Container for pouches

Abstract

The invention relates to a container (100) for pouches, comprising a body (10) extending along a central axis (Z1), an intermediate lid (20) configured to be assembled on the body (10) to delimit therewith a storage compartment (S), and an exterior lid (30) configured to cover said intermediate lid (20) to delimit therewith a waste disposal compartment (W). The container further comprises a rotatably or ribbon-type attaching system (400, 600), attaching together at least a first and a second component (10, 20) among the body (10), the intermediate lid (20) and the exterior lid (30).

Description

[0001] CONTAINER FOR POUCHES

[0002] Technical field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to containers for storing smokeless tobacco products, in particular oral tobacco products such as snus or nicotine pouches.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] Oral tobacco products contain a moist powder mainly based on either shredded tobacco material or nicotine. The powder is either sold in loose form or in portions disposed in permeable bags, forming so-called pouches.

[0006] Oral tobacco products are packaged in resealable containers so as to keep the powder moist.

[0007] Such products are meant to be placed directly in the user’s mouth, between the upper lip and gum, during an extensive period. The product is then discarded by the user. This may create inconvenience and littering issues, especially in public places or when a proper waste disposal facility is not readily available.

[0008] To solve this problem, containers have been developed which comprise a first compartment to store unused products, and a second compartment for waste disposal of used products.

[0009] The storage compartment is delimited between a body and an intermediate lid and the waste disposal compartment between the intermediate lid and an exterior lid. The user removes the intermediate lid to pick up a pouch inside the storage compartment and then recloses said compartment to preserve the freshness of the remaining products. Once the pouch has been used, the user then lifts the exterior lid to discard said pouch in the waste disposal compartment.

[0010] A problem often arises that the intermediate and / or exterior lid can be misplaced or lost, leading to potential spillage of used or unused pouches.

[0011] Summary of the invention An object of the present invention is to propose a container allowing to alleviate the above-mentioned drawback.

[0012] According to the present invention, this object is achieved through the features of the claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments follow from the dependent claims and the following description.

[0013] More specifically, the present invention relates to a container for snus or nicotine pouches, comprising:

[0014] - a body extending along a central axis defining an axial direction, said body having a bottom wall at a lower end and a side wall extending from this bottom wall towards an upper end opposite to the lower end in said axial direction,

[0015] - an intermediate lid configured to be assembled on the body to delimit therewith a storage compartment, and

[0016] - an exterior lid configured to cover said intermediate lid to delimit therewith a waste disposal compartment, the container being characterized in that it further comprises an attaching system attaching together at least a first and a second component among the body, the intermediate lid and the exterior lid.

[0017] According to a first aspect of the invention, said attaching system is a rotatably attaching system comprising at least one shaft that extends along a rotation axis parallel to but offset from the central axis and connects the first and second components so that they are rotatable with respect to each other around said rotation axis.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the invention, said attaching system is a ribbon-like attaching system comprising at least one ribbon-shaped portion having a first zone, typically a first end zone, secured to a first component among the body, intermediate lid and exterior lid and a second zone, typically a second end zone, secured to another second component among these components.

[0019] The container according to the invention provides a storage compartment for unused pouches and a waste disposal compartment for used pouches. On the other hand, the connecting system keeps at least two - preferably all three -components of the container connected at any time, hence preventing the attached components from getting lost while preserving accessibility to the storage and waste compartments.

[0020] Unless otherwise stated, the container or components thereof will be described herein in an assembled condition is which the storage compartment and the waste disposal compartment are closed. Components that are attached by the attaching system stay connected to each other in both assembled and disassembled conditions of the container.

[0021] The container usually comprises locking means for securing and possibly sealing the components (the body and the intermediate lid on the one hand, and the intermediate lid and the exterior lid on the other hand) together in such assembled condition. Said locking means may for example comprise interference fitting means, snap-fitting means or threaded means.

[0022] When assembled, the attached components - preferably all three components - of the container are preferably centered on the same central axis.

[0023] However, the body, the intermediate lid and / or the exterior lid may have different shapes and dimensions, in particular different outer diameters.

[0024] Herein, a radial direction is a direction orthogonal to the central axis. A radial plane is a plane orthogonal to the axial direction. Unless otherwise stated, a radial dimension or distance is measured in such a radial direction. Also, herein, unless otherwise stated, a section is considered in a radial plane.

[0025] An axial plane is parallel to the axial direction and includes the central axis.

[0026] The body, the intermediate lid and the exterior lid may typically be of circular section. However, this shall not be considered limiting, and these components or some of them may be of any other adapted section including for example an oval, a square or a rectangular section.

