Method and apparatus for confirming rotational position

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining the rotational position of a cover (11) of a container (1), particularly a cover (11) of a container (1) having a fixed closure, relative to the main body (10) of the container (1). The method includes a) using a rotating device to rotate the cover relative to the main body and measuring the torque directly or indirectly until a torque corresponding to a predetermined rotational position is determined; and b) thereafter using the rotating device to rotate the cover relative to the main body by a selectable rotational angle. The apparatus comprises a rotating device and a torque measuring device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining the rotational position of a container, particularly a container cover equipped with a safety closure mechanism, relative to the container body. The container comprises a body and a cover. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of consumer products intended for authorized users, it is common practice to incorporate safety features into product packaging to prevent tampering. For example, hazardous liquids are bottled in bottles with safety closure mechanisms that are difficult even for adults to open. Such closure mechanisms are not suitable for consumer products that need to be easily accessible to authorized users. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0003] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a container that is easy and intuitive for authorized users to open, while also having a safety closure mechanism to prevent unauthorized opening. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] According to the present invention, a method and apparatus for confirming the rotational position of a container cover relative to the container body are provided.

[0005] In a preferred embodiment of the container, the container comprises a main body and a snap fastener for a cover. The snap fastener comprises a ring element having a gap and a snap element that interacts with the ring element.

[0006] The container may further include a tactile mechanism to indicate the open state of the snap fastener (a state in which the cover is removable from the main body and the container is accordingly open). The tactile mechanism includes a tactile element positioned in the gap, for example, flush with the gap, adjacent to the gap, or near the gap. When the snap fastener is in the snap-fastened state (a state in which the cover is not removable from the main body), the tactile element is positioned above or below the snap element with respect to the direction of cover removal.

[0007] Closures with snap fasteners are simple and effective closures for containers. The audible and tactile feedback of snap fasteners also indicates to users with visual and, in some cases, hearing impairments that the container is securely closed. By providing snap fasteners with one or more snap elements and just one interrupted ring element, it is possible to manufacture containers with simple, secure, and space-saving fasteners on the body cover.

[0008] Furthermore, by creating a gap between the snap element and the ring element that interacts with it, the snap fastener can be released only at specific rotational positions of the cover and body. Therefore, to open the container, the cover and body must be positioned in a specific alignment. This configuration has the advantage of reducing the risk of the container being opened accidentally. It also helps to maintain one or more characteristics of the consumer product inside the container.

[0009] Equipping a container with tactile mechanisms provides an intuitive indication and support that the container has reached or is about to reach an open position, and that the cover may or can be removed from the container body at that position. The inclusion of tactile mechanisms makes the container suitable for visually impaired or blind consumers, and also for use in dark places such as at night, in bars, or nightclubs.

[0010] Tactile mechanisms are typically correlated with audible feedback. However, even when acoustic feedback is barely audible or inaudible, or when the volume is too low to be heard by the user in noisy environments, tactile feedback can still be perceived tactilely. Therefore, even people with hearing impairments can intuitively grasp the open position of a container by incorporating a tactile mechanism into the container.

[0011] Tactile mechanisms, especially those with rib-shaped tactile elements, are easy to manufacture and effective.

[0012] The tactile elements are positioned in gaps so that as soon as the tactile elements pass over a corresponding obstacle, they indicate the location of the gap (and vice versa), generating a tactile signal, such as vibration. For example, when an obstacle, such as another element of the tactile mechanism, passes over the tactile elements, a tactile signal is generated, and preferably an acoustic signal as well.

[0013] In tactile mechanisms, a certain amount of resistance is typically generated when the cover and main body rotate relative to each other as an obstacle passes over the tactile element. Humans are highly sensitive to tactile effects, particularly changes in tactile experience, such as changes in resistance as an obstacle passes over the tactile element.

[0014] The tactile element can be positioned exactly in front of the gap, or very close to it, so that tactile signals, and possibly acoustic signals, emitted from the element passing through the tactile element also indicate that the snap element is aligned with or near the gap. The tactile element may be positioned, for example, flush with the end of a ring element forming one end of the gap. The tactile element may be positioned to be displaced at the end of a ring element forming one end of the gap. For example, the tactile element may be positioned outside the gap, but within 0 to 5 millimeters of the end of the gap. Preferably, the tactile element is positioned at a distance of 1 to 3 millimeters from the end of the ring element.

[0015] Preferably, the tactile element is positioned at one end of the gap.

[0016] In the state where the snap fastener is snapped, that is, in the state where the cover is mounted and attached to the main body portion, by arranging the tactile element above or below the snap element, a tactile mechanism can be provided for the container independently of the fastening operation of the snap fastener provided on the container. In particular, with respect to the removal direction of the cover, by arranging the tactile element on one side or the opposite side of the snap element, the snap element and the ring element are provided independently of the tactile mechanism, particularly the tactile mechanism and the acoustic mechanism. In a preferred embodiment of the container, the elements of the snap fastener and the elements of the tactile mechanism do not mechanically interact with each other. As will be described in more detail below, in a preferred embodiment of the container, the snap element may interact with other elements of the container and contribute to the tactile mechanism of the container.

[0017] Preferably, the tactile element is arranged above the snap element and above the ring element, that is, above the snap fastener.

[0018] Preferably, the tactile element is arranged adjacent to and above the ring element. By arranging the tactile element and the ring element adjacent to each other, the safety device and the opening assistance device of the closing / opening mechanism of the container can be arranged compactly. Arranging these elements in a space-saving manner is particularly suitable for covers with a low height, or generally containers with a low height, such as cans.

[0019] When the tactile element is arranged below the snap element, the tactile element is preferably arranged below the snap element so as not to interfere with the rotational movement of the snap element. However, preferably, the tactile element arranged below the snap element is arranged close to the snap element for space-saving.

[0020] Preferably, the ring element having a gap is an intermittent circular rib.

[0021] Preferably, the snap element is an elongated projection. Preferably, the elongated projection is in the shape of a rib or slide. Snap elements in the shape of a rib or slide are easy to manufacture. Generally, the snap element is formed as a slide that can easily slide along the ring element.

[0022] Because the length of the snap element is smaller than the width of the gap, when the snap element is aligned with the gap, it passes through the gap, allowing the cover to be released from the main body in the opposite direction to the snapping direction, and the contents of the main body to be accessed. In other words, the alignment of the snap element with the gap allows the cover to be removed from the main body in the release direction opposite to the snapping direction of the cover.

[0023] In preferred container embodiments, the ring element is located on the main body and the snap element is located on the cover. In these container embodiments, the ring element may be, for example, a radially outward projecting rib located in the upper region of the side wall of the main body, and the snap element may be a radially inward-facing projection on the side wall of the cover. When the snap fastener is snapped, the snap element formed by the projection can move circumferentially in the rotational direction below and along the outwardly projecting rib that forms the ring element.

[0024] In alternative container embodiments, the ring element is located on the cover and the snap element is located on the main body. In such container embodiments, the snap element may be, for example, a projection projecting radially outward in the upper region of the side wall of the main body, and the ring element may be a rib projecting radially inward on the side wall of the cover. In these container embodiments, when the snap fastener is snapped, the snap element formed by the projection of the main body can move circumferentially in a rotational direction above and along the outwardly projecting rib that forms the ring element. This is because, in these container embodiments, when the snap fastener is snapped, the snap element is located above the ring element.

[0025] The tactile element may include tactile ribs. The tactile element interacts with other elements to generate tactile feedback, and preferably also generates acoustic or audible feedback. Preferably, the tactile ribs interact with other tactile ribs or ratchet ribs. The ratchet ribs preferably interact with a group of tactile ribs.

[0026] A tactile rib may be an individual tactile rib, or it may be one of a group of tactile ribs. Therefore, a tactile element may comprise a group of tactile ribs.

[0027] The group of tactile ribs may include, for example, 3 to 10 tactile ribs. Preferably, the group of tactile ribs may include 5 to 8 tactile ribs.

[0028] In some embodiments of the container, the tactile mechanism comprises ratchet ribs that interact with tactile ribs. In these embodiments of the container, the ratchet ribs and tactile ribs are located in different parts of the container, rather than the same part. Preferably, if the tactile ribs are located in the main body, the ratchet ribs are located in the cover (and vice versa), so that the ratchet ribs and tactile ribs interact when the cover and the main body are rotated relative to each other.

[0029] In embodiments of a container equipped with interacting tactile ribs and ratchet ribs, the ratchet ribs and snap elements are preferably both located on the cover of the container, or alternatively, both located on the body. In this case, the ratchet ribs and snap elements are aligned in a line, and when the container is opened, a tactile effect, preferably an acoustic effect, is generated as the ratchet ribs pass over the tactile ribs, and the snap elements are positioned or positioned in the open state of the snap fastener when tactile feedback is generated from the interacting ratchet ribs and tactile ribs.

[0030] By placing the ratchet ribs and snap elements in the same part of the container, the ring elements can be placed with gaps, and the tactile elements can be placed in corresponding other parts of the container.

[0031] Preferably, the ratchet rib is configured to interact with a group of tactile ribs.

[0032] The elements of the tactile mechanism, particularly the tactile elements, can be positioned above or below the snap element, especially above or below the snap fastener, when viewed in the snapped state of the snap fastener, which prevents the cover from being removed from the main body. Thus, the tactile elements can also be positioned above the ring element of the snap fastener. In a preferred container embodiment, when the snap fastener is in the snapped state and the cover cannot be removed from the main body, the tactile elements are positioned on one side of the ring element opposite to the snap element, and therefore above the ring element.

[0033] The container may be provided with two or more tactile elements, particularly two sets of tactile ribs. Preferably, each of the two sets of tactile ribs is positioned at the end opposite the gap. This provides a tactile mechanism whether the cover is rotated clockwise to open or to open the container, or counterclockwise to open or to open the container. Another part of the container may be provided with two ratchet ribs that interact with the two sets of tactile ribs. In another variation, the two ratchet ribs are positioned at the end opposite the gap. Accordingly, another part of the container may be provided with two tactile ribs or two sets of tactile ribs that interact with the two ratchet ribs.

[0034] The container may have a climbable end stop configured to interact with the snap element. This allows the snap element to climb over the climbable end stop, thereby allowing the snap fastener to transition from a snapped state where the cover cannot be removed from the body to a released state where the cover can be removed from the body.

[0035] Preferably, the climb-over end stop is provided at one end of the gap and positioned below the ring element. When the snap fastener is snapped, the snap element and the climb-over end stop are positioned substantially at the same level as the circumferential height of the container. In these embodiments of the container, when the snap fastener is snapped, both the snap element and the climb-over end stop are positioned below the ring element.

[0036] The climbable end stop acts as an obstacle preventing further mutual rotation between the cover and the body, hindering but not making it impossible to release the snap fastener. The release of the snap fastener can be achieved by overcoming the climbable end stop. Specifically, the climbable end stop can be overcome by applying a release rotational force between the cover and the body. Advantageously, such a configuration ensures the container is securely closed and prevents accidental opening. The presence of a climbable end stop further enhances the child safety of the container. A user who does not possess sufficient force to provide a release rotational force will not be able to overcome the climbable end stop and, therefore, will not be able to release the snap fastener.

[0037] In some embodiments of the container, the tactile mechanism comprises a ratchet rib that interacts with at least one tactile rib, and the container further comprises a climbable end stop configured to interact with the snap element as described above. Thus, apart from the resistance produced by the interaction between the ratchet rib and at least one tactile rib (which also generates tactile feedback to the user, preferably acoustic feedback), the climbable end stop also provides tactile and acoustic effects by imposing additional resistance that the snap element must overcome. Overcoming the climbable end stop indicates that the conditions for releasing the snap fastener and the corresponding opening position of the container have been reached.

