Space Lid

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a snus container having a body (11) defining a first compartment (110), a first lid (12) defining a second compartment (120) separated from the first compartment (110) in the direction of a first axis (A), the first lid (12) being releasably attached to the body (11) to close the first compartment (110), and a second lid (13) being releasably attached to the first lid (12) to close the second compartment (120), the first lid (12) being The snus container includes two separate parts, namely a frame part (121) and a base part (122), the base part (122) configured to move relative to the frame part (121) in the direction of a first axis (A) between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2), and when the base part (122) moves from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2), the volume of the first compartment (110) decreases and the volume of the second compartment (120) increases. Further disclosed is a method of adjusting the volume of the compartments of a snus container.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention is directed to a snus container having multiple compartments for containing packaged snus portions. [Background technology]

[0002] Snus is typically sold to consumers as packaged snus portions contained in containers with resealable lids, which are typically cylindrical in shape and made from plastic or polymeric materials.

[0003] After use, snus potions are disposed of, for example, in a public trash can. However, if there is no trash can nearby, used snus potions must be stored. A solution to this problem is to provide a snus container with two separate compartments, whereby unused snus potions are stored in one compartment and used snus potions are stored in the other compartment until they are discarded in a trash can.

[0004] A problem with two-compartment snus containers is that it is difficult to provide a two-compartment snus container in which the used snus portion compartment is large enough so as not to restrict the compartment containing the unused snus portion. The used snus portion is moist with saliva, and if the used snus portion compartment is overfilled, the pressure on the used snus portion can cause the moisture to leak and escape from the container. Summary of the Invention

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved solution that alleviates the aforementioned drawbacks of current solutions. In particular, a first object of the present invention is to provide a snus container comprising: a body defining a first compartment; a first lid defining a second compartment separated from the first compartment in the direction of a first axis, the first lid adapted to be releasably attached to the body so that the first lid closes the first compartment; and a second lid adapted to be releasably attached to the first lid so that the second compartment closes, the first lid having two separate parts, a frame part and a base part, the base part configured to move in the direction of the first axis relative to the frame part between a first position and a second position, such that when the base part moves from the first position to the second position, the volume of the first compartment decreases and the volume of the second compartment increases. An advantage of this snus container with adjustable compartment size is that the compartment for used snus may be initially smaller, allowing for a more compact snus container or may contain more unused snus at the time of sale compared to a snus container with a compartment of fixed size.

[0006] When some of the snus has been used and there is free space in the unused snus compartment, the base can be moved from the first position to the second position to create a larger volume for used snus as needed. This allows the volumes of the two compartments to be adjusted according to the amount of unused snus and used snus to be stored in the snus container, thereby providing a snus container with a sufficiently large compartment for used snus, thereby solving the above problem.

[0007] Used and unused snooze portions can be stored in the first compartment and / or the second compartment. Either the first or second compartment may be adapted in shape and size to provide a compartment with a smaller volume than the other. The smaller compartment may be used to store used snooze portions and the larger compartment may be used to store unused snooze portions, or vice versa.

[0008] For example, when storing the snus container in a back pocket, if accidentally sat on, the compartment is rigid enough to not be crushed or compressed, reducing the risk of moisture from used snus leaking out of the container.

[0009] The term "defining a first compartment" should be understood to mean limiting the space within the body of the snus container as the first compartment.

[0010] The term "defining a second compartment" should be understood to limit the space within the side of the first lid that is not the side configured to be releasably attached to the body of the snus container, which is the second compartment.

[0011] The term "releasably attached" should be understood to mean that the lid can be opened and closed multiple times.

[0012] When referring to an event, movement, or position relative to a first axis, for example, when separated in the direction of the first axis, it may mean that the event, movement, or position occurs along a direction that is at least partially parallel, but preferably substantially parallel to the major axis. The major axis may be the central axis of the snus container. The major axis may be the axis of rotation. The direction of the axis of rotation may be defined by how the first lid rotates relative to the body. If the snus container has a substantially cylindrical shape, the major axis may be the axis of the cylinder.