[0027] Herein and with respect to the first aspect of the invention, at least a first and a second components are rotatably attached through a shaft so as to be rotatable relatively to each other around the shaft axis (rotation axis). When a compartment formed between the first and the second attached component needs to be accessed, the first component is pivoted relatively to the second component around the rotation axis. The same compartment is then closed by pivoting back the first and second components in a closed / assembled position where they axially overlap. Hence easy access to the interior of the compartment is provided while the two components remain continuously secured to each other through their common shaft.

[0028] This rotatably attaching system is particularly robust with the shaft being arranged inside the container and being therefore protected against external constraints, such as shocks.

[0029] The rotation axis is offset from the central axis so that an overlapping zone where the two attached components overlap in the axial direction is adjusted upon rotation.

[0030] In an assembled condition corresponding to a relative rotation angle between two attached components being equal to zero, the overlapping zone is at a maximum and the compartment delimited by the two components is closed. When the relative rotation angle therebetween is increased, the overlapping zone is reduced and the opening of the compartment correspondingly increased.

[0031] The relative rotation angle between two attached components may be at least 90°, preferably at least 180°, and may even be 360° (between a closed and a fully opened position of the respective compartment).

[0032] The remaining overlapping zone between the two components in a complete (i.e. most) opened state of the respective compartment depends on the location of the rotation axis, in particular its relative distance to the exterior edge of the container. The shaft -along with the rotation axis - is preferably located close to the edges of the components that it is intended to attach, as this results in a maximum offset between the two components and a maximum opening of the corresponding compartment therebetween in the complete opened state.

[0033] Advantageously, for each attached component of the rotatably attaching system, a radial distance between the rotation axis and an outer edge of said component is less than 60%, preferably less than 50%, more preferably less than 30%, most preferably less than 20% of the maximum radial dimension of said component.

[0034] Advantageously, for each attached component of the rotatably attaching system, a radial distance between the rotation axis and an outer edge of said component may be comprised between 2 and 20 mm, preferably between 1 and 10 mm.

[0035] While at least one attached component is necessarily rotatably mounted with respect to the shaft, the shaft may be solidary in rotation (typically made in one piece) with the other attached component.

[0036] According to another example, the first and second attached components may be rotatably mounted around the shaft. Each attached component may then spin independently around the shaft.

[0037] According to an example, a shaft may connect (i.e. rotatably attach) together the body and the intermediate lid. In addition or as an alternative, a shaft may connect (i.e. rotatably attach) together the intermediate lid and the exterior lid. The container may also comprise two shafts, with each shaft being dedicated to the opening and closure of one compartment of the container.

[0038] According to another example, one shaft may connect (i.e. rotatably attach) together the body, the intermediate lid and the exterior lid.

[0039] A shaft may be made from any adapted material, typically a plastic material such as for example Polypropylene (PP), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), High- Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyamide (Nylon), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and Polylactic Acid (PLA) or a composition of one of said materials with bio composites, preferably the same plastic material that forms the attached components.

[0040] Advantageously, the attaching system may be configured to allow a relative translation of the attached components in the axial direction. This allows a tighter fit between the components in the assembled condition, hence reducing the ingress of foreign material in the respective compartment. According to an example, at least one attached component may be slidingly mounted with respect to the shaft in the axial direction.

[0041] In particular, at least one attached component may be connected to the shaft by a bayonet-type (rotate and pull) connection. With such connection, the two components are firstly rotated to release the axial degree of freedom between the two components, then the two components are pulled apart in the axial direction and, either simultaneously to the axial motion or once brought in a predetermined axial position, the two components are rotated to open the compartment.

[0042] Typically, the shaft may be provided with at least one pin and the slidingly mounted component may comprise a corresponding guiding groove for slidingly guiding said pin.

[0043] According to another example, at least one attached component may be connected to the shaft by a threaded connection.

[0044] For example, the shaft may be a threaded shaft, and the component may be mounted thereon using a corresponding threaded portion, so that a relative rotation of the attached components results in a relative axial translation of said components.

[0045] According to an example, at least one attached component may be provided at its periphery with a receiving slot for receiving therein a pouch. Another attached component may then exert a shearing action on the pouch when rotating relatively to the component carrying the pouch.

[0046] In a second aspect of the invention, the attaching system is a ribbonlike attaching system comprising at least one ribbon-shaped portion for securing together a first and a second component of the container.

[0047] When a compartment formed between the first and second components needs to be accessed, the first component is disassembled from the second component while remaining attached thereto via the at least one ribbonshaped portion. Herein and with respect to this second aspect, attached components are components that are attached through such ribbon-shaped portion.

[0048] A ribbon-shaped portion is an elongated and deformable part, extending in a longitudinal direction which is defined, at each point of the ribbonshaped portion, as a direction tangential thereto. A cross-section of the ribbonshaped portion is defined in a transversal plane orthogonal to said longitudinal direction, and is usually constant along the entire length of the portion. A crosssection of the ribbon-shaped portion may be of any adapted type, in particular rectangular, circular, etc.

