a snuff 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.

[0047] In the closed configuration of a snuff container as disclosed herein, the lid part is attached to the base part and covers the access opening of the snuff storage compartment.

[0048] In a cylindrical snuff container as disclosed herein, the lid part is arranged to be rotatable both clockwise and anticlockwise in relation to the base part when the snuff container is closed with the lid part attached to the base part. The lid part can be arranged to be freely rotated on the base part, or the snuff container may comprise features preventing or discouraging rotation in a non-preferential direction of rotation. As set out herein, the snuff container may comprise features which affect the force required to rotate the lid part on the base part. Such features include knobs and other types of protrusions which may be used to signal that a locked position or a release position has been attained.

[0049] Unless the lid part and base part are set in a release position and the lid is correctly squeezed to cause the locking arrangement to become disabled, the snuff container remains closed and with the locking arrangement in a locked configuration in all rotational positions of the lid part in relation to the base part. As disclosed herein, the locking arrangement can only be disabled at two select release positions along the circumference of the snuff container. If the lid part and the base part are not in a release position, they can be moved to a release position by relative rotation between the parts.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] The present invention will be further explained hereinafter by means of non-limiting examples and with reference to the appended drawings wherein: Fig. 1shows a perspective view of a snuff container in a closed state and in a release position; Fig. 2shows a perspective view of the base part of the snuff container in Fig. 1; Fig. 3shows a side view of the base part of the snuff container in Fig. 1; Fig. 4shows a perspective view of the lid part of the snuff container in Fig. 1; Fig. 5shows a cross-section through the lid part of the snuff container in Fig.1; Fig. 6shows a first cross-section through the snuff container in Fig.1; and Fig. 7shows a second cross-section through the snuff container in Fig.1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] It is to be understood that the drawings are schematic and that individual components are not necessarily drawn to scale. The child resistant snuff 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.

[0052] The child resistant snuff container 101 which is shown in Fig. 1 comprises a base part 102 and a lid part 103. The snuff container 101 has a generally cylindrical shape. As indicated in Fig. 1, the closed snuff container 101 has an axial direction A coinciding with a vertical direction when the snuff container is placed with the base part 102 on a horizontal surface, a radial direction R coinciding with a horizontal direction when the snuff container 101 is placed with the base part 102 on a horizontal surface, the radial direction R being perpendicular to the axial direction A, and a circumferential direction C.

[0053] With reference to Figs. 2 and 3 the base part comprises a bottom wall 108 and a base side wall 109 which extends in the axial direction A from the bottom wall 108 to a circular base side wall edge 110.

[0054] With reference to Figs. 4 and 5 the lid part 103 comprises a top wall 112 and a lid side wall 113 which extends from the top wall 112 to a circular lid side wall edge 114.

[0055] A snuff storage compartment 105 having an access opening 107 is arranged in the base part 102. In the closed configuration of the snuff container 101, the lid part 103 is applied to the base part 102 with the lid side wall 113 overlapping the base side wall 109 and with an inner surface 115 of the lid side wall 113 facing an outer surface 111 of the base side wall 109. The snuff container 101 as disclosed herein can be closed by applying the lid part 103 to the base part 102 in any rotational position of the lid part 103 in relation to the base part 102. In the closed configuration the access opening 107 is closed by the lid part 103 and the lid part 103 can be rotated on the base part 102 in the circumferential direction C. Rotation can either be performed both clockwise and anticlockwise or the snuff container 101 may be provided with features promoting rotation in a preferential direction and optionally restricting or preventing rotation in a non-preferential direction.

[0056] The snuff container 101 comprises a child resistant locking arrangement comprising a first set of locking features arranged on the inner surface 115 of the lid side wall 113 and a second set of locking features arranged on the outer surface 111 of the base side wall 109. The first and second sets of locking features are arranged to co-operate with each other to keep the snuff container in the closed configuration and requires the performance of a three-step procedure for opening the snuff container 101.When closing the snuff container 101 by application of the lid part 103 on the base part 102, the locking features on the inner surface 115 of the lid side wall 113 snaps into locking engagement with the locking features on the outer surface 111 of the base side wall 109.

