container

Abstract

A container comprising a body portion and a cover having snap fasteners for the body portion and the cover. The snap fasteners comprise a ring element including a gap and a snap element that interacts with the ring element. The container further comprises a tactile mechanism that indicates an open state of the snap fasteners, in which the cover is removable from the body portion. The tactile mechanism comprises a tactile element that is disposed in the gap and above or below the snap element when the snap fasteners are in a snapped state, in which the cover is not removable from the body portion. The snap fasteners comprise a ring element including a gap and a snap element that interacts with the ring element. The container further comprises a tactile mechanism that indicates when the snap fasteners are in an open state.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to containers, and in particular to containers with fixed closures. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of consumer products intended for authorized personnel, it is known to provide security features in the packaging of the product to prevent tampering of the packaging. For example, hazardous liquids are provided in bottles with security closures that are difficult to open, even for adults. Such closures are not suitable for consumer products, and are not suitable for consumer products that must be easily accessible to authorized users.

[0003] It is therefore desirable to provide a container that provides a secure closure to prevent tampering of the container, yet allows an authorized user to simply and intuitively open the container. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to an aspect of the present invention, a container is provided that includes a body portion and a cover. The container includes a snap fastener for the body portion and the cover. The snap fastener includes a ring element that includes a gap and a snap element that interacts with the ring element. The container further includes a tactile mechanism that indicates a released state of the snap fastener, in which the cover is removable from the body portion, and thus the container is in an openable state. The tactile mechanism includes a tactile element disposed in the gap, for example, flush with the gap, adjacent to the gap, or near the gap. When the snap fastener is in a snapped state in which the cover is not removable from the body portion, the tactile element is disposed above or below the snap element when viewed in the direction of removal of the cover. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1] FIG. [Figure 2] For example, a cross-sectional view of the container in FIG. [Figure 3] 1 shows a perspective view of the inside of the cover of the container. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the body portion of the container. [Figure 5] 1 shows a detail of a partial cross section of the container closure. [Figure 6] 4 shows a detail of the inside of the cover of FIG. 3. [Figure 7] A transparent view of a closed container is shown. [Figure 8] 8 shows details of the main body portion of FIGS. 4 and 7. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 shows an example of an end stop. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The embodiments will now be further described with reference to the figures.

[0007] FIG. 1 shows a container 1 in the form of a can comprising a body portion 10 and a cover 11 mounted on the body portion 10 .

[0008] Container 1 represents a can and has a circular cross section and rounded edges. The diameter of container 1 is approximately three times the height of container 1. Container 1 is preferably made of a plastic material, paper or cardboard, or a combination of paper, cardboard and plastic material.

[0009] The cover 11 includes a lid 110. The lid 110 may be opened at an opening section 111 to provide access to a waste compartment (not visible in FIG. 1) provided within the cover 11.

[0010] The cover 11 as well as the body portion 10 are provided with indicator elements 112 in the form of painted arrows in Figure 1. When the indicator elements 112 of the cover 11 and the body portion 10 are aligned with one another, the container 1 is in an openable state in which the cover 11 can be lifted from the body portion 10 by linear movement in the release direction of the cover 11. The container 1 includes a child resistance feature in the form of a snap fastener and an assessment aid which will be described in more detail below.

[0011] Figure 2 shows a cross section of a container 1, for example the container of Figure 1. A compartment 13 formed by body portion 10 is provided to contain a product, for example an oral nicotine-containing product such as an oral pouch.

[0012] The cover 11 is attached to the body portion 10 by snap fasteners disposed between the cover 11 and the body portion 10. The snap fasteners are formed by interrupted circumferentially extending ribs 30 disposed on the outer surface of the top of the body portion 10 and extending radially from the top. The circumferentially extending ribs 30 interact with at least one snap element 20 formed as a protrusion extending radially inward from the inner surface of the side wall 114 of the cover 11. The ribs 30 have a smooth, sloped upper side along which the snap elements 20 slide when the cover 11 is pressed downward onto the body portion 10 in the snapping direction. The underside of the ribs 30 forms an undercut, substantially planar side of the ribs 30 that is essentially parallel to the top wall 115 of the cover 11 such that the snap elements 20 are in a locked position beneath the ribs 30 in the snapped state of the snap fastener.

[0013] The inside of the body portion 10 forms a first compartment for holding user products, e.g., oral pouches. The cover 11 comprises a second waste compartment 12 for used products, e.g., used oral pouches, to be stored in the waste compartment 12. The waste compartment 12 is closed by a lid 110 and is accessible by opening the lid 110. Preferably, the lid 110 is removable from the cover 11 to access the waste compartment 12. However, the lid 110 may also be permanently connected to the cover 11, e.g., by a hinge. A bottom 113 of the waste compartment 112 is disposed parallel to the bottom of the body portion 10.

[0014] The perspective views of Figures 3 and 4 show the inside of the cover 11 with two snap elements 20 (encircled in Figure 3) that can form a snap fastener with an interrupted circumferentially extending rib 30 on the main body portion (Figure 4).

[0015] 3, it can be seen that two snap elements 20 are disposed opposite each other at 0 / 360 degrees and 180 degrees around the side wall 114 of the cover 11. The snap elements 20 are in the form of elongated protrusions extending from and along the inside of the side wall 114 of the cover 11.

[0016] The cover 11 includes four push elements 50 regularly spaced 90 degrees apart on the inside of the top wall 115 of the cover 11. The circumferential extension of the push elements 50 is slightly larger than that of the snap elements 20, e.g., 2 millimeters. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the circumferential extensions of the snap elements 20 and the push elements 50 are approximately 8 to 15 millimeters. The push elements 50 facilitate alignment of the cover 11 and the body portion 10 by guiding the upper rim 100 of the body portion 10 during assembly of the cover 11 and the body portion 10. Furthermore, the push elements 50 press the upper rim 100 of the body portion 10 against a circumferentially extending shoulder 51 of the cover side wall 114. This ensures that the contact area along the periphery between the cover 11 and the body portion 10, particularly in the area where the upper rim 100 of the body portion 10 is clamped between the push element 50 and the shoulder 51, seals the container 1 and minimizes moisture uptake and loss of the product within the body portion 10. These features can also be seen in the detailed view of Figure 5, where the snapped state of the snap element 20 with the circumferential rib 30 and the push element 50 with the shoulder 51 is shown in an enlarged view.

