Refillable container

Abstract

A refillable container (9) for a product (5) for oral consumption, the container (9) comprising a refilling unit (4), a casing (2) having an access opening at an upper end of the casing (2), the casing (2) adapted to removably receive the refilling unit (4) through the access opening, and a lid (1) movable between a closed position, in which the lid (1) blocks the access opening, and an open position, in which the lid (1) is displaced to expose the access opening and allow access to the refilling unit (4). (1), wherein the refilling unit (4) comprises a rigid cup-shaped body (7) including a bottom wall (14) and a side wall (17), the cup-shaped body (7) defining an interior receptacle configured to receive a product for oral consumption, the bottom wall (14) of the cup-shaped body (7) including a downwardly concave portion (19) such that, when the refilling unit (4) is received inside the casing (2), a compartment (13) is defined between the downwardly concave portion (19) and the bottom wall (14) of the casing (2).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a container for consumer goods. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a refillable container for products for oral consumption. For example, the refillable container according to the present invention may find use as a container for a permeable pouch containing a nicotine-containing product for oral consumption. [Background technology]

[0002] Among the wide range of tobacco products available on the market is a class of articles that are intended for oral administration without the need for combustion. Examples of such articles are chewing tobacco, snus, snuff, and nicotine pouches.

[0003] Nicotine pouches are typically white, pre-portioned pouches. They do not contain tobacco leaves, dust, or stems, but contain either tobacco-derived nicotine or synthetic nicotine. Different nicotine pouch products may have different nicotine contents. Nicotine pouches may also contain one or more of sweeteners, plant-derived fibers, food-grade fillers, and flavorings. To use a nicotine pouch, the user places the pouch between the upper lip and gums while the nicotine and flavors are released. After use, the pouch is discarded.

[0004] A typical package for nicotine pouches is a substantially cylindrical canister or container with a reclosable lid. Typical packages are made from metal or elastic plastic materials and are characterized by a hand-held, portable size, so that they can be easily stored and transported.

[0005] During use, the user may open the lid and extract a new nicotine pouch from the container to consume it. Once all the nicotine pouches originally provided in the container are consumed, the consumer discards the container and purchases a new one. Although both metal and plastic as materials offer inherent advantages in terms of mechanical and barrier properties that preserve the consumer experience during use, the end-of-life scenario of such containers is rather debatable when climatic and environmental impacts are taken into account. Moreover, single-use packaging also represents a significant cost in the supply chain system.

[0006] Reusable packaging is a worthwhile option to address environmental concerns: in fact, it has been shown to have a much smaller environmental footprint and potentially a much smaller impact on global warming, eutrophication and waste management costs.

[0007] Reusable forms of packaging have been used in many applications in the past. However, in the past few decades, a trend has been observed from reusable packaging to single-use solutions. This trend has been observed especially in relation to many food-grade products that are generally intended for human consumption, since frequent use of one and the same package may not be ideal for hygiene and health safety reasons. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Examples of reusable packaging for nicotine pouches are known in the art.Indeed, attempts have been made to produce refill units or packaging for nicotine-containing products for oral consumption that are durable, form a protective environmental barrier for the item, and are more environmentally friendly.However, although known packaging options are generally suitable for keeping the product clean, moist, and free from physical stress, there is still a need to further develop packaging containers with reduced environmental impact. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present disclosure relates to a refillable container for a product for oral consumption. The refillable container may comprise a refilling unit, a casing, and a lid. The casing may have an access opening at an upper end of the casing and may be adapted to removably receive the refilling unit through the access opening. The lid may be movable between a closed position, in which the lid blocks the access opening, and an open position, in which the lid is displaced to expose the access opening and allow access to the refilling unit. The refilling unit may include a rigid cup-shaped body. The rigid cup-shaped body may include a bottom wall and a side wall. The rigid cup-shaped body may define an internal receptacle configured to receive the product for oral consumption. The bottom wall of the cup-shaped body may include a (downwardly) concave portion such that when the refilling unit is received inside the casing, a compartment is defined between the (downwardly) concave portion and the bottom wall of the casing. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a refillable container comprising a refilling unit, a casing and a lid, the refilling unit containing a rigid cup-shaped body and a product for oral consumption. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a refillable container with an additional access opening and an additional lid. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a refilling unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a detailed schematic diagram of another refillable container according to the present invention, in which the lid is connected to the casing by a child-resistant closure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is another schematic diagram of the refillable container of FIG. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a detailed schematic diagram of another refillable container according to the invention, in which the lid is connected to the casing by a different ASTM Type IB child-resistant closure (slit side). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] According to an aspect of the invention, a refillable container for a product for oral consumption is provided. The refillable container comprises a refilling unit, a casing, and a lid. The casing has an access opening at an upper end of the casing and is adapted to removably receive the refilling unit through the access opening. The lid is movable between a closed position in which the lid blocks the access opening and an open position in which the lid is displaced to expose the access opening and allow access to the refilling unit. The refilling unit includes a rigid cup-shaped body. The rigid cup-shaped body includes a bottom wall and a side wall. The rigid cup-shaped body defines an interior receptacle configured to receive the product for oral consumption. The bottom wall of the cup-shaped body includes a downwardly concave portion such that when the refilling unit is received inside the casing, a compartment is defined between the downwardly concave portion and the bottom wall of the casing.