[0049] The ribbon-shaped portion may typically be made of one or more plastic material(s), typically selected from Polypropylene (PP), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyamide (Nylon), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and Polylactic Acid (PLA) or a composition of one of said materials with bio composites, which are robust and flexible enough to adopt any type of configuration. Advantageously, the ribbon-shaped portion may be made of the same material as the components of the container, to facilitate later disposal.

[0050] The first zone and the second zone of the ribbon-shaped portion delimit a central zone therebetween.

[0051] The length of this central zone is preferably of at least 1.5cm, preferably of at least 2cm, such as to facilitate the opening of the container without any constraints or tension linked to the size of the central zone.

[0052] According to an example, the ribbon-shaped portion may form a loop or coil, in at least one assembled position of the attached components.

[0053] Typically, the first zone is one end of the ribbon-shaped portion while the second zone is another end thereof.

[0054] The ribbon-shaped portion may be made in one piece with at least one of, preferably both, the first and second components it is intended to attach, for example the body and the intermediate lid. As an alternative or in addition, at least one of the first and second zone of the ribbon-shaped portion may be solidary with a ring configured to be mounted around the first or second component respectively. The ring may either be blocked in rotation with respect to the component on which it is mounted or it may be freely rotatable therearound.

[0055] More generally, a first or second zone of the ribbon-shaped portion may be either blocked in rotation with respect to the first - respectively second - component to which it is secured or the first or second zone of the ribbon-shaped portion may be movably mounted on the first - respectively second - component to which it is secured.

[0056] In a particular example, which is not limitative, the ribbon-shaped portion may be in one piece with the intermediate lid and an end zone thereof opposite to the intermediate lid may be solidary with a ring conforming to the side wall of the body.

[0057] The at least one ribbon-shaped portion may be arranged outside the storage and waste disposal compartments.

[0058] According to an example, the ribbon-shaped portion may form, in at least one assembled position of the attached components, a grasping loop for grasping the container.

[0059] The ribbon-shaped portion may then act as a hanging ring with an exposed eyelet that allows the container to be hanged, providing advantageous transportability options / functionalities, for example by securing the exposed eyelet to the belt of the consumer.

[0060] The loop allows for increased distance between the components but also adds additional benefits for holding or storing as the container can be placed on hooks or key rings or can be hugged on a finger.

[0061] Advantageously, a largest radial dimension of the ribbon-shaped portion in an assembled condition of the container is comprised between 1 ,5 cm and 5 cm, preferably between 2 cm and 5 cm.

[0062] According to an example, the longitudinal direction of the ribbonshaped portion may be essentially parallel to (i.e. may form an angle less than 30° with) a radial plane of the container. In particular, the ribbon-shaped portion may be wrapped circumferentially around the first and / or the second component when in an assembled condition, with a winding axis of the ribbon-shaped portion preferably essentially parallel to the central axis of the body. The ribbon-shaped portion may extend over an angular section of the container comprised between 30° and 360°.

[0063] According to a particular example, the container may further comprise locking means allowing to secure the first and second attached components in N assembled positions corresponding respectively to N relative angular positions of the said components.

[0064] In particular, a maximum radial dimension of a grasping loop formed by the ribbon-shaped portion may differ from one assembled position to the other.

[0065] According to an example, the locking means may allow a finite number of assembled positions, typically comprised between 2 and 10, preferably 2 to 6, more preferably 3 to 5, with an angular pitch between two adjacent assembled positions being advantageously essentially constant. For example, an angular pitch between two assembled positions may be at least 45°, preferably 90°. For example, the locking means are threaded locking means providing N different threading entry points.

[0066] According to another example, the locking means may allow an infinite number of assembled positions. For example, the locking means may be snapfitting means or interference-fitting means.

[0067] According to another example, the longitudinal direction may be essentially parallel to (i.e. may form an angle less than 30° with) an axial plane of the container.

[0068] According to another embodiment, the at least one ribbon-shaped portion may be arranged inside the storage compartment and / or the waste disposal compartment. For example, in an assembled position of the container, the ribbon-shaped portion may form a coil inside the respective compartment, with an axis of said coil extending in the axial direction, and being for example aligned with the central axis of the body. An inner ribbon-shaped portion may in particular allow that excessive movement of the pouches be prevented during transportation. It may also allow that the pouches be pushed to the edge of the compartment making them easier to remove by the user.

[0069] According to an example, the ribbon-shaped portion may be spirally wound around a deployment axis parallel to, preferably aligned with, the central longitudinal axis. The ribbon-shaped portion may typically form a coil around said deployment axis, in an assembled condition of the container.

[0070] As an alternative, the deployment axis may also be offset with respect to the central longitudinal axis.

