Container having closure feature

Abstract

A container (1) for consumer products, the container (1) comprising: a housing (20) comprising a storage chamber for storing one or more consumer products; a cover (30) comprising: a base portion (35) mounted to the housing to define an access opening for accessing the storage chamber; and a lid portion (40), the lid portion (40) being movable between a closed position in which the lid portion (40) covers the access opening, and an open position in which one or more consumer products can be removed from the storage chamber through the access opening, and wherein the lid portion (40) comprises a tab (45) having a tab engaging element (46) configured to engage with a corresponding housing engaging element (21); and wherein the cover (30) is rotatable relative to the housing (20) between a first position in which the tab engaging element (46) and the housing engaging element (21) are disengaged, and a second position in which the tab engaging element (46) is engaged with the housing engaging element (21).

Description

[0001] CONTAINER HAVING CLOSURE FEATURE

[0002] The present invention relates to a container for consumer products. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a container for a product for oral consumption. For example, a container in accordance with the present invention may find use as a container for permeable pouches comprising a nicotine-containing product for oral consumption.

[0003] Among the broad spectrum of tobacco products offered on the market, there is a class of goods intended for oral administration which does not require combustion. Examples of such goods are chewing tobacco, snus, snuff and nicotine pouches.

[0004] Nicotine pouches are typically white, pre-portioned pouches comprising a smokeless non-tobacco material. They contain either tobacco derivative nicotine or synthetic nicotine. Different nicotine pouch products can have a different nicotine content. The pouched product comprising a smokeless non-tobacco material may further contain trace amounts of tobacco, such as below 0.05 percent by weight. The filling material comprising a smokeless non- tobacco material, may further comprise a flavour compound. Alternatively, the pouched product comprising a smokeless nontobacco material may further contain tobacco in the range of from 5 percent by weight to 10 percent by weight, in particular, a low-tobacco product. Nicotine pouches may also contain one or more of sweeteners, plant-based fibres, food-grade fillers, and flavourants. To use a nicotine pouch, the user puts a pouch between the upper lip and gum, and leaves it there while the nicotine and flavours are released. After use, the pouch is disposed of.

[0005] A typical package for nicotine pouches is a substantially cylindrical can or container provided with a reclosable lid. The typical package is made from metal or a resilient plastic material, and is characterized by a hand-held portable size, such that it can be easily stored and transported.

[0006] During usage, a user may open the lid to extract and consume a fresh nicotine pouch from the container. The user may then close the lid until they are ready to extract and consume a further consumer good.

[0007] It is generally desirable to ensure that the lid of the container remains in the closed position until a user is ready to access the consumer products. For example, it may be desirable to ensure that the lid remains in the closed position when the container is being transported. This may help to prevent the consumer products from inadvertently falling out of the container. This may help to preserve one or more properties of the consumer products, such as their freshness.

[0008] It would be desirable to provide a novel and improved container for consumer products which is configured to reduce the risk of a lid of the container inadvertently moving from a closed position to an open position. Further, it would be desirable to provide a user of the container with a convenient and easy to use means for opening the container when the user is ready to access the consumer products. It would also be desirable to provide a user of the container with one or both of tactile and audible indications regarding the state of the container.

[0009] The present disclosure relates to a container for consumer products. The container may comprise a housing comprising a storage chamber for storing one or more consumer products. The container may further comprise a cover. The cover may comprise a base portion mounted to the housing to define an access opening for accessing the storage chamber. The cover may further comprise a lid portion. The lid portion may be movable between a closed position in which the lid portion covers the access opening, and an open position in which one or more consumer products can be removed from the storage chamber through the access opening. The lid portion may comprise a tab having an tab engaging element. The tab engaging element may be configured to engage with a corresponding housing engaging element. The cover may be rotatable relative to the housing between a first position in which the tab engaging element and the housing engaging element are disengaged, and a second position in which the tab engaging element is engaged with the housing engaging element.

[0010] According to the invention, there is provided a container for consumer products. The container comprises a housing comprising a storage chamber for storing one or more consumer products. The container further comprises a cover. The cover comprises a base portion mounted to the housing to define an access opening for accessing the storage chamber. The cover further comprises a lid portion. The lid portion is movable between a closed position in which the lid portion covers the access opening, and an open position in which one or more consumer products can be removed from the storage chamber through the access opening. The lid portion comprises a tab having an tab engaging element. The tab engaging element is configured to engage with a corresponding housing engaging element. The cover is rotatable relative to the housing between a first position in which the tab engaging element and the housing engaging element are disengaged, and a second position in which the tab engaging element is engaged with the housing engaging element.

[0011] By providing a cover mounted to the housing and rotatable relative to the housing between the first and second positions, an engaging element of a tab of the lid portion may be selectively aligned with a corresponding housing engaging element. The container may therefore be able to transfer between: a state in which its lid portion is difficult or impossible to open and thus less likely to be easily or inadvertently moved to an open position; and another state in which its lid portion is able to be moved to an open position. A user of the container can therefore place the container in a state whereby it is harder to open or be inadvertently opened when they are not intending to access any goods contained in the storage chamber. For example, the user of the container may place the container in said state when they choose to put the container in their pocket or place the container on a surface. However, when the user is ready to access any goods in the storage chamber, the user can simply rotate the cover relative to the housing until the tab engaging element of the lid portion is not aligned with the housing engaging element. In this position, the user can advantageously lift or pull on the tab to move the lid portion to the opened position.

[0012] The lid portion may be coupled to the base portion by a hinge line. The lid portion may be configured to pivot about the hinge line between the closed position and the open position. The lid portion being coupled to the base portion by a hinge line may advantageously allow the lid portion to be movable between a close position and an open position without the lid portion being completely detached from the base portion. This may prevent the lid portion from being misplaced or lost.

[0013] When the cover is in the second position relative to the housing, the tab may not be aligned with the recessed portion. In particular, the tab may not be positioned over the recessed portion. Therefore, any free edges of the lid portion may not be readily accessible because they are adjacent to corresponding edges of other components of the container. As such, it is difficult for a user to grip the tab and otherwise move the lid portion to an open position. Furthermore, in this second position, the tab engaging element may not be aligned with the gap in the housing engaging element, and is engaged with the housing engaging element to prevent the lid portion from being rotated to the open position. In this second position, the container may therefore be in a secure condition, which prevents inadvertent opening of the container.

[0014] In the first position the tab of the lid portion may be aligned with a recessed portion of the housing. In the second position the tab of the lid portion may not be aligned with the recessed portion of the housing. By providing a cover mounted to the housing and rotatable relative to the housing between the first and second positions, a tab of the lid portion may be selectively aligned with a recess of the housing. The container may therefore be able to transfer between: a state in which its lid portion is harder to access and thus less likely to be easily or inadvertently moved to an open position; and another state in which its lid portion is easier to access and thus more easily moved to an open position. A user of the container can therefore place the container in a state whereby it is harder to open or be inadvertently opened when they are not intending to access any goods contained in the storage chamber. For example, the user of the container may place the container in said state when they choose to put the container in their pocket or place the container on a surface. However, when the user is ready to access any goods in the storage chamber, the user can simply rotate the cover relative to the housing until the tab of the lid portion becomes aligned with the recess of the housing. When the tab of the lid portion is aligned with the recessed portion of the housing, the tab may advantageously be more easily accessible . In this position, the user can advantageously use the positional relationship of the recess relative to the tab to access the tab with their finger and lift or pull on the tab to move the lid portion to the opened position.