[0017] The cover 11 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 includes a ratchet rib 40. The ratchet rib 40 is a short rib that extends vertically along the inside of the side wall 114 of the cover 11 and projects radially therefrom. The ratchet rib 40 is circumferentially aligned with one end of the snap elements 20 when the snap fastener is in the snapped state, but is disposed above the snap elements 20 and above and adjacent to the circumferentially extending rib 30. The ratchet rib 40 is provided to interact with a group of tactile ribs 41 disposed on the body portion 10, as seen in FIG. 4. The alignment of the ratchet rib 40 with the snap elements 20 ensures that the snap elements 20 are in or will become in the released state of the snap fastener when the ratchet rib 40 passes over corresponding tactile elements on the body portion 10 and provides tactile feedback accordingly, as will be further shown below.

[0018] The alignment of snap elements 20 and ratchet ribs 40 is shown in a detailed view of a portion of cover 11 in FIG.

[0019] In the body portion 10 shown in Figure 4, the circumferentially extending ribs 30 are interrupted by four gaps 31. The gaps 31 are spaced apart and regularly spaced at 90 degree intervals within the circumferentially extending ribs 30. The four gaps 31 represent four release states of the snap fastener, and as soon as the snap elements 20 of the cover 11 are circumferentially aligned with the gaps 31, the cover 11 can be removed, i.e., lifted, from the body portion 10. Providing the four gaps 31 reduces the maximum rotation of the cover 11 required to open the container 1 to 90 degrees.

[0020] For the body portion of Figure 4 to form the container 1 with the cover 11 of Figure 3, the body portion 10 may be provided with only two gaps 31 spaced 180 degrees apart. In such an embodiment, the maximum rotation to open the container 1 is 180 degrees. Thus, in other embodiments, the cover 11 shown in Figure 3 may be provided with four snap elements 20 spaced 90 degrees apart circumferentially along the inner wall of the cover.

[0021] 4, tactile elements in the form of a group of tactile ribs 41 are disposed near the gap 31 and above and adjacent to the circumferentially extending ribs 30. For example, the group of tactile ribs 41 are circumferentially spaced a few millimeters, e.g., 1-5 millimeters, from the gap 31. However, the group of tactile ribs 41 may also be precisely aligned with one end of the gap 31.

[0022] Beneath the circumferentially extending ribs 30 and opposite the group of tactile ribs 41, end stops 45, 46 are provided on each side of the gap 31. The end stops 45, 46 are disposed flush with the circumferentially extending ribs 30 below the gap 31 below the circumferentially extending ribs 30.

[0023] An end stop 46 disposed at the end of the gap 31 opposite the side of the gap provided with the group of tactile ribs 41 is preferably embodied as an end stop of the snap element 20. In the snapped state of the snap fastener, the snap element 20 is disposed under the rib 30 and can slide circumferentially under the circumferentially extending rib 30 when the cover 11 and the body portion 10 are rotated relative to one another. When the snap element 20 abuts against the end stop 46, the cover may not rotate any further. The end stop 46 in FIG. 4 limits rotation of the cover 11 to a clockwise direction.

[0024] The end stops 45 disposed on the same side of the gap 31 as the group of tactile ribs 41 are formed as surmountable end stops. Thus, by applying sufficient force, the snap elements 20 can overcome the surmountable end stops 45, resulting in the release state of the snap fastener and the cover 11 can be removed from the body portion 10. The cover 11 may be lifted from the body portion 20 along a linear release direction.

[0025] The group of end stops 45, 46 and tactile rib 41 are shown in only one gap 31 in Figure 4. However, it will become apparent from the description that the group of tactile ribs and end stops 46 and jumpable end stops 45 may be disposed in one, two, some, or all of the gaps 31 provided in the circumferentially extending rib 30.

[0026] 3 and 5 is provided with grips 155 on its exterior side. The grips 155 are four groups of grooves arranged equidistantly along the rounded edge of the cover 11. Two of the grips 155 are arranged on the exterior of the cover 11 in the same positions as the snap elements 20 are arranged on the interior of the cover 11. Thus, the two oppositely arranged grip elements 155 also serve as optical and tactile indicators of the release position of the snap fasteners on the container 1.

[0027] In the transparent view of the container in Figure 7, the snap fasteners on container 1 remain in the snapped state. However, by rotating cover 11 in a clockwise direction, ratchet ribs 40 on cover 11 pass through tactile ribs 41 on body portion 10, and snap elements 20 on cover 11 abut against surmountable end stops 45 on body portion 10. Tactile and acoustic feedback from gripping elements 155 and the ratchets formed by ratchet ribs 40 and tactile ribs 41 indicate to the user that container 1 is near its released position. By further rotating cover 11 in a clockwise direction and applying a release force to cause snap elements 20 to overcome surmountable end stops 45, the snap fasteners can be placed in their released position, and the container can be opened by lifting cover 11 from body portion 10.

[0028] When viewed circumferentially, the ratchets formed by the group of tactile ribs 41 and interacting ratchet ribs 40, and the tactile and acoustic effects generated by the surmountable end stop 45 interacting with the snap element 20 are arranged in series, or rather, these elements are arranged to produce a continuous tactile and acoustic effect. The effect of the surmountable end stop 45 begins when the ratchet rib 40 passes the tactile rib closest to the gap 31 and the tactile and acoustic ratchet effect ends.