[0071] In one example, at at least one end zone, the ribbon-shaped portion may be provided with mechanical fitting means configured to engage with complementary fitting means provided on the first or second component to be attached.

[0072] For example, said mechanical fitting means may comprise a plate configured to fit in the first or second component to be attached, preferably configured to cooperate with snap-fit or interference fit with such component, typically configured to fit inside a peripheral groove formed in said first or second component.

[0073] According to another example, mechanical fitting means may comprise barbed lugs configured to lock on with counter openings of the component to be attached.

[0074] The at least ribbon-shaped portion may also be formed in one piece with the first and / or second attached component.

[0075] In this respect, the invention further relates to a manufacturing method of a container as defined hereabove, comprising such ribbon-shaped portion located inside a compartment and formed in one piece with at least one attached component, the method comprising:

[0076] - injection molding a first element of the container among the body, the intermediate lid and the exterior lid, with a solid rod portion protruding therefrom in an axial direction,

[0077] - laser cutting the solid rod portion to form therein the ribbon-shaped portion, - optionally, securing the free end of the ribbon-shaped portion to a second element of the container, for example by welding.

[0078] Brief description of the drawings

[0079] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a container according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, showing the storage compartment S and waste disposal compartment in an opened configuration.

[0080] Figure 2 is a side view of the container of figure 1 .

[0081] Figure 3 is a side view showing the container of figure 1 in an assembled condition.

[0082] Figure 4 is a top view of the container of figure 1 with the storage compartment in an opened configuration.

[0083] Figure 5 is a top view of the container of figure 1 with the storage compartment in a semi-opened configuration.

[0084] Figure 6 is a top view of the container of figure 1 with the storage compartment in an assembled condition (closed configuration).

[0085] Figure 7 illustrates a container according to another embodiment of the first aspect of the invention.

[0086] Figures 8A and 8B are perspective views of a container according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention with a ribbon-shaped portion generally defined in an axial plane attaching the body and intermediate lid, where figure 8A shows the storage compartment S is in an opened configuration and figure 8B shows the storage compartment S in an assembled position.

[0087] Figure 9 is a side view of a container according to another embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, with a ribbon-shaped portion wrapped helically around the body.

[0088] Figures 10A, 10B, 10C schematically illustrate the body and intermediate lid of figure 9 in three different assembled positions corresponding to different sizes of a grasping loop formed by the wrapped ribbon-shaped portion.

[0089] Figure 11 is a side view of a container according to another embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, with a ribbon-shaped portion wrapped helically around the body and formed in one piece with both the body and intermediate lid.

[0090] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a container according to another embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, with a ribbon-shaped portion made in one piece with the body and the intermediate lid and arranged inside the storage compartment.

[0091] Figures 13A and 13B illustrate a manufacturing method of the ribbonshaped portion of figure 12.

[0092] Figure 14 is a perspective view of a container according to another embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, with a ribbon-shaped portion arranged inside the storage compartment and mechanically secured to the body at its first end and to the intermediate lid at its second end.

[0093] Detailed description of the invention

[0094] Several embodiments of a first and a second aspect of the invention will be described hereafter with reference to the appended drawings, but the invention is not limited thereto. The described drawings are only schematic and are non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of some components may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and the relative dimensions do not correspond to actual reductions to practice of the invention.

[0095] Figure 1 illustrates a container 100 for pouches 1 , such as nicotine or snus pouches, according to a first aspect of the invention. The container 100 comprises a body 10, an intermediate lid 20 configured to be movably assembled on the body 10, and an exterior lid 30 configured to cover said intermediate lid 20. The body 10, intermediate lid 20 and exterior lid 30 may typically be made of one or more material(s) selected from Polypropylene (PP), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyamide (Nylon), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and Polylactic Acid (PLA) or a composition of one of said materials with bio composites. The body 10 has a substantially cylindrical shape centered on an axis Z1 defining the axial direction Z of the container 100. It comprises a bottom wall 11 at its lower end and a peripheral side wall 12 extending from said bottom wall 11 up to an upper end delimiting an opening 14. The body 10 delimits a storage compartment S for unused pouches 1 .

[0096] In figure 1 , the body 10 has a side wall 12 of circular section but this shall not be considered limiting and the container may have any other adapted section or shape, such as a square, an oval shape, etc.

[0097] The intermediate lid 20 is arranged to be assembled on the body 10 to cover said opening 14 and close the storage compartment S.

[0098] The intermediate lid 20 is generally of circular shape, centered on an axis Z2, which is aligned with central axis Z1 in an assembled condition.

[0099] It comprises a central part 21 delimiting a waste disposal compartment Wfor receiving used pouches 1 , and a peripheral fixing part 22 surrounding said central part 21 and configured to cooperate with the body 10.