[0015] The tab engaging element may be an elongate protrusion. The housing engaging element may be a rib element. The elongate protrusion may be in the form of a rib or slide. Engaging elements in the form of ribs or slides are easy to manufacture. In general, the engaging element may be formed as slides that may conveniently slide along the rib element. In particular, the tab elongate protrusion of the tab engaging element may have a shape which is complementary to the shape of the rib element. In more detail the elongate protrusion and the rib element may each have engaging surfaces which are substantially flat to allow the cover with the tab to be rotatable around the housing when the tab engaging element and the housing engaging element are engaged.

[0016] The rib element may be an interrupted ring. The interrupted ring may allow the manufacture of a housing with a simple, secure and space saving engaging element.

[0017] In alternative embodiments, the housing element may comprise two or more rib elements. The two or more rib elements may be spaced around the periphery of the housing at a number of discrete rotational positions. In such an embodiment, the tab engaging element may be configured to engage with the housing engaging element along the number of discrete rotational positions around the periphery of the housing. Thus in such an embodiment, there may also be a number of discrete rotational positions in which the cover and the housing are disengaged and the lid portion can be moved from the closed position to the open position.

[0018] The interrupted ring may protrude outwards and be arranged on a side wall of the housing. The tab engaging element may protrude inwards and be arranged on an inner surface of the tab. The interrupted ring may be arranged at an upper region of a side wall of the housing and tab engaging element may be arranged on an inner wall of the tab. When the tab engaging element and the interrupted ring are engaged, the tab engaging element may be moved circumferentially below and along the outwardly protruding interrupted ring.

[0019] The interrupted ring may comprise a gap configured to allow the tab engaging element to pass the rib when the lid portion is moved from the closed position to the open position when the cover is in the first position. The presence of the gap in the interrupted ring may allow for release of the tab engaging element in only a specific rotational position of the cover and housing. Accordingly, the cover and the housing must be specifically aligned in order for the container to be opened. This configuration may advantageously reduce the risk of the container being inadvertently opened. It may also help with preserving one or more properties of the consumer products stored in the storage chamber of the housing. The gap of the interrupted ring may be in the recessed portion of the housing. This may advantageously make the lid portion easier to open when the cover is in the first position. In more detail, in the first position, the user can advantageously use the positional relationship of the recess relative to the tab along with the gap in the interrupted ring to more easily move the lid to the open position. The gap in the interrupted ring may be longer than the length of the tab engaging element to allow the tab engaging element to pass through the gap in the interrupted ring, thereby allowing the lid to move from the closed position to the open position.

[0020] The interrupted ring may comprise a plurality of gaps configured to allow the tab engaging element to pass the rib when the lid moved from the closed position to the open position when the cover is in the first position. The presence of a plurality of gaps in the interrupted ring may allow for release of the tab engaging element in more than one rotational position of the cover and housing. This may be advantageous in that it may provide multiple positions in which the container may be opened, whilst still reduce the risk of the container being inadvertently opened compared with known containers.

[0021] The tab engaging element may be at a distal end of the tab. In other words, the tab engaging element may be on the end of the tab which spaced away from the main body of the lid portion. This may advantageously provide better engagement between the tab engagement element and the corresponding housing engaging element . In particular, the tab may have a certain resilience which may allow the tab to snap fit with the housing. In particular, in some cases, the resilience of the tab may allow the tab to engage with the housing even when the cover is in the first portion relative to the housing. In more detail, with the application of sufficient force, the tab engaging element may overcome the housing engaging element to engage with the housing engaging element in a snap fit.

[0022] Alternatively, the tab may be at a proximal end of the tab. Such an arrangement may provide a more secure engagement between the tab engaging element and the housing engaging element. This is because such an arrangement may reduce the likelihood of the tab engaging element and the housing engaging element being disengaged through the application of a significant lifting force to a distal end of the tab.

[0023] The tab engaging element may not extend across the full width of the tab. Such an arrangement may be advantageous in that the tab engaging element may be completely concealed from view when the lid portion is in the closed position. This may also be advantageous in that the gap in the interrupted ring may be better hidden from view behind the tab when the tab is in the first position. The tab engaging element may be located centrally on the tab. This arrangement may further help to conceal the tab engaging element from view when the lid is in the closed position and may also help to better hide the gap in the interrupted ring from view behind the tab when the tab is in the first position.

[0024] The hinge line may be proximate an upper edge of the cover. This may provide additional space on the body of the housing for branding, advertising, consumer information and other indicia relating to the consumer products in the container. The container may comprise a snap fastener between the housing and the cover. This can help to ensure that the outer surface of the base portion can remain flush with the outer surface of the housing during use of the container. Closures comprising a snap fastener are simple and effective fasteners for containers. The audible and haptic feedback of a snap fastener also indicates safe closure of a container also for visually and possibly also acoustically impaired user. This can also prevent the housing and the cover from being inadvertently detached and help to prevent the consumer products from inadvertently falling out of the container. This may help to preserve one or more properties of the consumer products, such as their freshness.

[0025] The snap fastener may comprise the housing engaging element and a snap element on the cover configured to engage with the housing engaging element. In the snapped condition of the snap fastener, the snap element may be moved circumferentially in rotational direction below and along the outwardly protruding engaging element of the cover. The use of the housing engaging element as a means of engaging both the tab and the cover prevents the need for separate engaging elements for both components. This provides a simpler, more cost effective and easier to manufacture solution.

[0026] The snap element may comprise at least one elongate protrusion. The elongate protrusion of the lid may be an interrupted ring with a gap at the circumferential position where the tab resides when the lid is in the closed position. A snap element in the form of an interrupted ring may provide a better seal with the engaging element of the housing, where this corresponding engaging element is also an interrupted ring. This may help to preserve one or more properties of the consumer products, such as their freshness.

[0027] The snap element may comprise at least two elongate protrusions, preferably at least three elongate protrusions, even more preferably at least four elongate protrusions. The elongate protrusions may be spaced evenly around the circumference of the cover.

[0028] The at least one elongate protrusion may protrude inwards and may be arranged on a side wall of the cover.

[0029] The container may further comprise a haptic mechanism configured to indicate when the cover rotates between the first position and the second position. In other words, the haptic mechanism may indicate a release condition of the tab engaging element from the housing engaging element. The haptic mechanism may help to ensure that only users who are familiar with the container are able to determine when the cover is in the first position or the second position. This may in turn reduce the likelihood of the container being inadvertently opened. The haptic mechanism may be configured to produce one or both of audible and tactile effect to a user of the container. For example, the haptic mechanism may create one or both of a click sound and a vibration of the housing when cover rotates between the first position and the second position. The haptic mechanism may comprise at least one haptic rib. The haptic rib may interact with another element to generate one or both of audio and tactile feedback to a user of the container.