[0012] As used herein, the term "refillable container" is used to describe a container that can be refilled again so that it is reusable and can be used any number of times indefinitely. For example, a refillable container may be adapted to receive a refill unit, and a depleted refill unit can be replaced with a new full refill unit any number of times.

[0013] As used herein, the term "rigid" with respect to the cup-shaped body of the refilling unit is intended to mean that the body of the refilling unit is not flexible and is unable to bend or change or adapt its shape in response to the application of forces associated with normal use of the refilling unit, but rather retains its shape.

[0014] As used herein, the term "concave" refers to the state of a surface or line that is generally curved or rounded inward. When the term concave is used to describe a surface, it is understood that the surface being referred to is concave in three-dimensional space. For example, the term "(downward) concave portion" is used to describe a portion of the bottom wall of a cup-shaped body of a refilling unit that curves inward such that the (downward) concave portion delimits the volume well outward to the refilling unit.

[0015] As used herein, the term "product for oral consumption" is meant to encompass any product that is administered orally, particularly any product that is meant to be administered orally but not ingested. In particular, the term "product for oral consumption" is meant to include, but not be exclusive to, any nicotine-containing product for oral consumption. As used herein, the term "nicotine-containing product" is meant to refer to any nicotine-derived product, either synthetic nicotine or extracted nicotine. As used herein, the term "synthetic nicotine" refers to nicotine that has been chemically synthesized such that the nicotine is analytically identical to natural nicotine. As used herein, the term "extracted nicotine" is intended to mean nicotine obtained from natural sources, such as tobacco leaves.

[0016] As briefly described above, a refillable container according to the present invention comprises a refilling unit adapted to be removably received inside a casing. The casing may be provided as a reusable item, and the refilling unit may be provided as a generally disposable item. Thus, a consumer may use the same casing multiple times, for example, while purchasing a refilling unit multiple times containing a nicotine-containing product for oral consumption. This may have a beneficial impact on the overall life cycle cost of the refillable container. At the same time, one such refillable container offers an improved and more sustainable alternative to single-use containers.

[0017] The refilling unit comprises a rigid cup-shaped body, which defines an internal receptacle in which a fresh product for oral consumption can be stored. The rigid cup-shaped body generally comprises a side wall and a bottom wall. In contrast to existing refillable containers, the rigid cup-shaped body includes a (downward) concave portion. When the refilling unit is located inside the casing of the refillable container according to the invention, advantageously a compartment is defined between the casing and the (downward) concave portion of the rigid cup-shaped body.

[0018] Depending on where the (downwardly) concave portion is formed in the rigid cup-shaped body, the compartments can be provided in various locations within the refillable container.

[0019] In certain preferred embodiments, the (downwardly) concave portion is formed in the bottom wall of the rigid cup-shaped body, so that a compartment can be provided at the bottom of the refillable container, such as between the (downwardly) concave portion and the bottom wall of the casing.

[0020] In other embodiments, the (downwardly) concave portion is formed in a side wall of the rigid cup-shaped body, so that a compartment may be provided at the periphery of the refillable container, such as between the (downwardly) concave portion and the side wall of the casing.

[0021] A refillable container according to the present invention may be advantageously configured such that the receptacle defined on the inside of the refill unit and the compartment defined between the refill unit and the casing are substantially separated from one another. By eliminating fluid communication between the receptacle and the compartment, their respective volumes within the refillable container may be advantageously used to store products that need to be kept separate.