[0100] The exterior lid 30 is a substantially plate-shaped component configured to cover the intermediate lid 20 in an assembled configuration and to close the waste disposal compartment W.

[0101] The exterior lid 30 has typically a circular shape conforming to that of a receiving surface of the intermediate lid on which it is intended to rest in its assembled condition. An axis Z3 of the exterior lid 30 is typically aligned with the central axis Z1 of the body 10 and the axis Z2 of the intermediate lid 20 in this assembled condition.

[0102] Although not described in detail, locking means 50, such as snapfitting means, may be provided on the body 10 and the intermediate lid 20 respectively, to secure both components in their assembled position. Similarly, locking means may be provided on the exterior lid 30 and the intermediate lid 20 respectively, to secure said components in their assembled position.

[0103] In the illustrated embodiment, the container 100 is further provided with an attaching system 400 for rotatably attaching together the body 10 and the intermediate lid 20.

[0104] This attaching system 400 comprises a shaft 40 extending along a rotation axis R parallel to but offset from the central axis Z1 .

[0105] As shown in figure 1 , the shaft 40 is formed in one piece with the intermediate lid 20, which is therefore to be seen as a passive attached component of the container.

[0106] On the other hand, the body 10 is rotatably mounted with respect to the shaft 40 and is therefore an active attached component.

[0107] In the particular example, the attaching system 400 is configured to allow a relative translation of the attached components 10, 20 in the axial direction Z.

[0108] More specifically, the body 10 and the shaft 40 are slidably mounted with respect to each other in the axial direction Z.

[0109] Even more specifically, the body 10 and the shaft 40 are joined by a bayonet-type connection.

[0110] As for example shown in more detail in figures 2 and 3, the shaft 40 protrudes downwardly from the central part 21 of the intermediate lid 20. It has a constant circular section except at its lower end where it is provided with a radial pin 41 , which function will be described in more detail hereafter.

[0111] The body 10, on the other hand, comprises a guiding groove 42 configured to rotatably and slidingly receive the shaft 40 therein, in a manner that will be explained in detail hereafter.

[0112] In the example, the guiding groove 42 is formed in a sleeve-shaped part 43 formed on or near the body side wall 12. In the attached condition of the body 10 and the intermediate lid 20, the axis of the groove is aligned with the rotation axis R.

[0113] A distance d1 between the rotation axis R and an outer edge of the body 10 is less than 60%, preferably less than 50%, more preferably less than 30%, most preferably less than 20%the outer diameter D1 of the body 10.

[0114] Similarly, a distance d2 between the rotation axis R and an outer edge of the intermediate lid 20 is less than 60%, preferably less than 50%, more preferably less than 30%, most preferably less than 20% the outer diameter D2 of the intermediate lid 20.

[0115] The distances d1 and d2 are preferably comprised between 2 and 20 mm, preferably between 1 and 10 mm.

[0116] In the particular example, D1 is equal to D2 and d1 is equal to d2.

[0117] As shown in more detail in figures 2 and 3, the guiding groove 42 has two widened axial end sections 421 , 422 allowing rotation of the pin 41 therein, and a central axial guiding section 423 allowing a sliding motion of the pin 41 therein.

[0118] In an assembled condition of the body 10 and intermediate lid 20, the pin 41 is located in the lower end section 421 of the guiding groove 42.

[0119] To access the storage compartment S, the intermediate lid 20 is firstly pivoted around the rotation axis R until the pin 41 aligns with the central axial guiding section 423. The intermediate lid 20 is then pulled axially until the pin 41 aligns with the upper end section 422. A further rotation of the intermediate lid 20 engages the pin 41 inside the upper end section 422, thereby blocking a further axial movement between the body 10 and intermediate lid 20. The relative rotation of the intermediate lid 20 finally determines the opening of the storage compartment S.

[0120] After use, the compartment is closed by pivoting back the intermediate lid 20 and body 10 in a position where they axially overlap, as shown in figures 4 to 6. In the illustrated example and as shown particularly in figure 1 , the container has an additional pouch squeezing or opening function which will now be presented in more detail.

[0121] As shown in figure 1 , the body side wall 12 is advantageously provided at its upper end with a receiving slot 18 dimensioned for receiving therein a pouch 1.

[0122] When pivoting back to its closed configuration as shown in the sequence of figures 4 to 6, the intermediate lid 20 exerts a shearing action on the pouch 1 received in said slot 18. This shearing action may either squeeze the pouch 1 to let the product contained therein come out or it may cut the envelope of the pouch 1 .

[0123] The illustrated embodiment described hereabove is not limitative of the present invention.

[0124] For example, a second shaft may be provided for rotatably attaching the intermediate and exterior lids 20, 30.