[0030] The haptic mechanism may comprise a group of haptic ribs. The group of haptic ribs may interact with another element to generate one or both of audio and tactile feedback to a user of the container. The provision of a group of haptic ribs may be advantageous in that the group of haptic ribs may produce a desired or customisable audio and / or tactile feedback. In particular, the spacing and number of ribs may be customised to produce a desired haptic effect. For example, the size of the haptic ribs of the group of haptic ribs may increase or decrease towards the first position of the cover relative to the housing. Alternatively or additionally, the spacing of the haptic ribs of the group of haptic ribs may increase or decrease towards the first position of the cover relative to the housing.

[0031] The group of haptic ribs may comprise three to ten haptic ribs. Preferably, the group of haptic ribs may comprise five to eight haptic ribs.

[0032] The haptic mechanism may comprise a ratchet rib configured to interact with the at least one haptic rib.

[0033] The ratchet rib and the at least one haptic rib may be arranged on different components of the container. This advantageously produces a haptic effect when the cover is moved relative to the housing.

[0034] Preferably, the ratchet rib is arranged on the cover and the at least one haptic rib is arranged on the housing. The ratchet rib and the at least one haptic rib may be aligned when the cover is secured the housing to produce the haptic feedback when the cover is rotated relative to the housing between the first position and the second position.

[0035] The at least one haptic rib may be arranged on a first side of the gap in the interrupted circular ring. The at least one haptic rib may be arranged proximate the gap in the interrupted circular ring. The proximity between the at least one haptic rib and the gap may help to indicate to the user that the housing is approaching the first position. This is because the user will be able to hear or feel the audio and / or tactile feedback close to the first position.

[0036] The ratchet rib may be arranged above or below the tab engaging element. This may advantageously provide a haptic mechanism on the container which is independent of the engaging mechanisms of the various components of the container. In particular, by arranging the ratchet rib above or below the tab engaging element the haptic mechanism and the engaging mechanisms do not mechanically interact with each other.

[0037] The housing may further comprise a first stopper configured to resist rotation of the cover beyond the first position in a first direction. This may advantageously help to accurately locate the cover relative to the housing in the first position. Such an arrangement may be advantageous in that it makes it less likely for a user to rotate the cover beyond the first position. The resistance to rotation provided by the stopper further provides a further indication to a user that the cover is in the first position. The first stopper may be a resilient stopper.

[0038] The first stopper may extend from the housing engaging element. The first stopper may extend above or below the housing engaging element. The first stopper may extend from an end portion of the housing engaging element. In embodiments in which the housing engaging element is an interrupted ring, the first stopper may extend from a first end of the interrupted ring adjacent the gap in the interrupted ring. This may advantageously help to accurately locate the tab engaging element relative to the gap when the housing is in the first position.

[0039] The first stopper may be an insurmountable stopper. Such an arrangement may be advantageous in that it makes it impossible for a user to rotate the cover beyond the first position. The resistance to rotation provided by the stopper further provides a further indication to a user that the cover is in the first position.

[0040] The housing may further comprise a second stopper configured to resist rotation of the cover from the second position to the first position in the first direction. The second stopper may be configured to resist rotation of the cover from the first position to the second position in a second direction. The second stopper may extend from the housing engaging element. The second stopper may extend above or below the housing engaging element. The second stopper may extend from an end portion of the housing engaging element. In embodiments in which the housing engaging element is an interrupted ring, the second stopper may extend from a second end of the interrupted ring adjacent the gap in the interrupted ring. This may advantageously provide resistance to the tab engaging element which a user must overcome when rotating the cover relative to the housing between the second position and the first position.

[0041] The second stopper may be a surmountable stopper which can be overcome by the tab engaging element by application of sufficient rotational force between the cover and the housing. The second stopper may be a resilient stopper.

[0042] The first direction may be an anti-clockwise direction and the second direction may be a clockwise direction. This may be advantageous in that the direction of rotation of the cover from the second position to the first position in which the lid can be opened is the same direction as that conventionally associated with opening threaded containers. Therefore, a user may be familiar with such a movement and find the method of opening the container more intuitive.

[0043] Alternatively, the first direction may be a clockwise direction and the second direction may be an anti-clockwise direction. This may be advantageous in that the direction of rotation of the cover from the second position to the first position in which the lid can be opened is the opposite direction as that conventionally associated with opening threaded containers. Such an arrangement may therefore be advantageous in that it reduces the likelihood of the container being inadvertently opened and prevent the consumer products from inadvertently falling out of the container. This may help to preserve one or more properties of the consumer products, such as their freshness.

[0044] The second stopper may comprise a first side surface which is inclined relative to tab engaging element to deflect the tab engaging element over the second stopper as the tab engaging element passes the second stopper. The incline of the first side surface may help to guide the tab engaging element over the second stopper when a sufficient rotational force is exerted on the cover. The incline of the first surface of the second stopper may reduce the force needed to overcome the second stopper when compared to a side surface which is perpendicular to the side wall of the housing.

[0045] The second stopper may comprise a second side surface which is inclined relative to tab engaging element to deflect the tab engaging element over the second stopper as the tab engaging element passes the second stopper. The incline of the second side surface may help to guide the tab engaging element over the first stopper when a sufficient rotational force is exerted on the cover. The incline of the first surface of the second stopper may reduce the force needed to overcome the second stopper when compared to a side surface which is perpendicular to the side wall of the housing.

[0046] The first side surface of the second stopper may be a side surface which faces away from the housing engaging element. The second side surface may be a side surface which faces the housing engaging element

[0047] The first side surface and the second side surface of the second stopper may be inclined to the same angle. Alternatively, the first side surface and the second side surface of the second stopper may be inclined to different angles. In particular, in some embodiments, the first side surface may have an angle of incline which is greater than the angle of incline of the second side surface. In such embodiments, the resistance to rotation of the cover between the first position and the second position may be greater than the resistance to rotation of the cover between the second position and the first position. In other embodiments, the second side surface may have an angle of incline which is greater than the angle of incline of the first side surface. In such embodiments, the resistance to rotation of the cover between the second position and the first position may be greater than the resistance to rotation of the cover between the first position and the second position.

[0048] The container may further comprise a band circumscribing the container. The band may comprise branding, advertising, consumer information or indicia relating to the consumer products printed thereon. The band may overlie the side walls of the cover. The band may overlie the side walls of the housing. The band may overlie both the side walls of the cover and the side walls of the housing. The band may overlie only a portion of both the side walls of the cover and the side walls of the housing. Alternatively, the band may overlie substantially all of both the side walls of the cover and the side walls of the housing In embodiments in which the band overlies both the side walls of the cover and the side walls of the housing, the band may act as seal label. In particular, the band may cover an air gap at the join between the cover and the housing. The band may therefore advantageously act as a seal which helps to prevent the ingress of air and / or moisture, and thus preserve the freshness of the consumer goods housed within the container. The band may be a thin ribbon of material suitable for this purpose. In particular, the band may comprise a barrier paper or a plastic film.

[0049] The band may have a weakening line which overlies the join between the edges of the cover and the housing. The weakening line may be in the form of a perforated line or an ablated line. In use, the weakening line may be broken by a user to allow the cover to rotate relative to the housing. This may be advantageous in that the band does not need to be removed in order to the container to be used. This also allows the branding, advertising, consumer information or indicia relating to the consumer products to remain intact and visible throughout the use of the container.