[0022] For example, the receptacle holds a new product for oral consumption, while the compartment can advantageously be used to store the product for oral consumption after its use. The respective volumes of the receptacle and the compartment are separated by a (downward) concave portion of the rigid cup-shaped body of the refilling unit, so that the new product for oral consumption and the used product do not come into contact with each other. Thus, the risk of the used product for oral consumption contaminating the new product for oral consumption is practically eliminated. This allows for improved safety and ease of use for the consumer. These beneficial effects are particularly realized since the product is intended for oral administration and, like a nicotine-containing pouch, is necessarily moist after use.

[0023] In addition, compared to existing solutions, the present invention makes it possible to provide such two separate volumes within a single refillable container without substantially increasing the number of separate components forming the refillable container. Advantageously, this has the advantage that a refillable container according to the invention can be manufactured without a substantial increase in the number of manufacturing steps, or the overall manufacturing costs, or both, and without requiring a complete redesign of existing manufacturing equipment.

[0024] In some embodiments, the refillable container may comprise a further access opening formed through a wall of the casing at a location such that the further access opening may allow access to the compartment when the refill unit is received within the casing. Additionally, the refillable container may comprise a further lid, the further lid being movable between a closed position, in which the further lid blocks the further access opening, and an open position, in which the further lid is displaced to expose the further access opening to allow access to the compartment. This is beneficial in that both the receptacle and the compartment are not only distinct and substantially separated from one another, but are also adapted to be accessed and reclosed or resealed independently of one another.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the refillable container comprises one such further access opening formed through the bottom wall of the casing and a further lid. The further lid is movable between a closed position and an open position. When in the closed position, the further lid closes the further access opening in the bottom wall. When in the open position, the further lid is displaced to expose a second access opening and allow access to the compartment through the further access opening in the bottom wall.

[0026] One such refillable container advantageously comprises a first lid coupled to an access opening at the top end of the casing and a second lid coupled to a further access opening at the bottom wall of the casing. The first lid is configured to selectively allow access to the casing and the refill unit, in particular to the inside of the receptacle, when the refill unit is received in the casing. In fact, the first lid may provide a protective barrier against the fresh product for oral consumption, which may allow a good preservation of the fresh product for oral consumption by limiting moisture loss and the ingress of dust, microorganisms and / or insects.

[0027] The further (second) lid is configured to selectively allow access to the casing and more specifically to the inside of the compartment when the refilling unit is received within the casing, and indeed the further (second) lid may seal the used product for oral consumption, such as preventing fluids from leaking from the casing.

[0028] Advantageously, by providing two completely separate lids at opposite ends of the casing, it may be possible for a consumer to easily access a particular one of the access openings depending on whether they wish to extract a fresh product for oral consumption from the refilling unit or store a used product in the compartment without the risk of contaminating a fresh product for oral consumption with the used product.

[0029] In a particular embodiment, the lid and the further lid differ from each other in at least one of shape, size and color. By distinguishing the lids associated with the two access openings from each other, it becomes possible for the consumer to easily and quickly identify which volumes are accessible through each access opening.

[0030] For example, a larger lid and corresponding access opening may be provided at an upper end of the refillable container for accessing a new product for oral consumption, and a smaller lid and corresponding access opening may be provided at a lower end of the refillable container for accessing a compartment used to store a used product for oral consumption, which makes it easier for the consumer to hold the container in the correct orientation for easy access to one or the other access opening.

[0031] Additionally or alternatively, indicia may be provided on at least one of the lid and the further lid. For example, the indicia may be letters, words, symbols, drawings, trademarks, etc. This may also help the consumer quickly identify which end is which and what product is behind a particular lid. Additionally, providing indicia on at least one of the lid and the further lid may provide a degree of customization and personalization of the refillable container.

[0032] Different suitable lid configurations may be known to those skilled in the art. For example, the lid may be dependent on the rest of the casing (e.g., a pivotable hinged lid) or may be separate from the rest of the casing (e.g., a screw-on or snap-on lid, etc.). In certain embodiments, one or both of the first lid and the further lid may be directly coupled to the refillable container via a living hinge or an assembly hinge welded to the refillable container. In other embodiments, one or both of the first lid and the further lid may be removably coupled to the refillable container via a fastening member. The fastening member may be a protrusion, a latch, or a dual lock.

[0033] In certain embodiments, one or both of the first lid and the second lid may be coupled to the casing by a child-resistant closure, which may be one of several specified according to ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) D3475-20 (Standard Classification for Child-Resistant Packaging). Child-resistant packaging is also often described as senior-friendly.