[0013] The snus container may be sized and shaped to have a shape similar to a conventional snus container. The snus container may have a substantially cylindrical shape. The first compartment may also have a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0014] By "separate parts," it should be understood that the frame portion and the base portion are separable from one another. When combined, the frame portion and the base portion form a substantially sealed lid. The frame portion may extend circumferentially around the base portion to surround it. The frame portion may extend axially over the base portion.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the frame includes an engaging portion configured to engage with a cooperating engaging portion of the body, thereby releasably attaching the first lid to the body. The engaging portion of the frame and the cooperating engaging portion of the body can make the snus container easier to open and close, making it more user-friendly. The engaging portions may be configured to rotate relative to each other to open and close. The engaging portions may be configured to open and close by applying a force to the first lid to disengage the engaging portions.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the frame portion has at least one frame coupling portion, and the base portion has at least one base coupling portion configured to couple with the at least one frame coupling portion, such that the base portion is movable between a first position and a second position. When the coupling portion of the base portion couples with the coupling portion of the frame portion, the base portion may be held in a stable position. A stable position may mean that the base portion remains in that position when no intended force is applied to the base portion during normal use.

[0017] In some embodiments, the at least one frame coupling portion and the at least one base coupling portion have a circumferential extension of at least one-quarter of the circumference, preferably at least one-third of the circumference, more preferably at least half of the circumference, and even more preferably at least two-thirds of the circumference. In some embodiments, the at least one frame coupling portion and the base portion have at least one base coupling portion that extends substantially the entire circumference of the base portion.

[0018] According to some embodiments, there are two or more of the at least one frame coupling portion and / or the at least one base coupling portion. The coupling portion of either the frame portion or the base portion may be a protruding portion, and the corresponding coupling location of the frame portion or the base portion may be a recess configured to receive the protruding coupling portion.

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

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

[0021] The number of joints associated with a frame portion or a base portion may correspond to the number of possible stable positions of the base portion. Whichever of the base portion and frame portion has the most joints may correspond to the number of possible stable positions of the base portion.

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

[0023] A "sliding movement" may refer to the frame coupling or base coupling sliding along a slide in the direction of the first axis.

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

[0025] The sliding surface may be provided as a thin rectangular strip extending between the two connecting portions. Multiple sliding surfaces may be provided on the base or frame portion. The sliding surface may be a continuous surface extending annularly around the periphery of the base or frame portion. An advantage of embodiments including a sliding surface is that movement between the first and second positions is controlled.

[0026] The slide surface may be a smooth surface that provides low friction between the frame portion and the base portion.

[0027] The base portion may be stably held in an intermediate position between the first and second positions by the frame coupling portion or the base coupling portion pressing against the sliding surface. Thus, compared to an embodiment without a sliding surface, the force required to disengage the frame coupling portion from the base coupling portion may be more similar to the force required to move the base portion from the first position to the second position. Thus, if a sliding surface is not provided, when disengaging the base coupling portion from the frame coupling portion at the first position, the axial force required to move the base portion to the second position may increase.

[0028] The term "adapted to slide" should be understood to mean that when a force is applied to the base or frame part, it moves along a sliding surface and the coupling part in contact with the sliding surface slides along the sliding surface.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the base portion has a spacing element that extends axially from the base portion into the second compartment. The spacing element may be manufactured integrally with the base portion. When the base portion is in the first position, the spacing element may extend a distance from the bottom of the base portion to the height of the second compartment. The spacing element may provide stability to the second lid to prevent compressing or squeezing the second compartment if a snus container is accidentally sat on it.

[0030] Another advantage of the spacing element is that force can be applied to the base through the spacing element, allowing the user to push the base into the second position without touching the bottom of the base, which may become soiled with old snooze potion.

[0031] Another possibility is that the base can be pressed into the second position through a second lid, which can be sufficiently flexible to flex so that a force can be applied to the spacing element through the second lid.

[0032] The snus container may be made of a polymeric material. The snus container may be made of a plastic material. The snus container may also be made of a material including a metal such as aluminum or titanium. Some or more parts of the snus container may be made of the same material. The body may be made of a polymeric material. The first lid may be made of a polymeric material. If present, the second lid may be made of a polymeric material, a plastic material, or the aforementioned metals.