[0050] The container for consumer products may further comprise an alignment indicator. The alignment indicator may indicate when the cover is in the first position relative to the housing. The alignment indicator may advantageously provide a user with a more distinct and recognisable indication that the cover is in the first position relative to the housing. The alignment indicator may be in the form of a visual indicator or a tactile indicator. Examples of visual indicators are indicia (e.g. arrows), text, or one or more areas of a different colour to the rest of the container. Examples of tactile indicators are surface treatments, patterned surfaces or textured surfaces. The alignment indicator may comprise a first portion on the cover and a second portion on the housing. The first portion and the second portion of the alignment indicator may reside at the same peripheral location when the cover is in the first position relative to the housing. The first portion may be on the tab.

[0051] The alignment indicator may be particularly advantageous where the container comprises branding, advertising, consumer information or indicia relating to the consumer products on the side walls of the container. The branding, advertising, consumer information or indicia relating to the consumer products may be in the form of discrete portions around the periphery of the container or, as discussed above, be printed on a band circumscribing the container. The discrete portions or the band may be a printed portion of the container or may alternatively be a separate element which overlies the side walls of the container. The discrete portions or the band may make the tab and the recessed portion more difficult to identify, for example when the container is being used in low light conditions. Additionally or alternatively, the discrete portions or the band may fully or partially obscure the tab and / or the recessed portion. The lateral edges of the tab may be tapered. In particular, the lateral edges of the tab may taper towards the distal end of the tab. In other words, the end of the tab which connects to the lid portion to the lid element may be wider than the lower free edge of the tab. This may be advantageous in that the tapered edges of the tab enable the tab to be more securely clamped shut with the base portion, when compared with a tab having parallel lateral edges.

[0052] The base portion may have a lower edge. The housing may have an upper edge. The lower edge of the base portion may be adjacent to an upper edge of the housing. The lower edge of the base portion may be adjacent to an upper edge of the housing around at least 80 percent of the periphery of the housing. The lower edge of the base portion may be adjacent to an upper edge of the housing around substantially all of the periphery of the housing, except from the recessed portion of the housing. This can help to ensure that the outer surface of the base portion is flush with the outer surface of the housing at the point where the lower edge of the base portion meets with the upper edge of the housing. Put another way, the lower edge of the base portion may be adjacent with an upper edge of the housing such that the outer surface of the base portion is flush with the outer surface of the housing where the lower edge of the base portion meets with the upper edge of the housing. This can help to reduce the extent to which one or both of the lower edge of the base portion and the upper edge of the housing can be gripped. This in turn can help to reduce the likelihood of the base portion being inadvertently separated from the housing. The upper edge of the base portion may be adjacent to a peripheral edge of the lid portion.

[0053] The base portion may have an upper edge. The lid portion may have a peripheral edge. The upper edge of the base portion may be adjacent to a peripheral edge of the lid portion. The upper edge of the base portion may be adjacent to a peripheral edge of the lid portion around at least 80 percent of the periphery of the housing. The upper edge of the base portion may be adjacent to a peripheral edge of the lid portion around substantially all of the periphery of the housing, except from the tab of the lid portion. This can help to ensure that the outer surface of the base portion is flush with the outer surface of the lid portion at the point where the upper edge of the base portion meets with the peripheral edge of the lid portion. Put another way, the upper edge of the base portion may be adjacent with a peripheral edge of the lid portion such that the outer surface of the base portion is flush with the outer surface of the housing where the lower edge of the base portion meets with the upper edge of the housing. This can help to reduce the extent to which one or both of the upper edge of the base portion and the peripheral edge of the lid portion can be gripped. This in turn can help to reduce the likelihood of the base portion being inadvertently separated from the lid portion.

[0054] The tab may be integrally formed with the lid portion. The tab may have a lower edge. The tab may have a first side edge. The tab may have a second side edge. The upper portion of the tab may be integrally formed with the lid portion, and thus have no free edge. The lower edge of the tab may be adjacent to an upper edge of the housing when the lid portion is in the closed position and the cover is in the second position. The first side edge of the tab may be adjacent to an edge of the base portion when the lid portion is in the closed position. The second side edge of the tab may be adjacent to an edge of the base portion when the lid portion is in the closed position. By arranging for edges of the tab to be adjacent to corresponding edges of other components of the container when the container is in certain states, the tab can be configured to be less accessible or more accessible based on the specified state of the container. That is, the tab can be made relatively inaccessible by ensuring its outer surface is flush with the outer surface of adjacent portions of the container, or made relatively accessible by ensuring at least part of its outer surface is spaced from a corresponding adjacent portion of the container. For example, when the lid portion is in the closed position, side edges of the tab may be adjacent to corresponding edges of the base portion to reduce the extent to which said side edges of the tab are accessible. Similarly, when the cover is rotated to the second position, the lower edge of the tab may be adjacent to an upper edge of the housing. As such, when the cover is in the second position and the lid portion is in the closed position, the edges of the tab may be relatively inaccessible. This can reduce the likelihood of the tab being inadvertently pulled or accessed, and thus reduce the likelihood of the lid portion being unintentionally moved to the open position.

[0055] However, the container may be configured so that the lower edge of the tab is positioned away from the housing when the lid portion is in the closed position and the cover is in the first position. As such, in this configuration, the lower edge of the tab may be relatively accessible and thus it may be easier for the tab to be pulled or accessed, and thus easier for the lid portion to be moved to the open position. Consequently, when a user wishes to access any consumer goods in the storage chamber, they can move the cover to the second position, so that the lower edge of the tab can be more easily lifted. Conversely, when the user is not intending to access any consumer goods in the storage chamber, the user can move the cover to the first position and place the lower edge of the tab adjacent to the upper edge of the housing. With the lower edge of the tab being relatively inaccessibly in such a position, the user can be assured of the goods remaining securely stored within the container.

[0056] By aligning the tab with the recessed portion, the tab can have a positional relationship with respect to the rest of the container such that the tab is more easy to access. Therefore, the tab may overhang the recessed portion when the lid portion is in the closed position and the cover is in the first position. The tab may overlie the recessed portion when the lid portion is in the closed position and the cover is in the first position. The tab may be adjacent to the recessed portion when the lid portion is in the closed position and the cover is in the first position. The tab may reside at the same peripheral location as the recessed portion when the lid portion is in the closed position and the cover is in the first position. The tab may reside at the same circumferential position of the container as the recessed portion when the lid portion is in the closed position and the cover is in the first position.

[0057] The tab may have an inner surface. The tab may have an outer surface. The inner surface of the tab may be accessible when the lid is in the closed position and the cover is in the first position. That is, the inner surface of the tab may be exposed to the exterior of the container when the lid is in the closed position and the cover is in the first position.

[0058] The inner surface of the tab may not be accessible when the lid is in the closed position and the cover is in the second position. That is, the inner surface of the tab may not be exposed to the exterior of the container when the lid is in the closed position and the cover is in the second position.

[0059] The tab may be positioned between a first part and a second part of the base portion when the lid portion is in the closed position. That is, the tab may separate the first part of the base portion from the second part of the base portion when the lid portion is in the closed position.

[0060] A first side edge of the tab may be adjacent to a side edge of the first part of the base portion when the lid portion is in the closed position. A second side edge of the tab may be adjacent to a side edge of the second part of the base portion when the lid portion is in the closed position.