[0057] The locking arrangement comprises a first pair of ridges 121 being arranged diametrically opposite each other and extending in the circumferential direction C parallel with the circular lid side wall edge 114 on the inner surface 115 of the lid side wall 113 and a second pair of ridges 122 being arranged diametrically opposite each other and extending parallel with the circular lid side wall edge 114 on the inner surface 115 of the lid side wall 113, the first pair of ridges 121 being arranged perpendicular to the second pair of ridges 122 in the circumferential direction C of the lid side wall 113. Each ridge of the first pair of ridges 121 has a first ridge length and is arranged adjacent the top wall 112 and each ridge of the second pair of ridges 122 has a second ridge length and is arranged adjacent the circular lid side wall edge 114. The first ridge length is greater than the second ridge length. It can be noted that only one of the ridges 121 in the first pair of ridges 121 and one of the ridges 122 in the second pair of ridges 122 are visible in the view shown in Fig. 4. Both ridges 121 in the first pair of ridges 121 are visible in Fig. 7 and both ridges 122 in the second pair of ridges 122 are visible in Fig. 6.

[0058] The locking arrangement further comprises a circumferentially extending first locking ring 130 which is arranged adjacent the circular base side wall edge 110 and which is parallel to the circular base side wall edge 110. The first locking ring 130 is arranged on the outer surface 111 of the base side wall 109. A first pair of interruptions 132 and a third pair of interruptions 131 are arranged in the first locking ring 130. The first pair of interruptions 132 are arranged perpendicular to the third pair of interruptions 131 in the circumferential direction C of the base side wall 109. The provision of a third pair of interruptions 131 is optional to the snuff container 101 as disclosed herein. Each interruption 131 in the first pair of interruptions 132 has a first interruption length and each interruption in the third pair of interruptions 131 has a third interruption length. The third interruption length is adapted to the first ridge length and is preferably smaller than the first ridge length. When the snuff container 101 is in a release position, the ridges of the first pair of ridges 121 overlap at least to some extent with the first locking ring 130 as seen in the axial direction. Thereby, sensory signal of disengagement between the first pair of ridges and the first locking ring 130 may be created as the first pair of ridges 121 moves over the first locking ring 130 when removing the lid part 103 from the base part 102.

[0059] The first interruption length is equal to or preferably greater than the second ridge length to allow the ridges of the second pair of ridges to pass unhindered through the interruptions of the first pair of interruptions 132. The first and second ridge lengths may be the same or different. The second ridge length may typically be smaller than the first ridge length. It can be noted that only one of the interruptions in the third pair of interruptions 131 and one of the interruptions in the first pair of interruptions 132 are visible in the view shown in Fig. 2. Both interruptions in the third pair of interruptions 131 are visible in Fig. 6 and both interruptions in the first pair of interruptions 132 are visible in Fig. 3.

[0060] A circumferentially extending second locking ring 135 is arranged adjacent the bottom wall 108 of the base part 102 and is parallel to the circular base side wall edge 110, the second locking ring 135 being arranged on the outer surface 111 of the base side wall 109.

[0061] A second pair of interruptions 137 and a fourth pair of interruptions 136 are arranged in the second locking ring 135. Each interruption of the fourth pair of interruptions 136 is aligned in the axial direction A with a corresponding interruption in the third pair of interruptions 131. The ridges of the first pair of ridges 121 on the lid side wall 113 are located below the first locking ring 130 and the ridges of the second pair of ridges 122 on the lid side wall 113 are located below the second locking ring 135 when the snuff container 101 is in the closed configuration. The fourth pair of interruptions 136 in the second locking ring are optional but may be beneficial as it contributes to provide increased room for inward deformation of the lid side wall 113 without restriction from the second locking ring 135 when pressure is applied to the lid side wall 113 in an area above the fourth pair of interruptions 136.

[0062] The distance d B in the axial direction A between the fist locking ring 130 on the base side wall and the second locking ring 135 on the base side wall 111 may be from 3 mm to 7 mm, preferably from 4.5 mm to 6.5 mm.

[0063] The distance d L in the axial direction A between the first pair of ridges 121 on the lid side wall 113 and the second pair of ridges 122 on the lid side wall 113 may be from 3 mm to 7 mm, preferably from 4.5 mm to 6.5 mm.

[0064] The locking features on the base part 102 and on the lid part 103 are preferably arranged such that the first pair of ridges 121 on the lid part 103 are in direct contact with the circumferential locking ring on the base part when the snuff container 101 is in a closed configuration and the lid part 103 and the base part 102 are not in a release position. The second pair of ridges 122 on the lid part 103 are preferably in direct contact with the second locking ring 135 on the base part 102 when the snuff container 101 is in a closed configuration and the lid part 103 and the base part 102 are not in a release position. Such arrangement of the locking features keeps the lid firmly in place in the axial direction A, preventing rattling of the lid part 103 and minimizing the size of a split-line 180 between the lid part 103 and the base part 102. A tight fit between the lid part 103 and the base part 102 may be further enhanced by a mechanical interference fit between the circular base side wall 109 and the lid. In Fig. 2, a circumferential groove 138 for receiving the circular lid side wall edge 114 is arranged at the split-line location on the base side wall 109.