[0033] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of adjusting the volume of a compartment of a snus container comprising a body defining a first compartment and a first lid defining a second compartment separated from the first compartment in a first axis direction, the first lid having a frame portion and a base portion, the method comprising the steps of releasing the first base coupling portion from a cooperating frame coupling portion, the base portion having the first base coupling portion and the frame portion having the frame coupling portion, and moving the base portion along a first axis from a first position to a second position by sliding the frame coupling portion on a sliding surface of the base portion, the sliding surface being between the first base coupling portion and the second base coupling portion of the base portion, and moving the base portion from the first position to the second position and engaging the frame coupling portion with the second base coupling portion reduces the volume of the first compartment and increases the volume of the second compartment.

[0034] The method may be implemented to move the base from the second position to the first position. This method has many of the same advantages as those described in relation to the product, in that the use of a snus container with an adjustable sized compartment allows the user to initially keep the used snus compartment small and increase it as needed, thereby allowing for a more compact snus container or one that can contain more unused snus at the time of sale compared to snus containers with fixed sized compartments.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the step of releasing the first base coupling and moving the base to the second position is performed by applying an axial force to the base.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the base has a spacing element extending from the base in the second compartment in the direction of the first axis A, and an axial force applied to the base is concentrated on the spacing element directly or via a second lid closing the second compartment. By applying force to the spacing element, the user does not have to touch the bottom of the base, which may be wet with saliva from used snus, and also does not come into contact with the used snus contained in the second compartment.

[0037] The invention is defined by the accompanying independent claims, and embodiments are set out in the accompanying dependent claims, the following description and drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0038] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a snus container according to one embodiment. [Figures 2a-2c] 2a-2c show perspective views of a body, a first lid and a second lid of a snus container in one embodiment. [Figure 3a-3b] 3a-3b show perspective views of the frame and base portions of the first lid in one embodiment. [Figures 4a-4d] 4a-4d show perspective views of the body, first lid frame, first lid base and second lid of a snus container in one embodiment. [Figure 5a-5b] 5a-5b show perspective views of a snus container according to one embodiment, with the base in a first position and a second position. [Figure 6a-6b] 6a-6b show cross-sectional views of a snus container in one embodiment, with the base in a first position and a second position. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a flow chart of a method for adjusting the volumes of two compartments of a snus container in one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a container 1 in one embodiment of the present invention. The snus container 1 has a body 11 defining a first compartment 110. The snus container 1 further comprises a first lid 12 defining a second compartment 120 separate from the first compartment 110. The first compartment 110 and the second compartment 120 are illustrated in the following figures and further described below.

[0040] The first lid 12 is releasably attached to the body 11 so as to cover the opening of the first compartment 110, allowing the first compartment 110 to be opened and closed. In Fig. 1, the first lid 12 is coupled to the body 11, thereby closing the first compartment. The snus container further includes a second lid 13. The second lid 13 is releasably attached to the first lid 12 so as to cover the opening of the second compartment 120, allowing the second compartment 120 to be opened and closed. In Fig. 1, the second lid 13 is coupled to the first lid 12, thereby closing the second compartment 120.

[0041] The snus container 1 in FIG. 1 has a cylindrical shape like conventional snus containers. However, the snus container 1 is not limited to this shape. The snus container 1 may also have a rectangular parallelepiped or prism shape. In FIG. 1, the main body 11 and the first lid 12 have the same width, and the second lid 13 is narrower than the main body 11 and the first lid 12, but other specifications are also possible. The first lid 12 may be narrower or wider than the main body 11. The second lid 13 may be narrower or wider than the first lid 12.

[0042] As shown in Figure 1, the snus container 1 has rounded edges, which is preferred for increased comfort for the user when carrying the snus container 1 in a pocket. Although this design is optional, the edges may also be chamfered, sharply angled, or beveled.

[0043] The snus container 1 may be made from a plastic or polymer material, but may also be made from other materials such as metal. The snus container 1 may also be made from a combination of materials.

[0044] Figures 2a, 2b and 2c show perspective views of a body 11, a first lid 12 and a second lid 13 of a snus container 1 in one embodiment of the present invention. In Figures 2a, 2b and 2c, the body 11, the first lid 12 and the second lid 13 are separated and shown separately.