[0061] The housing may have an outer surface. The outer surface of the housing may include an outer surface of the recessed portion. The outer surface of the recessed portion of the housing may therefore define the recess. That is, the recess may be defined by the profile of the outer surface of the recessed portion.

[0062] The housing may have an inner surface. The inner surface of the housing may define the storage chamber. The storage chamber may be defined by a bottom wall of the housing and one or more side walls extending from the bottom wall of the housing to the access opening. The walls of the housing defining the storage chamber may also define the outer surface of the housing. That is, the housing may comprise a single side wall, where the inner surface of the walls of the housing define the storage chamber, and the outer surface of said walls of the housing define the outer surface of the housing. The lid portion may comprise a lid element. The tab may extend from the lid element. The tab may be integrally formed with the lid element. The lid element may be substantially circular. The hinge line may be positioned on a first side of the lid element. The lid element may be configured to pivot about the hinge line to move the lid portion between its open and closed positions. The tab of the lid portion may be positioned on a second side of the lid element. The first side of the lid element may be opposite to the second side of the lid element.

[0063] The lid element may define a top wall of the container. The outer surface of the lid element may define a top surface of the container.

[0064] In some embodiments, the storage chamber of the housing is the only storage chamber of the housing. In some embodiments, the storage chamber of the housing is a first storage chamber, and the housing further comprises a second storage chamber. For example, a bottom wall or base of the housing may be recessed to define a recess forming a second storage chamber of the housing. The recess may extend upwards. The recess may be defined by the outer surface of the bottom wall of the housing. In such embodiments, the container may further comprise a component configured to cover the second storage chamber. Similar to the closure engagement between the base portion of the cover and the lid portion, the component of the container may be configured to engage with the base of the housing when the component is in a closed position to cover the second storage chamber. Such engagement may be in the form of a snap-fit engagement, frictional fit engagement or any other suitable closure mechanism. The component configured to cover the second storage chamber may be attachable to and removable from the base of the housing. In some embodiments, the component is a cap. In some embodiments, the component is coupled to a base of the housing and movable relative to the housing to selectively allow access to the second storage chamber.

[0065] The second storage chamber may advantageously be used for one or more of: storing used goods from the first storage chamber once the user has used these; storing a different type of consumer goods from those stored in the first chamber; and storing one or more accessories for use with the consumer goods stored in the first chamber, such as a tool for picking the consumer goods from the first storage chamber.

[0066] Components of the container, such as the housing, cover, base portion and lid portion, may be formed from any suitable material or materials, such as metal, plastic, recyclable moulded pulp material or compostable material or biodegradable material. In some embodiments, one or more of the housing, cover, base portion and lid portion are formed from plastic, such as injection moulded plastic. An example of a suitable plastic is polypropylene. Moulded pulp material may be manufactured by recycling fibrous materials, especially natural fibres like recycled paper, cardboard, wheat, bamboo. The final moulded up products may be shaped from the initial manufacturing stages and show a smooth surface. Moulded pulp products may be recyclable and they may be re-used again after its end-use. Moulded pulp products may be also biodegradable, as they can decompose and break down. Compostable material and biodegradable material can disintegrate into non-toxic, natural elements and may require microorganisms, humidity, and heat to yield a finished compost product. In some embodiments, the product for oral consumption may be provided in the form of one or more individual permeable pouches comprising nicotine-containing product for oral consumption. The pouches may be made of flexible and permeable material, which contains pores or openings that allow the content of the pouches to migrate through. The individual pouches allows the consumer to have the same experience with every singular pouches, which content repeats equally in each and every singular pouches.

[0067] The housing may have a substantially planar or flat bottom wall. The housing may comprise one or more sidewalls extending upwards from the bottom wall of the housing. In some embodiments, the housing has a generally circular profile, and thus has a ring shaped sidewall extending upwards from the base. The ring shaped sidewall may have a substantially vertical upper portion. The ring shaped sidewall may have a lower portion which curves towards the base of the housing.

[0068] The base portion of the cover of the container may have a substantially vertical lower portion. The base portion of the cover may have an upper portion which curves towards the lid portion of the housing. The lid portion may be substantially planar or flat.

[0069] The container may be disc shaped. The container may be pebble shaped.

[0070] The height of the container may be smaller than the diameter of the container.

[0071] The diameter of the container may, for example, be between 3 times to 10 times larger than the height of the container. Preferably, the diameter is between 5 times to 8 times larger than the height of the container.

[0072] The container may be a can.

[0073] As used herein, the term “product for oral consumption” is meant to encompass any product that is administered orally, and in particular any product that is meant to be administered orally but not ingested. Particularly, but not exclusively, the term “product for oral consumption” is meant to include any nicotine-containing product for oral consumption. As used herein, the term “nicotine-containing product” is meant to refer to any nicotine-based product, being the nicotine either synthetic nicotine or extracted nicotine. As used herein, the term “synthetic nicotine” refers to chemically synthesized nicotine such that the nicotine is analytically identical to the naturally occurring nicotine. As used herein, the term “extracted nicotine” is intended to mean nicotine obtained from a natural source, such as from tobacco leaves.

[0074] When used herein with references to edges of elements of the container, the term “adjacent” can be taken to mean that the referenced edges abut on or meet with one another substantially without a gap between them. Any gap which may exist between the adjacent edges may be considered negligible, for instance preferably less than 1 millimetre, more preferably less than 0.5 millimetres, even more preferably less than 0.1 millimetres. As used herein, the terms “side”, “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “back”, “upper”, “lower” and other terms used to describe relative positions of the components of containers according to the invention refer to the container in an upright position with the access opening and lid portion of the container at the top. When describing containers according to the present invention, these terms are used irrespective of the orientation of the containers being described. The “bottom” of the container refers to the side of the container opposite the “top” of the container.

[0075] As used herein, the terms “clockwise” and “anti-clockwise” refer to the direction of rotation of components of the container when the container is in an upright position and when looking at the container from the top.

[0076] As used herein, the relative terms “above” and “below” refer respectively to components of the container which are closer to the top of the container and closer to the bottom of the container.

[0077] As used herein, the term “proximal” refers to an end of a component which is spaced away from its main body, and the term “distal” refers to the end opposite to the proximal end. When referring to the tab, the “proximal” end refers to the end of the tab closest to the lid portion and the “distal” end refers to the end of the tab furthest from the lid portion.

[0078] As used herein, the term “integrally formed” when referring to two parts of the container, refers to the two parts being formed or manufactured together as a single overall component of the container.

[0079] The invention is defined in the claims. However, below there is provided a non- exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0080] EX1. A container for consumer products, the container comprising: a housing comprising a storage chamber for storing one or more consumer products; a cover comprising: a base portion mounted to the housing to define an access opening for accessing the storage chamber; and a lid portion, the lid portion being movable between a closed position in which the lid portion covers the access opening, and an open position in which one or more consumer products can be removed from the storage chamber through the access opening, and wherein the lid portion comprises a tab having an tab engaging element configured to engage with a corresponding housing engaging element; and wherein the cover is rotatable relative to the housing between a first position in which the tab engaging element and the housing engaging element are disengaged, and a second position in which the tab engaging element is engaged with the housing engaging element.

[0081] EX2. A container according to EX1 , wherein the lid portion is coupled to the base portion by a hinge line; and wherein the lid portion is configured to pivot about the hinge line between the closed position and the open position.