[0038] The traversable end stop can be formed, for example, by a rib, bead, or wedge-shaped projection.

[0039] In some container embodiments, a tactile element is positioned on one side of the ring element, for example, above the ring element, and a climbable endstop is positioned on the opposite side of the ring element, for example, below the ring element. With the help of a releaseable force, the snap element climbs over the climbable endstop, leading the snap fastener into a released state, thereby preferably generating tactile and audible feedback for the user. Thus, the climbable endstop may also be part of a tactile mechanism that also provides audible feedback.

[0040] In some embodiments of the container, the container has two climbable end stops, each climbable end stop located at the end opposite the gap. The two climbable end stops may be formed identically or differently.

[0041] A climbable end stop positioned at either end of the gap can prevent the cover and body from rotating clockwise and counterclockwise as the snap element approaches the gap. However, in either direction of rotation, the climbable end stop can be overcome by applying the necessary release rotational force. The snap element can pass through the climbable end stop at either end of the gap, be guided into the gap, and thereby reach the released state of the snap fastener.

[0042] Generally, snap fasteners snap together by pressing the cover and container against each other in a linear snapping direction. In the snapped state, the ring element and the snapped snap element generally do not allow the snap fastener to be released in the opposite snapping direction. However, when the snap fastener is snapped, rotation of both the cover and the body in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions is generally permitted. Therefore, opening the container is generally achieved by rotating the cover clockwise or counterclockwise relative to the body until the snap fastener is released, thereby bringing the container into the open position. The cover can be removed from the body simply by lifting it in the release direction.

[0043] It may be preferable to allow the cover to rotate in only one direction, or to open the container by rotating the cover in only one direction.

[0044] Therefore, the relative rotation direction of the cover and the main body can be either clockwise or counterclockwise. Restriction of the relative rotational movement of the cover and the main body is preferably achieved by restricting or prohibiting the rotation of the snap element.

[0045] Preferably, the container is provided with an end stop for the snap element that allows the cover and the body to rotate relative to each other in only one direction when the snap fastener is snapped in place. Allowing rotation relative to each other in only one direction includes a certain amount of rotation in the opposite direction, but the rotation in the opposite direction should not be such that it causes the snap fastener to release.

[0046] Preferably, the container is provided with end stops for the snap element that prevent the cover from rotating counterclockwise on the main body. Since containers in general, especially bottles, jars, or cans, can be opened by turning the cover or cap counterclockwise from the bottle, jar, or can, the level of security of the container against unauthorized persons can be further enhanced by allowing the cover to rotate only clockwise. Preferably, the container is provided with all kinds of end stops that interact with the snap element of the snap fastener, so that when the snap fastener is snapped, the snap element and the overridable end stop or end stop are positioned at the same or substantially the same height in the circumferential direction of the container and thus located on the same circumference of the container.

[0047] The container may have two or more gaps in the ring element and two or more snap elements.

[0048] The ring element and the corresponding snap element may have virtually any number of gaps, but it is preferable to have multiple gaps and multiple snap elements. In particular, when there are two, three, or four gaps and snap elements, the rotational movement of the cover to reach the release position of the snap fastener can be limited to less than one rotation, preferably less than half a rotation. Furthermore, by having multiple snap elements, a symmetrical container, and in particular a symmetrical snap fastener, can be provided, in which case the closing and opening forces can be uniformly distributed over the circumference of the container.

[0049] Preferably, two or more gap and snap elements are arranged regularly at equal intervals along the circumference of the container.

[0050] The container may have more gaps than snap elements, or it may have the same number of gaps and snap elements.

[0051] Preferably, the container comprises an equal number of ring elements, gaps, and snap elements.

[0052] To protect the contents of the container from environmental influences, the container may be able to be closed in a tight seal. The tight seal of the container is preferably achieved at the moment the snap fastener snaps into place.

[0053] Preferably, the product inside the container is protected from environmental influences that could degrade the product contained within the container. However, some degree of permeability in the container, particularly the seal between the cover and the body, can be beneficial for the product's shelf life.

[0054] Preferably, when the container is closed, particularly when the snap fastener is snapped, the edges of the main body and the cover are arranged in a sealed state.

[0055] The inner wall of the cover may have, for example, a circumferentially extending sealing shoulder that abuts against the outer edge of the main body when the container is closed, particularly when the snap fastener is snapped.

[0056] The cover may be equipped with a push element for pressing the edge of the main body against the cover when the container is closed, particularly when the snap fastener is snapped. In particular, the push element can press the edge of the main body against a circumferentially extending sealing shoulder. The push element can ensure that the cover is correctly positioned on the main body. These can fix the edge of the main body in contact with the container when it is closed. Furthermore, the push member and the sealing shoulder securely tighten the edge of the main body within the cover. This provides a certain resistance to the cover even when the snap fastener is open, preventing the cover from becoming completely loose relative to the main body. In this way, the cover can be prevented from easily falling off.

[0057] It has been found that a small number of push elements are sufficient to obtain a proper sealing effect. Preferably, the cover is provided with push elements arranged regularly in a circumferential direction.

[0058] For example, 2 to 8 push elements are arranged circumferentially along the inner upper surface of the cover, more preferably 3 to 6, for example, 4 push elements. It has been found that an optimally balanced sealing effect can be obtained by the number of push elements within the above range.

[0059] The push element may have a circumferential extension of, for example, 5 to 50 mm, preferably 5 to 30 mm, and more preferably 10 to 20 mm. The push element may have a circumferential extension that is substantially the same as that of the snap element.

[0060] It was found that by sandwiching the edge of the main body between multiple push elements and a sealing shoulder extending circumferentially from the cover, that is, by sandwiching it only at discrete points along the circumference of the cover, the degree of airtightness of the container can be designed according to the characteristics of the product contained within the container.

[0061] For example, by providing the cover with circumferential sealing ribs, the container can achieve the desired complete airtight seal.

[0062] By arranging multiple individual push elements regularly, preferably along the circumference of the cover, a complete or near-complete airtight seal can be achieved. An optimally balanced sealing effect can be obtained by using a small number of individual push elements. Therefore, by avoiding excessive air inflow into and out of the container, the product inside the container is protected from environmental influences such as excessive humidity or dryness. On the other hand, a small number of push elements allow for a certain degree of gas permeability into and out of the container, which can, for example, enhance the flavor retention of the product and prevent product deterioration. This is particularly true for products with high moisture content, such as orally ingested products.

[0063] In the container, the main body forms a first compartment for storing unused consumer goods.

[0064] In some embodiments of the container, the container may preferably include a separate second compartment. The second compartment can be advantageously used for one or more of the following purposes: accommodating used products, accommodating a different type of consumer goods than those accommodating in the first compartment, and accommodating one or more accessories used with the consumer goods accommodating in the first compartment (e.g., tools for removing consumer goods from the container). Depending on the products accommodating the container, such as used nicotine-containing products, these products need to be properly disposed of after use. Therefore, for intermediate or final disposal, used products can be reinserted into the container, particularly into a second, preferably separate compartment. The second compartment may be, for example, a waste compartment.

[0065] Preferably, the second compartment is located inside the container cover.

[0066] The cover may have a lid. The second compartment may be accessible by opening the lid.

[0067] The lid may be permanently attached to the cover. The lid may be removable from the cover. Preferably, the lid forms part of the upper wall of the cover.

[0068] The container may be equipped with an indicator that shows the release position of the snap fastener.

[0069] The indicator may be embodied, for example, as an optical indicator or a tactile indicator.

[0070] The corresponding indicator elements may be located on the cover and the main body.

[0071] Preferably, the indicator elements are positioned so that, when the snap fastener is released, the indicator element on the cover and the indicator element on the main body are aligned in a straight line. Therefore, the indicator allows the user to easily understand how to open the container.

[0072] Preferably, the indicator is an optical indicator.

[0073] Preferably, the indicator is a tactile indicator.

[0074] The indicator may be a combination of an optical indicator and a tactile indicator.

[0075] The indicator may include a gripping element to facilitate the handling of the container. For example, the indicator may be embodied as a structure on the cover, on the main body, or on both the cover and the main body.

[0076] Preferably, the same number of indicator elements as the number of gaps in the ring element are arranged on the cover. This way, each and all release position of the snap fastener and each and all opening position of the container are indicated by the indicator elements and become visible or recognizable to the user of the container.

[0077] A container can be made of or manufactured from any material suitable for the desired product to be contained within it. For example, a container can be made of or manufactured from plastic, cellulose, or metal.

[0078] Preferably, the container is made of polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), molded pulp, cardboard, or metal.

[0079] Preferably, the container is made from polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), molded pulp, cardboard, or metal.

[0080] Preferably, the height of the container is smaller than the diameter of the container.

[0081] The diameter of the container can be, for example, 3 to 10 times the height of the container. Preferably, the diameter can be 5 to 8 times the height of the container.

[0082] Preferably, the container is a can.

[0083] The container is basically suitable for holding any solid product, but is preferably used to hold products from the food industry, tobacco industry, pharmaceutical industry, or cosmetics industry.

[0084] Preferably, the container holds a nicotine-containing oral product, such as an oral pouch. The nicotine-containing oral product may contain tobacco. The nicotine-containing product may not contain tobacco, or may be tobacco-free. The nicotine-containing product may contain a carrier material that supports nicotine. The container can be implemented in various forms. For example, the container may include a snap fastener and a tactile mechanism including tactile ribs or groups of tactile ribs that interact with ratchet ribs. In such a container, a climbable end stop or end stop can be omitted.

[0085] The container may comprise a snap fastener, a tactile mechanism including one tactile rib or group of tactile ribs that interact with a ratchet rib, and a climbable end stop positioned at one end of the gap in the ring element of the snap fastener.

[0086] The container may comprise a snap fastener, a tactile mechanism including one tactile rib or group of tactile ribs that interact with a ratchet rib, and two traversable end stops provided at both ends of the gap in the ring element of the snap fastener.

[0087] The container may comprise a snap fastener, a tactile mechanism including one tactile rib or group of tactile ribs that interact with a ratchet rib, and an end stop. Such a container can be opened by rotating the cover in only one direction.

[0088] The container may comprise a snap fastener, a tactile mechanism including one tactile rib or group of tactile ribs that interact with a ratchet rib, an end stop, and a climbable end stop provided at both ends of the gap in the ring element of the snap fastener.

[0089] The container may comprise a snap fastener and a tactile mechanism including two tactile ribs or groups of two tactile ribs positioned at both ends of the gap in the ring element and interacting with two ratchet ribs. Such a container may further comprise one or two climbable endstops, one endstop only, or endstops provided at both ends of the gap in the ring element and the climbable endstops. Such a container preferably comprises one or two ratchet ribs interacting with one or two groups of tactile ribs.

[0090] If the ring element has multiple gaps, each gap may have one or two tactile elements and one or two climbable endstops, or one endstop, or one endstop and one climbable endstop.

[0091] Further combinations of the above-described container elements are also possible, particularly combinations of snap fastener elements, tactile mechanism elements, and both types of end stops. In particular, a container may be envisioned that comprises multiple snap elements and multiple gapped ring elements, with the tactile mechanism combined with some type of end stop, or not combined with any type of end stop. For example, the snap elements and the ring portion formed by the multiple gaps may be arranged partly in the main body and partly in the cover.

[0092] The following is a non-exclusive list of non-limiting examples of containers. One or more features of these embodiments can be combined with one or more features of other embodiments, container embodiments, or aspects described herein.