[0045] The first compartment 110 is defined by a body 11. The body may be comprised of a body wall 111 and a body bottom 112. The body bottom 112 may be a substantially flat bottom for the first compartment 110. The body wall 111 may extend circumferentially around the body bottom 112 and seal the first compartment 110. The body wall 111 may be adapted to be at least partially overlapped by the first lid 12 when the first compartment 110 is closed by the first lid 12.

[0046] A first axis A is defined perpendicular to the body bottom 112 , passing through the first compartment 110 from the body bottom 112 .

[0047] The main body 11 may further include at least one first engagement portion 113. The at least one first engagement portion 113 is adapted to engage with the first lid 12 so as to releasably attach the first lid 12 to the main body 11. The at least one first engagement portion 113 may be disposed on a surface of the main body wall 111 facing away from the center of the main body 11. The at least one first engagement portion 113 may be disposed on a portion of the main body wall 111 that is adapted to be at least partially overlapped by the first lid 12. In FIG. 2 , the at least one first engagement portion 113 may extend continuously around the periphery of the main body wall 111, although multiple engagement portions 113 may be disposed on a surface of the main body wall 111 that is away from the center of the main body 11.

[0048] The first lid 12 has two separate parts: a frame part 121 and a base part 122. The two separate parts 121, 122 can move relative to each other, allowing the volumes of the compartments 110, 120 to be adjusted. This mechanism will be explained in detail below.

[0049] The base portion 122 has a base bottom 1224 and a base wall 1225. The base bottom 1124 may be a substantially flat floor relative to the second compartment 120. The base wall 1225 extends circumferentially around the base bottom 1124 and at least partially encloses the second compartment 120.

[0050] The frame portion 121 may extend around the base wall 1225 that defines the perimeter of the first lid 12. The frame portion 121 may overlap the body wall 111 when the first lid 12 closes the first compartment 110. The frame portion 121 may be sized and shaped to be concentrically disposed around the base portion 122. The frame portion 121 may be adapted to overlap the body 11 when the first lid 12 is attached to the body 11.

[0051] The frame portion 121 of the first lid 12 may include a recess 1214 to facilitate opening and closing of the second lid 13. The recess may be positioned and dimensioned to allow a user to insert their fingernail or fingertip under the edge of the second lid 13 when the second compartment 120 is closed by the second lid 13. In Figure 2b, the recess 1214 has flat sides, but it may also be rounded.

[0052] In the embodiment of Figure 2b, a spacing element 1223 extends from the bottom of the base 1224 along the first axis A. The spacing element 1223 may extend through the second compartment 120. Desirably, the spacing element 1223 does not exceed an axial height that would prevent closure of the second lid 13 at any position on the base 12. The spacing element 1223 prevents the second lid 13 from compressing the second compartment 120 if, for example, the user accidentally sits down while the snus container 1 is stored in their back pocket.

[0053] In FIG. 2b, the spacing element 1223 has a cylindrical shape, with the axis of the cylinder parallel to the first axis A. The hollow shape of the spacing element 1223 helps to save material. However, the spacing element 1223 is not limited to this shape. The spacing element 1223 may be a solid or hollow element of any shape. The spacing element 1223 may be a polygonal prism. The spacing element 1223 may have any irregular shape. In FIG. 2b, the spacing element 1223 is positioned at the base bottom 1224 and preferably at the center of the bottom 122, but it may be positioned anywhere on the base bottom 1224.

[0054] The second lid 13 may be a substantially flat plate adapted to cover the opening of the second compartment 120. The frame portion 121 may include at least one third engagement portion 1213. The second lid 13 may have at least one fourth engagement portion 131. The at least one fourth engagement portion 131 is adapted to engage with the at least one third engagement portion 1213 of the frame portion 121, thereby enabling the second lid 13 to be securely attached to the first lid 12. The at least one third engagement portion 1213 can be seen in FIG. 3a.

[0055] 2c and 3a, the at least one fourth engagement portion 131 and the at least one third engagement portion 1213 are convex portions. The at least one fourth engagement portion 131 and the at least one third engagement portion 1213 have a cooperating mechanism that functions in a snap-in action. The at least one fourth engagement portion 131 is adapted to bend slightly when the second lid 13 moves in a direction to close the second compartment 120, so that the engagement portion slides over the at least one third engagement portion 1213 into a locked position and prevents movement of the second lid 13.