[0082] EX3. A container according to EX1 , wherein in the first position the tab of the lid portion is aligned with a recessed portion of the housing, and in the second position the tab of the lid portion is not aligned with the recessed portion of the housing.

[0083] EX4. A container according to EX1 or EX2, wherein the tab engaging element is an elongate protrusion and the housing engaging element is a rib element.

[0084] EX5. A container according to EX3, wherein the rib element is an interrupted ring.

[0085] EX6. A container according to EX4, wherein the interrupted ring protrudes outwards and is arranged on a side wall of the housing; and wherein the tab engaging element protrudes inwards and is arranged on an inner surface of the tab.

[0086] EX7. A container according to EX4 or EX5, wherein the interrupted ring comprises a gap configured to allow the tab engaging element to pass the rib when the lid moves from the closed position to the open position when the cover is in the first position.

[0087] EX8. A container according to any preceding EX, wherein the tab engaging element is at a distal end of the tab.

[0088] EX9. A container according to any preceding EX, wherein the tab engaging element does not extend across the full width of the tab

[0089] EX10. A container according to any one of EX2 to EX9, wherein the hinge line is proximate an upper edge of the cover.

[0090] EX11 . A container according to any preceding EX, wherein the container comprises a snap fastener between the housing and the cover.

[0091] EX12. A container according to EX11 , wherein the snap fastener comprises the housing engaging element and a snap element on the cover configured to engage with the housing engaging element.

[0092] EX13. A container according to EX12, wherein the snap element comprises at least one elongate protrusion.

[0093] EX14. A container according to EX12 or EX13, wherein the snap element comprises at least two elongate protrusions, or at least three elongate protrusions.

[0094] EX15. A container according to cany one of EX13 or EX14, wherein the at least one elongate protrusion protrudes inwards and is arranged on a side wall of the cover.

[0095] EX16. A container according to any preceding EX, wherein the container further comprises a haptic mechanism configured to indicate when the cover rotates between the first position and the second position.

[0096] EX17. A container according to EX16, wherein the haptic mechanism comprises at least one haptic rib. EX18. A container according to EX17, wherein the haptic mechanism is configured to produce one or both of an audible and tactile effect.

[0097] EX19. A container according to EX18, wherein the haptic mechanism comprises a group of haptic ribs.

[0098] EX20. A container according to EX19, wherein the group of haptic ribs comprises three to ten haptic ribs.

[0099] EX21 . A container according to EX21 , wherein the group of haptic ribs comprises five to eight haptic ribs.

[0100] EX22. A container according to any one of EX18 to EX21 , wherein the haptic mechanism comprises a ratchet rib configured to interact with the at least one haptic rib.

[0101] EX23. A container according to EX22, wherein the ratchet rib and the at least one haptic rib are arranged on different components of the container.

[0102] EX24. A container according to EX23, wherein the ratchet rib is arranged on the cover and the at least one haptic rib is arranged on the housing.

[0103] EX25. A container according to EX24, wherein the at least one haptic rib is arranged on a first side of the gap in the interrupted circular ring.

[0104] EX26. A container according to EX24 or EX25, wherein the ratchet rib is arranged above or below the tab engaging element.

[0105] EX27. A container according to any preceding EX, wherein the housing further comprises a first stopper configured to resist rotation of the cover beyond the first position in a first direction.

[0106] EX28. A container according to EX27, wherein the first stopper extends from the housing engaging element.

[0107] EX29. A container according to EX27 or EX28, wherein the first stopper is an insurmountable stopper.

[0108] EX30. A container according to any one of EX27 to 29, wherein the housing further comprises a second stopper configured to resist rotation of the cover from the second position to the first position in the first direction; and wherein the second stopper is configured to resist rotation of the cover from the first position to the second position in a second direction.

[0109] EX31 . A container according to EX30, wherein the second stopper is a surmountable stopper which can be overcome by the tab engaging element by application of sufficient rotational force between the cover and the housing.

[0110] EX32. A container according to any of EX28 to EX31 , wherein the first direction is an anti-clockwise direction and the second direction is a clockwise direction.

[0111] EX33. A container according to any one of EX30 to 32, wherein the second stopper comprises a first side surface which is inclined relative to tab engaging element to deflect the tab engaging element over the second stopper as the tab engaging element passes the second stopper.

[0112] EX34. A container according to EX33, wherein the second stopper comprises a second side surface which is inclined relative to tab engaging element to deflect the tab engaging element over the second stopper as the tab engaging element passes the second stopper.

[0113] EX35. A container according to any preceding EX, wherein a lower edge of the base portion is adjacent to an upper edge of the housing.

[0114] EX36. A container according to any one of EX3 to EX35, wherein the lower edge of the base portion is adjacent to an upper edge of the housing around at least 80 percent of the periphery of the housing, preferably around substantially all of the periphery of the housing, except from the recessed portion of the housing.

[0115] EX37. A container according to any preceding EX, wherein the lower edge of the base portion is adjacent with an upper edge of the housing such that the outer surface of the base portion is flush with the outer surface of the housing at the point where the lower edge of the base portion meets with the upper edge of the housing.

[0116] EX38. A container according to any preceding EX, wherein an upper edge of the base portion is adjacent to a peripheral edge of the lid portion.

[0117] EX39. A container according to any one of EX3 to EX38, wherein the upper edge of the base portion is adjacent to a peripheral edge of the lid portion around at least 80 percent of the periphery of the housing, preferably around substantially all of the periphery of the housing, except from the recessed portion of the housing.

[0118] EX40. A container according to any preceding EX, wherein the upper edge of the base portion is adjacent to a peripheral edge of the lid portion such that the outer surface of the base portion is flush with the outer surface of the lid portion at the point where the upper edge of the base portion meets with the peripheral edge of the lid portion.

[0119] EX41 . A container according to any preceding EX, wherein the tab is integrally formed with the lid portion.

[0120] EX42. A container according to any preceding EX, wherein a lower edge of the tab may be adjacent to an upper edge of the housing when the lid portion is in the closed position and the cover is in the second position.

[0121] EX43. A container according to any preceding EX, wherein the tab has a first side edge, and optionally the first side edge of the tab is adjacent to an edge of the base portion when the lid portion is in the closed position.

[0122] EX44. A container according to EX43, wherein the tab has a second side edge, and optionally the second side edge of the tab is adjacent to an edge of the base portion when the lid portion is in the closed position. EX45. A container according to any preceding EX, wherein the lower edge of the tab is spaced away from the housing when the lid portion is in the closed position and the cover is in the first position.

[0123] EX46. A container according to any one of EX3 to EX45, wherein the tab overhangs the recessed portion when the lid portion is in the closed position and the cover is in the first position.

[0124] EX47. A container according to any one of EX3 to EX46, wherein the tab overlies the recessed portion when the lid portion is in the closed position and the cover is in the first position.

[0125] EX48. A container according to any one of EX3 to EX47, wherein the tab is adjacent to the recessed portion when the lid portion is in the closed position and the cover is in the first position.

[0126] EX49. A container according to any of one of EX3 to EX48, wherein the tab resides at the same peripheral location as the recessed portion when the lid portion is in the closed position and the cover is in the first position.

