CA3041506A1

CA3041506A1 - Container for a tobacco related product

Info

Publication number: CA3041506A1
Application number: CA3041506A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Slavomir Novak; Michaela Marose
Original assignee: Reemtsma Cigarettenfabriken GmbH
Current assignee: Reemtsma Cigarettenfabriken GmbH
Priority date: 2016-11-10
Filing date: 2017-10-12
Publication date: 2018-05-17
Anticipated expiration: 2037-10-12
Also published as: EP3320789B8; IL266411B1; IL266411A; EP3320789B1; EP3320789C0; CA3041506C; WO2018086815A1; IL266411B2; EP3320789A1; JP7025438B2; NZ753209A; RU2726817C1; JP2019535318A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a container (100) for a tobacco related product (90), comprising a top portion (20) that is detachably connected to a base portion (10) and that comprises a cap (30) and a lid (40). The base portion (10) comprises a storage compartment (1 1 ) for storing the tobacco related product (90) and the cap (30) comprises a top wall (31 ) configured for fully covering the storage compartment (1 1 ). The lid (40) is swiveable about a axis of rotation (H1 ) that projects substantially perpendicular to the top wall (31 ) and is configured to close at least one additional compartment (32) that is arranged in the top wall (31 ) of the cap (30). Thus, the container (100) according to the present invention provides a storage compartment (1 1 ) for unused product and an additional compartment (32) for used product, wherein an erroneous access of the storage compartment (1 1 ) or the additional compartment (32), particularly a disposal of used product within the unused product, can be avoided.

Description

Container for a tobacco related product FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a container for a tobacco related product.
BACKGROUND
A variety of different tobacco related products is offered on the market, wherein some of these products do not require combustion but are intended for either oral or nasal administration. Examples of such products comprise chewing tobacco, smokeless snuff and so called "snus". Snus is a smokeless tobacco product which is provided in loose form or in individually wrapped pouches. As most moist tobacco products, snus is particularly sensitive to environmental impacts such as changes in temperature or humidity. In order to ensure freshness of such products they are usually delivered in substantially air tight packages.
A typical package, e.g. for snus, is a substantially cylindrical container can which is made from metal or a resilient plastic material. After consumption, the used product has to be disposed. It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a package for a tobacco related product that allows for a convenient disposal of used product with minimal interference with unused product and decreased risk of mixing used and unused product.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
According to an aspect of the present invention, a container for a tobacco related product, particularly snus, is provided. The container according to the invention comprises a top portion that is detachably connected to a base portion and that comprises a cap and a lid.
The base portion comprises a storage compartment for storing the tobacco related product and the cap comprises a top wall configured for fully covering the storage compartment. The lid is swiveable about an axis of rotation that projects substantially perpendicular to the top wall and is configured to close at least one additional compartment that is arranged in the top wall of the cap.
In other words the present invention provides a container with a storage compartment for storing unused product that is fully enclosed between a base portion and a top portion. Thus, a user has to separate the top portion from the base portion for accessing the unused product in the storage compartment. The top portion comprises two components, i.e. the cap and the lid, wherein at least one additional compartment is arranged in the cap. The additional compartment might be a waste compartment, i.e. a compartment for used product.

The lid is configured to close the at least one additional compartment, particularly by being rotated about an axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to a main plane of the cap.
Essentially, the lid is attached to the cap. Preferably, the lid's axis of rotation is located in the center of a top wall of the lid and further preferred of a top wall of the cap. The axis of rotation can be a virtual axis of rotation of the lid around which the lid can be rotated.
However, it can also be a real axis, like a stud or the like that is extending perpendicular to the plane of the lid, preferably to an inner side of the lid, i.e. towards cap and base portion.
In other words, the container according to the invention advantageously comprises at least three portions: a base portion, a cap and a lid. The unused tobacco related product can be arranged in the base portion. The cap is coupled to the base portion and fully covers a storage compartment that is surrounded by a bottom wall and a first lateral side wall of the base portion. Thus, the customer has to remove the cap from the base station for grabbing the unused tobacco related product. In other words, the cap serves to fully cover and to complete the inner storage compartment provided by the base portion. The lid is arranged on top of the cap and can be turned or rotated in order to open and close an additional compartment, e.g. a waste compartment, which is arranged in the cap.
In other words, the container according to the invention comprises a storage compartment for unused product and an additional compartment, preferably for used product, wherein the storage compartment and the additional compartment are distinguished spatially and in terms of access. Thus, a user will always be aware of which compartment he is actually accessing. Thus an erroneous access of the storage compartment or the additional compartment, particularly a disposal of used product within the unused product, can be avoided. In other words, the risk of bringing the content of the storage compartment in contact with the content of the additional compartment is minimized. Hence, the additional compartment can be used for substances that shall not come in contact with the content of the storage compartment. Thus, the usability of the additional compartment is enhanced. =
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base portion of the container comprises a bottom wall and a first lateral wall that surrounds the storage compartment.
Further, the cap comprises the top wall for covering the storage compartment and a second lateral wall that is configured for being connected to the first lateral wall.
The bottom wall and the first lateral wall are preferably firmly bonded and further preferred monolithic. Further, the cap's top wall and the second lateral wall are preferably firmly bonded and further preferred monolithic. In other words, the base portion and the cap are configured to be fixed to each other and/or to engage with each other. The fixation or engagement may be provided by at least one of a screw closure, a pressure fit, a bayonet fitting, a selective adhesive, a snap fit, a hinged connection, a combination of protrusions and notches and a welded connection.