[0093] Example Ex1: A container comprising a main body and a cover, The container comprises a snap fastener for the main body and the cover, the snap fastener comprising a ring element having a gap and a snap element interacting with the ring element, the container further comprises a tactile mechanism indicating the release state of the snap fastener so that the cover is removable from the main body, the tactile mechanism comprising a tactile rib positioned in the gap, the tactile element positioned above or below the snap element when the snap fastener is in a snapped state and the cover is not removable from the main body, in view of the direction of removal of the cover.

[0094] Example Ex2: A container according to Example Ex1, wherein the ring element is a series of intermittent circular ribs.

[0095] Example Ex3: A container according to any one of the above examples, wherein the snap element is an elongated projection.

[0096] Example Ex4: A container according to Example Ex3, wherein the elongated protrusion is in the shape of a rib or slide.

[0097] Example Ex5: A container according to any one of the above examples, wherein the ring element is disposed on the main body and the snap element is disposed on the cover.

[0098] Example Ex6: A container according to Example Ex5, wherein the ring element is a rib that protrudes radially outward and is located in the upper region of the side wall of the main body, and the snap element is a projection that faces radially inward on the side wall of the cover.

[0099] Example Ex7: A container according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex4, wherein the ring element is arranged in the cover and the snap element is arranged in the main body.

[0100] Example Ex8: A container according to Example Ex7, wherein the snap element is a projection facing radially outward in the upper region of the side wall of the main body, and the ring element is a rib projecting radially inward on the side wall of the cover.

[0101] Example Ex9: A container according to any one of the above examples, wherein the tactile element includes tactile ribs.

[0102] Example Ex10: A container according to Example Ex9, wherein the tactile element includes a group of tactile ribs.

[0103] Example Ex11: A container according to Example Ex10, wherein the group of tactile ribs comprises 3 to 10 tactile ribs.

[0104] Example Ex12: A container according to any one of Examples Ex10 to 11, wherein the group of tactile ribs comprises 5 to 8 tactile ribs.

[0105] Example Ex13: A container according to any one of the above examples, wherein the tactile mechanism includes a ratchet rib that interacts with the tactile rib.

[0106] Example Ex14: A container according to Example Ex13, wherein the ratchet rib and the tactile rib are located in different parts of the container.

[0107] Example Ex15: A container according to Examples Ex9-14, wherein both the ratchet rib and the snap element are located on the main body of the container, or both are located on the cover of the container.

[0108] Example Ex16: A container according to any one of Examples Ex10 to 15, wherein the ratchet ribs are configured to interact with the group of tactile ribs.

[0109] Example Ex17: A container according to any one of the above embodiments, wherein the snap fastener is in a snapped state that prevents the cover from being removed from the main body, and the tactile element is positioned on one side of the ring element opposite to the snap element.

[0110] Example Ex18: A container according to any one of the above embodiments, further comprising an overrideable end stop configured to interact with the snap element, thereby allowing the snap element to overcome the overrideable end stop, thereby allowing the snap fastener to transition from a snapped state in which the cover cannot be removed from the main body to a released state.

[0111] Example Ex19: A container according to Example Ex18, wherein the overturnable end stop can be overcome by applying a release rotational force between the cover and the main body.

[0112] Example Ex20: A container according to any one of Examples Ex18 to Ex19, wherein the container comprises two climbable end stops, each climbable end stop located at the end opposite the gap.

[0113] Example Ex21: A container according to any one of Examples Ex18 to Ex20, wherein the tactile element is located on one side of the ring element and the climbable endstop is located on the opposite side of the ring element.

[0114] Example Ex22: A container according to any one of the above examples, comprising two tactile elements, each tactile element positioned at the end opposite the gap.

[0115] Example Ex23: A container according to any one of the above embodiments, comprising an end stop for the snap element that allows the cover and the main body to rotate relative to each other in only one direction when the snap fastener is snapped.

[0116] Example Ex24: A container according to any one of the above examples, comprising two or more gaps in the ring element and two or more snap elements.

[0117] Example Ex25: A container according to Example Ex24, further comprising the same number of gaps in the ring elements and snap elements.

[0118] Example Ex26: A container according to any one of Examples Ex24 to Ex25, wherein two or more gaps and two or more snap elements are regularly arranged along the circumference of the container.

[0119] Example Ex27: A container according to any one of the above examples, wherein the edge of the main body and the cover are arranged in a sealed state when the container is closed, particularly when the snap fastener is snapped.

[0120] Example Ex28: A container according to Example Ex27, wherein the inner wall of the cover is provided with a circumferentially extending sealing shoulder that abuts against the outer edge of the main body when the container is closed, particularly when the snap fastener is snapped.

[0121] Example Ex29: A container according to any one of Examples Ex27 to Ex28, wherein the cover comprises a pressing element for pressing the edge of the main body against the cover when the container is closed, particularly when the snap fastener is snapped.

[0122] Example Ex30: A container according to any one of the above examples, comprising a second compartment.

[0123] Example Ex31: A container according to Example Ex30, wherein the second compartment is located inside the cover.

[0124] Example Ex32: A container according to any one of Examples Ex30 to 31, wherein the cover is equipped with a lid, and the second compartment can be accessed by opening the lid.

[0125] Example Ex33: A container according to Example Ex32, wherein the lid is permanently attached to the cover.

[0126] Example Ex34: A container according to Example Ex32, wherein the lid is removable from the cover.

[0127] Example Ex35: A container according to any one of Examples Ex32 to 34, wherein the lid forms part of the top wall of the cover.

[0128] Example Ex36: A container according to any one of the above examples, comprising an indicator that shows the release position of the snap fastener.

[0129] Example Ex37: A container according to Example Ex36, wherein the indicator element is disposed in the cover and the main body.

[0130] Example Ex38: A container according to Example Ex37, wherein, when the snap fastener is released, the indicator element of the cover and the indicator element of the main body are aligned in a straight line.

[0131] Example Ex39: A container according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex38, wherein the indicator is an optical indicator.

[0132] Example Ex40: A container according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex39, wherein the indicator is a tactile indicator.

[0133] Example Ex41: A container according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex40, wherein the indicator is a grip element that facilitates gripping the container.

[0134] Example Ex42: A container according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex41, wherein the same number of indicator elements as the number of gaps provided in the ring element are arranged on the cover.

[0135] Example Ex43: A container according to any one of the above examples, comprising or made from a plastic material, a cellulose material, or a metal.

[0136] Example Ex44: A container as described in Example Ex43, comprising polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), molded pulp, corrugated cardboard, or metal.

[0137] Example Ex45: A container according to any one of Examples Ex43 to 44, made from polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), molded pulp, corrugated cardboard, or metal.

[0138] Example Ex46: A container according to any one of the above examples, wherein the height of the container is smaller than the diameter of the container.

[0139] Example Ex47: A container according to any one of the above examples, wherein the diameter is 3 to 10 times the height of the container.

[0140] Example Ex48: A container according to Example Ex47, wherein the diameter is between 5 and 8 times the height of the container.

[0141] Example Ex49: A container according to any one of the above examples, which is a can.

[0142] Example Ex50: A container according to any one of the above examples, comprising a nicotine-containing oral product.

[0143] Example Ex51: A container according to Example Ex50, wherein the nicotine-containing oral product is an oral pouch.

[0144] Example Ex52: A container according to any one of Examples Ex50 to Ex51, wherein the nicotine-containing oral product contains tobacco.

[0145] Example Ex53: A container according to any one of Examples Ex50 to Ex51, wherein the nicotine-containing oral product does not contain tobacco.

[0146] As described above, according to one aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for determining the rotational position of a container cover relative to the body of a container, particularly a container having a fixed closure. This method includes the following steps: a) Using a rotating device, rotate the cover relative to the main body while directly or indirectly characterizing the torque until a torque corresponding to a predetermined rotational position is identified, and b) The next step is to use a rotating device to rotate the cover relative to the main body by a selectable angle of rotation.

[0147] The container used in this method comprises a cover and a body. The container may be of any type described herein.

[0148] Step a) means that the cover is rotated relative to the body until an identifiable relative position of the cover is obtained relative to the body. The identifiable relative position may be, for example, the position of the end stoppers and / or tactile elements, as further described herein.

[0149] In step a), the torque is typically determined directly or indirectly, for example, by measuring it with a torque measuring device. The torque may be determined continuously or intermittently as step a) is performed. In some variations of this method, it may be sufficient to determine only a single torque value, for example, at the end of step a).

[0150] In step b), the cover is further rotated by a selectable rotation angle chosen based on the identifiable relative position used in step a). This rotation angle is therefore known before the rotation begins. The rotation in step b) starts from the identifiable relative position in step a). The selectable rotation angles in step b) include 0 degrees, i.e., an angle beyond which it is intentionally not rotated. The direction of rotation in step b) is typically the same as in step a), but optionally the direction of rotation in step b) may be opposite to that of step a).

[0151] The rotation of the cover performed in this method is a purely rotational motion. Therefore, the rotation performed by the rotating device according to this method mimics the way a user of a container rotates the cover to open the container. When rotating relative to the body, there is no axial movement of the cover. Since the rotation in the method of the present invention is a purely rotational motion, neither the body of the container nor the cover has threads. The cover is neither a screw-on cap nor a screw-on lid. The rotation can be performed in a clockwise and / or counterclockwise direction. In most cases, the clockwise direction is preferred because it distinguishes it from the way a cover or cap is removed from a bottle, jar, or can, which is usually done in a counterclockwise direction.

[0152] It may be desirable to use this method to confirm that the cover is rotated relative to the container body in a way that prevents the container from being opened, or at least makes it difficult to open. This can be applied, for example, when there is only one or a few relative positions of the cover to the container body that allow the container to be opened. Such rotational positions are an example of undesirable rotational positions.

[0153] As an alternative or supplement, it may be desirable to ensure that the cover is in a rotational position where the cover's sidewalls do not bulge outward relative to the container body, and / or the container body does not bulge inward. Outward and / or inward bulging can occur, for example, when the container's snap elements pass through the end stop. Outward and / or inward bulging can impair the container's airtightness, potentially leading to moisture absorption or loss of the product inside. There is also a risk that the cover and container body may deform due to plastic deformation of the materials from which they are manufactured, and this risk increases, especially if the cover remains bulging outward and / or the container body remains bulging inward for extended periods. Therefore, when storing or transporting containers after manufacturing, it is desirable to ensure that the cover does not bulge outward and / or the container body does not bulge inward. Such rotational positions are an example of undesirable rotational positions.

[0154] The selectable rotation angles in step b) may include a safety margin. The safety margin is typically a few degrees, such as in the range of 1 to 5 degrees, but the safety margin may also be 0 degrees.

[0155] In one embodiment of the present method, the container comprises a body and a snap fastener for a cover. The snap fastener, like many containers described herein, comprises a ring element having a gap with a gap angle and a snap element configured to interact with the ring element. In this case, step a) may include a predetermined rotational position being in or near the gap, and step b) a selectable rotation angle is selected such that the snap element moves away from the gap but does not rotate so much that the snap element reaches the next gap.

[0156] As described above, step a) means rotating the cover relative to the body until an identifiable relative position of the cover to the body is obtained. Thus, a predetermined rotational position "in the gap" corresponds to the entire snap element being inside the gap, while a predetermined rotational position adjacent to the gap corresponds to the snap element having a first portion inside the gap and another portion outside the gap, i.e., the snap element being partially inside the gap. Thus, the position "adjacent to the gap" depends on the circumferential length of the snap element, but is typically smaller than the gap width α, for example, less than 5 degrees.

[0157] The term "next gap" refers to the next gap that comes after a rotation. A ring element can have a single gap or multiple gaps. If there is a single gap, the "next gap" is the single gap after a complete rotation, i.e., a 360-degree rotation. If there are two gaps facing each other, the "next gap" comes approximately 180 degrees later. If there are three gaps evenly distributed on the circumference of the container, the "next gap" occurs approximately 120 degrees later. If there are four gaps evenly distributed on the circumference of the container, the "next gap" occurs approximately 90 degrees later. In general, if there are n gaps evenly distributed on the circumference of the container, the "next gap" occurs approximately 360 / n degrees later.