[0029] 8 shows the gap 31 region of the body portion 10 of the container 1 in greater detail. In particular, the group of tactile ribs 41, as well as the location and configuration of the end stops 46 and the jumpable end stops 45, are visible. The groups of tactile ribs 41 and end stops 45, 46 are disposed above and below, and directly adjacent to, the circumferentially extending ribs 30, respectively. The tactile ribs 41, the circumferentially extending ribs 30, and the end stops 45, 46 may be integrally formed with the body portion 10.

[0030] In FIG. 9, several embodiments of a surmountable end stop 45 or a combined end stop with a surmountable end stop are shown.

[0031] The end stops 45 are provided with abutment walls 461 that are oriented perpendicularly from the object surface 101, e.g., the body portion outer wall or the cover side wall 114. The abutment walls 461 of the snap elements 20 therefore extend from these surfaces by a stop angle 460 of approximately 90 degrees. In the embodiment of Figure 8, the end stops 45, 46 extend from the outer surfaces of the body portion 10 side walls. The snap elements 20 can be rotated until they abut against the abutment surfaces 461. Further rotation in the aforementioned direction is not possible, and therefore the cover 11 cannot be brought into the released position of the snap fastener by rotating the cover 11 in the aforementioned rotational direction.

[0032] When the abutment surface 451 includes a surmountable angle 450 greater than 90 degrees, preferably about 100-150 degrees, the snap element 20 can slide over the surmountable abutment surface and overcome the surmountable end stop 45. Overcoming the surmountable end stop 45 by the snap element 20 can generate acoustic and tactile effects.

[0033] The surmountable end stop 45 provides an additional security feature against tampering of the container 1. An authorized user knows when and how to open the container 1 by an indicator provided on the container or by a tactile mechanism, such as a ratchet, that may be engaged by the surmountable end stop 45.

[0034] The arrows 455, 466, 456 on the right side of FIG. 9 indicate that for covers provided with a top end stop 45 as shown in FIG. 9, the opening direction 455 is counterclockwise only; If the end stops shown in the center of FIG. 9 are provided, only the clockwise direction 466 As shown in the bottom diagram of Figure 9, if a surmountable end stop 45 is provided having two surmountable abutment walls 451 with a surmountable angle 450 of approximately 105 degrees, both rotational directions 456 are possible.

[0035] For example, as shown in the embodiment of Figure 8, it is clear from the present invention that respective end stops may be provided at one or both ends of the gap 31 such that the snap element 20 passes through or is unable to attach around the respective end stop before it reaches the gap 31.

[0036] The terms "above" or "below" in the depicted containers are understood in the direction of opening or removal of the cover and body portion, or relative to their common position on the container, so that the cover forms the top of the container and the body portion forms the bottom of the container.

[0037] The container is illustrated with a cover having gaps and tactile ribs disposed on the outer wall of the container's body, and snap elements and ratchet ribs disposed on the inner wall of the ring element. However, the ring element may also be disposed on the inner wall of the cover, with corresponding snap elements disposed on the outer wall of the body. The elements of the tactile mechanism may also be selected based on the needs of the user, e.g., tactile ribs may be disposed on the inner wall of the cover, and interacting ratchet ribs may be disposed on the outer wall of the body, e.g., flush with, or above or below, the gaps in the ring element, but aligned with the snap elements in the release direction of the cover. The positions of the snap fastener elements and the tactile mechanism may be adapted accordingly.

[0038] Example data for Cover 11 is: Diameter: 35~85mm, e.g. 70, height: 4~35mm, e.g. 9mm.

[0039] Exemplary data for the lid 110 are: Diameter 30~70mm, e.g. 62; Height: 3.5~9mm.

[0040] Exemplary data for the body portion 10 are: Diameter: 30~80mm, e.g. 70, height: 10~35mm, e.g. 22mm.

[0041] Exemplary materials for the container 1 are polypropylene (PP), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and molded pulp.

[0042] 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 disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. Accordingly, in this context, the number A is understood as A ± 10%. Within this context, the number A may be considered to include a numerical value that is within the typical standard error for measurement of the property that the number A modifies. In some instances, as used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate by the percentages recited above, provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein.

[0043] A closure comprising a snap fastener is a simple and effective fastener for a container. The audible and tactile feedback of the snap fastener also indicates to visually and possibly hearing impaired users that the container is securely closed. Providing a snap fastener with one or more snap elements, but only one interrupted ring element, allows for the production of a container with a simple, secure, and space-saving fastener for the cover on the body portion.

[0044] Furthermore, the presence of a gap in the ring element that interacts with the snap element allows release of the snap fastener only at a specific rotational position of the cover and body portion. Thus, the cover and body portion must be specifically aligned to open the container. Advantageously, this structure may reduce the risk of inadvertent opening of the container. This may also help preserve one or more properties of the consumer product within the container.

[0045] Providing a tactile feature within the container is an intuitive and supportive means for indicating that the open position of the container has been reached or is approaching, and the cover may and can be removed from the main body portion of the container in that open position. The tactile feature also makes the container suitable for visually impaired or blind consumers, or for use at night or in low light conditions, such as in a bar or nightclub.

[0046] Tactile mechanisms are typically correlated with audible feedback. However, haptic feedback may be felt even when the acoustic feedback is barely audible or is too quiet for the user to hear (e.g., in noisy conditions). Thus, a hearing-impaired user may be intuitively guided to the open position of the container with a tactile mechanism provided on the container.

[0047] Haptic mechanisms comprising tactile elements, particularly in the form of ribs, are simple to manufacture and effective.

[0048] The tactile elements are disposed in the gaps so that when the tactile elements pass over a corresponding obstacle, or vice versa, they emit a tactile signal, e.g., a vibration, to indicate the location of the gap. For example, an obstacle, e.g., a separate element of the tactile mechanism, passes over the tactile element and emits a tactile signal, and preferably an acoustic signal.