2 Particularly, the cap can engage with the base portion on the inside of the base portion or the cap can engage with the base portion on an outer surface of the base portion.
In other words, the second lateral wall of the cap may circumferentially encompass the first lateral wall of the base portion, or, alternatively, the first lateral wall of the base portion may circumferentially encompass the second lateral wall of the cap. The connection or coupling between the base portion and the cap may then be provided in the area where the two lateral walls overlap.
In the container according to the present invention the top wall of the cap may comprises at least one closed section and the least one additional compartment section. The cap may further comprise a plurality of additional compartment sections, e.g. for separating compartments with different purposes, and at least one inner wall for separating the additional compartments. Particularly preferred, at least one additional compartment is configured as a depression in the top wall of the cap. In other words, by varying the height of the cap's top wall with respect to the lid, at least one additional compartment can be formed by lowering the top wall's height, i.e. by increasing the distance between the cap's top wall and the lid. Therein the volume of an additional compartment increases the same amount as the volume of the storage compartment decreases, wherein these volumes are fully separated by the cap's top wall.
The cap's top wall is fully closed and configured for fully covering the base portion. Thus, the at least one depression is connected to the non-depressed sections of the cap's top wall by vertical or angled wall sections. In the context of the present invention, the non-depressed sections are also referred to as closed sections. Preferably, the closed sections are in close contact with an inner side of the lid, while the lid is attached to the cap.
Particularly preferred, all closed sections have the same height with respect to the lid, while different additional compartments may have different heights, forms or volumes, depending on their intended purpose.
Further preferred, in the container of the invention the lid preferably comprises at least one closed section and at least one access opening section. Particularly preferred, the at least one closed section of the lid has at least the size of an additional compartment section of the cap. By rotating the lid about the axis of rotation, the closed section of the lid can be aligned, i.e. brought in coincidence, with the additional compartment section. As the closed section has the same size, particularly preferred the same plain surface, the closed section can fully cover the additional compartment section. Thus, the sizing of the closed section at least as large as the additional compartment section allows for safely closing this compartment.
Preferably, the size of the closed section exceeds the size of the additional compartment.
Thus, a reliable sealing of the additional compartment can be secured by the closed section.

3 Further preferred, the at least one access opening of the lid has maximal the size of an additional compartment of the cap. Increasing the size of an access opening over the size of the additional compartment has no or only little benefit for the user, while it minimizes the area that is available for forming closed sections. Particularly preferred, the size of the at least one access opening in the lid roughly equals the size of the at least additional compartment in the cap. However, usually the lid will comprise a single access opening for being sequentially aligned with one more closed section and one or more additional compartments as a user usually intends to access only one compartment at a time.
According to a further preferred embodiment of the container, at least one of the additional compartments of the cap, the access opening of the lid and closed sections of the cap and the lid is configured as circular sector and/or circular segment. In other words, either one or all of the closed sections, additional compartment section and access opening section can be circular sectors and/or circular segments. In the present context a circular sector (or circle sector) is the portion of a disc (circle) enclosed by two radii and an arc.
The central angle is the angle between the two radii enclosing the sector. A sector with the central angle of 1800 is a semicircle. Sectors with other central angles may be referred to as quadrants (90 ), sextants (60 ) and octants (450).
In the context of the present application, the term circular sector/section relates to the partitioning (dimensioning) of the areas of the top wall of the cap and the top wall of the lid.
For example, the access opening section of the top wall of the lid is the section in which the opening section is located. The access opening would then basically be in the center of this section. The same applies to the additional compartment (for example waste compartment) section. The additional compartment is considered to be basically located in the center of the additional compartment section. However, neither does the additional compartment itself necessarily occupy the entire additional compartment section, nor does the access opening necessarily occupy the entire access opening section. According to aspects of the invention, there is typically a certain frame or border around the access opening and around the additional compartment. This frame or border is also considered part of the respective section. In particular, the depression for the additional compartment needs a certain frame for providing a smooth and stable transition between the depression and the closed section.
In view of the above definitions, the central angle of the at least one access opening section of the lid may be 90 , 120 , 180 or 270 . In view of the above definitions, the central angle of at least one closed section of the lid may be 90 , 120 , 180 or 270 . The central angle of at least one closed section of the cap may be 90 , 120 , 180 or 270 .
According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lid comprises a radial protrusion that is configured to engage with the cap and for limiting the maximum angle