[0158] Assuming the rotation direction in step b) is the same as in step a), this can be mathematically expressed as α + w < β < (γ - α - w), where α is the gap angle, w is the angular length of the snap element, β is the selectable rotation angle in step b), and γ is the gap angle. If a safety margin is used, then α + w + m < β < (γ - α - w) - m, where m is the angular length of the safety margin m. The angles α, w, β, γ, and optionally m are defined with respect to the central axis of the main body, which typically has a cylindrical shape.

[0159] Typically, the ring element is located on the main body and the snap element is located on the cover, but it is also possible to have the ring element on the cover and the snap element on the main body. The snap element can face the ring element and interact with each other. The ring element and snap element may be of types further described herein.

[0160] A given rotational position is located at or near a gap. Therefore, the torque associated with a given rotational position may exceed a selectable threshold, for example, caused by passing through an end stop or tactile element, as further described herein. Alternatively or supplementally, the torque associated with a given rotational position may be a known pattern of torque measurement curve, such as a peak, downward peak, or ripple caused by multiple tactile elements, as further described herein. The torque measurement curve shows torque as a function of rotation angle.

[0161] The gap angle γ is the angular distance (cc) from one gap to the next during rotation. If there is only one gap, the gap angle γ is 360 degrees. If there are two gaps facing each other, the gap angle γ is 180 degrees. If there are three gaps evenly distributed on the circumference of the container, the gap angle γ is 120 degrees. If there are four gaps evenly distributed on the circumference of the container, the gap angle γ is 90 degrees. Generally speaking, if there are n gaps evenly distributed on the circumference of the container, the gap angle γ is 360 / n degrees.

[0162] If α+w<β<(γ-α-w) is selected, it is confirmed that the cover rotates sufficiently and the snap element passes through the gap, even if the rotation is started from one end of the gap in step b). On the other hand, if the rotation is started from the opposite end of the gap, the cover does not rotate enough for the snap element to reach the next gap.

[0163] In one embodiment of the method of the present invention, the torque associated with a predetermined rotational position in or adjacent to the gap is a torque value exceeding a selectable threshold. This may be caused by the snapping element passing through an end stop indicating the end of the gap, or by a tactile element further described herein. The threshold may be selected high enough so that small peaks of ripple caused by the tactile element fall below the threshold. Furthermore, the threshold may be selected high enough to avoid irregularities caused by the imperfect shape of the body and / or cover.

[0164] Torque values ​​exceeding a selectable threshold can be associated with the peak of the torque measurement curve identified in step a). This torque measurement curve shows torque as a function of rotation angle.

[0165] Torque values ​​exceeding a selectable threshold can be obtained by the rotating device rotating the snap element beyond the end stop of the gap, and in step b), it is further confirmed that the snap element is not positioned at the end stop.

[0166] Assuming the rotation direction in step b) is the same as in step a), this can be mathematically expressed as (α+s)<β<(γ-α-s), where α is the gap angle, s is the angular length of the snap element passing through the endstop, β is the selectable rotation angle in step b), and γ is the gap angle. The angular length s of the snap element passing through the endstop is influenced by both the angular length of the snap element and the angular length of the endstop. If a safety margin is used, then (α+s+m)<β<(γ-α-sm), where m is the angular length of the safety margin m. The angles α, s, β, γ, and optionally m are defined with respect to the central axis of the main body, which is usually cylindrical.

[0167] The end stop is positioned at the circumferential end of the gap. The end stop is configured to interact with the snap element to transition the snap fastener from a snapped state to a released state. The end stop causes the cover to bulge outward or the body to bulge inward, allowing the snap element to pass through the end stop. To produce outward and / or inward bulging, an additional force greater than the force used for rotation alone is required, which appears as a peak in the torque measurement curve.

[0168] When such an end stop is provided on the container, it is preferable to confirm both that the cover is in a rotational position that prevents it from being opened relative to the main body of the container, or at least makes it difficult to open, and that the cover is in a rotational position that prevents the side walls of the cover from protruding outward relative to the main body of the container and / or prevents the main body from protruding inward.

[0169] When applying the relation (α+s)<β<(γ-α-s), we assume that the direction of rotation in step b) is the same as the direction of rotation in step a). Therefore, it is preferable that the end stop is a climbable end stop of the type described herein, for example. In that case, the given rotational position in step a) is the position where the snap element reaches the climbable end stop and begins to "climb" it. According to the formula, even if the cover starts rotating from one end of the gap in step b), it will rotate to a sufficient angle to pass through the gap and the end stop. On the other hand, if the cover starts rotating from the opposite end of the gap, it will not rotate enough to reach the next gap or the end stop before the next gap.

[0170] If there is an end stop on either side of the gap, it is desirable to avoid both protrusions outward from the cover and / or inward from the body, so the sum of their angular lengths must be taken into account. Therefore, in step b), ensure that the snap element is not positioned on any end stop. Assuming the direction of rotation in step b) is the same as in step a), this is mathematically (α+s tot )<β<(γ-α-s tot ) can be expressed as, s tot m is the sum of the angular lengths of the snap elements passing through the end stop. The safety margin m can be applied in the corresponding manner as described above.

[0171] If the end stop is of a climbable type, that is, if it has a climbable contact surface, such as an inclined surface, when viewed from the direction of rotation, this method may include in step a) and / or b) indicating the intended direction of rotation by the end stop, for example by the climbable contact surface of the end stop.

[0172] The intended direction of rotation is the direction of rotation that a typical user is expected to use to open a container and access the product. In many cases, a clockwise direction is preferred as the intended direction of rotation. This is to distinguish it from the counterclockwise direction typically used when removing the lid or cap of a bottle, jar, or can.

[0173] If the end stop has a contact wall, for example, a stepped surface with a stopping angle of about 90 degrees, when viewed from the direction of rotation, the method may include in step a) and / or b) indicating an unintended direction of rotation by the end stop, for example, the contact wall of the end stop. The contact wall helps prevent rotation in the unintended direction. Normally, if a sufficiently high force is applied, it is possible to pass through the contact wall even when rotating in the unintended direction, but in that case, a torque peak higher than that seen when rotating in the intended direction will be produced.

[0174] In a preferred embodiment of this method, the end stop is capable of being overcome when rotating in the intended direction and has, for example, an inclined surface, but has a contact wall to prevent rotation in an unintended direction, such as a stepped surface. Thus, both the intended and unintended directions of rotation can be indicated by the same end stop.

[0175] Instead of defining the predetermined rotational position in step a) as the point at which the snap element reaches the abutment wall of the end stop and begins to "climb" it, it is also possible to use the point at which the snap element reaches the abutment wall of the end stop as the predetermined rotational position. In that case, in step b), if it starts from the abutment wall of the end stop at the far end of the gap, i.e., the abutment wall in which the cover is fixed, i.e., the abutment wall in which the snap element is snapped, it is desirable to rotate the cover sufficiently to ensure that it passes through the gap. On the other hand, if it starts from the abutment wall of the end stop at the nearest end of the gap, i.e., the abutment wall in which the cover is in an openable and closable state, the cover should not be rotated by an angle large enough to reach the preceding gap or the end stop before the preceding gap. In embodiments of this method, the direction of rotation when performing the method is opposite to the unintended direction of rotation, i.e., the direction of rotation used when opening the container by hand.

[0176] In some embodiments of the container, the container further comprises a tactile mechanism indicating the release state of a snap fastener that allows the cover to be removed from the main body, the tactile mechanism comprising a tactile element positioned in the gap, and when the snap fastener is in the snapped state and the cover is not removable from the main body, the tactile element is positioned above or below the snap element with respect to the direction of cover removal. In this case, the torque associated with a predetermined rotational position in or adjacent to the gap in step a) may include a torque pattern that reflects the configuration of the tactile element. The tactile mechanism can be used, for example, as a tactile signal to the user of the container that a gap will soon appear that will allow the cover to be opened if rotation continues. The peak of the torque measurement curve associated with the tactile element is typically much smaller than the peak associated when overcoming an overridable endstop, for example, less than one-third, less than one-fifth, or less than one-tenth.

[0177] The tactile element comprises a first element located on one side of the cover or body and configured to interact with a second element located on the other side of the cover or body, wherein at least one of the first and second elements is a male element, i.e., a protruding element. For example, the first element is a tactile rib and the second element is a ratchet rib. The peak in the torque measurement curve associated with the tactile element is caused by the ratchet rib passing over the tactile rib.

[0178] The tactile element comprises multiple first elements, and the torque associated with a given rotational position in or near the gap results in a torque pattern that reflects the angular distance between the first elements. The number of first elements can be any number, such as 1 to 15, 3 to 10, or 5 to 8. The first elements can also be arranged at the same or different intervals. If a single second element is provided, the number of small peaks in the torque measurement curve reflects the number of first elements. When multiple first elements are arranged with equal spacing between them, the torque associated with a given rotational position in or adjacent to the gap will have a periodic pattern, which may be seen as a ripple in the torque measurement curve.

[0179] According to another modification of the method according to the present invention, step a) is to use a rotating device to move the cover to an undesirable rotational position at an angular length I ud Step b) includes rotating the cover by an angle equal to the angle of the undesirable rotation position plus an arbitrary safety margin. Step b) includes comparing the torque value identified at the end of step a) with a selectable non-fixed threshold, and if the identified torque value is less than the non-fixed threshold, not rotating the cover further; however, if the identified torque value is greater than or equal to the non-fixed threshold, rotating the cover further using a rotating device by an angle equal to the angular length of the undesirable rotation position plus an arbitrary safety margin. The non-fixed threshold is selected to be associated with a torque value typically obtained at the undesirable rotation position. However, the non-fixed threshold is typically lower than the torque value at the peak of the torque measurement curve.

[0180] Angle length I of an undesirable rotational position udThis can be determined before performing step a) of the method described herein. The angular length I of an undesirable rotational position can be determined from the shape of the container. Thus, it can be calculated for a specific type of container and can be calculated in general, rather than for each individual container. Examples of undesirable rotational positions include when the cover is in a rotational position where it can be opened or closed, for example, when the snap element is in a gap. Other undesirable positions include rotational positions where the side wall of the cover bulges outward and / or the body bulges inward (for example, when the snap element passes the end stop). Typically, these undesirable rotational positions are adjacent to each other, for example, with end stops at both ends of a gap and a gap in between. This is mathematically, I ud This can be expressed as =α + s1 + s2, where α is the gap angle, s1 is the angular length through which the snap element passes the first endstop, and s2 is the angular length through which the snap element passes the second endstop. This equation means that it is desirable to avoid a situation where the rotational position of the snap element is in the gap or in the endstops before and after it.

[0181] The safety margin is usually a few degrees, such as between 1 and 5 degrees, but in some cases the safety margin is set to 0 degrees, meaning no safety margin is used.

[0182] In this modification of the method according to the present invention, the torque is applied only once, i.e., the angular length I of the cover at an undesirable rotational position. ud It is sufficient to measure only when the rotation is by a value that includes an arbitrary safety margin.

[0183] Angle length I of an undesirable rotational position ud The torque value, measured with an arbitrary safety margin added, is compared to a selectable non-fixed threshold. The non-fixed threshold is chosen to be associated with the torque value typically obtained at an undesirable rotational position. Therefore, at an undesirable rotational position, the non-fixed threshold will be reached or exceeded.