[0049] The tactile mechanism typically creates a certain resistance when the cover and body portion rotate relative to one another when an obstacle passes through the tactile element. Humans are very sensitive to tactile effects, especially to changes in tactile experience, such as changes in resistance when an obstacle passes through the tactile element.

[0050] The tactile element may be precisely positioned at or near the gap so that the tactile, and possibly an acoustic signal emitted by an element passing through the tactile element, indicates that the snap element is aligned with or in proximity to the gap. The tactile element may, for example, be positioned flush with the edge of the ring element, which edge forms one end of the gap. The tactile element may be positioned so as to be displaced from the edge of the ring element, which edge forms one end of the gap. For example, the tactile element may be positioned within 0 to 5 millimeters of the edge of the gap, but may also be positioned outside the gap. Preferably, the tactile element is positioned 1 to 3 millimeters from the edge of the ring element.

[0051] The tactile element is preferably disposed at one end of the gap.

[0052] As mentioned above, the tactile elements are disposed above or below the snap elements when viewed in the cover removal direction. That is, the entire tactile element may be disposed above the snap elements when viewed in the cover removal direction. Alternatively, the entire tactile element may be disposed below the snap elements when viewed in the cover removal direction. Arranging the tactile elements above and below the snap elements in the snap state of the snap fastener, i.e., when the cover is attached to the body portion and attached, makes it possible to provide a tactile mechanism on the container independently of the fastening action of the snap fastener, which is also provided on the container. In particular, by arranging the tactile element on one side of the snap element or on the opposite side of the snap element, the snap element and the ring element may also be provided independently of the tactile mechanism, in particular the tactile and sound mechanism, when viewed in the cover removal direction. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the elements of the snap fastener and the tactile mechanism do not mechanically interact with each other. As will be outlined in more detail below, in some preferred embodiments, the snap elements may interact with additional elements of the container and contribute to the tactile mechanism of the container.

[0053] The tactile elements are preferably disposed above the snap elements and above the ring elements and thus above the snap fasteners.

[0054] The tactile element is preferably disposed above and adjacent to the ring element. The adjacent arrangement of the tactile element and the ring element allows for a compact arrangement of the safety and opening aid of the container closure and opening mechanism. The space-saving arrangement of these elements is particularly suitable for low-profile covers or, in general, for low-profile containers, such as cans.

[0055] When a tactile element is disposed below a snap element, the tactile element is preferably disposed below the snap element so as not to interfere with the rotational movement of the snap element, however, a tactile element disposed below a snap element is preferably disposed near the snap element in a space-saving manner.

[0056] The ring element with the gap is preferably an interrupted circular rib.

[0057] The snap element is preferably an elongated protrusion. The elongated protrusion is preferably in the form of a rib or a slide. Snap elements in the form of a rib or a slide are easy to manufacture. Typically, the snap element is formed as a slide that can conveniently slide along the ring element.

[0058] The length of the snap element is less than the width of the gap such that the snap element, when aligned with the gap, can pass through the gap and release the cover from the body portion in a snap direction such that contents within the body portion can be accessed, i.e., the snap element and gap can be aligned to allow the cover to be removed from the body portion in a release direction, the release direction being opposite to the snap direction of the cover.

[0059] In preferred embodiments of the container, the ring element is disposed on the body portion and the snap element is disposed on the cover. In these embodiments, the ring element may be, for example, a radially outwardly protruding rib disposed on an upper region of the body portion side wall, and the snap element may be a radially inwardly oriented protrusion on the cover side wall. In the snap state of the snap fastener, the snap element formed by the protrusion can be moved circumferentially in a rotational direction under and along the outwardly protruding rib forming the ring element.

[0060] In alternative embodiments of the container, the ring element is disposed on the cover and the snap element is disposed accordingly on the body portion. In such embodiments, the snap element may be, for example, a radially outwardly directed protrusion in the upper region of the body portion side wall, and the ring element may be a radially inwardly protruding rib on the cover side wall. In these embodiments, in the snap state of the snap fastener, the snap element formed by the protrusion of the body portion can be moved circumferentially in a rotational direction over and along the outwardly protruding rib forming the ring element, since the snap element is positioned above the ring element in these embodiments in the snap state of the snap fastener.

[0061] The cover may have a sidewall. The sidewall of the cover preferably carries the snap element. In other words, the snap element is preferably provided on the sidewall of the cover. The inner surface of the sidewall of the cover preferably carries the snap element. In other words, the snap element is preferably provided on the inner surface of the sidewall of the cover.

[0062] The tactile element may comprise a tactile rib that interacts with another element to generate a tactile sensation, preferably also acoustic or audible feedback. Preferably, the tactile rib interacts with another tactile rib or a ratchet rib. Preferably, the ratchet rib interacts with a group of tactile ribs.

[0063] The tactile rib may be an individual tactile rib or may be one of a group of tactile ribs. Thus, a tactile element may comprise a group of tactile ribs.

[0064] A group of tactile ribs may, for example, comprise 3 to 10 tactile ribs, and preferably comprises 5 to 8 tactile ribs.

[0065] In some embodiments of the present invention, the haptic mechanism comprises a ratchet rib that interacts with a haptic rib. In these embodiments, the ratchet rib and the haptic rib are therefore not disposed on the same portion of the container, but on different portions of the container. When the haptic rib is disposed on the body portion, the ratchet rib is preferably disposed on the cover, or vice versa, so that the ratchet rib and the haptic rib can interact when the cover and body portion are rotated relative to one another.

[0066] In embodiments of the container including interacting tactile ribs and ratchet ribs, the ratchet ribs and snap elements are preferably both disposed on the cover of the container, or alternatively both disposed on the body portion, where the ratchet ribs and snap elements are aligned such that, upon opening the container, a tactile, and preferably also an acoustic, effect is generated when the ratchet rib passes the tactile rib, and the snap elements are positioned or positioned in the released state of the snap fastener when the ratchet rib and tactile rib interact and tactile feedback is generated.