4

5 PCT/EP2017/076013 of rotation of the lid with respect to the cap. Therein, the radial protrusion preferably extends axially outwards from an outer rim of the lid's top wall. The radial protrusion may also protrude over an outer rim of the cap's top wall while it is particularly preferred that the radial protrusion is arranged mainly on top of the cap's top wall. Further preferred, the cap comprises at least one blocking mean that protrudes upward from the cap's top wall, i.e.
towards the lid, and that is configured to engage with the radial protrusion.
The at least one blocking means is preferably arranged at an outer rim of the cap's top wall.
Particularly preferred, the lid's top wall is dimensioned such that it covers a main part of the cap's top wall except an outer rim of the cap's top wall. Further preferred, two blocking means are arranged in that rim and the radial protrusion extends radially outward into a circular section of that outer rim between these two blocking means. Thus, the blocking means limit the rotation of the lid in both directions of rotation. Alternatively preferred, the whole outer rim section may protrude upward from the top wall of the cap such that outer rim and the lid may be essentially flush. Than the blocking means may be realized by a gap in the outer rim into which the radial protrusion of the lid extends and. Then the radial protrusion engages with the sidewalls of the gap for limiting the maximum angle of the rotation of the lid.
In a further preferred embodiment of the container, the lid further comprises a grid element for rotating the lid with respect to the cap. The grid element may be arranged on the lid additionally or alternatively to the radial protrusion. Preferably, the grid is disposed on the top wall of the lid and may protrude upward from the top wall of the lid. The grid element may further comprise an increased roughness and/or stickiness compared to the remaining surface of the lid's top wall. Particularly preferred, the grid element is a rubber element that is attached to the lid's top wall. The grid element may further comprise a structures top wall for enhancing the grip with respect to a user's finger to simplify the rotation of the lid.
Further preferred, the lid comprises a stud that is protruding substantially perpendicular from the inner side of the lid towards the cap and the cap comprises a corresponding recess that is configured for engaging with the stud. According to this embodiment, the axis of rotation for rotating the lid with respect to the cap is a real axis that is realized in the stud. Particularly preferred, the connection between the stud and the recess is non-detachable, once the stud is inserted into the recess. Therefore, the stud preferably comprises thickened end facing the cap and the recess passes through the cap. If the thickened ending is pressed through the recess it hinders the lid to be removed from the cap again. Alternatively, the stud comprises a circumferential protrusion that fits into a circumferential notch of the recess. Essentially, the stud may be fixed into the recess using a snap fit.
According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the container according to the invention, the lid comprises an inner lid and an outer lid. Both lids preferably have an essentially disc-shaped and essentially congruent shape. The inner lid is arranged between the outer lid and the cap. Further preferred, each of the inner lid and the outer lid comprises at least one closed section and at least one access opening section. The inner lid preferably comprises an access opening section and a closed section. Therein, the closed section of the inner lid can have at least the shape and size of an access opening section of the outer lid.
Accordingly, the inner lid can be used to close the access opening in the outer lid. Thus, an additional compartment may be even closed if the closed section in the cap is not large enough to entirely cover an access opening in the lid.
Further preferred, the inner lid is rotatable coupled to the outer lid and at least one of the inner lid and the outer lid is swiveable about the axis of rotation.
Exemplarily, the outer lid may be firmly attached to cap and not configured to rotate about the central axis of rotation.
Then the inner lid may be actuated and rotated through an access opening of the outer lid for accessing the additional compartment in the cap. Further preferred, the outer lid comprises a stud that is protruding essentially perpendicular from its inner surface towards the cap and that is configured to engage with a corresponding recess of the cap. The stud may be fixed in the recess in a non-rotatable fashion. The stud may comprise at plurality of protrusion that are positioned apart from each other on the circumference of the stud and engage with a plurality of corresponding indents within the circumference of the recess. The inner lid may comprise a central opening configured for enclosing the stud that functions as shaft for a rotation of the inner lid around the shaft. The inner lid may also be configured to be rotated about the same axis of rotation about which the outer lid can be rotated.
According to a further preferred embodiment, the inner lid has an axial protrusion which is configured to engage with an edge of an access opening of the outer lid for limiting the maximum angle of rotation of the inner lid with respect to the outer lid.
According to this aspect, the inner lid is limited in the angle of rotation about the central axis of rotation which can be advantageous for hygienic aspects and can also simplify the handling of the package.
Furthermore, also the outer lid can be configured to have only a limited angle of rotation. This can also be useful for hygienic aspects or for simplifying the handling of the package. The limited angle of rotation provides that the outer lid can be rotated by 3600 or more.
In another embodiment, the inner lid can also be configured to substantially cover the additional compartment in the cap. It may then not be disc-shaped. The inner lid may then comprise a top wall that has the shape of a circle segment. The inner lid can have a part that can be coupled to the cap to provide a hinge about which the inner lid can be swiveled. In other words, the inner lid can be rotatable connected to the cap. The inner lid can be dimensioned and shaped such that it can only be opened when the access opening in the outer lid coincides substantially entirely with the inner lid. This prevents unintended opening