[0034] In some preferred embodiments, one or more of the first lid and the additional lid have an ASTM Type IIIA snap closure. The ASTM IIIA closure may be a two-piece snap cap.

[0035] In such a closure, the lid and casing are generally locked together by a latch element provided in the lid that engages a corresponding groove formed in the casing. To gain access to the access opening blocked by the lid, the consumer must rotate the lid relative to the casing to place the lid in a predetermined openable configuration, and the latch element disengages from the groove. In practice, a gap is provided in the groove, so that by rotating the lid, the latch element aligns with the gap and disengagement of the latch element is achieved. To assist the consumer, an arrow may be provided on the lid that aligns with a corresponding arrow or other indicia provided on the casing when the lid is in the predetermined openable configuration.

[0036] When the lid is in a predetermined openable configuration, a consumer applies pressure to the lid to move it to an open position, exposing an access opening underneath.

[0037] In other preferred embodiments, one or both of the first lid and the further lid have an ASTM Type IB (slit side closure).

[0038] In such a single closure, the lid and the casing are generally locked together by a one-piece continuous threaded closure. In addition, locking ribs provided in the lid engage with corresponding locking ribs in the casing, so that rotation of the lid relative to the casing prevents the lid from loosening away from the casing. To expose the access opening blocked by the lid, the consumer needs to disengage the locking ribs from each other, which can be done by applying pressure to both sides of the closure lid where the locking ribs are provided, and then rotating the lid counterclockwise without removing the compressive force from the sides of the lid. The closure lid may have uniform ribs around its entire periphery, except for the two locations where the locking ribs are provided.

[0039] In certain embodiments, one or both of the first lid and the further lid are of the same reusable material as the casing. Advantageously, being made of a reusable material, the lid may also be used over an extended period of time in conjunction with several disposable refill units without the need for replacement lids to conceal new and used products for oral consumption.

[0040] In certain embodiments of the invention, the cup-shaped body of the refilling unit includes a lip portion extending outwardly from an upper edge of the sidewall, the lip portion being configured to rest against a lip surface of the access opening at an upper end of the casing when the refilling unit is received within the casing through the access opening.

[0041] This is beneficial in that the provision of one such lip portion of the cup-shaped body may increase the comfort of use for the consumer: indeed, it may facilitate the removal of the refilling unit from the casing, since the consumer may grasp and pull the lip portion without unnecessary strain, when intending to exchange a depleted disposable refilling unit of a product for oral consumption for a new one.

[0042] Furthermore, because the lip portion of the cup-shaped body rests against the edge surface of the access opening, movement of the refilling unit relative to the casing along the longitudinal (i.e. vertical) axis of the refillable container is substantially prevented, which has several advantages. First, the refilling unit is prevented from undesirably sliding into the casing, which may make extraction and replacement difficult. Second, the refilling unit is effectively prevented from sticking in the casing. Third, by substantially predefining and stabilizing the position of the refilling unit in the casing, the position of the bottom wall and the corresponding (downward) concave portion relative to the bottom wall of the casing is also stabilized at a predetermined height. This allows good control of how the compartment defined between the concave portion and the bottom wall of the casing can be used.

[0043] In certain embodiments, the cup-shaped body of the refilling unit includes a connecting portion extending between a bottom wall of the cup-shaped body and a side wall of the cup-shaped body. The connecting portion may define a periphery of the compartment.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the connecting portion may abut a bottom wall of the casing when the refill unit may be received into the casing through the access opening. In a particular embodiment, the connecting portion may have the shape of a toroidal polyhedron.

[0045] The connecting portion may advantageously provide a smoother transition from the side wall of the rigid cup-shaped body to the peripheral edge of the (downwardly) concave portion on the bottom wall of the rigid cup-shaped body, which may facilitate insertion of the refilling unit within the casing and contribute to efficient separation and isolation of the compartment from the receptacle.

[0046] Advantageously, the provision of a connecting portion ensures that the cup-shaped body of the refilling unit mates with the bottom wall of the casing, so that when the two parts fit together the volume of the compartment is clearly defined and delimited. As used herein, the term "volume" in relation to the compartment is intended to mean the maximum amount that the compartment itself can contain.