[0184] If the specified torque value is less than the non-fixed threshold value, no further rotation of the cover is performed. This is not necessary because in that case, it has been confirmed that the cover is not in an undesirable rotational position. On the other hand, if the specified torque value is greater than or equal to the non-fixed threshold value, further rotation is desirable. By selecting a value obtained by adding a safety margin to the rotation angle α, it is confirmed that the cover has rotated sufficiently from an undesirable rotational position. The safety margin is usually several degrees, for example, between 1 degree and 5 degrees, but it may also be 0 degrees. The same value or a different value as in step a) can be used for the safety margin.

[0185] In yet another embodiment of this method, step a) includes rotating the cover in an unintended rotation direction by a value obtained by adding a safety margin to the gap angle α using a rotating device, and a value greater than 0 is used for the safety margin in step a). Step b) compares the maximum torque value specified in step a) with a selectable non-fixed threshold value, and if the specified torque value is less than the non-fixed threshold value, no further rotation of the cover is performed, but if the specified torque value is greater than or equal to the non-fixed threshold value, using the rotating device, the cover is further rotated in the intended rotation direction by an angle obtained by adding an arbitrary safety margin to the angular length (I ud ) of the undesirable rotational position. The safety margin in step b) is usually several degrees, for example, between 1 degree and 5 degrees, but it may also be 0 degrees.

[0186] In yet another embodiment of this method, step a) includes rotating the cover in an unintended rotation direction by a rotating device until a torque value exceeding a selectable non-fixed threshold value is detected or until the rotation reaches a value obtained by adding a safety margin to the gap angle α, whichever occurs first. Step b) does not rotate the cover further if the specified torque value is less than the non-fixed threshold value, but if a torque value greater than or equal to the non-fixed threshold value is specified in step a), the cover is rotated in the intended rotation direction by the rotating device by the angular length of the undesirable rotational position (I udThis includes further rotating by an amount equal to the value obtained by adding an arbitrary safety margin to step b). The safety margin in step b) is usually a few degrees, for example between 1 and 5 degrees, but may also be 0 degrees.

[0187] According to another aspect of the present invention, a device is provided for determining the rotational position of a container cover relative to the container body. The device comprises a rotating device and a torque measuring device, wherein the rotating device is configured to rotate the cover relative to the container body while directly or indirectly measuring torque using the torque measuring device until a torque corresponding to a predetermined rotational position is determined, and thereafter the rotating device is configured to rotate the cover by a selectable rotational angle relative to the container body.

[0188] The container used in this apparatus comprises a cover and a body. The container may be of any type described herein. This apparatus is suitable for carrying out the methods described herein. This apparatus has the effects and advantages corresponding to the methods described herein.

[0189] The apparatus may further include a control unit configured to identify torque values ​​exceeding a selectable threshold and / or to analyze the pattern of the identified torque. These effects and benefits are those corresponding to the methods described herein.

[0190] The embodiments will be further described below with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0191] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the container. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows, for example, a cross-sectional view of the container in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the inside of the container cover. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the main body of the container. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a detailed cross-section of the closed portion of the container. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows details of the inside of the cover in Figure 3. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a closed container. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows details of the main body shown in Figures 4 and 7. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of an end stop. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows the torque values ​​measured when an exemplary cover was rotated 720 degrees. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows a detailed view of the exemplary 90-degree cycle in Figure 10. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows the method according to the present invention. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows the apparatus according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0192] Figure 1 shows a can-shaped container 1, which comprises a main body 10 and a cover 11 attached to the main body 10.

[0193] Container 1 is can-shaped and has a circular cross-section and rounded edges. The diameter of container 1 is approximately three times its height. Container 1 is preferably made of plastic material, paper, cardboard, or a combination of paper, cardboard, and plastic material.

[0194] The cover 11 is equipped with a lid 110. The lid 110 can be opened through an opening 111 to access a waste containment section (not shown in Figure 1) provided in the cover 11.

[0195] The cover 11 and the main body 10 are provided with indicator elements 112, which are shown by arrows in Figure 1. When the indicator elements 112 of the cover 11 and the main body 10 are aligned with each other, the container 1 is in an openable and closable state, and the cover 11 can be lifted from the main body 10 by moving the cover 11 linearly in the release direction. The container 1 includes a child-resistant function in the form of a snap fastener and an evaluation aid described later.

[0196] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the container 1, for example, a cross-sectional view of the container in Figure 1. The compartment 13 formed by the main body 10 is provided for accommodating products, such as oral nicotine-containing products such as oral pouches.

[0197] The cover 11 is attached to the main body 10 by a snap fastener positioned between the cover 11 and the main body 10. The snap fastener is formed by intermittently circumferentially extending ribs 30 positioned on the upper outer surface of the main body 10 and extending radially from the upper surface. The circumferentially extending ribs 30 interact with at least one snap element 20, which is formed as a projection that protrudes radially inward from the inner surface of the side wall 114 of the cover 11. The ribs 30 have a smooth, inclined upper surface so that the snap element 20 can slide along the ribs 30 when the cover 11 is pushed down against the main body 10 in the snapping direction. The lower surface of the ribs 30 forms an undercut, and the substantially flat side surface of the ribs 30 is substantially parallel to the upper wall 115 of the cover 11, so that when the snap fastener is snapped, the snap element 20 is in a locked position under the ribs 30.

[0198] The inside of the main body 10 forms a first compartment for accommodating user products, such as oral pouches. The cover 11 includes a second waste storage chamber 12 for accommodating used products, such as used oral pouches. The waste storage chamber 12 is closed by a lid 110 and can be accessed by opening the lid 110. Preferably, the lid 110 is removable from the cover 11 to access the waste storage chamber 12. However, the lid 110 may be permanently attached to the cover 11, for example, by a hinge. The bottom 113 of the waste storage chamber 112 is positioned parallel to the bottom of the main body 10.

[0199] The perspective views in Figures 3 and 4 show the interior of the cover 11, which has two snap elements 20 (circled in Figure 3) that allow for the formation of intermittent circumferential ribs 30 of the main body (Figure 4) and a snap fastener.

[0200] Figure 3 shows that two snap elements 20 are positioned on the inner circumference of the side wall 114 of the cover 11, facing each other at 0 degrees / 360 degrees and 180 degrees. The snap elements 20 have the shape of elongated projections that extend from the inside of the side wall 114 of the cover 11 along that inside. The elongated projections have a first end 21 and a second end 22.

[0201] The cover 11 includes four push elements 50 arranged regularly at 90-degree intervals in the circumferential direction on the inside of the upper wall 115 of the cover 11. The circumferential length of the push elements 50 is slightly longer than the circumferential length of the snap elements 20, for example, 2 millimeters. In the embodiment of the container shown in Figure 3, the circumferential lengths of the snap elements 20 and the push elements 50 are approximately 8 to 15 millimeters. The push elements 50 facilitate the alignment of the cover 11 and the main body 10 by guiding the upper edge 100 of the main body 10 when assembling the cover 11 and the main body 10. Furthermore, the push elements 50 press the upper edge 100 of the main body 10 against the circumferentially extending shoulder portion 51 of the cover side wall 114. This ensures a circumferential contact area between the cover 11 and the main body 10, and in particular, in the region where the upper edge 100 of the main body 10 is sandwiched between the push element 50 and the shoulder portion 51, the container 1 is sealed, minimizing moisture absorption and loss of the product inside the main body 10. These features are also shown in detail in Figure 5. Figure 5 shows an enlarged view of the snap element 20 and the circumferential rib 30, and the push element 50 and the shoulder portion 51 in a snapped state.

[0202] The cover 11 of the container embodiment shown in Figure 3 is equipped with ratchet ribs 40. The ratchet ribs 40 are short ribs that extend vertically along the inside of the side wall 114 of the cover 11 and project radially from there. When the snap fastener is in the snapped state, the ratchet ribs 40 are aligned in a circumferential line with one end of the snap element 20, but are positioned above the snap element 20 and adjacent to the circumferentially extending ribs 30. The ratchet ribs 40 are provided to interact with a group of tactile ribs 41 arranged on the main body 10, as shown in Figure 4. The alignment of the ratchet ribs 40 and the snap element 20 ensures that when the ratchet ribs 40 pass the corresponding tactile elements on the main body 10 and provide the corresponding tactile feedback, as described later, the snap element 20 is in the released state of the snap fastener or will become released.

[0203] The alignment of the snap element 20 and the ratchet rib 40 is shown in a detailed view of part of the cover 11 in Figure 6.

[0204] As shown in Figure 4, in the main body 10, the circumferentially extending ribs 30 are interrupted by four gaps 31. Each gap 31 has a width corresponding to a gap angle α, which is defined with respect to the central axis X of the cylindrical main body 10. The gaps 31 are regularly spaced 90 degrees apart from the circumferentially extending ribs 30. That is, the gap angle γ from the center of one gap 31 to the center of the next gap 31 is 90 degrees in the illustrated container, and this angle is defined with respect to the central axis X of the main body 10. The four gaps 31 represent four release states of the snap fastener, and as soon as the snap element 20 of the cover 11 is aligned with the gaps 31 in the circumferential direction, the cover 11 can be removed from the main body 10, i.e., lifted. By providing four gaps 31, the maximum rotation of the cover 11 required to open the container 1 is reduced to 90 degrees.

[0205] To form the container 1 by combining the main body of Figure 4 with the cover 11 of Figure 3, the main body 10 can be provided with only two gaps 31 spaced 180 degrees apart. In this embodiment of the container, the maximum rotation angle for opening the container 1 is 180 degrees. Therefore, in other embodiments of the container, the cover 11 shown in Figure 3 can be provided with four snap elements 20 arranged circumferentially at 90-degree intervals along the inner wall of the cover.

[0206] As shown in Figure 4, a group of tactile elements in the form of tactile ribs 41 are positioned near the gap 31 and adjacent to the circumferentially extending rib 30. For example, the group of tactile ribs 41 are several millimeters, for example, 1 to 5 millimeters, away from the gap 31 in the circumferential direction. However, the group of tactile ribs 41 may be precisely aligned with one end of the gap 31.

[0207] Below the circumferentially extending rib 30, and on the opposite side of the group of tactile ribs 41, end stops 45 and 46 are provided on both sides of the gap 31. The end stops 45 and 46 are positioned below the circumferentially extending rib 30, flush with the circumferentially extending rib 30 below the gap 31.

[0208] An end stop 46, positioned at the end of the gap 31 opposite to the side of the gap where the cluster of tactile ribs 41 is provided, is preferably embodied as an end stop for a snap element 20. In the snapped state of the snap fastener, the snap element 20 is positioned below the rib 30 and can slide circumferentially below the circumferentially extending rib 30 as the cover 11 and the main body 10 rotate relative to each other. When the snap element 20 contacts the end stop 46, the cover does not rotate any further. The end stop 46 in Figure 4 restricts the rotation of the cover 11 to a clockwise direction.

[0209] The end stop 45, positioned on the same side as the group of tactile ribs 41 across the gap 31, is formed as an overrideable end stop. Therefore, by applying sufficient force, the snap element 20 can overcome the overrideable end stop 45, releasing the snap fastener and allowing the cover 11 to be removed from the main body 10. The cover 11 can be lifted away from the main body 20 along a linear release direction.

[0210] The group of end stops 45, 46 and tactile ribs 41 are shown in only one gap 31 in Figure 4. However, as will be apparent from the description, the group of tactile ribs and end stops 46 and climbable end stops 45 may be placed in one, two, some, or all of the gaps 31 on the circumferentially running rib 30.

[0211] The cover 11 in Figures 3 and 5 is provided with grips 155 on its exterior. The grips 155 are a group of four grooves spaced at equal intervals along the rounded edge of the cover 11. Two of the grips 155 are located on the outside of the cover 11 in the same positions as the snap elements 20 on the inside of the cover 11. Thus, the two opposing grip elements 155 also function as indicators that visually and tactilely indicate the release position of the snap fastener on the container 1.