6 of the additional compartment. In this embodiment, the package may have a blocking mechanism which prevents that the outer lid is rotated over the open additional compartment when the inner lid is open.
According to a further preferred embodiment of the container, the outer lid comprises a ventilation opening that is configured to be overlapped with an access opening of the inner lid and for providing gas exchange between the storage compartment and the environment. The ventilation opening is arranged in a closed section of the outer lid. The ventilation opening is configured such that the tobacco related product can not pass the ventilation opening. This can be achieved by sizing the ventilation opening smaller than the tobacco related product or by disposing a mesh or grid or the like within the ventilation opening. Thus, the inner lid may be rotated such that an access opening coincides with the additional compartment and the outer lid may be rotated such that the ventilation opening coincides with the access opening of the inner lid. Thus, used product within the additional compartment may become dried.
The container according to the invention may further comprise a latching mechanism between the lid and the cap. This latching mechanism can serve to hold the lid in a specific position. The latching mechanism can comprise at least one surface protuberance (small knuckle or bump) on the top wall of the cap or on the inner surface of the lid. Any protuberance can advantageously interact with a respective recess in the respective opposite part by engaging with a recess. The latching mechanism can be configured to the keep the lid at least in one open position and at least one closed position of the access opening. The latching mechanism can be configured to provide higher resistance when the lid is rotated towards opening the additional compartment (for example waste compartment) than towards closing the additional compartment. In this aspect of the invention, the protuberance(s) and respective recesses can be larger or have a specific shape such that more force is needed to turn the lid in a position in which the additional compartment is accessible.
The container can further comprise an additional top cap that is completely closed (without opening) and can be placed above the lid. This additional cap can be used when the container is sold and removed by the consumer when the container is opened for the first time. Furthermore, any access opening (either in the lid or in the cap) may be sealed using a transparent foil. The transparent sealing allows a visual inspection of the content, for example the snus pouches. This may be advantageous for optical quality assurance during production and storage or may allow a customer to visually inspect the tobacco related product prior to purchase. The foil also serves to preserve humidity and/or flavor of the tobacco related product.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

7 Further features of the invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by describing in detail exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings in which:
Fig. 1 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a closed container according to a first embodiment with non-accessible additional compartment;
Fig. 2 illustrates a schematic perspective view of the closed container according to the first embodiment with accessible additional compartment;
Fig. 3 illustrates a schematic perspective view of an opened container according to the first embodiment with accessible additional compartment;
Fig. 4 illustrates schematic exploded views of the container according to the first embodiment (A) in a first and (B) in a second perspective;
Fig. 5 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a closed container according to a second embodiment with non-accessible additional compartment;
Fig. 6 illustrates a schematic perspective view of the closed container according to the second embodiment with accessible additional compartment;
Fig. 7 illustrates schematic exploded views of the container according to the second embodiment (A) in a first and (B) in a second perspective;
Fig. 8 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a closed container according to a third embodiment with non-accessible additional compartment;
Fig. 9 illustrates a schematic perspective view of the closed container according to the third embodiment with accessible additional compartment;
Fig. 10 illustrates schematic exploded views of the container according to the third embodiment (A) in a first and (B) in a second perspective;
Fig. 11 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a closed container according to a fourth embodiment with non-accessible additional compartment;
Fig. 12 illustrates a schematic perspective view of the closed container according to the fourth embodiment with accessible additional compartment; and Fig. 13 illustrates schematic exploded views of the container according to the fourth embodiment (A) in a first and (B) in a second perspective.
DETAILLED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in

8 the accompanying drawings. Effects and features of the exemplary embodiments, and implementation methods thereof will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals denote like elements, and redundant descriptions are omitted. The present invention, however, may be embodied in various different forms, and should not be construed as being limited to only the illustrated embodiments herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided as examples so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the aspects and features of the present invention to those skilled in the art.
Accordingly, processes, elements, and techniques that are not considered necessary to those having ordinary skill in the art for a complete understanding of the aspects and features of the present invention may not be described. In the drawings, the relative sizes of elements, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity.
As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Further, the use of "may" when describing embodiments of the present invention refers to "one or more embodiments of the present invention." In the following description of embodiments of the present invention, the terms of a singular form may include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
It will be understood that although the terms "first" and "second" are used to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, a first element may be named a second element and, similarly, a second element may be named a first element, without departing from the scope of the present invention. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
Expressions such as "at least one of," when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list.
As used herein, the term "substantially," "about," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent deviations in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, if the term "substantially" is used in combination with a feature that could be expressed using a numeric value, the term "substantially" denotes a range of +/- 5%
of the value centered on the value.
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a closed container 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The Figures 2, 3 and 4 also illustrate the container 100 shown in Figure 1, wherein Figure 2 shows the container 100 with accessible additional compartment 32, Figure 3 illustrates a schematic perspective view of the opened container 100 with accessible additional compartment 32 and Figure 4 shows schematic