[0047] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the refilling unit may be configured to mate with the inner surface of the casing. This may be beneficial in that it further stabilizes the refilling unit within the casing, especially when provided in combination with the lip portion of the refilling unit described above. In addition, by having the outer surface of the refilling unit mate with the inner surface of the casing, it is easier to ensure that the compartment is properly isolated from the remainder of the interior volume of the casing when the refilling unit is received within the casing. This is beneficial in that a more effective environmental barrier is provided around the compartment, so that the new product for oral consumption within the refilling unit is more effectively protected from contamination of the portion of the used product for oral consumption.

[0048] In certain embodiments, the exterior surface of the refilling unit and the interior surface of the casing may have a polyhedral or cylindrical shape. As used herein, the term "polyhedral shape" is intended to encompass any three-dimensional shape having flat polygonal faces. As used herein, the term "cylindrical shape" is intended to encompass three-dimensional entities having a circular, oval, or elliptical cross section.

[0049] In certain embodiments, the receptacle may include a portion having a generally cylindrical shape, and the connecting portion may have a toroidal shape. In some particular embodiments, the connecting portion having a toroidal shape may create a particularly smooth transition from the concave portion of the bottom wall of the rigid cup-shaped body to the cylindrical shape of the refilling unit. Such a smooth transition may ensure a very precise fit between the outer surface of the refilling unit and the inner surface of the cylindrical wall of the casing.

[0050] In some embodiments, the lid may be configured to sealingly engage the access opening at the top end of the casing. As used herein, the term "sealed" is intended to mean that the access opening is securely fixed under all use and storage conditions such that the access opening is protected from any inward or outward transmission that may be experienced. In certain embodiments, the lid may be configured to be waterproof. Furthermore, considering that humidity is present in the atmosphere at different times of the year and in different geographical areas to varying degrees, humidity may enter and / or exit the product. Thus, in certain embodiments, the lid may be configured to provide a protective barrier to maintain a moisture level recommended for products intended for oral consumption. Throughout its life, the refillable container may be stored in conditions where dust and dirt may have deleterious effects. Dust and dirt may affect the efficiency of the refillable container to hold new product for oral consumption. Dirt entering the access opening may result in the ingress of microorganisms, especially in humid atmospheres, and the resulting combination of product and microbial attack may be harmful to the product in use, and to the user. Finally, various wavelengths in the atmosphere may also have different effects on the product. In certain embodiments, the lid may be configured to provide a comprehensive protective tool for a new product for oral consumption.

[0051] In some embodiments, the refilling unit may include a seal at the top end of the cup-shaped body. The seal may be peelable to expose the internal receptacle. The seal may be resealable. The seal may be permanently removed.

[0052] Advantageously, it has been found that the cup-shaped body of the refilling unit is sealed to ensure that the product for oral consumption inside is fresh and equally preserved for all refilling units that a consumer may use. The seal may be peelable to expose the internal receptacle and lip portion. More advantageously, the seal is peelable to allow the seal to be peeled smoothly with minimal effort from the consumer. The peelable seal may seal the refilling unit at the interface of the unit. An adhesive material may be applied to ensure sealing at the interface of the unit. Peeling of the seal may disrupt the adhesive force at the interface. However, a layer of adhesive may remain at the interface, which advantageously allows the refilling unit to be resealed.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the further lid is configured to sealingly engage the further access opening through the bottom wall of the casing, which has the advantage that leakage from the compartment to the outside environment is prevented.

[0054] In some embodiments, the casing may comprise a metal or a plastic, hi some particular embodiments, the casing comprises a metal selected from at least one of aluminum, beryllium, titanium, or a magnesium alloy.

[0055] In some embodiments, the cup-shaped body of the refilling unit comprises a recyclable molded pulp material, or a compostable material, or a biodegradable material. The molded pulp material may be produced by recycling fibrous materials, especially natural fibers such as recycled paper, cardboard, wheat, bamboo, etc. The final molded product may be molded from the initial manufacturing stage and exhibit a smooth surface. The molded pulp product may be recyclable and may be used again after its final use. The molded pulp product may also be biodegradable, since it can break down and be destroyed. Compostable and biodegradable materials may be decomposed into non-toxic natural elements and may require microorganisms, moisture, and heat to obtain the finished composite product.

[0056] Advantageously, since the refilling unit is adapted to be disposable, the use of environmentally friendly materials allows for a sustainable approach to waste management.