[0065] As shown in the Figures, the first and second locking rings 130, 135 may have inclined upper surfaces to improve the ease of closing the child resistant snuff container 101.

[0066] As is shown in Fig. 1, the snuff container may comprise a release position indicator. The release position indicator which is illustrated in Fig. 1 is a visual release position indicator 140 and comprises a lid position indicator 140' and a base position indicator 140". In the Fig. 1 example, the lid position indicator 140' is a three-dimensional pointer formed as a relief in the outer surface 116 of the lid part 103 and the base position indicator 140" is a small square marking formed on the outer surface 111 of the base side wall 109. The release position indicator 140 is arranged to indicate that the lid part 103 is in a rotational position in relation to the base part 102 in which the locking arrangement can be disabled and the snuff container 101 can be opened. This position is referred to herein as a release position.

[0067] A further type of release position indicator is shown in Figs. 2 and 3. The release position indicator 151 which is illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3 is a sensory release position indicator which conveys a haptic signal indicating that a release position has been attained. The sensory release position indicator which is shown in Figs. 2 and 3 comprises a pair of protrusions 151', 151". The protrusions 151'. 151" are arranged at each end of the interruptions in the second pair of interruptions 137 arranged in the second locking ring 135. The protrusions 151'. 151" cooperate with the second pair of ridges 122 on the inner surface 115 of the lid side wall 113 to haptically and / or audially signal alignment of the second pair of ridges with the third pair of ridges when the lid part 103 is rotated on the base part 102.

[0068] The protrusions 151', 151" which are illustrated in Fig. 3 are configured to promote rotation of the lid part 103 in a clockwise direction and to restrict or prevent rotation of the lid part in a counterclockwise direction. To that effect the protrusions 151', 151" have an asymmetrical shape in the circumferential direction of the snuff container. The protrusions 151', 151" have one surface which is slanted to promote clockwise rotation and a vertical surface which offers a greater resistance when trying to rotate the lid part counterclockwise.

[0069] As disclosed herein, the release position indicator may comprise or consists of visual indication means, sensory indication means, sound indication means or a combination of two or more such indication means. A release position indicator is an optional but preferred feature of a snuff container as disclosed herein.

[0070] When opening a closed child resistant snuff container such as the child resistant snuff container shown in Fig. 1, the lid part 103 is first rotated clockwise in the circumferential direction C until a release position has been reached. In the shown example, the snuff container 101 is provided with protrusions 151', 151" which promote clockwise rotation. However, the snuff container as disclosed herein may alternatively have anticlockwise rotation as a preferred rotational direction or may be designed without a preferred rotational direction. In the release position, the second pair of ridges 122 on the inner surface 115 of the lid side wall are aligned with the first pair of interruptions 132 in the first or upper circumferentially extending locking ring 130 on the outer surface 111 of the base side wall 109 and with the second pair of interruptions 137 in the second or lower circumferentially extending locking ring 135 on the outer surface 111 of the base side wall 109. When setting the lid part 103 and base part 102 in a release position, any release position indicator 140, 151 provided may be used.

[0071] When the lid part 103 and base part 102 have been set in a release position as shown in Fig. 1 and as shown in cross section in Figs. 6 and 7, the lid side wall may be deformed by applying pressure at two diametrically opposite pressure areas 160 on the outer surface 116 of the lid side wall 113. The pressure areas 160 are portions on the outer surface 116 of the lid side wall 113 which are located between the first and second locking rings 130, 135 on the outer surface 111 of the base side wall 109 and below the first pair of ridges 121 on the inner surface 115 of the lid side wall 113 as indicated in Fig. 4. As disclosed herein, the pressure areas 160 may be provided with pressure area indicators to facilitate for a user to identify the location of the pressure areas 160.

[0072] The lid side wall 113 is resiliently deformable by manual force such that squeezing the lid part 102 by simultaneously applying an inward directed force P on the pressure areas 160 causes the lid side wall 113 to bulge away from the base side wall 109, thereby causing the first pair of ridges 121 on the inner surface 115 of the lid side wall 113 to move in an upward direction over the first locking ring 130 on the outer surface 111 of the base side wall 109. Accordingly, by squeezing the lid between the pressure points 160 when the snuff container is in the release position, the locking arrangement is disabled and the lid part 103 can be lifted away from the base part 102. It is to be noted that in the release position, the ridges 121, 122 in the first and second pairs of ridges 121, 122 are aligned with the corresponding interruptions in the first and third pairs of interruptions in the first circumferential locking ring 130.