9 exploded views of the container 100 (A) in a first and (B) in a second perspective. The container 100 according to the first embodiment is described in the following with reference to a respective one of the Figures 1 to 4 where it applies.
The container 100 for a tobacco related product 90 comprises a base portion 10 and a top portion 20, wherein the top portion 20 comprises a cap 30 and lid 40.
The diameter of the container 100 is preferably 40 mm to 100 mm and more preferably 50 mm to 80 mm. These dimensions are advantageously applicable to all embodiments of the invention. Preferably, the container 100 and thus the base portion 10 have a substantially cylindrical shape. The base portion 10 may be manufactured using a metal or a rigid synthetic material. Preferably, the base portion 10 is an injection molded part of PP
(polypropylene), PE (polyethylene) or ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer).
The base portion 10 comprises a bottom wall 12 and a first lateral wall 13 that projects substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall 12. The bottom wall 12 and the first lateral wall 13 surround a storage compartment 11 that serves to accommodate the smokeless tobacco product 90. The first lateral wall 13 of the base portion 10 comprises an upper rim 14 which is a free end of the first lateral wall 13. The free end 14 is averted from the bottom wall 12. An outer surface of the first lateral wall 13 may be provided with an appealing design or with an embossing to simplify handling of the container for the tobacco related product 90.
The diameter of the base portion 10 preferably is about 40 mm to 100 mm and more preferably 50 mm to 80 mm. The height of the base portion 10 is about 10 mm to 50 mm, preferably 15 to 30 mm. These dimensions are advantageously applicable to all embodiments of the container 100.
The cap 30 of the top portion 20 comprises a top wall 31 that is substantially disc-shaped and may be manufactured from a metal or a rigid synthetic material. For example, a transparent or opaque plastic material which is based on one or more polyolefins such as polyethylene or polypropylene (PP) may be applied. The cap 30 may be an injection molded part of PP, ABS or any other suitable synthetic material. Advantageously, the used materials may be recyclable or degradable (preferably biodegradable), as for example cardboard, paper etc. and may be formed with or without a coating of plastic or metal or the like.
However, other materials, such as metal may be applied for the cap 30.
The cap 30 comprises a second lateral wall 34 that is firmly bonded to the top wall 31 and can be detachably connected to the first lateral wall 13 of the base portion

10. The detachable connection provides that the storage compartment 11 is fully enclosed by the bottom wall 12, the first and second lateral walls 13, 34 and the top wall 31.
The connection may further provide that the base portion 10 and the cap 30 cannot rotate with respect to each other. A lower end 36 of the second lateral wall 34 of the cap 30 can engage with an upper end 15 of the first lateral wall 13 of the base portion 10. The height of the cap 30 can be smaller than the height of the base portion 10. The diameter of the cap 30 can be about the same as the diameter of the base portion 10.
The lower end 36 of the second lateral wall 34 may either be located inside the upper end 15 of the first lateral wall 13 or outside. In other words, the diameter of the upper end 15 of the first lateral wall 13 of the base portion 10 may be smaller than the diameter of the lower end 36 of the second lateral wall 34 such that the second lateral wall 34 circumferentially encompasses the first lateral wall 13. In another embodiment the diameter of the upper end 15 of the first lateral wall 13 may be greater than the diameter of the lower end 36 of the second lateral wall 34 such that the first lateral wall 13 encompasses the first lateral wall 13.
There may be a frictional connection between the cap 30 and the base portion 10 due to mechanic friction between the outer surfaces of the lateral walls 13 and 34.
However, the base portion 10 and the cap 30 may also be glued or joined together in a different way. The connection between base portion 10 and the cap 30 may also be a screw connection or a bayonet fitting. The storage compartment 11 inside the base portion 10 is accessible only by removing the top portion 20, i.e. the cap 30 and the lid 40, from the base portion 10. Thus, for allowing a user to repeatedly access the storage compartment 11 the connection between the lateral walls 13 and 34 is configured to be repeatedly released and reattached.
The lid 40 is also substantially cylindrically shaped and comprises an essentially disc-shaped top wall 48 that may be firmly bonded to a third lateral wall 47 that protrudes essentially perpendicular from the top wall 48. However, the third lateral wall 47 can also be omitted or may be realized by the height or thickness of the top wall 48. Alternatively, a gasket may be provided on a lower side of the top wall 48. The diameter of the lid 40 preferably is about 40 mm to 100 mm and more preferably 50 mm to 80 mm. The diameter of the cap 30 can be slightly smaller than the diameter of the lid 40 so that a third lateral wall 47 of the lid 40 can encompass (overlap or cover) the second lateral wall 34 of the cap 30. The thickness of the lateral walls 14, 34 and 47 can range from less than a millimeter to several millimeters.
These dimensions are advantageously applicable (with or without some modifications dependent on the specific design) to all embodiments of the container 100.
The lid 40 is rotatable about an axis of rotation H1 relatively to the cap 30.
Particularly, the lid 40 comprises a stud 46 that protrudes inwards, i.e. towards the cap 30, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the top wall 48 of the lid 40, i.e.
substantially parallel to a normal direction of the top wall 48. The stud 46 engages with a corresponding recess 35 of the cap 30 that might pass through the cap 30 or that might be closed at an end facing the base portion 10. The stud 46 and the recess 35 realize a rotatable connection between the