[0057] In certain embodiments, the product for oral consumption may be provided in the form of one or more individual permeable pouches containing the nicotine-containing product for oral consumption. The pouches may be made of a flexible, permeable material that contains pores or openings that allow the contents of the pouch to move therethrough. The individual pouches allow the consumer to have the same experience with every single pouch, with the contents being repeated equally in every single pouch.

[0058] In certain embodiments, the compartment is adapted to receive the product for oral consumption after use of the product.

[0059] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, below is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of the other examples, embodiments, or aspects described herein.

[0060] Example 1: A refillable container for a product for oral consumption, the container comprising a refilling unit, a casing having an access opening at an upper end of the casing, and a lid movable between a closed position in which the lid blocks the access opening and an open position in which the lid is displaced to expose the access opening and allow access to the refilling unit. Example 2: 2. The refillable container of example 1, wherein the casing is adapted to removably receive a refill unit through the access opening. Example 3: 2. The refillable container of example 1, wherein the refill unit comprises a rigid cup-shaped body including a bottom wall and a side wall. Example 4: 4. The refillable container of example 3, wherein the rigid cup-shaped body defines an interior receptacle. Example 5: 5. The refillable container of example 4, wherein the internal receptacle is configured to contain a product for oral consumption. Example 6: 6. A refillable container according to any of Examples 3 to 5, wherein the rigid cup-shaped body comprises a bottom wall, the bottom wall comprising a (downwardly) concave portion. Example 7: A refillable container as described in Example 6, wherein the bottom wall of the cup-shaped body includes a (downwardly) concave portion, such that when the refilling unit is received inside the casing, a compartment is defined between the (downwardly) concave portion and the bottom wall of the casing. Example 8: 8. The refillable container of any of Examples 1-7, wherein the refillable container comprises an additional access opening. Example 9: 9. The refillable container of example 8, wherein a further access opening is formed through the bottom wall of the casing and through the further lid. Example 10: A refillable container as described in Example 9, wherein the further lid is movable between a closed position in which the further lid blocks the further access opening and an open position in which the further lid is displaced to expose the further access opening to allow access to the compartment. Example 11: The refillable container of any of Examples 3-7, wherein the cup-shaped body of the refilling unit includes a lip portion. Example 12: 12. The refillable container of example 11, wherein the lip portion extends outwardly from an upper edge of the sidewall. Example 13: 13. A refillable container as described in example 11 or 12, wherein the lip portion is configured to rest against an edge surface of the access opening at an upper end of the casing when the refill unit is received within the casing through the access opening. Example 14: The refillable container according to any one of Examples 3 to 13, wherein the cup-shaped body of the refilling unit comprises a connecting portion. Example 15: 15. The refillable container of example 14, wherein the connecting portion extends between a bottom wall of the cup-shaped body and a side wall of the cup-shaped body. Example 16: 16. The refillable container of example 14 or 15, wherein the connecting portion defines a perimeter of the compartment. Example 17: The refillable container according to any one of Examples 14 to 16, wherein the connecting portion abuts against a bottom wall of the casing when the refilling unit is received in the casing through the access. Example 18: 18. The refillable container of any of Examples 14-17, wherein an outer surface of the refilling unit is configured to mate with an inner surface of the casing. Example 19: 19. The refillable container according to any one of Examples 14 to 18, wherein the receptacle includes a portion having a generally cylindrical shape and the connecting portion has a toroidal shape. Example 20: 20. The refillable container of any of Examples 1-19, wherein the lid is configured to sealingly engage the access opening at the top end of the casing. Example 21: 21. The refillable container of any of Examples 1-20, wherein the refilling unit comprises a seal at an upper end of the cup-shaped body. Example 22: 22. The refillable container of example 21, wherein the seal is peelable to expose the internal receptacle. Example 23: 23. The refillable container of example 21 or 22, wherein the seal is resealable. Example 24: 24. The refillable container of any of Examples 21-23, wherein the seal is permanently removable. Example 25: 25. The refillable container of any of Examples 1-24, wherein the casing comprises metal. Example 26: 26. The refillable container of any of Examples 1-25, wherein the casing comprises plastic. Example 27: 26. The refillable container of example 25, wherein the casing comprises a metal selected from at least one of aluminum, beryllium, titanium, or a magnesium alloy. Example 28: The refillable container of any of Examples 3-24, wherein at least the cup-shaped body of the refilling unit comprises a recyclable molded pulp material. Example 29: 25. The refillable container of any of Examples 3-24, wherein at least the cup-shaped body of the refilling unit comprises compostable material. Example 30: The refillable container according to any of Examples 3 to 24, wherein at least the cup-shaped body of the refilling unit comprises a biodegradable material. Example 31: A refillable container according to any of Examples 1 to 30, wherein the product for oral consumption is provided in the form of one or more individual permeable pouches containing smokeless tobacco, or synthetic nicotine, or extracted nicotine. Example 32: A refillable container according to any of Examples 7 to 31, wherein the compartment is adapted to receive a product for oral consumption after use of the product for oral consumption. Example 33: A refillable container according to any of Examples 9 to 32, wherein the lid and the further lid differ from each other in at least one of shape, size, and color. Example 34: A refillable container according to any of Examples 9 to 33, comprising indicia on at least one of the lid and the further lid. Example 35: 35. The refillable container of any of Examples 1-34, wherein the lid is connected to the casing by a child-resistant closure. Example 36: A refillable container as described in Example 34, wherein the lid and casing are locked together by a latch element provided in the lid that engages with a corresponding groove formed in the casing, the lid is configured such that the latch element is released from engagement with the groove when the lid is rotated relative to the casing to a predetermined openable configuration, and the lid is movable to an open position when a compressive force is applied to a side of the lid when the lid is in the openable configuration.