[0125] Or one single shaft may rotatably attach the body 10, the intermediate lid 20 and the exterior lid 30. For example, the shaft 40 as described hereabove may protrude upwardly from the central part 21 of the intermediate lid 20 and be rotatably mounted in a guiding groove of the exterior lid 30.

[0126] Also, the shaft may be formed as a component separate from the body 10, the intermediate lid 20 and the exterior lid 30. In particular, all attached components may be so-called active components, rotatably mounted around their shaft.

[0127] Also, the body 10 and the intermediate lid 20 and / or the intermediate lid 20 and the exterior lid 30 may be axially fixed in position, i.e. with no relative axial motion possible.

[0128] Finally, the component(s) 10, 20 may also be connected to the shaft 40 by corresponding threaded portions. For example, Figure 7 illustrates an attaching system 400 with such threaded connection. In the illustrated embodiment, the shaft 40 is provided with a thread 45 and the guiding groove 42 is provided with a corresponding thread 44. With such arrangement, a rotational movement between two attached components 10, 20 automatically results in a relative axial movement therebetween.

[0129] Figures 8A to 13 illustrate possible examples of containers 100 according to different embodiments of a second aspect of the invention. Components of said containers 100 are similar to those described before with reference to the first aspect of the invention: they include a body 10, an intermediate lid 20 configured to be movably assembled on the body 10, and an exterior lid 30 configured to cover said intermediate lid 20. All general features (i.e. features that are not related to the attaching system) mentioned previously with regard to these components remain applicable to this second aspect of the invention.

[0130] According to this second aspect, the container 100 is provided with an attaching system 600 comprising a ribbon-shaped portion 60 attaching together at least a first and a second component among the body 10, the intermediate lid 20 and the exterior lid 30.

[0131] In the illustrated examples described hereafter, a ribbon-shaped portion 60 is described attaching the body 10 and the intermediate lid 20. This however shall not be considered limiting and a similar attaching system 600 may be envisaged, as an alternative or in addition, between the intermediate lid 20 and the exterior lid 30.

[0132] The ribbon-shaped portion 60 may be formed from the same material as the components it is intended to attach, typically a material selected from Polypropylene (PP), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyamide (Nylon), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and Polylactic Acid (PLA) or a composition of one of said materials with bio composites, or from any other material.

[0133] Also, it may be formed in one piece with one or all components it is intended to attach, or may be mechanically secured thereto. Apart from this attaching system 600, as already described with reference to the first aspect, the container 100 further comprises locking means 50 for connecting and securing together its components in their assembled condition, to close the storage compartment and the waste disposal compartment respectively. Such locking means 50 may typically comprise interference fitting means and / or snap-fitting means and / or threaded means.

[0134] As illustrated with the embodiments of figures 8A, 8B, 9, 10A, 10B, 10C, and 11 , the ribbon-shaped portion 60 may be arranged outside the container (i.e outside the storage and waste disposal compartments S, W), and may in particular be configured to form a loop 64, serving as a grasping loop of the container.

[0135] A largest radial dimension T of the ribbon-shaped portion an assembled condition of the container 100 may be comprised between 1 ,5 cm and 5 cm, preferably between 2 cm and 5 cm, with said radial dimension being measured in a radial direction of the container as from an outer edge of the attached components. In other words, said radial direction can be measured in a radial direction from the outer edge of one of the attached component, or from the external lateral surface of one of the attached components.

[0136] As a first example, figures 8A and 8B illustrate a container 100 where a ribbon-shaped portion 60 is arranged outside the container 10 with a first zone 61 thereof - here a first end - attached to the body 10 and a second zone 62 thereof - here a second end - attached to the intermediate lid 20. The ribbonshaped portion 60 here could be provided in the form of a flat band, preferably having an essentially flat rectangular cross-section and generally extending in an axial plane of the container 100 (i.e. having its longitudinal direction essentially parallel to an axial plane of the container 100). In particular, the first zone 61 and the second zone 62 are essentially superimposed axially and at least in an assembled condition, the ribbon-shaped portion 60 is bent around an axis that is orthogonal to the axial direction and substantially tangential to the side wall 12 of the body 10.

[0137] The first zone 61 and the second zone 62 of the ribbon-shaped portion 60 delimit therebetween a central zone 63 forming the loop 64. In the illustrated example, the first end 61 of the ribbon-shaped portion 60 is solidary with a ring 70 mounted around the body side wall 12 and secured thereto for example by clipping, by bonding, by interference fit or any other means that may or not allow a relative rotation between the ring 70 and the body 10. At its second end 62, the ribbon-shaped portion 60 is made in one piece with the intermediate lid 20. However, this example is not limiting and the ribbon-shaped portion 60 may also be formed in one piece with both the body 10 and the intermediate lid 20, which is a cheaper alternative that however prevents any relative rotation between each end zone and the component it is secured to. As another alternative, each end 61 , 62 of the ribbon-shaped portion 60 may be solidary with a ring mounted on the body and intermediate lid respectively or may be attached thereto by any other adapted means.