[0056] The second lid 13 is removed from the locked position by applying a predetermined force to the second lid 13, bending at least one third engagement portion 131, allowing the second lid 13 to move away from the second compartment 120.

[0057] The engagement between the at least one fourth engagement portion 131 and the at least one third engagement portion 1213 may have a nature other than a snap-in action.

[0058] The first lid 12 and / or the second lid 13 are at least partially threaded, allowing the second lid 13 to be screwed on and removed. The first lid 12 and the second lid 13 are matched in shape and size, allowing the second lid 13 to be pressed on and held in a closed position.

[0059] The second lid 13 and the first lid 12 may be provided with a hatch and hinges for closing and opening the first lid.

[0060] The second lid 13 and / or the first lid 12 may include magnets to hold the second lid in place. The first lid 12 and second lid 13 may include bayonet fittings for attaching the lids.

[0061] The above examples for attaching the second lid 13 to the first lid 12 should be considered only as examples for releasably attaching the second lid 13 to the first lid 12 and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0062] 3a and 3b show perspective views of the frame portion 121 and the base portion 122, respectively, with the frame portion 121 and the base portion 122 separated from each other.

[0063] The frame portion 121 may have a first ring 1215. The frame portion 121 may further have a second ring 1216. The first ring 1215 is concentrically disposed outside the second ring 1216. The first ring 1215 may be adapted in size and shape to partially overlap the body wall 111 when the first lid 12 closes the first compartment 120. The second ring 1216 may be adapted in shape and size to be disposed inside the first compartment 110 when the first lid 12 closes the first compartment 110.

[0064] The first ring 1215 may be adapted to be releasably attached to the body wall 111. The at least one second engagement portion 1212 may be arranged on a surface of the first ring 1215 towards the centre of the snus container 1. The at least one second engagement portion 1212 can be seen in Figure 4b. The at least one second engagement portion 1212 may be adapted to engage with the at least one first engagement portion 113 of the body 11.

[0065] The second ring 1216 may be adapted to be releasably attached to the second lid 13. The at least one third engagement portion 1213 may be arranged on a surface of the second ring 1216 toward the center of the snus container 1. In Fig. 3a, six of the at least one third engagement portions 1213 are distributed on the surface of the inner ring 1216 toward the center of the snus container 1. However, there may be more or fewer of the at least one third engagement portion. There may also be one continuous engagement portion along the surface of the inner ring 1216 toward the center of the snus container 1.

[0066] The inner ring 1216 may be adapted to be coupled to the base portion 122. The frame portion 121 may have at least one frame coupling portion 1211. The at least one frame coupling portion 1211 may be arranged on a surface of the second ring 1216 towards the center of the snus container 1. The at least one frame coupling portion 1211 may be adapted to be coupled to at least one base coupling portion 1221 of the base portion 122. In the embodiment of FIG. 3a, the at least one frame coupling portion is continuous along the surface of the second ring 1216 towards the center of the snus container 1, although other shapes are possible. The frame coupling portion 1211 may extend only partially along the surface of the second ring 1216 towards the center of the snus container 1, or may be divided into short portions.

[0067] Furthermore, in Fig. 3b, two at least one base coupling portions 1221 are arranged on the surface of the base wall 1225 facing away from the center of the snus container 1. There are two at least one base coupling portions 1221, arranged one above the other and both adapted to couple with the at least one frame coupling portion 1211. The at least one frame coupling portion 1221 may be continuous along the surface of the base wall 1225 facing away from the center of the snus container 1, as in the embodiment of Fig. 3b. However, the at least one frame coupling portion 1221 may also be divided into short portions.

[0068] By providing two at least one base coupling portions 1221, the base portion 122 can be coupled to the frame portion 121 at two different positions, namely, a first position P1 and a second position P2.

[0069] The base portion 122 may include three or more base coupling portions 1221. The three or more base coupling portions 1221 may correspond to three or more positions (P1, P2, P3, . . . ) of the base portion 122 relative to the frame portion 121.