[0212] In the perspective view of the container in Figure 7, the snap fastener of container 1 is still snapped. However, when the cover 11 is rotated clockwise, the ratchet ribs 40 of the cover 11 pass over the group of tactile ribs 41 of the main body 10, and the snap element 20 of the cover 11 contacts the overcomeable end stop 45 of the main body 10. Tactile and acoustic feedback from the grip element 155 and the ratchet formed by the group of ratchet ribs 40 and tactile ribs 41 indicates to the user that container 1 is approaching the release position. By further rotating the cover 11 clockwise and increasing the release force for the snap element 20 to overcome the overcomeable end stop 45, the snap fastener is positioned in the release position, and the cover 11 can be lifted from the main body 10 to open the container.

[0213] Viewed circumferentially, the tactile and acoustic effects generated by the ratchet formed by the ratchet ribs 40 interacting with the group of tactile ribs 41, and by the traversable endstops 45 interacting with the snap elements 20, are arranged in series, or rather, the corresponding elements are arranged to generate continuous tactile and acoustic effects. The effect of the traversable endstops 45 begins when the ratchet rib 40 passes the tactile rib closest to the gap 31, and the ratchet effect of the tactile and acoustic effects ends.

[0214] Figure 8 shows the gap 31 region of the main body 10 of the container 1 in more detail. In particular, the position and shape of the tactile rib group 41, the end stop 46, and the climbable end stop 45 can be seen. The tactile rib group 41 and the end stops 45 and 46 are positioned above and below the circumferential rib 30, and directly adjacent to the circumferential rib 30, respectively. The tactile rib 41, the circumferential rib 30, and the end stops 45 and 46 may be formed integrally with the main body 10.

[0215] Figure 9 shows several embodiments of a climbable endstop 45, or an endstop combined with a climbable endstop.

[0216] The end stop 45 is provided with a contact wall 461 that faces perpendicular to the object surface 101, for example, the outer wall of the main body or the side wall 114 of the cover. Therefore, the contact wall 461 of the snap element 20 extends from the corresponding surface at a stopping angle 460 of approximately 90 degrees. In the container embodiment of Figure 8, the end stops 45 and 46 extend from the outer surface of the side wall of the main body 10. The snap element 20 can rotate until it contacts the contact surface 461. Further rotation in this direction is impossible, so it is impossible to position the cover 11 in the released position of the snap fastener by rotating the cover 11 in this rotational direction.

[0217] If the contact surface 451 includes a climbable angle 450 exceeding 90 degrees, preferably about 100 to 150 degrees, the snap element 20 can slide over the climbable contact surface and climb over the climbable endstop 45. When the snap element 20 climbs over the climbable endstop 45, acoustic and tactile effects may occur.

[0218] The climbable end stop 45 provides an additional security mechanism against unauthorized opening of container 1. Authorized users can know when and how to open container 1 by either an indicator provided on the container or a tactile mechanism such as a ratchet that may be combined with the climbable end stop 45.

[0219] The arrows 455, 466, and 456 on the right side of Figure 9 indicate the counterclockwise opening direction 455 only when the uppermost end stop 45 is provided on the cover as shown in Figure 9, the clockwise direction 466 only when the end stop shown in the center of Figure 9 is provided, and both rotational directions 456 when an overridable end stop 45 is provided which has two overridable contact surfaces 451 with corresponding overridable angles 450 of approximately 105 degrees, as shown in the bottom diagram of Figure 9. The end stops 45 and 46 shown in Figure 8 have angular lengths e1 and e2, respectively, and these angular lengths are defined with respect to the central axis X of the main body 10.

[0220] In the embodiment of the container shown in Figure 8, for example, each end stop is provided at one or both ends of the gap 31, so that the snap element 20 passes through each end stop or abuts against each end stop and cannot be overcome before reaching the gap 31.

[0221] In the illustrated container, the terms "upper" or "lower" are understood relative to the direction of opening or separating the cover and the body, or the common position of the container, with the cover forming the upper part of the container and the body forming the lower part.

[0222] The container is illustrated with an example of a snap element and ratchet rib positioned on the inner wall of the cover, and a gapped ring element and a group of tactile ribs positioned on the outer wall of the container body. However, the ring element can also be positioned on the inner wall of the cover, and the corresponding snap element on the outer wall of the body. Furthermore, the elements of the tactile mechanism can be selected essentially arbitrarily; for example, a group of tactile ribs can be positioned on the inner wall of the cover, and interacting ratchet ribs on the outer wall of the body. For example, they can be positioned flush with the gap in the ring element, or above or below the cover in the release direction, aligned with the snap element. The positions of the snap fastener and tactile mechanism elements can be adjusted as appropriate.

[0223] The following is an example of data from cover 11. Diameter: 35-85mm (e.g., 70mm). Height: 4-35mm (e.g., 9mm). The following is an example of data for lid 110. Diameter: 30-70mm (e.g., 62mm). Height: 3.5-9mm. The following is an example of the data for the main body 10. Diameter: 30-80mm (e.g., 70mm). Height: 10-35mm (e.g., 22mm). Exemplary materials for container 1 include polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and molded pulp.

[0224] In this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise specified, all numerical values ​​representing quantities, amounts, percentages, etc., shall be understood in all cases to be modified by the term “approximately.” Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum values, as well as their intermediate ranges, whether or not they are specifically listed herein. Thus, in this context, numerical value A is understood to be A ± 10% of A. In this context, numerical value A may be considered to include numerical values ​​within the range of the general standard error in the measurement of the characteristic that numerical value A modifies. Numerical value A may deviate by the percentages listed above, as long as the deviation of A does not substantially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum values, as well as any intermediate ranges within them, whether or not they are specifically listed herein.

[0225] Figure 10 shows the rotation of the cover 11 relative to the main body 10 over 720 degrees, or two full rotations, for an exemplary container 1. As can be seen from the figure, the different zones are repeated every 90 degrees, thereby forming a 90-degree cycle. Container 1 may be similar to those shown in Figures 1-9, but the snap elements 20 are positioned every 90 degrees, thus achieving the 90-degree cycle shown in Figure 10, rather than the 180-degree intervals most commonly seen in Figure 3.

[0226] The various zones of rotation are illustrated in detail in Figure 11. Figure 11 shows one of the 90-degree periods in Figure 10, starting from 100 degrees. The 90-degree period consists of five different zones, I to V, which are described below. Beyond 90 degrees, these zones are repeated.

[0227] In Zone I, the snap element 20 moves over the traversable first end stop 45 located on the gap 31 side. The torque measurement curve shows a first peak P1 when the first end 21 of the snap element 20 moves to the top of the traversable contact surface 451. For details of the type of traversable first end stop 45 shown in the center of Figure 9, see Figures 8, 9, and the description above. Because the snap element 20 protrudes from the inside of the side wall 114 of the cover 11 and forms an elongated projection that extends circumferentially along its inside, the torque is maintained at a relatively high level during continuous rotation in Zone I. This is caused by the snap element 20 being positioned over the first end stop 45, which pushes the side wall 114 of the cover 11 outward or the main body 10 inward. In Figure 11, Zone I corresponds to an angle of 15 degrees.

[0228] Zone II is entered when the snap element 20 reaches the other end of the first end stop 45, i.e., the contact wall 461 shown in the center of Figure 9. The first downward peak D1 corresponds to the point when the second end 22 of the snap element 20 passes the contact wall 461. At that moment, the protrusion of the side wall 114 of the cover 11 abruptly ends, and the snap element 20 returns to a non-protruding position relative to the body 10 due to the elasticity of the material used in the cover 11 and the body 10. In Zone II, the snap element 20 is in a released state, in which case the cover 11 can be removed from the body 10 by lifting it straight up, and thus the container 1 becomes openable. In Figure 11, Zone II corresponds to an angle of 8 degrees. The length of Zone II corresponds to the gap angle α. In Zone II, after the first downward peak D1, the torque is relatively low while rotation continues. The torque is sufficient to overcome the friction caused by the snap element 20 moving along the circumferential rib 30.

[0229] As the cover 11 continues to rotate, the snap element 20 overcomes the second endstop 46 located at the opposite end of the gap 31 (see Zone III). The second endstop 46 has a traversable contact surface 451 when rotated in this direction, as shown in the center of Figure 9, which is most easily readable in the detail view of the body 10 in Figure 8. The second peak P2 is reached when the first end 21 of the snap element 20 reaches the apex of the traversable contact surface 451. Similar to Zone I, the torque remains at a relatively high level during continuous rotation in Zone III as the elongated snap element 20 overcomes the second endstop 46. This is a result of the sidewall 114 of the cover 11 being forced to bulge outward and / or the body 10 being forced to bulge inward, similar to Zone I. In Figure 11, Zone III corresponds to a 15-degree angle and, similar to Zone I, depends on the shape of the two endstops 45, 46, and Zones I and III may also differ.

[0230] On the side of the second end stop 46 opposite the gap 31, there is another contact wall 461. Zone IV begins with the second descent peak D2 as the second end 22 of the snap element 20 passes the contact wall 461 on the second end stop 46 side. In Zone IV, after the second descent peak D2, the torque remains relatively low while the rotation continues, similar to Zone II. Only the friction caused by the snap element 20 moving along the circumferential rib 30 needs to be overcome. In Figure 11, Zone IV corresponds to 32 degrees.

[0231] In zone V, the torque measurement curve exhibits a periodic pattern with small peaks and valleys, resembling ripples. This occurs when the ratchet rib 40 interacts with the group of tactile ribs 41 located on the main body 10 (see Figures 3 and 4 for details, respectively). Since the example container group has seven tactile ribs 41 and only one ratchet rib 40, zone V has seven small peaks, each occurring as the ratchet rib 40 passes over a tactile rib 41. In the illustrated embodiment, the tactile ribs 41 are spaced equally apart, thus forming a periodic pattern in zone V of the torque measurement curve. The number of tactile ribs 41 can be any number, such as 1-15, 3-10, 5-8, etc. The spacing between the tactile ribs 41 can be the same or different. When there is only one ratchet rib 40, as shown, the number of small peaks reflects the number of tactile ribs 41. Zone V can be used, for example, as a tactile signal to the user of the container. In this case, the user of the container can open the cover 11 as soon as the gap 31 is created by continuing to rotate it. In Figure 11, region V corresponds to 20 degrees.

[0232] If rotation continues, the next 90-degree cycle will follow a similar torque measurement curve.

[0233] The above describes rotation in the intended direction. When rotating in the opposite direction, i.e., an unintended direction, the end stops 45, 46 must be passed by the snap element 20 rather than by the contact wall 461 of the end stops 45, 46. Since the contact wall 461 typically has a stepped surface with a stopping angle 460 of about 90 degrees perpendicular to the surface of the main body 10, in this case a much higher torque is required than the torques of the first peak P1 and the second peak P2. This indicates that an incorrect direction of rotation, i.e., an unintended direction of rotation, is being used. For example, if a user applies force, such as when trying to open container 1, the user will understand that it would be better to rotate the cover 11 in the opposite direction, i.e., the intended direction of rotation.

[0234] As described above, Figures 10 and 11 show the rotation of the cover 11 relative to the main body for a container 1 similar to those shown in Figures 1-9, except that the snap elements 20 are positioned every 90 degrees, resulting in a 90-degree cycle. By changing the distance between the gap 31 and the snap elements 20, the length of the cycle can be varied. For example, 45-degree, 60-degree, 180-degree, or 360-degree cycles can also be used. The length of the cycle will be an integer fraction of 360 degrees. Furthermore, the shape of the snap elements 20 and the end stops 45 and 46 affects the height and width of peaks P1 and P2 and downward peaks D1 and D2. The width of the gap 31, i.e., the gap angle α and the angular length w of the snap elements 20, affects the length of zone II.