[0067] By disposing the ratchet rib and snap element on the same portion of the container, it is possible to dispose the ring element along with the gap and tactile element on the corresponding other portion of the container.

[0068] The ratchet ribs are preferably adapted to interact with a group of tactile ribs.

[0069] The elements of the tactile mechanism, in particular the tactile elements, may be arranged above or below the snap elements, in particular above or below the snap fastener, when viewed in a snapped state of the snap fastener in which the cover is inseparable from the main body part. Thus, the tactile elements may also be arranged above the ring element of the snap fastener. In a preferred embodiment of the container, the tactile elements are arranged on one side of the ring element opposite the snap elements, and therefore above the ring element, when the snap fastener is in a snapped state in which the cover is inseparable from the main body part.

[0070] The container may be provided with two or more tactile elements, in particular two groups of tactile ribs. Preferably, each of the two groups of tactile ribs is disposed at opposite ends of the gap. This provides a tactile mechanism regardless of whether the container is opened or placed in an openable position by rotating the cover clockwise or counterclockwise. Two ratchet ribs may be provided on another part of the container to interact with the two groups of tactile ribs. In an alternative variation, two ratchet ribs are disposed on both ends of the gap. Thus, two tactile ribs or two groups of tactile ribs may be provided on the other part of the container to interact with the two ratchet ribs.

[0071] The container may include a surmountable end stop configured to interact with the snap element such that the snap element passes through the surmountable end stop and the snap fastener transitions from a snapped state in which the cover is not removable from the main body portion to a released state of the snap fastener in which the cover is removable from the main body portion.

[0072] A surmountable end stop is preferably provided at one end of the gap and is disposed below the ring element. In the snapped state of the snap fastener, the snap element and the surmountable end stop are disposed at substantially the same circumferential height of the container. In these embodiments, both the snap element and the surmountable end stop are disposed below the ring element in the snapped state of the snap fastener.

[0073] The overcomeable end stop prevents further rotation of the cover and body portion relative to one another, but does not prevent release of the snap fastener. Release of the snap fastener can be achieved by overcoming the overcomeable end stop. In particular, the overcomeable end stop can be overcome by applying a release rotational force between the cover and body portion. Advantageously, such a configuration can secure closure of the container and prevent accidental opening of the container. By providing a overcomeable end stop, the child-resistance of the container can be further improved. A user who is unable to apply sufficient release rotational force will be unable to overcome the overcomeable end stop and therefore unable to place the snap fastener in its release position.

[0074] In some embodiments of the container, the tactile mechanism comprises a ratchet rib that interacts with at least the tactile rib, and the container further comprises a surmountable end stop configured to interact with the snap element as described above. Thus, tactile feedback, and preferably audible feedback, is generated for the user; apart from the resistance due to the interaction of the ratchet rib with the at least one tactile rib, the surmountable end stop also provides a tactile and acoustic effect by imposing an additional resistance that must be overcome by the snap element. Overcoming the surmountable end stop indicates that the released state of the snap fastener and the open position of the corresponding container have been reached.

[0075] The surmountable end stops may be formed by, for example, ribs, beads or wedge-shaped protrusions.

[0076] In some embodiments of the container, the tactile element is disposed on one side of the ring element, e.g., above the ring element, and the surmountable end stop is disposed on the opposite side of the ring element, e.g., below the ring element. With the aid of a releasable rotational force, the snap element overcomes the surmountable end stop and brings the snap fastener into its released state, thereby preferably generating tactile and audible feedback to the user. Thus, the surmountable end stop may be part of the tactile mechanism, which may also be audible.

[0077] In some embodiments of the invention, the container may comprise two surmountable end stops, each surmountable end stop disposed at opposite ends of the gap. The two surmountable end stops may be formed identically or differently.

[0078] Overcomeable end stops disposed at either end of the gap can prevent clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the cover and body portion when the snap element approaches the gap. However, in either direction of rotation, the overcomeable end stops can be overcome by providing the necessary release rotational force. The snap element can then pass through the overcomeable end stops at either end of the gap and be guided into the gap, thereby entering the released state of the snap fastener.

[0079] Generally, snap fasteners are snapped into a snap state by moving the cover and the container relative to each other in a linear snap direction. The snap elements snapped onto the ring element in the snap state usually do not allow the snap fastener to be released in the opposite snap direction of the snap fastener. However, mutual rotation of both the cover and the body part in a rotational direction, and thus mutual rotation in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction, is generally permitted when the snap fastener is in the snap state. Therefore, opening the container may generally be achieved by rotating the cover on the body part clockwise or counterclockwise until the release state of the snap fastener is reached, thereby opening the container. The cover may then be removed from the body part by a simple lifting action in the release direction of the cover.

[0080] It may be preferable to only allow rotation of the cover in one rotational direction, or to only allow rotation of the cover in one rotational direction to place the container in the open position.

[0081] Thus, the rotational direction of the cover and body portion relative to one another may be either clockwise or counterclockwise. The restriction of the rotational movement of the cover and body portion relative to one another is preferably achieved by restricting or preventing rotation of snap elements.

[0082] The container preferably comprises end stops for the snap elements, which allow the cover and body parts to be rotated relative to one another in only one direction in the snapped state of the snap fastener, which may also include some rotation in the opposite direction, but which does not result in the snap fastener reaching the released state.

[0083] The container preferably includes an end stop for a snap element that prevents counterclockwise rotation of the cover on the body portion. Containers, particularly bottles, jars, or cans, are generally openable by unscrewing a cover or cap from the bottle, jar, or can, or can only be rotated in a counterclockwise direction, and clockwise rotation of the cover may further enhance the security level of the container against unauthorized individuals.

[0084] It is preferred that any kind of end stop is provided in the container to interact with the snap elements of the snap fastener, so that the snap elements and the surmountable end stop or end stops are arranged at the same or substantially the same circumferential height of the container in the snapped state of the snap fastener and are therefore located on the same circumference of the container.