11 lid 40 and the cap 30. Alternatively, a lower rim of the third lateral wall 37 of the lid 40 can engage with the second lateral wall 34 of the cap 30. The lid 40 can be coupled to the cap 30 using a snap fit connection. The snap fit connection can be either realized in the stud 46 and the recess 35 or may be realized by a protrusion at the second lateral wall 34 which fits in a suitable notch in the third lateral wall 47 or vice versa.
The top wall 48 of the lid 40 comprises a closed section 43 and an access opening section 41, wherein the relative positions of these sections 41, 43 with respect to the cap 30 can be altered by rotating the lid 40 with respect to the cap 30.
The cap 30 comprises an additional compartment 32 formed as a depression in the top wall 31 of the cap 30. Thus, the top wall 31 of the cap 30 is divided in the additional compartment section 32 and a closed section 33. However, the closed section 33 and the additional compartment section 32 are closed in that they do not comprise any openings.
Thus, the top wall 31 of the cap 30 fully covers the area that is surrounded by the second lateral wall 34. Hence, the cap 30 is configured to fully cover the storage compartment 11 of the base portion 10. Particularly, the closed section 33 continuously transitions into the additional compartment section 32 via vertical sections 37 of the top wall 31.
Thus, the additional compartment section 32 and the closed section 33 differ in height with respect to the lid 40.
Depending on the rotational position of the lid 40, the depression 32 of the cap 30 and the closed section 43 of the attached lid 40 fully enclose the additional compartment 32. This is the case while the closed section 43 of the lid 40 is aligned with the additional compartment 32 of the cap 30. Alternatively, the access opening 41 of the attached lid 40 is aligned with the additional compartment 32. Then, the additional compartment 32 in the cap 30 is accessible via the access opening 41 of the lid 40. In other words, if the access opening 41 in top wall 48 and the depression 32 of top wall 31 coincide, i.e.
if the user rotates the lid 40 in the right position (open position), the user has access to the additional compartment 32. If the access opening 41 of the lid 40 coincides with the closed section 33 of the cap 30, the container 100 is in a closed state and the additional compartment 32 can not be accessed by a user. The access opening 41 can be closed by turning the lid 40.
The lid 40 is pivotable around a central axis of rotation H1, wherein the axis H1 is substantially perpendicular to a main plane of the top wall 31 of the cap 30 and to a main plane of the top wall 48 of the lid 40. The possible rotation of the lid 40 is illustrated by arrows in the Figures 1 and 2. Furthermore, the outer surface(s) of the third lateral wall 47 of the lid 40, the second lateral wall 34 of the cap and/or the first lateral wall 13 of the base portion 10 may be configured to facilitate the opening and closing. Signs like arrows or other indicators may be provided on the lid 40 and/or the cap 30 and/or the base portion 10 in

12 order to inform a user on how to open and close the additional compartment 32 of the container 100.
Figure 1 shows the closed state of the container 100 in which the storage compartment 11 as well as the additional compartment 32 cannot be accessed by a user.
Particularly, the access opening 41 of the lid 40 is in a position in which it entirely coincides with the closed section 33 of the cap 30. The lid 40 further comprises a radial protrusion 44 attached to the lid 40 in an edge region of the lid 40, wherein the edge region is surrounding the access opening 41. A first function of the radial protrusion 44 is simplifying the rotation of the lid 30 as a user can actuate the protrusion 44 for rotating the lid 40. As shown in Figures 1,2 and 4 the protrusion 44 is arranged in a gap of an outer rim of the second lateral wall 34, wherein the outer rim protrudes upward from the top wall 31 of the cap 30 so as to be flush with the attached lid 40. The protrusion 44 thus engages with the second lateral wall 34 at the edges of the gap in this outer rim. Hence, a second function of the radial protrusion 44 is limiting the maximum angle of rotation of the lid 40 with respect to the cap 30. The gap in the upper rim corresponds to a circular section that is larger than two times the radial extension of the open section 41 of the lid 40. Thus, limiting the rotation of the lid 40 does not interfere with safely closing the compartment 32.
As a user rotates the lid 40 using the protrusion 44 the closed container 100 transits into a state wherein the additional compartment 32 is accessible, while the storage compartment 11 remains non-accessible. FIG. 2 shows the container 100 of the first embodiment with open additional compartment 32. In this state the access opening 41 in the lid 40 coincides with the depression 32 of the cap 30. In the open position, it is possible for the user to dispose used tobacco related product in the additional compartment 32.
According to the first embodiment, the cap 30 comprises a closed section 33 that is formed as a circular section with a central angle of approximately 90 . In other words, the closed section 33 makes up essentially a quadrant of the surface of the top wall 31 of the cap 30.
Accordingly, the lid 40 of the container 100 according to the first embodiment comprises an access opening 41 that is formed as circular segment with a central angle of approximately 90 . The access opening section 41 and the closed section 33 comprise roughly the same size, wherein the central angle and the radial extension of the access opening 41 might be slightly smaller than that of the closed section 33. Thus, by aligning the access opening 41 with the closed section 33 the additional compartment 32 of the cap 30 can be safely closed.
The packages for a smokeless tobacco product 90 according to the above referenced embodiments may be substantially cylindrical. The tobacco related product 90 may be so called "snus", which is a smokeless tobacco product that is wrapped in individual pouches for oral administration. However, the container 100 according to all embodiments of the