[0127] EX50. A container according to any one of EX3 to EX49, wherein the tab resides at the same circumferential position of the container as the recessed portion when the lid portion is in the closed position and the cover is in the first position.

[0128] EX51 . A container according to any one of EX3 to EX50, wherein the tab has an inner surface, and optionally, the inner surface of the tab is accessible when the lid is in the closed position and the cover is in the first position, and optionally the inner surface of the tab is not accessible when the lid is in the closed position and the cover is in the second position.

[0129] EX52. A container according to any preceding EX, wherein the tab is positioned between a first part and a second part of the base portion when the lid portion is in the closed position.

[0130] EX53. A container according to any one of EX3 to EX52, wherein an outer surface of the housing defines the recess of the recessed portion.

[0131] EX54. A container according to any preceding EX, wherein the inner surface of the housing defines the storage chamber.

[0132] EX55. A container according to any preceding EX, wherein the storage chamber is defined by a bottom wall of the housing and one or more side walls extending from the bottom wall of the housing to the access opening.

[0133] EX56. A container according to any preceding EX, wherein the lid portion comprises a lid element, and optionally the tab extends from the lid element.

[0134] EX57. A container according to EX56, wherein the lid element is configured to pivot about the hinge line to move the lid portion between its open position and closed position. EX58. A container according to EX56 or EX57, wherein the hinge is positioned on a first side of the lid element and the tab is positioned on a second side of the lid element, and optionally the first side is opposite to the second side.

[0135] EX59. A container according to any preceding EX, wherein the lid element defines a top wall of the container.

[0136] EX60. A container according to any preceding EX, wherein the outer surface of the lid element defines a top surface of the container.

[0137] EX61. A container according to any preceding EX, wherein the storage chamber of the housing is the only storage chamber of the housing.

[0138] EX62. A container according to any preceding EX, wherein the storage chamber of the housing is a first storage chamber, and the housing further comprises a second storage chamber.

[0139] EX63. A container according to EX62, wherein a bottom wall or base of the housing is recessed to define a recess forming the second storage chamber of the housing

[0140] EX64. A container according to EX63, wherein the recess in the bottom wall or base of the housing extends upwards.

[0141] EX65. A container according to EX63 or EX64, wherein the recess in the bottom wall or base of the housing is defined by the outer surface of the bottom wall of the housing.

[0142] EX66. A container according to any of EX63 to EX65, wherein the container further comprises a component configured to cover the second storage chamber.

[0143] EX67. A container according to EX66, wherein the component of the container is configured to engage with the base of the housing when the component is in a closed position to cover the second storage chamber.

[0144] EX68. A container according to EX66 or EX67, wherein the component configured to cover the second storage chamber is movable relative to the housing to selectively allow access to the second storage chamber, optionally through a hinged attachment to the housing.

[0145] EX69. A container according to any preceding EX, wherein components of the container, such as the housing, cover, base portion and lid portion, are formed from one or more of metal, plastic, recyclable moulded pulp material or compostable material or biodegradable material.

[0146] EX70. A container according to any preceding EX, wherein components of the container, such as the housing, cover, base portion and lid portion, are formed from plastic, such as polypropylene.

[0147] EX71. A container according to any preceding EX, wherein the product for oral consumption may be provided in the form of one or more individual permeable pouches comprising nicotine-containing product for oral consumption. EX72. A container according to any preceding EX, wherein the housing has a substantially planar or flat bottom wall.

[0148] EX73. A container according to any preceding EX, wherein the housing comprises one or more sidewalls extending upwards from the bottom wall of the housing.

[0149] EX74. A container according to any preceding EX, wherein the container is disc shaped or pebble shaped.

[0150] EX75. A container according to any preceding EX, wherein a height of the container is smaller than a diameter of the container.

[0151] EX76. A container according to any preceding EX, wherein a diameter is between 3 times to 10 times larger than a height of the container.

[0152] EX77. A container according to EX76, wherein the diameter is between 5 times to 8 times larger than the height of the container.

[0153] EX78. A container according to any preceding EX, wherein the container is a can.

[0154] Embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0155] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a container according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0156] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a cover of a container according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0157] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a housing of a container according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0158] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a container according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0159] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a container according to an embodiment of the invention with the lid in an open position.

[0160] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a container 1 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0161] The container 1 comprises a housing 20 comprising a storage chamber for storing one or more products for oral consumption and an access opening for accessing the storage chamber. The housing has a bottom wall and a substantially ring shaped side wall extending upwards from the bottom wall.

[0162] The container also comprises a cover 30 comprising: a base portion 35 mounted to the housing 20; and a lid portion 40 coupled to the base portion 35 by a hinge line 50, the lid portion 40 being configured to pivot about the hinge line 50 between a closed position in which the lid portion 40 covers the access opening, and an open position in which one or more products for oral consumption can be removed from the storage chamber through the access opening. The cover 30 is rotatable relative to the housing between a first position, in which a tab 45 of the lid portion 40 is aligned with a recessed portion 25 of the housing 20, and a second position, in which the tab 45 of the lid portion 40 is not aligned with the recessed portion 25 of the housing 20.

[0163] Figure 1 illustrates the cover 30 in the first position relative to the housing 20. That is, the tab 45 is aligned with the recessed portion 25. In particular, the tab 45 is positioned over the recessed portion 25. In this position, the container has the following properties. A lower edge 37 of the base portion 35 is adjacent to an upper edge 27 of the housing 20 around at substantially the entire periphery of the base portion 35. This results in the outer surface of the base portion 35 being flush with the outer surface of the housing 20 at the point where the lower edge 37 of the base portion 35 meets with the upper edge 27 of the housing 20.

[0164] Furthermore, the upper edge 38 of the base portion 35 is adjacent to a peripheral edge 42 of the lid portion 40. In particular, the peripheral edge 42 of the lid portion 40 is defined by a lid element 41 of the lid portion 40.

[0165] This results in the outer surface of the base portion 35 being flush with the outer surface of the lid portion 20 at the point where the upper edge 38 of the base portion 35 meets with the peripheral edge 42 of the lid portion 42.

[0166] The lid element 41 is in the form of a substantially planar substantially circular disc or plate which forms a top wall of the container. The tab 45 is integrally formed with the lid element 41 and extends away and downwards from the lid element 41 towards the housing 20. The tab 45 extends from an opposite side of the lid element 41 to the hinge 50.

[0167] As will be described in more detail below in respect of Figures 2 and 3 , when the container is in the state shown in Figure 1 , the tab engaging element 46 is disengaged from the housing engaging element 21. In particular, the tab engaging element 46 is aligned with the gap 22 in the housing engaging element 21 , such that the lid portion 40 is able to be pivoted about the lid to the open position, as shown in Figure 5.

[0168] When the container is in the state shown in Figure 1 , the lid portion 40 is in the closed position and the cover 30 is in its first position relative to the housing 20. In this state or condition of the container 1 , with the tab 45 aligned with the recessed portion 25, a lower edge of the tab 45 is no longer adjacent to a corresponding edge of the housing 20. Instead, the tab 45 overhangs or overlies the recessed portion 25. In this condition, a user of the container 1 can more easily grip the tab 45, and more specifically access the underside of the tab 45. With such improved access to the tab 45, the user is able to more easily apply a lifting or opening force to the tab 45. Furthermore, with the tab engaging element 46 disengaged from the housing engaging element in this position, a user can more easily open the container 1 and access the consumer goods contained therein.