[0085] The container may include two or more gaps in the ring element and two or more snap elements.

[0086] Although there can be essentially any number of gaps in the ring element and the corresponding snap element, it is preferred to have two or more gaps and two or more snap elements. In particular, with two, three or four gaps and snap elements, the rotational movement of the cover until the release position of the snap fastener is reached can be limited to less than one rotation, preferably less than half a rotation. Furthermore, with two or more snap elements, a symmetrical container, in particular a symmetrical snap fastener, can be provided, in which the closing and opening forces can be evenly distributed around the circumference of the container.

[0087] Preferably, the two or more gaps and snap elements are regularly spaced at equal distances along the circumference of the container.

[0088] The container may have more gaps than snap elements, or an equal number of gaps and snap elements.

[0089] Preferably, the container includes an equal number of gaps in the ring elements and snap elements.

[0090] To protect the contents of the container from environmental influences, the container may be hermetically closeable, the hermetic state of the container being preferably achieved when the snap fasteners are snapped into a snap state.

[0091] Preferably, the product within the container is protected from environmental effects that may degrade the product stored within the container. However, certain permeabilities of the container, particularly the seal between the cover and body portion, can be beneficial to the shelf life of the product.

[0092] The body portion and the rim portion of the cover are preferably arranged in a sealed manner in the closed state of the container, in particular in the snap state of the snap fastener.

[0093] The inner wall of the cover may, for example, be provided with a circumferentially extending sealing shoulder against which the outer rim portion of the body portion abuts in the closed state of the container, particularly in the snap state of the snap fastener.

[0094] The cover may comprise a pressing element for pressing the rim portion of the body portion against the cover in the closed state of the container, particularly in the snap state of the snap fastener. In particular, the pressing element may press the rim portion of the body portion against the circumferentially extending sealing shoulder. The pressing element may ensure the correct positioning of the cover on the body portion. They may fix the rim of the body portion in an abutting position when the container is closed. Furthermore, the pressing element and the sealing shoulder may provide a certain clamping of the rim of the body portion within the cover. Thus, even when the snap fastener is in the released state, a certain resistance acts on the cover, which may prevent the cover from becoming completely loose on the body portion. Therefore, the cover may be prevented from falling off easily.

[0095] It has been found that a sufficient sealing effect is obtained with only a few push elements.Preferably, the cover comprises a regular circumferential arrangement of push elements.

[0096] For example, 2 to 8 push elements are circumferentially arranged along the inside upper side of the cover, with 3 to 6 push elements, e.g., 4 push elements, being more preferred. The number of push elements in the above range has been shown to provide an optimally balanced sealing effect.

[0097] The push element may for example have a circumferential extension of 5 to 50 mm, preferably 5 to 30 mm, more preferably 10 to 20 mm. The push element may for example have substantially the same circumferential extension as the snap element.

[0098] It has been found that by clamping the rim portion of the body portion between several pushing elements and a circumferentially extending sealing shoulder of the cover, i.e. by clamping at discrete points only along the periphery of the cover, the tightness of the seal of the container can be designed according to the characteristics of the product to be stored in the container.

[0099] For example, a complete circumferential sealing rib in the cover generally leads to a desirable complete airtight seal of the container.

[0100] Providing a plurality of individual push elements, preferably regularly arranged along the periphery of the cover, can provide a perfect or nearly perfect airtight seal. Several individual push elements can provide an optimally balanced sealing effect. Thus, the items in the container can be protected from environmental influences, such as excessive humidity or dryness, by avoiding excessive air movement into or out of the container. Meanwhile, several push elements still allow certain gases to penetrate into and out of the container, for example, enhancing flavor retention in the product and preventing deterioration of the item. This can be particularly applicable to high-moisture products, such as oral consumable items.

[0101] Within the container, the body portion forms a first compartment for containing unused consumer product.

[0102] In some embodiments of the present invention, the container may comprise a preferably separate second compartment. The second compartment may advantageously be used for one or more of storing used articles, storing consumer goods of a different type than those stored in the first compartment, and storing one or more accessories for use with the consumer goods stored in the first compartment, such as, for example, a tool for picking up the consumer goods from the container. Depending on the products stored in the container, these products, such as, for example, used nicotine-containing products, may need to be properly disposed of after use. For intermediate or final disposal, the used products may be reinserted into the container, in particular into a second, preferably separate, compartment. The second compartment may, for example, be a waste compartment.

[0103] The second compartment is preferably disposed within the cover of the container.

[0104] The cover may comprise a lid, and the second compartment may be accessible by opening the lid.

[0105] The lid may be permanently attached to the cover, or the lid may be removable from the cover.

[0106] The lid preferably forms part of the top wall of the cover.

[0107] The container may be provided with an indicator to indicate the release position of the snap fastener. The indicator may be embodied, for example, as an optical indicator or as a tactile indicator.

[0108] Corresponding indicator elements may be disposed on the cover and body portion.

[0109] The indicator elements are preferably arranged such that the indicator elements on the cover and the indicator elements on the body portion are aligned in the released state of the snap fastener, so that the indicators simply guide the user on how to open the container.

[0110] Preferably the indicator is an optical indicator.

[0111] The indicator is preferably a tactile indicator.

[0112] The indicator may be a combination of optical and tactile indicators.

[0113] The indicator may comprise a gripping element to facilitate gripping of the container. For example, the indicator may be embodied as a structure on the cover, or on the body portion, or on both the cover and the body portion.

[0114] Preferably, the same number of indicator elements are disposed on the cover as there are gaps provided in the ring element, whereby each and every released position of the snap fastener and each and every open position of the container is indicated by an indicator element and is visible or otherwise recognizable by a user of the container.

[0115] Containers according to the present invention may essentially comprise or be made of any material suitable for the desired product to be stored therein, for example the container may comprise or be made of a plastic material, a cellulosic material, or a metal.

[0116] The container preferably comprises polypropylene (PP), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), molded pulp, cardboard, or metal.