[0061] The embodiments will now be further described with reference to the figures.

[0062] The components of a refillable container 1 according to the invention are shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1. The refillable container 1 comprises a refilling unit 2, a casing 3, and a lid 4. The casing 3 has an access opening 5 at its upper end and is adapted to removably receive the refilling unit 2 through the access opening 5. The casing 3 has a cylindrical body and is pseudo-cylindrical in shape with rounded and chamfered upper and lower end portions. The lid 4 depends from the casing 3 and is connected thereto through a living hinge 6. In particular, the lid 4 is movable and can be pivoted to expose the access opening 5. When the lid 4 is in a closed position (not shown), the lid 4 blocks the access opening 5.

[0063] The refilling unit 2 includes a cup-shaped body 7 that defines an internal receptacle. The refilling unit 2 contains within the internal receptacle a product for oral consumption 8. The product for oral consumption 8 is shown to be provided in the form of a plurality of individual permeable pouches.

[0064] The cup-shaped body 7 is rigid and cylindrical in shape such that the outer surface of the refilling unit 2 mates with the inner surface of the casing 3. The refilling unit 2 includes a lip portion 9 extending outwardly from an upper edge of the side wall of the cup-shaped body 7.

[0065] Figure 2 shows another view of the refillable container of Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the refillable container 1 comprises a further access opening 11 formed in the bottom wall of the casing 3 and a further lid 11. The further lid 11 depends from the casing 3 and is connected thereto through a further living hinge 12. In particular, the further lid 11 is movable and pivotable to expose the further access opening 11 to allow access to a compartment 13 defined in the bottom of the refillable container 1 when the refilling unit 2 is received inside the casing 3.

[0066] Figure 3 shows four different schematic views of a refillable container refilling unit 2 according to the present invention. As described with reference to Figure 1, the refilling unit 2 includes a cup-shaped body 7 that is open at the top. In addition, the refilling unit 2 includes a seal 14 that extends over and closes the top end of the cup-shaped body 7. The seal 14 is peelable from the cup-shaped body 7 to allow access to an internal receptacle.

[0067] Cup-shaped body 7 includes a bottom wall 15 and a side wall 16. As described above in connection with Figure 2, the cup-shaped body includes a lip portion 9 extending outwardly from an upper edge of side wall 16. Seal 14 is adapted to sealingly engage lip portion 9.

[0068] Furthermore, the cup-shaped body 7 includes a connecting portion 17 extending between the bottom wall 15 and the side wall 16. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the connecting portion 17 has a toroidal shape.

[0069] The bottom wall 15 of the cup-shaped body 7 includes a (downwardly) concave portion 18. When the refilling unit 2 is received inside the casing 3, the compartment 13 described with reference to FIG. 2 is defined between the concave portion 18 and the bottom wall of the casing 3.

[0070] 4 and 5 are schematic diagrams of two views of a casing, a lid and a further lid of another embodiment of a refillable container according to the invention, where the lid 4 is connected to the casing 3 by a child-resistant closure 20.