[0070] The base portion 122 may further have a sliding surface 1222. The sliding surface may be disposed between the at least one base coupling portion 1221 on a surface of the second ring 1216 facing the center of the snus container 1. The sliding surface 1222 functions as a guide for the at least one frame coupling portion 1211 when the base portion 122 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P1 or from the second position P2 to the first position P1. When the base portion 122 is in an intermediate position between the first position P1 and the second position P2, the at least one frame coupling portion 1211 is pressed against the sliding surface. The at least one frame coupling portion 1211 is adapted to slide on the sliding surface 1222 when the base portion 122 moves from the second position P2 to the first position P1 or from the first position P1 to the second position P1.

[0071] The base portion 122 may have multiple sliding surfaces 1222. In the preferred embodiment of Fig. 3b, there are multiple sliding surfaces 1222. The sliding surfaces may be rectangular thin strips extending from the surface of the second ring 1216 towards the centre of the snus container 1. Thin strips are preferred to save material. However, the sliding surfaces 1222 may have different designs. There may be one continuous sliding surface 1222 that extends over the entire surface of the second ring 1216 towards the centre of the snus container 1.

[0072] 3a and 3b, the frame portion 121 includes one frame coupling portion 1211, and the base portion has multiple base coupling portions 1221. However, in other embodiments, the frame portion 121 may have multiple frame coupling portions 1211. When the frame portion 121 includes multiple frame coupling portions 1211, the base portion 122 may have one base coupling portion 1221. The frame portion may have a sliding surface 1222 on a surface of the first ring 1215 toward the center of the snus container 1, between the frame coupling portions 1221. The base coupling portion 1221 may be adapted to slide on the sliding surface 1222 when the base portion 122 moves from the second position P2 to the first position P1 or from the first position P1 to the second position P2. The frame portion 122 may have multiple sliding surfaces 1222.

[0073] The frame portion 121 may have three or more frame coupling portions 1211. The three or more frame coupling portions 1211 may correspond to three or more positions (P1, P2, P3, . . . ) of the base portion 122 relative to the frame portion 121.

[0074] In Figures 4a-4d, a snus container is shown in perspective view according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0075] The at least one first engagement portion 113 and the at least one second engagement portion 1212 can be seen in Figures 4a and 4b, respectively. The at least one first engagement portion 113 may extend around the periphery of the wall 111 of the main body 11. The at least one first engagement portion 113 may be located in a portion of the wall 111 adapted to be overlapped by the frame portion 121. The at least one first engagement portion 113 may not extend around the entire periphery of the main body 11 in other embodiments. The at least one first engagement portion 113 may be a plurality of first engagement portions 113 distributed around the periphery of the wall 111.

[0076] The at least one second engagement portion 1212 may extend over the surface of the outer ring 1215 toward the center of the snus container 1. The at least one second engagement portion 1212 may be located on a portion of the outer ring 1215 adapted to overlap the body wall 111. In other embodiments, the at least one second engagement portion 1212 may not extend over the entire surface of the outer ring 1215 toward the center of the snus container 1. The at least one second engagement portion 1212 may be a plurality of second engagement portions 1212 distributed over the surface of the outer ring 1215 toward the center of the snus container 1.

[0077] In the embodiment of FIGS. 4a-4b, at least one of the first and second engaging portions 113, 1212 is a snap-in connection arrangement element. At least one of the first engaging portion 113 is a female portion of the snap-in connection arrangement element, and at least one of the second engaging portion 1212 is a male portion. In other embodiments, at least one of the first engaging portion 113 may be a male portion of the snap-in connection arrangement element, and at least one of the second engaging portion may be a female portion. However, the first lid 12 can be attached to the body 11 in many other ways. The first lid 12 and / or the body 11 may be at least partially threaded so that the first lid 12 can be screwed onto them. The first lid 12 and the body 11 are shaped and sized to allow the first lid 12 to be press-fitted onto them. The snus container 1 may be provided with a magnet to allow the first lid 12 to be reversibly removed. The snus container 1 may be provided with a bayonet fitting arrangement element for attaching the first lid 12. The above examples for attaching the first lid 12 to the main body 11 should be considered merely as examples for releasably attaching the first lid 12 to the main body 11, and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0078] In the embodiment of Figure 4d, the second lid 13 has partially ribbed surfaces. These ribbed surfaces are optional and can be placed anywhere on the snus container 1 to increase the stability of the structure.