[0235] When a single torque value is measured in isolation, it is almost always impossible to determine at what point in the 90-degree cycle the torque value was measured. For example, a torque of around 0.2 Nm could be somewhere in Zone II or IV, or in the dip of Zone V. Another example is a torque of around 0.4 Nm, which could be in the latter half of Zone I or Zone III.

[0236] However, in some parts of the 90-degree cycle, it is possible to identify the exact position on the torque measurement curve where the torque value was measured. - Torque values ​​exceeding 0.5 Nm indicate either peak P1 or P2, but it is unclear which peak it is in the shape of the illustrated container 1. This corresponds to the first end 21 of the snap element 20 reaching the top of either end stop 45 or 46. - Torque values ​​around 0.1 Nm indicate either a downward peak D1 or D2, but it is unclear which peak it is given the shape of the container 1 shown in the illustration. This corresponds to the second end 21 of the snap element 20 reaching the top of either the end stop 45 or 46. - A torque value exceeding 0.6 Nm corresponds to the cover 11 rotating in an unintended direction, causing the second end 21 of the snap element 20 to reach the contact wall of either end stop 45 or 46. In the shape of the illustrated container 1, it is unclear which is zone III.

[0237] By examining a portion of the torque measurement curve and searching for the torque pattern, the following can be observed: - Small peaks and valleys indicate that we are in Zone V. If we know the shape of the container, we can also determine the number of small peaks, and thus we can conclude that we have reached the end of Zone V. - If the second peak P2 appears immediately after the first peak P1, and is not far from there, it indicates that the gap 31 has just been passed, i.e., the beginning of Zone III. - If a second descending peak, D2, appears immediately after the first descending peak, D1, and is not far from it, it indicates that Zone IV has been reached.

[0238] When manufacturing or selling containers as shown in Figures 1-9, especially if the container has a child-resistant structure, it is desirable to ensure that the cover is not in a position where it can be easily opened or removed. Therefore, it is desirable to ensure that cover 11 is not in Zone II of the rotational cycle.

[0239] Furthermore, it is desirable that the side walls 114 of the cover 11 do not bulge outward relative to the main body 10, nor that the main body 10 be pushed inward. This could impair the airtightness of the container, which could lead to moisture absorption or loss of the product inside the container 1. Also, the cover 11 and / or the main body 10 are at risk of deformation due to plastic deformation of their materials. Therefore, it is desirable to ensure that the cover 11 is not in zone I or III of the rotation cycle. Thus, zones I to III represent undesirable rotation positions.

[0240] Figure 12 shows a method 200 according to the present invention for confirming the rotational position of the container cover relative to the container body. Method 200 includes the following steps: a) Using a rotating device, the cover is rotated relative to the main body while directly or indirectly determining the torque until the torque corresponding to a predetermined rotation position is determined. b) Subsequently, a rotating device is used to rotate the cover relative to the main body by a selectable rotation angle β.

[0241] This method is applicable to the types of containers described herein, particularly container 1 shown in Figures 1-9, and containers having torque measurement curves as shown in Figures 10-11. In this case, it may be desirable to ensure that the cover 11 is not in a rotational position relative to the body 10 that would allow the container 1 to be opened. Alternatively or supplementarily, it may also be desirable to ensure that the side wall 114 of the cover 11 does not bulge outward relative to the body 10, and / or that the body 10 bulges inward, as this could cause problems with sealing.

[0242] A device 300 for determining the rotational position of the cover 11 of the container 1 relative to the body 10 is schematically shown in Figure 13. The device 300 is suitable for performing the method 200 described herein. The device 300 comprises a rotating device 310 and a torque measuring device 320. The rotating device 310 rotates the cover 11 relative to the body 10, while the torque is directly or indirectly determined by the torque measuring device 320 until a torque associated with a predetermined rotational position is determined. The rotating device 310 then rotates the cover 11 relative to the body 10 of the container 1 by a selectable rotation angle β.

[0243] The device 300 may further include a control unit 330 configured to determine torque values ​​exceeding selectable thresholds and / or analyze the pattern of the determined torques.

[0244] In the following section, we will describe the application of Method 200 shown in Figure 12 to a container having a torque measurement curve as shown in Figures 10-11, using the apparatus shown in Figure 13.

[0245] In one embodiment of Method 200, step a) includes using a rotating device 310 to rotate the cover 11 relative to the body 10 until the torque value exceeds a selectable threshold, i.e., until peaks P1 and P2 are reached, although it is unclear which peaks P1 and P2 are reached in the illustrated container 1 shape. This corresponds to the first end 21 of the snap element 20 reaching the top of either end stopper 45 or 46. In step b), it is desirable to ensure that the cover 11 is rotated relative to the body 10 of the container 1 in a position where the container 1 cannot be opened, or at least difficult to open. Furthermore, it is necessary to ensure that the side walls 114 of the cover 11 do not bulge outward relative to the body 10, and that the body 10 does not bulge inward, because such bulges can cause problems with the seal.

[0246] Therefore, when starting from Zone I, the selectable rotation angle β must be greater than 15 + 8 + 15 degrees, or 38 degrees, in this example, to avoid undesirable relative rotation positions. On the other hand, when starting from Zone III, the selectable rotation angle β must be less than 32 + 20 degrees, or 52 degrees. Thus, by selecting a rotation angle β greater than 38 degrees and less than 52 degrees, it is ensured that the cover is in the desired rotation position and that the cover does not open, bulge outward, and / or the main body 10 does not bulge inward. See the two illustrative arrows in Figure 11. Therefore, in variations of this method, the angle β is selected such that 38 degrees < β < 52 degrees.

[0247] Generally, (α+s tot )<β<(γ-α-s tot ) and α is the gap angle, which in this example is 8 degrees. s tot This is the sum of s1 and s2, and in this example, 15 + 15 = 30 degrees. s1 is the angular length through which the snap element 20 passes the first endstop 45, which in this example is 15 degrees. s2 is the angular length through which the snap element 20 passes the second endstop 46, which in this example is 15 degrees. β is the rotation angle selectable in step b), γ is the gap angle, which in this example is 90 degrees.

[0248] The angular lengths s1 and s2 through which the snap element 20 passes the end stops 45 and 46 depend on both the angular lengths of the end stops e1 and e2 (see Figure 8) and the angular length w of the snap element 20 as viewed from the direction of rotation (see Figure 6).

[0249] If peaks P1 and P2 can be identified by torque measurement, the following applies: If starting from the first peak P1, the selectable rotation angle β must be greater than 15 + 8 + 15 degrees, or 38 degrees, in this example. On the other hand, if starting from the second peak P2, the selectable rotation angle β must be less than 15 + 32 + 20 degrees, or 67 degrees. Therefore, in a variation of this method, the angle β is selected such that 38 degrees < β < 67 degrees.

[0250] Generally, (α+s1+s2)<β<(γ-α-s2). α is the gap angle, which in this example is 8 degrees. s1 is the angle at which the snap element 20 passes through the first endstop 45, which in this example is 15 degrees. s2 is the angle at which the snap element 20 passes through the second endstop 46, which in this example is 15 degrees. β is the rotation angle selectable in step b), γ is the gap angle, which in this example is 90 degrees.

[0251] The difference between these two calculations is that the first calculation considers that the position of step a) can be anywhere in zone I or III, whereas the second calculation considers that the position of step a) is located in one of the peaks.

[0252] If you are using either the downward peak D1 or D2 but are unsure which to use: If you start with the first downward peak D1, the selectable rotation angle β must be greater than 8+15 degrees, or 23 degrees, in this example. On the other hand, if you start with the second downward peak D2, the selectable rotation angle β must be less than 32+20 degrees, or 52 degrees. Therefore, in a variation of this method, the angle β is chosen such that 23 degrees < β < 52 degrees.

[0253] In general, (α+s2)<β<(γ-α-s tot ) and α is the gap angle, which in this example is 8 degrees. s2 is the angle at which the snap element 20 passes through the second endstop 46, which in this example is 15 degrees. s tot This is the sum of s1 and s2, and in this example, 15 + 15 = 30 degrees. β is the rotation angle selectable in step b), γ is the gap angle, which in this example is 90 degrees.

[0254] Figures 10 and 11 show rotation in the intended direction. If rotation occurs in an unintended direction in step a) and the abutment wall 461 is reached, two relative positions are possible in a 90-degree cycle for a vessel 1 of the type having a torque measurement curve as shown in Figures 1 and 2. In the detailed view of vessel 1 shown in Figure 8, the two possible relative positions are shown as abutment wall 461 to the right of the two end stops 45, 46. Passing through the abutment wall 461 requires a much greater force than passing through the abutment surface 451 which can be overcome. The first abutment wall 461 is located at the end of the gap 31, i.e., the first end stop 45. In this position, the cover 11 must rotate at least 8 + 15 = 23 degrees in the intended rotation direction to avoid protruding outward and / or inward away from the gap. On the other hand, it should not rotate more than 90 - 15 = 75 degrees in the intended rotation direction to avoid the next protruding position. The second abutment wall 461 is located on the opposite side of the gap 31, i.e., on the opposite side of the second endstop 46 from the gap 31. When in this position, the cover 11 is already in this position and does not need to rotate away from the gap to avoid protrusion. On the other hand, to avoid the next protruding position, it must not rotate more than 90-15-15-8 = 52 degrees in the intended rotational direction. Therefore, although it is unknown which abutment wall it is, if it rotates in the intended rotational direction starting from the abutment wall, the rotation angle should be between 23 and 52 degrees, and the angle β is selected such that 23 degrees < β < 52 degrees.

[0255] In general, (α+s2)<β<(γ-α-s tot ) α is the gap angle, which in this example is 8 degrees. s2 is the angle at which the snap element 20 passes through the second endstop 46, which in this example is 15 degrees. s tot This is the sum of s1 and s2, and in this example, 15 + 15 = 30 degrees. β is the rotation angle selectable in step b), γ is the gap angle, which in this example is 90 degrees.

[0256] When examining a small portion of the torque measurement curve to find the torque pattern, one possible relative position can be identified in step a). The illustrated example shows the three examples described above. - Small peaks and valleys indicate that we are in zone V. Since we know the shape of the container, we also know the number of small peaks, so we can conclude that we have reached the edge of zone V. In that case, the rotation in step b) must be at least 15+8+15=38 degrees in the intended direction of rotation, and less than 90 degrees. - If the second peak P2 is not far after the first peak P1, it indicates that we have just passed through gap 31, i.e., the beginning of Zone III. In this case, the rotation in step b) must be at least 15 degrees in the intended direction of rotation and less than 90-8-15=67 degrees. - If the second descending peak D2 occurs not far after the first descending peak D1, it indicates that Zone IV has been reached. In this case, no rotation as the minimum rotation in step b) is necessary. Furthermore, the rotation in the intended direction of rotation in step b) must be less than 90-15-8-15=52 degrees.

[0257] According to another modification of the method according to the present invention, step a) using a rotating device 310, rotate the cover 11 to an undesirable rotational position by an angular length I ud Step b) includes rotating the cover 11 by an angle including an arbitrary safety margin m. Step b) compares the torque value identified at the end of step a) with a selectable non-fixed threshold, and if the identified torque value is less than the non-fixed threshold, the cover 11 is not rotated any further; however, if the identified torque value is equal to or greater than the non-fixed threshold, the rotating device 310 is used to rotate the cover 11 by an angular length I of an undesirable rotational position. ud This includes further rotation by an angle that includes an arbitrary safety margin m. The safety margin m is typically a few degrees, such as in the range of 1 to 5 degrees, but it is also possible to set the safety margin to 0 degrees, i.e., no safety margin is used.