[0071] As shown in more detail in Figure 4, in one embodiment the child resistant closure 20 may be an ASTM Type IIIA (snap closure). The lid 4 and casing 3 are locked together by a latch element 40 provided in the lid 4 that engages a corresponding groove 42 formed in the casing 3 (see Figure 4). To gain access to the access opening 5 blocked by the lid 4, the lid 4 must be rotated relative to the casing 3 to place the lid 4 in a predetermined openable configuration (see Figure 5) and disengage the latch element 40 from the groove 42.

[0072] To assist the consumer, an arrow 44 is provided on the lid 4 which aligns with a corresponding arrow 46 provided on the casing 3 when the lid 4 is in a predetermined openable configuration. When the lid 4 is in a predetermined openable configuration, by applying pressure to the lid 4, the lid 4 can be moved to an open position to expose an access opening underneath.

[0073] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an alternative child resistant closure, ASTM Type IB (slit side).

[0074] The lid 4 and the casing 3 are locked together by an integral, continuous threaded closure 46. In addition, a locking rib 48 provided in the lid 4 engages a corresponding locking rib 50 in the casing 3, so that rotation of the lid 4 relative to the casing 3 normally prevents the lid 4 from loosening away from the casing 3. To expose the access opening blocked by the lid 4, the locking ribs 48 and 50 need to be disengaged from each other. This can be achieved by applying pressure to both sides of the lid 4 provided with the locking ribs 48 and 50 and then rotating the lid 4 counterclockwise without removing the compressive force from the sides of the lid 4.

[0075] For purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and the like are understood to be modified in all instances by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood as A ± 5 percent of A. Within this context, the number A may be considered to include values ​​that are within the typical standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A may, in some cases, as used in the appended claims, deviate by the percentages recited above, provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel properties of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein.

Claims

1. A refillable container for a product intended for oral consumption, wherein the container is Refilling unit and A casing having an access opening at the upper end of the casing, wherein the casing is adapted to removably receive the refilling unit through the access opening, A lid comprising: a lid movable between a closed position in which the lid closes the access opening and an open position in which the lid is displaced to expose the access opening and allow access to the refilling unit, The refilling unit, A rigid cup-shaped body including a bottom wall and side walls, the cup-shaped body defining an internal receptacle configured to contain the orally consumable product, A refillable container wherein the bottom wall of the cup-shaped body includes a downward concave portion, and as a result, when the refilling unit is received inside the casing, a compartment is defined between the downward concave portion and the bottom wall of the casing.

2. The refillable container according to claim 1, further comprising: a further access opening formed through the bottom wall of the casing; and a further lid movable between a closed position in which the further lid closes the further access opening and an open position in which the further lid is displaced to expose the further access opening and allow access to the compartment.

3. The refillable container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cup-shaped body of the refilling unit includes a lip portion extending outward from the upper edge of the side wall, the lip portion being configured to rest against the edge surface of the access opening at the upper end of the casing when the refilling unit is received into the casing through the access opening.

4. The refillable container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cup-shaped body of the refilling unit includes a connecting portion extending between the bottom wall of the cup-shaped body and the side wall of the cup-shaped body, and the connecting portion defines the periphery of the compartment.

5. The refillable container according to claim 4, wherein the connecting portion abuts against the bottom wall of the casing when the refilling unit is received into the casing through the access opening.

6. The refillable container according to claim 4, wherein the outer surface of the refilling unit is configured to fit with the inner surface of the casing.

7. The refillable container according to claim 6, wherein the receptacle includes a portion having a substantially cylindrical shape, and the connecting portion has a toroidal shape.

8. The refillable container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lid is connected to the casing by a child-resistant closure.

9. The refillable container according to claim 8, wherein the lid and the casing are locked together by a latch element provided in the lid that engages with a corresponding groove formed in the casing, the lid is configured such that the latch element is released from engagement with the groove when the lid is rotated relative to the casing to a predetermined openable configuration, and the lid is movable to the open position when a compressive force is applied to the side of the lid when the lid is in the openable configuration.

10. The refillable container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the refilling unit includes a seal at the upper end of the cup-shaped body, and the seal is peelable so as to expose the internal receptacle.

11. The refillable container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the casing comprises metal or plastic.

12. The refillable container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least the cup-shaped body of the refilling unit comprises a recyclable molded pulp material, a compostable material, or a biodegradable material.

13. The refillable container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the compartment is adapted to receive the orally consumable product after use.

14. The refillable container according to claim 2, wherein the lid and the further lid differ from each other in at least one of shape, size, and color.

15. The refillable container according to claim 2, comprising a mark on the lid and at least one of the further lids.

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