13 invention is also suitable for any other smokeless tobacco product such as chewing tobacco, smokeless snuff, dissolvable films etc.
Figures 5, 6 and 7 show a second embodiment of a container 100 according to the present invention, wherein Figure 5 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a closed container 100 according to the second embodiment with non-accessible additional compartment 32, Figure 6 illustrates a schematic perspective view of the closed container 100 according to the second embodiment with accessible additional compartment 32 and Figure 7 illustrates schematic exploded views of the container 100 according to the second embodiment (A) in a first and (B) in a second perspective.
The base portion 10 of the container 100 according to the second embodiment is similar to the base portion 10 of the container 100 according to the first embodiment.
The cap 30 and the lid 40 of the container according to the second embodiment differ from that of the first embodiment in the size of the depression 32 of the cap 30 and of the access opening section 41 of the lid 40.
According to the second embodiment, the cap 30 comprises an additional compartment section 32 that is formed as a circular section with a central angle of approximately 135 . In other words, the closed section 33 is formed as a circular section with a central angle of approximately 225 . The lid 40 of the container 100 according to the second embodiment comprises an access opening 41 that is formed as circular segment with a central angle of approximately 135'. Thus, the access opening section 41 and the additional compartment section 32 comprise roughly the same size. As the size of the closed section 33 of the cap 30 exceeds the size of the additional compartment section 32 of the cap 30 the size of the access opening 41 is rather fitted to the depression 32 than to the closed section 33 as it brings no benefit for the user when the access opening 41 is larger than the additional compartment 32, while it makes the closing of the additional compartment 32 more complicated. Thus in the second embodiment, the central angle of the access opening 41 is significantly smaller than that of the closed section 33. Thus, by aligning the access opening 41 with the closed section 33 the additional compartment 32 of the cap 30 can be easily closed.
The container 100 according to the second embodiment further comprises a grip element 45 for making the rotation of the lid 40 with respect to the cap 30 more convenient. Further, the radial protrusion 44 of the lid 40 is omitted and thus there is no maximum angle of rotation of the lid 40. Thus, the user can freely choose where to position the open section 41 of the lid 40 on the much larger closed section 33 of the cap 30. In order to avoid any unwanted movement of the lid 40 with respect to the cap 30, the cap 30 and the lid 40 may comprise corresponding latching mechanisms that serves to hold the lid 40 in one or more specific