[0117] The container is preferably made of polypropylene (PP), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), molded pulp, cardboard or metal.

[0118] The height of the container is preferably less than the diameter of the container.

[0119] The diameter of the container may be, for example, 3 to 10 times the height of the container, and preferably 5 to 8 times the height of the container.

[0120] The container is preferably a can.

[0121] Although the container is suitable for containing essentially any solid product, it is preferred that the container contains products from the food industry, tobacco industry, pharmaceutical industry or cosmetics industry.

[0122] The container preferably contains a nicotine-containing oral product, such as an oral pouch. The nicotine-containing oral product may include tobacco. The nicotine-containing product may be tobacco-free or may not contain tobacco. The nicotine-containing product may include a carrier material that carries the nicotine.

[0123] The container according to the invention may be realized in various variants. For example, the container may comprise a snap fastener and a tactile mechanism comprising a tactile rib or tactile ribs that interact with ratchet ribs. In such a container, the surmountable end stop or end stops may be omitted.

[0124] The container may include a snap fastener and a tactile mechanism including a tactile rib or groups of tactile ribs that interact with the ratchet ribs, as well as a surmountable end stop disposed at one end of a gap in a ring element of the snap fastener.

[0125] The container may comprise a snap fastener, a tactile mechanism comprising a tactile rib or groups of tactile ribs that interact with the ratchet ribs, and two surmountable end stops provided at opposite ends of a gap in the ring element of the snap fastener.

[0126] The container may include a tactile mechanism that includes a snap fastener, a tactile rib or ribs that interact with the ratchet ribs, and end stops. Such a container can be opened by rotating the cover in only one rotational direction.

[0127] The container may comprise a snap fastener and a tactile mechanism comprising a tactile rib or groups of tactile ribs that interact with the ratchet ribs, as well as end stops and surmountable end stops provided at opposite ends of a gap in a ring element of the snap fastener.

[0128] The container may comprise a snap fastener and a tactile mechanism comprising two tactile ribs or two groups of tactile ribs disposed at opposite ends of a gap in the ring element that interact with two ratchet ribs. Such a container may additionally be provided with one or two surmountable end stops, either having only one end stop or having a surmountable end stop and an end stop disposed at opposite ends of a gap in the ring element. Such a container is preferably provided with one or two ratchet ribs that interact with one or two groups of tactile ribs.

[0129] If several gaps are provided in the ring element, each gap may be provided with one or two tactile elements and one or two jumpable end stops, or one end stop, or one end stop and one jumpable end stop.

[0130] Further combinations of the above-mentioned container elements may be made, in particular combinations of snap fastener elements, tactile mechanism elements, and both types of end stops. In particular, containers with two or more snap elements and containers having ring elements with two or more gaps may also be foreseen with tactile mechanisms, with or without any type of end stop. For example, snap elements and ring sections formed by two or more gaps may be arranged partly on the body portion and partly on the cover.

[0131] 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 any other example, embodiment, or aspect described herein. [Example]