[0079] 5a and 5b show perspective views of the first lid 12 attached to the body 11 so as to close the first compartment 110. The base portion 122 may include at least one base coupling portion 1221. In FIG. 5a, the base portion 122 is in a first position P1, and the frame coupling portion 1211 is coupled to one of the at least one base coupling portions 1221. In FIG. 5b, the base portion 122 is in a second position P2, and the frame coupling portion 1211 is coupled to the other of the at least one base coupling portion 1221. The base portion 122 is adapted to move between the first position P1 and the second position P2. As indicated by the bold arrow in FIG. 5a, the direction of movement from the first position P1 to the second position P2 is along a first axis A. The movement is caused by a predetermined force applied to the base portion in the same direction as indicated by the bold arrow in FIG. 5a. Movement is initiated by at least one frame coupling 1211 disengaging from a base coupling 1221 .

[0080] Thereafter, the at least one frame coupling portion 1211 slides on the slide surface 1222, and the base portion 122 moves until another one of the at least one base coupling portion 1221 reaches the at least one frame coupling portion 1211. The at least one frame coupling portion 1211 couples with the other one of the at least one base coupling portion 1221. As a result, the base portion 122 is stabilized in the second position P2 shown in FIG. 5b.

[0081] The spacing element 1223 may be used as a contact point for applying force to the base 122. This allows the user to avoid touching the bottom of the base 1224 or any old snooze portion that may be placed in the second compartment 120. The spacing element 1223 is shaped to be sufficiently close to the second lid 13 when the second compartment 120 is closed, so that a force can be applied through the second lid 13. The second lid 13 may be sufficiently flexible so that a force can be applied to the spacing element 1223 through the second lid 13.

[0082] 6a and 6b show cross-sectional views of a snus container 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, with the first compartment 110 and the second compartment 120 closed. In FIG. 6a, the base 122 is in a first position P1. In FIG. 6b, the base 122 is in a second position P2. The first compartment 110 can extend from the bottom body 112 to the first lid 12. The second compartment 120 can extend from the bottom base 1224 to the second lid 13. As shown, as the base 122 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the volume of the first compartment 110 decreases. As the base 122 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the volume of the second compartment 120 increases.

[0083] 6a and 6b, at least one frame coupling portion 1211 is a protrusion. At least one base coupling portion 1221 is a recess that forms a latch mechanism with the protrusion of the at least one frame coupling portion 1211. Alternatively, at least one frame coupling portion can be a recess and at least one base coupling portion can be a protrusion, which together form the latch mechanism.

[0084] As shown, when the first compartment 110 and the second compartment 120 are closed, the first compartment 110 and the second compartment 120 are disposed adjacent to or on top of each other, but are separated from each other by the first lid 12. Thus, unused snus portions and used snus portions can be stored in the same snus container without contacting each other. The larger of the first compartment 110 and the second compartment 120 may be intended for storing unused snus portions. The smaller of the first compartment 110 and the second compartment 120 may be intended for storing used snus portions.

[0085] The first compartment 110 may have a larger volume than the second compartment 120. For storing used snus portions, a smaller compartment is preferred as the user only needs to temporarily store used snus.

[0086] 7 shows a flowchart of a method S0 for adjusting the volumes of the compartments 110, 120, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The method S0 includes a step S1 of releasing a first base coupling portion 1221 from a cooperating frame coupling portion 1211. This may be accomplished by applying a force to the base portion 122 in the direction of a first axis A. The base portion 122 begins to move in the same direction, causing the protrusion of the frame coupling portion 1211 to slide out of the recess of the base coupling portion 1221. Alternatively, the protrusion of the base coupling portion 1221 to slide out of the recess of the frame coupling portion 1211.

[0087] The method S0 further includes a step S2 of moving the base portion 122 from a first position P1 to a second position P2 along the first axis A. This is achieved by sliding the frame coupling portion 1211 on a sliding surface 1222 of the base portion 122, or alternatively, by sliding the base coupling portion 1221 on a sliding surface 1222 of the frame portion 121. The sliding surface 1222 is disposed between the first base coupling portion 1221 and the second base coupling portion 1221 of the base portion 122, or alternatively, between the first frame coupling portion 1211 and the second frame coupling portion 1211 of the frame portion 121. As the base portion 122 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the volume of the first compartment 110 or the second compartment 120 decreases, and the volume of the other compartment 120, 110 increases. The method also includes a step S3 of engaging the frame coupling portion 1211 with the second base coupling portion 1221, or alternatively, coupling the base coupling portion 1221 with the second frame coupling portion 1211.