[0073] With further reference to Figs. 2 and 3, the snuff container may be provided with a circumferentially extending inclined sliding surface 170 is arranged on the base part 102.

[0074] The inclined sliding surface is arranged in the axial direction A below the second locking ring 135 on the outer surface of the base side wall and are arranged to cooperate with the circular lid side wall edge 114 to promote upward movement of the lid part 103 when opening the snuff container 101.

[0075] When the lid part has been moved to a release position and is squeezed by applying pressure at the pressure areas 160 on the outer surface of the lid side wall, the inclined and preferably curved sliding surface will cause an initial quick upward movement of the lid part 102. The user will feel this movement as a popping sensation which constitutes a haptic signal that the lid part has become disengaged from the base part. Thus, the upward movement of the lid part which is induced by squeezing the lid part 103 contributes to an initial opening of snuff container and thereby facilitates removal of the lid part 103 from the base part 102 of the snuff container 101.

[0076] The snuff container 101 may be provided with a continuous gasketing flange 175 which is arranged along the circular base side wall edge 110. The gasketing flange 175 is arranged above the first locking ring 130 on the base side wall and may form the circular base side wall edge 110. When closing the snuff container by pressing down the lid part 103 on the base part 102, the gasketing flange 175 bends and conforms to the inner surface of the lid part to produce an inner gasketing seal between the base part 102 and the lid part 103 as can be seen in Fig. 7. The gasketing seal contributes to protect the product packed in the snuff container from outside moisture or dehydration.

[0077] Although the container shown in the Figures is empty, it is to be understood that a snuff container as disclosed herein may be a snuff container which is delivered to a user in a filled state. Commercially available filled snuff containers commonly contain in the order of from 5 to 30 pouched snuff products or a corresponding amount of loose snuff.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0051]It is to be understood that the drawings are schematic and that individual components are not necessarily drawn to scale. The child resistant snuff 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.

[0052]The child resistant snuff container 101 which is shown in Fig. 1 comprises a base part 102 and a lid part 103. The snuff container 101 has a generally cylindrical shape. As indicated in Fig. 1, the closed snuff container 101 has an axial direction A coinciding with a vertical direction when the snuff container is placed with the base part 102 on a horizontal surface, a radial direction R coinciding with a horizontal direction when the snuff container 101 is placed with the base part 102 on a horizontal surface, the radial direction R being perpendicular to the axial direction A, and a circumferential direction C.

[0053]With reference...

Claims

1. A snuff container (101), comprising a base part (102) and a lid part (103), the snuff container (101) comprising a locking arrangement for locking the lid part (103) on the base part (102), wherein - the base part (102) comprises a bottom wall (108), a base side wall (109) extending in an axial direction (A) from the bottom wall (108) to a circular base side wall edge (110), a snuff storage compartment (105), and an access opening (107) at the circular base side wall edge (110); - the lid part (103) comprises a top wall (112) and a lid side wall (113), the lid side wall (113) being resiliently deformable by manual force and extending from the top wall (112) to a circular lid side wall edge (114); - in a closed configuration of the snuff container (101), the lid part (103) is applied on the base part (102) with the lid side wall (113) overlapping the base side wall (109) and with an inner surface (115) of the lid side wall (113) facing an outer surface (111) of the base side wall (109), the lid part (103) being rotatable on the base part (102); and - the locking arrangement comprises: a) a first pair of ridges (121) being arranged diametrically opposite each other on the inner surface (115) of the lid side wall (113) adjacent the top wall (112), parallel with the circular lid side wall edge (114) and a second pair of ridges (122) being arranged diametrically opposite each other on the inner surface (115) of the lid side wall (113) adjacent and parallel with the circular lid side wall edge (114), the first pair of ridges (121) being arranged perpendicular to the second pair of ridges (122) along a circumference of the lid side wall (113), each ridge of the first pair of ridges (121) having a first ridge length and each ridge of the second pair of ridges (122) having a second ridge length, the first ridge length being greater than the second ridge length; and b) a first locking ring (130) on the outer surface of the base side wall (109), parallel with and adjacent the circular base side wall edge (110), a first pair of interruptions (132) being arranged in the first locking ring (130), the first pair of interruptions (132) being arranged opposite each other along the circumference of the base side wall (109), each interruption of the first pair of interruptions (132) having a first interruption length, the first interruption length being equal to or smaller than the first ridge length and being equal to or greater than the second ridge length; and c) a second locking ring (135) being arranged on the outer surface (111) of the base side wall (109) adjacent the bottom wall (108) and being parallel to the circular base side wall edge (110), a second pair of interruptions (137) being arranged in the second locking ring (135), each interruption (137) of the second pair of interruptions (137) being aligned in the axial direction (A) with a corresponding interruption of the first pair of interruptions (132), the first pair of ridges (121) on the lid side wall (113) being located below the first locking ring (130) and the second pair of ridges (122) on the lid side wall (113) being located below the second locking ring (135) as seen in the axial direction (A) from the top wall (112) of the lid part (103) to the bottom wall (108) of the base part (102) when the snuff container (101) is in the closed configuration.