[0258] Examples of undesirable rotational positions include when the cover 11 is in a rotational position that allows it to be opened, for example, when the snap element 20 is in the gap 31. Other undesirable positions include when the side wall 114 of the cover 11 protrudes outward, and / or when the main body 10 protrudes inward (for example, when the snap element 20 passes through the end stops 45, 46). In the example shown in Figure 11, ud The angle is 15 + 8 + 15 = 38 degrees. The safety margin can be in the range of 1 to 5 degrees, for example, 2 degrees. Therefore, in step a), the cover 11 will rotate 38 + 2 = 40 degrees. In this case, we assume that the rotation is performed in the intended direction of rotation.

[0259] In this modification of the method according to the present invention, the torque is applied only once, i.e., the angular length I of the cover 11 in an undesirable rotational position. ud It is sufficient to measure the value after adding an arbitrary safety margin m, for example, when it has been rotated 40 degrees.

[0260] Angle length I of an undesirable rotational position ud The torque value, measured with an arbitrary safety margin added, is compared to a non-fixed threshold, which can be set to 0.3 Nm in the example in Figure 11. The non-fixed threshold is chosen to be associated with the torque value typically obtained at undesirable rotational positions. Therefore, when at undesirable rotational positions, i.e., in zones I or III, the non-fixed threshold is reached or exceeded.

[0261] If the specified torque value is below the non-fixed threshold, no further rotation of the cover 11 will occur. This is unnecessary because it has been confirmed that the cover 11 is not in an undesirable rotational position. On the other hand, if the specified torque value is above the non-fixed threshold, further rotation in the intended rotational direction is desirable. Rotation angle I ud By selecting a value that includes a safety margin m, it is confirmed that the cover has rotated sufficiently away from an undesirable rotational position.

[0262] This can be illustrated using Figure 11. If the cover rotation is started in Zone I or II, a 40-degree rotation in step a) will move the cover to Zone IV. If the cover rotation is started in Zone III, the rotation in step a) will move the cover to Zone IV or V. If the cover rotation is started at the beginning of Zone IV, the rotation in step a) will move the cover to Zone V. What these cases have in common is that after comparing the torque value measured in step b) with the selectable threshold, it is confirmed that the cover is in a safe position, and therefore no further rotation is performed.

[0263] On the other hand, if the cover rotation is started at the end of Zone IV or in Zone V, the rotation in step a) will move the cover to an undesirable rotational position in Zone I, II, or III. In that case, after comparing the torque value measured in step b) with a selectable threshold, an additional rotation of, for example, 40 degrees is performed, moving the cover to Zone IV or V and bringing the cover to a safe position.

[0264] In another modification of this method, the rotation by the rotating device 310 in step a) is performed in an unintended direction, and the rotation in step b) is performed in the intended direction. In this case, the rotation in step a) is equal to the gap length α plus a safety margin m. In this modification, the safety margin m in step a) is greater than 0. During the rotation in step a), the torque is determined. Step b) compares the maximum torque value determined in step a) with a selectable non-fixed threshold. If the determined maximum torque value is less than the non-fixed threshold, the cover 11 is not rotated further. However, if the determined maximum torque value is equal to or greater than the non-fixed threshold, the rotating device 310 is used to rotate the cover 11 in the intended direction by an angle α+s tot This includes further rotation by α, where α is the gap angle and s totis the sum of s1 and s2, that is, the value obtained by adding an arbitrary safety margin m to the angles at which the snap elements pass through their respective end stops. The safety margin m in step b) is usually several degrees, such as in the range of 1 degree to 5 degrees, but it is also possible to set the safety margin in step b) to 0 degrees, that is, not to use the safety margin.

[0265] This can be illustrated using FIG. 11. Assume that the safety margin in step a) is 1 degree and the safety margin in step b) is 0 degrees.

[0266] If the rotation of the cover starts in zone V, the distal part of zone IV, or the first part of zone I and is rotated 8 + 1 = 9 degrees by an unintended rotation, the rotation in step a) ends in zone IV or V. What these zones have in common is that after comparing the maximum torque value (here about 0.2 Nm) with the selectable threshold value in step b) (for example, 0.3 Nm or more), it is confirmed that the cover is in a safe state, so no further rotation is executed.

[0267] On the other hand, if the rotation of the cover starts in the distal part of zone I, zone II, zone III, or the first part of zone IV, after rotating 9 degrees by an unintended rotation, the cover will be in an undesirable protruding position or an undesirable openable / closable position. This is determined by exceeding the maximum torque value that exceeds the selectable threshold value in step b), for example, exceeding 0.3 Nm. In that case, the cover rotates 8 + 15 + 15 = 38 degrees in the intended rotation direction. Thereby, it is confirmed that the cover is in a safe state after step b) and the cover is at the target rotation position.

[0268] In yet another variation, very similar to the above variation, the unintended rotation in step a) stops as soon as a torque value exceeding a selectable non-fixed threshold is detected. This indicates that it is in zone I or III. If no such value is detected, the unintended rotation in step a) stops after the gap length α plus a safety margin m. In this variation, the gap length α is greater than 0, and it stops after 9 degrees. If no torque value exceeding a selectable non-fixed threshold is detected in step a), no rotation is performed in step b). Otherwise, the cover is rotated 8 + 15 + 15 = 38 degrees in the intended rotation direction in step b), thereby confirming that the cover is in the desired rotational position and is in a safe state.

[0269] The present invention can be further modified within the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed as being limited by the embodiments and drawings described herein. Rather, the entire scope of the present invention should be determined by the appended claims, with reference to the specification and drawings. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0270] 1 container 10 Main body 11 Cover 20 snap elements 30 ring elements 31 Gap 40 Second element 41. First element 45, 46 End Stops 300 equipment 310 Rotating device 320 Torque measuring device 451 Crossable contact surface 461 Abutment wall

Claims

1. A method (200) for confirming the rotational position of the cover (11) of a container (1), in particular a container with a fixed closing part, relative to the main body (10) of the container (1), a) Using a rotating device (310), the step of directly or indirectly determining the torque while rotating the cover (11) relative to the main body (10) until the torque corresponding to a predetermined rotation position is identified, b) The following steps involve using the rotating device (310) to rotate the cover (11) relative to the main body (10) by a selectable rotation angle (β). A method including (200).

2. The container (1) is equipped with snap fasteners for the main body (10) and the cover (11), and the snap fastener comprises a ring element (30) having a gap (31) with a gap angle (α), and a snap element (20) configured to interact with the ring element (30), In step a), the predetermined rotational position is the position of the gap (31) or its vicinity. The method according to claim 1, wherein in step b), the selectable rotation angle (β) is selected such that the snap element (20) moves away from the gap (31), but does not rotate so much that the snap element (20) reaches the next gap (31).

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein in step a), the torque associated with the position of the gap (31) or the predetermined rotational position in its vicinity is a torque value exceeding a selectable threshold.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein in step a), a torque value exceeding the selectable threshold is associated with a peak in the torque measurement curve identified in step a), and this curve represents torque as a function of rotation angle.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein in step a), a torque value exceeding the selectable threshold is obtained by the rotating device (310) rotating the snap element (20) beyond the end stops (45, 46) of the gap (31), and in step b), it is further confirmed that the snap element (20) is not positioned on the end stops (45, 46), preferably the container (1) has the end stops (45, 46) at both ends of the gap (31), and in step b), it is further confirmed that the snap element (20) is not positioned on either end stop (45, 46).

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the end stop (45) has a traversable contact surface (451), such as an inclined surface, when viewed from the direction of rotation, and the method includes in step a) and / or b) indicating the intended direction of rotation by the traversable contact surface (451).

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the end stop (45) has, when viewed from the direction of rotation, a contact wall (461), for example, a stepped surface, and the method includes in step a) and / or b) indicating an unintended direction of rotation by the contact wall (461).

8. The container (1) further comprises a tactile mechanism that indicates the release state of the snap fastener, which allows the cover (11) to be removed from the main body (10), the tactile mechanism comprising a tactile element (41) positioned in the gap (31), and when the snap fastener is in a snapped state in which the cover (11) cannot be removed from the main body (10), the tactile element (41) is positioned above or below the snap element (20) when viewed in the direction of removal of the cover (11). The method of claim 2, wherein in step a), the torque associated with the gap (31) or a predetermined rotational position in its vicinity includes a torque pattern that reflects the configuration of the tactile element.

9. The method according to claim 9, wherein the tactile element comprises a first element (41), such as a tactile rib (41), which is disposed on one of the cover (11) or the main body (10) and configured to interact with a second element (40), such as a ratchet rib (40), which is disposed on the other of the cover (11) or the main body (10), and at least one of the first element (41) and the second element (40) is a male element.

10. The method according to claim 10, wherein the tactile element comprises a plurality of first elements (41), and the torque associated with the predetermined rotational position is a torque pattern that reflects the angular distance between the first elements (41).

11. The method according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of first elements (41) are spaced apart such that the distance between the first elements (41) is equal, and the torque associated with a predetermined rotational position in or adjacent to the gap (31) is in a periodic pattern.

12. Step a) Using the rotating device (310), the cover (11) is rotated to an angle length (I) of an undesirable rotational position. ｕｄ Step b) includes rotating the cover (11) by an angle equal to the angle of an arbitrary safety margin (m), wherein step b) compares the torque value identified at the end of step a) with a selectable non-fixed threshold, and if the identified torque value is less than the non-fixed threshold, the cover (11) is not rotated further, but if the identified torque value is equal to or greater than the non-fixed threshold, the rotating device (310) is used to rotate the cover (11) by an angle length (I) of an undesirable rotational position. ｕｄ The method according to claim 2, further comprising rotating by an angle obtained by adding an arbitrary safety margin (m) to the given angle.

13. Step a) includes using the rotating device (310) to rotate the cover (11) in an unintended rotational direction by an angle equal to the gap angle (α) plus a safety margin, and step b) compares the maximum torque value identified in step a) with a selectable non-fixed threshold, and if the identified torque value is less than the non-fixed threshold, the cover (11) is not rotated further, but if the identified torque value is equal to or greater than the non-fixed threshold, the rotating device (310) is used to rotate the cover (11) in the intended rotational direction by an angular length (I) of the undesirable rotational position. ｕｄ The method according to claim 2, further comprising rotating by an angle that adds an arbitrary safety margin to the above.

14. Step a) includes allowing the rotating device (310) to rotate the cover (11) in an unintended rotational direction until a torque value exceeding a selectable non-fixed threshold is detected, or until the rotation reaches a value equal to the gap angle (α) plus a safety margin, whichever comes first; and step b) if the identified torque value is less than the non-fixed threshold, the cover (11) is not rotated further, but if a torque value greater than or equal to the non-fixed threshold is identified in step a), the rotating device (310) rotates the cover (11) to an angular length (I) of the undesirable rotational position. ｕｄ The method according to claim 2, further comprising rotating the cover (11) in the intended rotational direction by an amount equal to the value obtained by adding an arbitrary safety margin to the specified value.

15. A device (300) for checking the rotational position of the cover (11) of the container (1) relative to the main body (10) of the container (1), The apparatus (300) comprises a rotating device (310) and a torque measuring device (320), wherein the rotating device (310) is configured to rotate the cover (11) relative to the main body (10) while directly or indirectly determining the torque by the torque measuring device (320) until a torque corresponding to a predetermined rotation position is determined, and the rotating device (310) is configured thereafter to rotate the cover (11) relative to the main body (10) of the container (1) by a selectable rotation angle (β).

16. The apparatus (300) according to claim 15, further comprising a control unit (300) configured to identify a torque value exceeding a selectable threshold and / or to analyze a pattern of identified torques.

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