[0138] The exterior lid 30 on the other side may either be secured to the intermediate lid 20 through another ribbon-shaped portion similar to that described hereabove or, as illustrated, by a conventional hinge part 80 or it also may be loosely assembled on the intermediate lid in a manner similar to that illustrated in figure 1 .

[0139] In this embodiment, locking means 50 for connecting and securing together the body and intermediate lid may typically comprise corresponding interference fitting means and / or snap-fitting means. Similarly, the intermediate lid 20 and the exterior lid 30 may comprise corresponding interference fitting means and / or snap-fitting means.

[0140] Figure 9 illustrates a container 100 according to another embodiment where the ribbon-shaped portion 60 is arranged outside the container (i.e. outside the storage and waste disposal compartments S, W) with a first end 61 thereof being secured to the body 10 through a ring 70 solidary with the body 10 and a second end 62 being formed in one piece with the intermediate lid 20. Here however, the ribbon-shaped portion 60 is wound around the central axis Z1 , so that its longitudinal direction is essentially parallel to a radial plane of the container 100. The ribbon-shaped portion 60 typically covers an angular section of the container 100 comprised between 30° and 360°.

[0141] Also, locking means 50 between the body 10 and the intermediate lid

[0142] 20 are threaded locking means. In particular, the threaded locking means are configured to allow a threaded connection in several assembled positions corresponding respectively to N relative angular positions of the body 10 and the intermediate lid 20.

[0143] The first end 61 of the ribbon-shaped portion 60 being fixed in rotation with respect to the body 10, a maximum radial dimension T of a grasping loop 64 formed by the ribbon-shaped portion 60 differs from one assembled position to the other.

[0144] For example and as illustrated, the threaded locking means 50 may comprise three threading entry points. Depending on which entry point is selected by the user, the loop 64 formed by the ribbon-shaped portion 60 is at 0%, 50% or 100% of its maximum size. For instance, a maximum size (100%) may be used when hugging the loop 64 on a finger, an intermediate size (50%) when hugging on a key ring carabiner, and a minimum size (0%) for transport in a pocket.

[0145] An advantage of this configuration is that the size of the loop 64 can be defined to protrude a set distance away from the body at the user's discretion.

[0146] Figure 11 illustrates another embodiment similar to that of figure 9, the ribbon-shaped portion 60 is wound around the central axis X and where a first zone 61 thereof is made in one piece with the body 10 and a second zone 62 is made in one piece with the intermediate lid 20.

[0147] Here, instead of the threaded locking means of figure 9, the container 100 comprises interference fitting means or snap-fitting means 50 for connecting the body 10 and the intermediate lid 20.

[0148] Such locking systems 50 allow an infinite number of assembled positions, so that a number of loop sizes available is significantly larger.

[0149] Also, this system advantageously offers the possibility to have no grasping loop (assembled position 0%) at the outside of the container 100 simply by turning the intermediate lid 20 as far as possible in relation to the body 10.

[0150] Figures 12 and 14 illustrate other embodiments where a ribbonshaped portion 60 is arranged inside the container 100 and is spirally wound around a deployment axis A that is either aligned with or parallel to the central axis Z1 .

[0151] In these illustrated examples where the ribbon-shaped portion 60 is located inside the storage compartment S, the coiled portion 60 is secured to the body 10 at its first end 61 and to the intermediate lid 20 at its second end 62.

[0152] When the two components 10, 20 are pulled apart the coiled portion 60 triangulates to allow the two components 10, 20 to move in any direction. An additional benefit is that the coiled portion 60 will expand in an assembled condition, allowing to fit the void of the compartment not filled by the nicotine pouches. This provides a benefit by preventing excessive movement of the pouches during transportation and pushing the pouches to the edge of the compartment making them easier to remove by the user.

[0153] Figure 12 in particular illustrates a first example where the coiled ribbon-shaped portion 60 is formed in one piece with one of the two attached components (for example the body 10) and secured to the other component (for example the intermediate lid 20) for example by welding.

[0154] This may be achieved with the manufacturing steps illustrated in figures 13A and 13B. The body 10 is injection moulded with a solid rod portion 16 protruding inwardly from the center of its bottom wall 11. As illustrated by the dotted line in figure 13A, this solid rod portion 16 is then laser cut to form the ribbon-shaped portion 60. As shown in figure 13B, the end 62 of the ribbonshaped portion 60 opposite to the body bottom wall 11 is then joined to the intermediate lid 20 via laser welding. Alternatively, the entire ribbon-shaped portion 60 could also be set from a separate piece and laser welded to both components.