[0088] While exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, in addition to the embodiments described in the above paragraphs, those skilled in the art will appreciate that many other changes, modifications, and substitutions will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Moreover, the different embodiments described above can be combined in various ways without departing from the scope of the inventive concept. Accordingly, the above description of the invention and the accompanying drawings should be considered as non-limiting examples thereof, the scope of the present invention being defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A snus container (1), comprising: a body (11) defining a first compartment (110); a first lid (12) defining a second compartment (120) separated from the first compartment (110) in the direction of a first axis (A), the first lid (12) being configured to be releasably attached to the body (11) to close the first compartment (110); a second lid (13) configured to be releasably attached to the first lid (12) to close the second compartment (120); the first lid (12) comprises two separate parts, namely a frame part (121) and a base part (122), the base part (122) being configured to move relative to the frame part (121) in the direction of the first axis (A) between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2), and when the base part (122) moves from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2), the volume of the first compartment (110) decreases and the volume of the second compartment (120) increases; The snus container (1), wherein the base portion (122) and / or the frame portion (121) have a sliding surface (1222) configured to enable sliding movement of the base portion (122) relative to the frame portion (121) between the first position (P1) and the second position (P2).

2. A snus container (1) as described in claim 1, wherein the main body (11) has at least one first engagement portion (113), the frame portion (121) has at least one second engagement portion (1212), and the at least one second engagement portion (1212) is configured to engage with the at least one first engagement portion (113), thereby allowing the first lid (12) to be releasably attached to the main body (11).

3. A snus container (1) as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the frame portion (121) has at least one frame coupling portion (1211), and the base portion (122) has at least one base coupling portion (1221) configured to couple with the at least one frame coupling portion (1211), thereby allowing the base portion (122) to move between the first position (P1) and the second position (P2).

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

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

6. 5. The snus container (1) of claim 4, wherein the frame portion (121) has at least two frame coupling portions (1211), and the base portion (122) is in the first position (P1) when the at least one base coupling portion (1221) is coupled to a first of the at least two frame coupling portions (1211), and is in the second position (P2) when the at least one base coupling portion (1221) is coupled to another of the at least two frame coupling portions (1211).

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

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

9. A snus container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the base portion (122) has a spacing element (1223) extending axially from the base portion (122) within the second compartment (120).

10. A method (S0) for adjusting the volume of compartments (110, 120) of a snus container (1), comprising: The snus container (1) comprises a body (11) defining a first compartment (110), and a first lid (12) defining a second compartment (120) separated from the first compartment (110) in the direction of a first axis (A), the first lid (12) having a frame portion (121) and a base portion (122); The method (S0) a step (S1) of releasing a first base coupling portion (1221) from a cooperating frame coupling portion (1211), wherein the base portion (122) has the first base coupling portion (1221) and the frame portion (121) has the frame coupling portion (1211); a step (S2) of moving the base portion (122) from a first position (P1) to a second position (P2) along the first axis (A) by sliding the frame coupling portion (1211) on a slide surface (1222) of the base portion (122), the slide surface (1222) being between the first base coupling portion (1221) and the second base coupling portion (1221) of the base portion (122), and when the base portion (122) moves from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2), a volume of the first compartment chamber (110) decreases and a volume of the second compartment chamber (120) increases; A step (S3) of coupling the frame coupling portion (1211) with the second base coupling portion (1221); The method (S0) comprises:

11. 11. The method (S0) of claim 10, wherein the step (S1) of releasing the first base coupling portion (1221) and the step (S2) of moving the base portion (122) are accomplished by applying an axial force to the base portion (122).

12. 12. The method (S0) of claim 11, wherein the base (122) has a spacing element (1223) extending from the base (122) in the direction of the first axis (A) within the second compartment (120), and the axial force applied to the base (122) is concentrated on the spacing element (1223) directly or via a second lid (13) closing the second compartment (120).

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