[0132] Example 1: A container comprising a body portion and a cover, the container comprises a snap fastener for the body portion and the cover, the snap fastener comprising a ring element including a gap and a snap element interacting with the ring element; The container further comprises a tactile mechanism that indicates a release state of the snap fastener in which the cover is removable from the main body portion, the tactile mechanism comprising a tactile rib disposed in the gap, and when the snap fastener is in a snapped state in which the cover cannot be removed from the main body portion, the tactile element is disposed above or below the snap element when viewed in the direction of removal of the cover. Example 2: The container of example 1, wherein the ring element is an interrupted circular rib. Example 3: 3. The container of any one of Examples 1-2, wherein the snap element is an elongated protrusion. Example 4: 4. The container of example 3, wherein the elongate protrusion is in the form of a rib or slide. Example 5: The container of any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the ring element is disposed on the body portion and the snap element is disposed on the cover. Example 6: The container of example 5, wherein the ring element is a radially outwardly protruding rib disposed on an upper region of the body portion sidewall, and the snap element is a radially inwardly directed protrusion on the cover sidewall. Example 7: The container of any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the ring element is disposed on the cover and the snap element is disposed on the body portion. Example 8: 8. The container of example 7, wherein the snap element is a radially outwardly directed protrusion on an upper region of the body portion sidewall and the ring element is a radially inwardly protruding rib on the cover sidewall. Example 9: The container of any one of Examples 1-8, wherein the tactile elements comprise tactile ribs. Example 10: The container of example 9, wherein the tactile element comprises a group of tactile ribs. Example 11: The container of example 10, wherein the group of tactile ribs comprises three to ten tactile ribs. Example 12: 12. The container of any one of Examples 10-11, wherein the group of tactile ribs comprises five to eight tactile ribs. Example 13: 13. The container of any one of examples 1-12, wherein the tactile feature comprises a ratchet rib that interacts with the tactile rib. Example 14: 14. The container of example 13, wherein the ratchet rib and the haptic rib are disposed on different portions of the container. Example 15: The container of Examples 9-14, wherein the ratchet rib and the snap element are both disposed on the body portion or both disposed on the cover of the container. Example 16: 16. A container according to any one of Examples 10 to 15, wherein the ratchet ribs are adapted to interact with a group of haptic ribs. Example 17: A container described in any one of Examples 1 to 16, wherein the tactile element is disposed on one side of the ring element opposite the snap element when the snap fastener is in a snapped state in which the cover cannot be removed from the main body portion. Example 18: A container described in any one of Examples 1 to 17, further comprising a surmountable end stop configured to interact with the snap element, such that the snap element passes over the surmountable end stop and the snap fastener changes from a snap state in which the cover cannot be removed from the main body portion to an open state. Example 19: 19. The container of example 18, wherein the surmountable end stop can be overcome by applying a release rotational force between the cover and the body portion. Example 20: 20. The container of any one of examples 18-19, wherein the container comprises two surmountable end stops, each surmountable end stop disposed at an opposite end of the gap. Example 21: 21. The container of any one of Examples 18-20, wherein the tactile element is disposed on one side of the ring element and the surmountable end stop is disposed on the opposite side of the ring element. Example 22: 22. The container of any one of Examples 1-21, comprising two tactile elements, each tactile element disposed on an opposite end of a gap. Example 23: A container according to any one of Examples 1 to 22, having end stops for the snap elements, allowing the cover and body portion to rotate relative to each other in only one direction when the snap fastener is in the snapped state. Example 24: 24. The container of any one of Examples 1-23, comprising two or more gaps in the ring element and two or more snap elements. Example 25: 25. The container of example 24, comprising an equal number of gaps in the ring element and the snap element. Example 26: 26. The container of any one of Examples 24-25, wherein the two or more gaps and the two or more snap elements are regularly arranged along the circumference of the container. Example 27: Container according to any one of Examples 1 to 26, wherein the body portion and the rim portion of the cover are arranged in a sealed manner in the closed state of the container, in particular in the snap state of the snap fastener. Example 28: 28. The container of Example 27, wherein the inner wall of the cover comprises a circumferentially extending sealing shoulder that abuts the outer rim portion of the body portion in a closed state of the container, particularly in a snapped state of the snap fastener. Example 29: Container according to any one of examples 27 to 28, wherein the cover comprises a pressing element for pressing the rim portion of the body portion against the cover in the closed state of the container, in particular in the snap state of the snap fastener. Example 30: 30. The container of any one of Examples 1 to 29, comprising a second compartment. Example 31: 31. The container of example 30, wherein the second compartment is disposed within the cover. Example 32: 32. The container of any one of Examples 30-31, wherein the cover comprises a lid and the second compartment is accessible by opening the lid. Example 33: 33. The container of example 32, wherein the lid is permanently attached to the cover. Example 34: 33. The container of example 32, wherein the lid is removable from the cover. Example 35: 35. The container of any one of Examples 32-34, wherein the lid forms part of the upper wall of the cover. Example 36: The container according to any one of Examples 1 to 35, which is provided with an indicator that shows the release position of the snap fastener. Example 37: 37. The container of example 36, wherein the indicator element is disposed on the cover and body portion. Example 38: 38. The container of example 37, wherein the indicator element of the cover and the indicator element of the body portion are aligned in the released state of the snap fastener. Example 39: The container of any one of Examples 36 to 38, wherein the indicator is an optical indicator. Example 40: 40. The container of any one of Examples 36 to 39, wherein the indicator is a tactile indicator. Example 41: The container of any one of Examples 36-40, wherein the indicator comprises a gripping element to facilitate gripping of the container. Example 42: 42. The container of any one of Examples 36-41, wherein the number of indicator elements disposed on the cover corresponds to the number of gaps provided in the ring element. Example 43: 43. The container of any one of Examples 1-42, comprising or made of a plastic material, a cellulosic material, or a metal. Example 44: The container of example 43, comprising polypropylene (PP), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), molded pulp, cardboard, or metal. Example 45: 45. The container of any one of Examples 43-44, made of polypropylene (PP), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), molded pulp, cardboard, or metal. Example 46: The container of any one of Examples 1 to 45, wherein the height of the container is less than the diameter of the container. Example 47: The container according to any one of Examples 1 to 46, wherein the diameter is 3 to 10 times the height of the container. Example 48: The container of Example 47, wherein the diameter is 5 to 8 times the height of the container. Example 49: The container of any one of Examples 1 to 48, which is a can. Example 50: A container according to any one of Examples 1 to 49 containing a nicotine-containing oral product. Example 51: The container of Example 50, wherein the nicotine-containing oral product is an oral pouch. Example 52: 52. The container of any one of Examples 50-51, wherein the nicotine-containing oral product comprises tobacco. Example 53: 52. The container of any one of Examples 50-51, wherein the nicotine-containing oral product does not contain tobacco.

Claims

1. A container comprising a body portion for storing consumer goods and a cover for covering the body portion, the container comprises a snap fastener for the body portion and the cover, the snap fastener comprising a ring element including a gap and a snap element interacting with the ring element; The container further comprises a tactile mechanism that indicates an open state of the snap fastener, in which the cover is removable from the main body portion, the tactile mechanism comprising a tactile element disposed in the gap, and when the snap fastener is in a snapped state in which the cover cannot be removed from the main body portion, the tactile element is disposed above or below the snap element when viewed in the direction of removal of the cover.

2. 10. The container of claim 1, wherein the ring element is an interrupted circular rib.

3. 3. The container according to claim 1, wherein the snap element is an elongated protrusion.

4. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ring element is disposed on the body portion and the snap element is disposed on the cover.

5. The container of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the tactile elements comprise tactile ribs.

6. The container of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the tactile mechanism comprises a ratchet rib that interacts with the tactile element.

7. 7. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the tactile element is disposed on one side of the ring element opposite the snap element when the snap fastener is in the snapped state.

8. 8. A container according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a surmountable end stop configured to interact with the snap element, whereby the snap element passes over the surmountable end stop and the snap fastener moves from the snapped state to the released state.

9. 9. The container of any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising two tactile elements, each tactile element disposed at opposite ends of the gap.

10. 10. A container according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising end stops for the snap elements, which allow the cover and the body portion to rotate relative to each other in only one direction in the snapped state of the snap fastener.

11. Container according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the inner wall of the cover comprises a circumferentially extending sealing shoulder which abuts against an outer rim portion of the body portion in the closed state of the container, in particular in the snap state of the snap fastener.

12. Container according to claim 11, wherein the cover comprises a pressing element for pressing the rim portion of the body portion against the cover in the closed state of the container, in particular in the snap state of the snap fastener.

13. A container according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising a second compartment.

14. Container according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising an indicator that shows the release position of the snap fastener.

15. 15. The container of claim 14, wherein the indicator is an optical indicator.

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