[0169] Conversely, when the cover 30 is in the second position (not shown) relative to the housing 20, the tab 45 is not aligned with the recessed portion 25. In particular, the tab 45 is not positioned over the recessed portion 25. Therefore, any free edges of the lid portion 40 are not readily accessible because they are adjacent to corresponding edges of other components of the container. As such, it is difficult for a user to grip the tab 45 and otherwise move the lid portion 40 to an open position. Furthermore, in this second position, the tab engaging element 46 is not aligned with the gap in the housing engaging element, and is engaged with the housing engaging element to prevent the lid portion 40 from being rotated to the open position. In this second position, the container is therefore in a relatively secure condition, in which inadvertent opening of the container 1 is less likely.

[0170] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a cover 30 of a container 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. In particular, Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a cover 30 having been removed from the housing 20. As can be seen in Figure 2, the hinge 50 is located towards a top of the cover 20. The cover is shown with the lid portion 40 in the closed position. In this view the tab engaging element 46 can be seen. In this embodiment, the tab engaging element 46 is in the form of an elongate protrusion 47 with three reinforcements struts 48 below the elongate protrusion 47. This view also shows the snap element of the cover 30 in the form of elongate protrusions 49 which have a similar shape to that of the tab engaging element 46. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the snap element comprises four elongate protrusions 49 spaced evenly around the circumference of the housing. The elongate protrusions 49 are in line with the tab engaging element 46 when the lid portion 40 is in the closed position such that, when the tab engaging element 46 and the elongate protrusions 49 are engaged, the cover 30 can be rotated relative to the housing 20. This view also shows a ratchet rib 61 of the haptic mechanism of the container 1 arranged on an inner surface of the cover 30. The ratchet rib 61 is located adjacent the tab 40 of the lid portion and above the tab engaging element 45.

[0171] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a housing 20 of a container 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. In particular, Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a housing 20 with the cover 30 having been removed. As can be seen in Figure 3, the housing 20 has a housing engaging element 21 in the form of an interrupted ring having a gap 22. The gap 22 in the interrupted ring is in line with the recessed portion 25 of the housing 20. The cover also has a group of haptic ribs 62 arranged to one side of the gap 22 and above the housing engaging element 21. In this embodiment, the haptic ribs are identical to one another and the spacing between each of the haptic ribs 62 is identical. This view also shows that the housing 20 has a first stopper 26 on a first side of the gap 22, and which extends from the housing engaging element 21 and is below the housing engaging element 21. The housing also has a second stopper 27 on a second side of the gap, opposite the first side. The second stopper also extends from the housing engaging element 21 and is below the housing engaging element 21. As will be understood from Figures 2 and 3, the group of haptic ribs 62 form part of the haptic mechanism in which is configured to indicate when the cover 30 rotates between the first position and the second position. In other words, the haptic mechanism indicates a release condition of the tab engaging element 46 from the housing engaging element 21. In particular, the ratchet rib 61 of the cover 30 engages with the group of haptic ribs 62 as the cover 30 is rotated between the first position and the second position and produces both an audible and tactile effect which can be perceived by a user. This informs the user of the position of the cover 30 with respect to the housing 20.

[0172] The housing engaging element 21 engages with the snap element of the cover which is in the form of elongate protrusions 49. In more detail the elongate protrusions 49 engage in a snap fit with the interrupted ring of the housing engaging element 21. When the elongate protrusions 49 are engaged with the interrupted ring, the elongate protrusions 49 reside below the interrupted ring.

[0173] The first stopper 26 resists rotation of the cover 30 beyond the first position in clockwise direction. In particular, the first stopper is configured to engage with the tab engaging element 45 when the lid is in the closed position to resist rotation of the cover 30 beyond the first position. The second stopper 27 resists rotation of the cover 30 from the second position to the first position in a clockwise direction and from the first position to the second position in an anti-clockwise direction.

[0174] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a container 1 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0175] The view of Figure 4 clearly shoes the snap fit engagement of the elongate protrusions 49 of the snap element of the cover with the interrupted ring of the housing engaging element 21.

[0176] As seen in Figure 4, the bottom of the housing is covered by a cap 129. In particular, the bottom wall of the housing 120 is recessed on its outer surface to define a second storage chamber 128 for the container. This second storage chamber is covered by cap 129, which is hinged to the housing, so that the cap can pivot between a closed position where the cap covers the second storage chamber 128, as shown in Figure 4, and an open position where the second storage chamber 128 can be accessed.

[0177] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a container 1 according to an embodiment of the invention with the lid 40 in an open position.

[0178] Like-for-like reference numerals are used where appropriate.

[0179] For completeness, it should be noted that in both the first and second positions described above, a first side edge 451 and second side edge 452 of the tab are positioned adjacent to corresponding side edges 351 and 352 of the base portion 35.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A container for consumer products, the container comprising: a housing comprising a storage chamber for storing one or more consumer products; a cover comprising: a base portion mounted to the housing to define an access opening for accessing the storage chamber; and a lid portion, the lid portion being movable between a closed position in which the lid portion covers the access opening, and an open position in which one or more consumer products can be removed from the storage chamber through the access opening, and wherein the lid portion comprises a tab having an tab engaging element configured to engage with a corresponding housing engaging element; and wherein the cover is rotatable relative to the housing between a first position in which the tab engaging element and the housing engaging element are disengaged, and a second position in which the tab engaging element is engaged with the housing engaging element.

2. A container according to claim 1 , wherein in the first position the tab of the lid portion is aligned with a recessed portion of the housing, and in the second position the tab of the lid portion is not aligned with the recessed portion of the housing.

3. A container according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the housing engaging element is an interrupted ring.

4. A container according to claim 3, wherein the interrupted ring protrudes outwards and is arranged on a side wall of the housing; and wherein the tab engaging element protrudes inwards and is arranged on an inner surface of the tab.

5. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the lid portion is coupled to the base portion by a hinge line; wherein the lid portion is configured to pivot about the hinge line between the closed position and the open position; and wherein the hinge line is proximate an upper edge of the cover.

6. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the container comprises a snap fastener between the housing and the cover.

7. A container according to claim 6, wherein the snap fastener comprises the housing engaging element and a snap element on the cover configured to engage with the housing engaging element.

8. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the container further comprises a haptic mechanism configured to indicate when the cover rotates between the first position and the second position.

9. A container according to claim 8, wherein the haptic mechanism comprises at least one haptic rib.

10. A container according to claim 9, wherein the haptic mechanism comprises a ratchet rib configured to interact with the at least one haptic rib.

11. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing further comprises a first stopper configured to resist rotation of the cover beyond the first position in a first direction.

12. A container according to claim 11 , wherein the first stopper is an insurmountable stopper.

13. A container according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the housing further comprises a second stopper configured to resist rotation of the cover from the second position to the first position in the first direction; and wherein the second stopper is configured to resist rotation of the cover from the first position to the second position in a second direction.

14. A container according to claim 13, wherein the first direction is an anti-clockwise direction and the second direction is a clockwise direction.

15. A container according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the second stopper comprises a first side surface which is inclined relative to tab engaging element to deflect the tab engaging element over the second stopper as the tab engaging element passes the second stopper.

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