2. A snuff container (101) according to claim 1, wherein a third pair of interruptions (131) is arranged in the first locking ring (130), the third pair of interruptions (131) being arranged opposite each other and perpendicular to the first pair of interruptions (132), the third pair of interruptions (131) having a third interruption length.

3. A snuff container (101) according to claim 2, wherein, the third interruption length being equal to or smaller than the first interruption length.

4. A snuff container (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a fourth pair of interruptions (136) is arranged in the second locking ring (135), the fourth pair of interruptions (136) being arranged opposite each other and perpendicular to the second pair of interruptions (137), the fourth pair of interruptions (136) having a fourth interruption length.

5. A snuff container (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the snuff container (101) comprises a release position indicator (140; 151), the release position indicator being arranged to indicate that the lid part (103) is in a rotational position in relation to the base part (102) in which the locking arrangement can be disabled and the snuff container (101) can be opened.

6. A snuff container (101) according to claim 5, wherein the release position indicator comprises or consists of visual indication means, sensory indication means, sound indication means or a combination of two or more such indication means.

7. A snuff container (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a distance (dB) in the axial direction (A) between the first locking ring (130) on the base side wall (109) and the second locking ring (135) on the base side wall (109) is from 3 mm to 7 mm, preferably from 4.5 mm to 6.5 mm.

8. A snuff container (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a distance (dL) in the axial direction (A) between the first pair of ridges (121) on the lid side wall (113) and the second pair of ridges (122) on the lid side wall (113) is from 3 mm to 7 mm, preferably from 4.5 mm to 6.5 mm.

9. A snuff container (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the snuff container (101) comprises a pressure area indicator, the pressure area indicator indicating the location of an area in which pressure should be applied when opening the snuff container (101).

10. A snuff container (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a protrusion (151', 151 ") is arranged at each end of one or both of the interruptions in the second pair of interruptions (137) in the second locking ring (135), the protrusions (151', 151") being arranged to cooperate with the second pair of ridges (122) on the lid side wall (113) to haptically and / or audially signal alignment of the second pair of ridges (122) with the second pair of interruptions (137).

11. A snuff container (101) according to claim 10, wherein the protrusion or protrusions (151', 151") are configured to promote rotation of the lid part (103) in a preferential direction and restrict or prevent rotation of the lid part (103) in a non-preferential direction.

12. A snuff container (101) according to claim 11, wherein the preferential direction is a clockwise direction and the non-preferential direction is a counterclockwise direction.

13. A snuff container (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the snuff container (101) has a diameter of from 45 mm to 80 mm and a height in the axial direction (A) of from 10 mm to 30 mm.

14. A snuff container (101) according to claim 13 wherein the container has a diameter of from 45 mm to 75 mm and a height in the axial direction (A) of from 17 mm to 27 mm.

15. A snuff container (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a continuous gasketing flange (175) is arranged along the circular base side wall edge (110), the gasketing flange (175) being arranged above the first locking ring (130) on the base side wall (109).

16. A snuff container (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a circumferentially extending inclined sliding surface (170) is arranged on the base part (102), the inclined sliding surface (170) being arranged below the second locking ring (135) on the outer surface (111) of the base side wall (109) and being arranged to cooperate with the circular lid side wall edge (114) to promote upward movement of the lid part (103) when opening the snuff container (101).

17. A snuff container (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the snuff storage compartment (105) contains pouched snuff products, such as 5 to 30 pouched snuff products.

18. A method for opening a snuff container (101) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the method comprises the steps of: i) rotating the lid part (103) on the base part (102) until the second pair of ridges (122) on the inner surface of the lid side wall (113) are aligned with the first pair of interruptions (132) in the first locking ring (130) on the base side wall (109) and with the second pair of interruptions (137) in the second locking ring (135) on the base side wall (109); ii) deforming the lid side wall (113) by applying pressure at two diametrically opposite pressure areas on the lid side wall (113), the pressure areas being located below the first pair of ridges (121) on the inner surface of the lid side wall (113) and perpendicular to the first pair of interruptions (132) and the second pair of interruptions (137), thereby disabling the locking arrangement; and iii) lifting the lid part (103) away from the base part (102).

Images