[0155] Figure 14 illustrates still another example where at one end zone 61 , the ribbon-shaped portion 60 is solidary with a plate 94 configured to fit inside the body 10. In the illustrated example, in particular, the plate 94 is configured to fit inside a peripheral inner groove 96 formed in the body side wall 12. But of course, any other fitting means may be envisaged for securing the plate 94 to the body, for example interference fit or other snap-fitting arrangements. The ribbon-shaped portion 60, formed integrally with the plate 94, may be obtained with the manufacturing steps described with reference to figures 13A and 13B, where the plate 94 replaces the body bottom wall 11. However, this shall not be considered limiting and the ribbon-shaped portion 60 may also be otherwise attached to the plate 94, for example by welding.

[0156] At its opposite end zone 62, the ribbon-shaped portion 60 is advantageously provided with further mechanical fitting means 90, for example barbed fittings, configured to engage with complementary fitting means 92, for example counter openings, provided on the intermediate lid 20. Other fixing means and methods may however be envisaged such as welding, bonding, etc.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A container (100) for snus or nicotine pouches, comprising:- a body (10) extending along a central axis (Z1 ) defining an axial direction (Z), said body having a bottom wall (11 ) at a lower end (10b) and a side wall (12) extending from this bottom wall (11 ) towards an upper end (10a) opposite to the lower end (10b) in said axial direction (Z),- an intermediate lid (20) configured to be assembled on the body (10) to delimit therewith a storage compartment (S), and- an exterior lid (30) configured to cover said intermediate lid (20) to delimit therewith a waste disposal compartment (W), characterized in that it further comprises an attaching system (400, 600) attaching together at least a first and a second component (10, 20) among the body (10), the intermediate lid (20) and the exterior lid (30), wherein said attaching system is a rotatably attaching system (400) comprising at least one shaft (40) that extends along a rotation axis (R) parallel to but offset from the central axis (Z) and connects the first and second components (10, 20) so that they are rotatable with respect to each other around said rotation axis (R); or wherein said attaching system is a ribbon-like attaching system (600) comprising at least one ribbon-shaped portion (60) having a first zone (61 ), typically a first end zone, secured to a first component (10) among the body (10), intermediate lid (20) and exterior lid (30) and a second zone (62), typically a second end zone, secured to another second component (20) among these components (10, 20, 30).

2. The container (100) according to claim 1 , wherein, for each attached component (10, 20) of the rotatably attaching system (400), a radial distance between the rotation axis (R) and an outer edge of said component (10, 20) is less than 60%, preferably less than 50%, more preferably less than 30%, most preferably less than 20% of the maximum radial dimension of said component (10, 20).

3. The container (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, for each attached component (10, 20) of the rotatably attaching system (400), a radial distance between the rotation axis (R) and an outer edge of said component (10, 20) is comprised between 2 and 20 mm, preferably between 1 and 10 mm.

4. The container (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the rotatably attaching system (400) is configured to allow a relative translation of the at least first and second attached components (10, 20) in the axial direction (Z).

5. The container (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one attached component (10, 20) is slidingly mounted with respect to the shaft (40) in the axial direction (Z).

6. The container (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one attached component (10, 20) is connected to the shaft (40) by a bayonet-type connection.

7. The container (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one attached component (10, 20) is connected to the shaft (40) by a threaded connection.

8. The container (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the shaft (40) is solidary in rotation with the first or the second attached component (10, 20).

9. The container (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first and / or the second attached component (10, 20) is rotatably mounted around the shaft (40).

10. The container (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one attached component (10) is provided at its periphery with a receiving slot (18) for receiving therein a pouch (1 ).

11. The container (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the ribbon-shaped portion forms a loop or coil, in at least one assembled position of the attached components.

12. The container (100) according to claim 1 or 11 , wherein the at least one ribbon-shaped portion (60) is arranged outside the storage and waste disposal compartments (S, W) and forms, in an assembled condition of the container, a grasping loop (64) for grasping the container.

13. The container (100) according to claim 12, further comprising locking means (50) for securing the first and second attached components (10, 20) in an assembled condition of the container, and said locking means (50) allow to secure the first and second attached components (10, 20) in N assembled positions corresponding respectively to N relative angular positions of the said first and second components.

14. The container (100) according to claim 1 , 11 , 12 or 13, wherein, in an assembled condition, the ribbon-shaped portion (60) is wrapped circumferentially around the first and / or the second component (10, 20).

15. The container (100) according to claim 1 or 11 , wherein the at least one ribbon-shaped portion (60) is arranged inside the storage compartment (S) and / or the waste disposal compartment (W).

16. The container (100) according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein a largest radial dimension (T) of the ribbon-shaped portion in an assembled condition of the container (100) may be comprised between 1 ,5 cm and 5 cm, preferably between 2 cm and 5 cm.

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