14

15 PCT/EP2017/076013 positions with respect to the cap 30. The latching mechanism may comprise two surface protuberances on the top wall 31 of the cap 30. Each such protuberance may be configured to Interact with a respective recess in the respective opposite part, i.e. an inner wall of the lid 40, when the lid is rotated around the axis of rotation H1.
The latching mechanism can be configured to keep the lid 40 at least in one open position and at least in one closed position of the access opening 41. In such embodiment there would be two pairs of protuberances and corresponding notches. Advantageously, the latching mechanism can be configured to provide higher resistance when the lid 40 is rotated towards closing (making accessible) the additional compartment (for example waste compartment) 32 than towards the closed section 33. In this aspect of the invention, some of the protuberance(s) and corresponding recesses may have larger dimensions so that more force is needed to turn the lid 40 into a position in which the additional compartment (for example waste compartment) 32 is accessible than to turn the lid 40 into any other position.
In other words, the protuberances and recesses can be varied in size and/or shape so that the resistance for rotating the lid 40 into the position where the additional compartment (for example waste compartment) 32 is accessible is greater than the resistance for a rotation towards the closed section 33 of the package. This shall prevent an unintended opening of the additional compartment (for example waste compartment) 32.
Figures 8, 9 and 10 show a third embodiment of a container 100 according to the present invention, wherein Figure 8 illustrates a schematic perspective view of the closed container 100 according to the third embodiment with non-accessible additional compartment 32, Figure 9 illustrates a schematic perspective view of the closed container 100 according to the third embodiment with accessible additional compartment 32 and Figure 10 illustrates schematic exploded views of the container according to the third embodiment (A) in a first and (B) in a second perspective.
The container 100 according to the third embodiment comprises a lid 40 that consists of an inner lid 50 and an outer lid 60, wherein the inner lid 50 is arranged between the outer lid 60 and the cap 30. The cap 30 has a closed section 33 and an additional compartment section 32 that each make up essentially a half of a top wall 31 of the cap 30. In other words, each of the section 32, 33 comprises a central angle of approximately 180 .
The inner lid 50 has a closed section 53 and an access opening 51, wherein the central angle of the access opening 51 is slightly smaller than 180 , e.g. by 15 , and wherein the central angle of the closed section 53 is slightly larger than 180 , e.g. by 150. The outer lid 60 also has an access opening 61 and a closed section 63, wherein the central angles of both sections 61, 63 are again roughly 180 .
The outer lid 60 and the inner lid 50 mainly serve to close the container 100, are both substantially flat and essentially disc-shaped. The inner lid 50 further comprises a central hole 55 through which a stud 65 that is protruding substantially perpendicular from an inner side of the outer lid 60 towards the inner lid 50 can be inserted into the corresponding recess 35 in the cap 30. The inner lid 50 further comprises a small axial protrusion/protuberance/handle 54 or the like that is provided on the top side of the inner lid 50 to allow rotating the inner lid 50 at least partially independently from the outer lid 60. In principal, the inner lid 50 as well as the outer lid 60 can then be rotated around the axis H1 of the container 100 The inner lid 50 provides hygienic advantages as it can be used as an additional cover between the inner side of the outer lid 60 and the waste compartment 32.
Figures 11, 12 and 13 show a fourth embodiment of a container 100 according to the present invention, wherein Figure 11 illustrates a schematic perspective view of the closed container 100 according to the fourth embodiment with non-accessible additional compartment 32, Figure 12 illustrates a schematic perspective view of the closed container 100 according to the fourth embodiment with accessible additional compartment 32 and Figure 13 illustrates schematic exploded views of the container according to the fourth embodiment (A) in a first and (B) in a second perspective.
The container 100 according to the fourth embodiment comprises a similar structure as the container 100 according to the third embodiment, particularly also comprises an inner lid 50 and an outer lid 60. The container 100 of the fourth embodiment differs from that of the third embodiment in that the inner lid 50 as well as the outer lid 60 comprises closed sections 53, 63 with a central angle of approximately 270 and access openings 51, 61 with a central angle of approximately 90 . The cap 30 also comprises a closed section 33 with a central angle of approximately 270 and thus has an additional compartment section with a central angle of approximately 90 . Thus the additional compartment (e.g. waste compartment) 32 is significantly smaller than that of the container 100 of the third embodiment.
Further, the outer lid 60 comprises a ventilation opening 64 that is arranged in the closed section 63 and opposite to the access opening section 61. The ventilation opening 64 is configured such that the tobacco related product 90 cannot pass the ventilation opening 64, while gas exchange through the ventilation opening 64 is possible. This may be achieved by adjusting the size of the ventilation opening 64 and or by arranging a mesh or grid within the ventilation opening 64. Thus, by rotating the inner lid 50 such that the access opening 51 of the inner lid 50 coincides with additional compartment 32 and by rotating the outer lid 60 such that the ventilation opening 64 coincides with access opening 51 of the inner lid 50 the container 100 can be securely closed, while drying of used product within the additional compartment 32 can be achieved. This can make the disposal of the used product from the additional compartment 32 more convenient.

16 Reference signs 100 container 90 tobacco related product base portion 11 storage compartment 12 bottom wall 13 first lateral wall 14 upper rim of first lateral wall upper end of first lateral wall top portion cap 31 top wall 32 additional compartment 33 closed section 34 second lateral wall recess 36 lower end of second lateral wall 37 vertical sections of top wall lid 41 access opening 43 closed section 44 radial protrusion grid element 46 stud 47 third lateral wall

17 48 top wall 50 inner lid 51 access opening 53 closed section 54 axial protrusion 55 central hole 60 outer lid 61 access opening 63 closed section 64 ventilation opening 65 stud H1 axis of rotation

18

Claims

1. Container (100) for a tobacco related product (90), comprising a top portion (20) detachably connected to a base portion (10) and comprising a cap (30) and a lid (40), wherein the base portion (10) comprises a storage compartment (11) for storing the tobacco related product (90);
wherein the cap (30) comprises a top wall (31) configured for fully covering the storage compartment (11), and wherein the lid (40) is swiveable about a axis of rotation (H1) that projects substantially perpendicular to the top wall (31) and is configured to close at least one additional compartment (32) that is arranged in the top wall (31) of the cap (30).

2. Container (100) according to claim 1, wherein the base portion (10) comprises a bottom wall (12) and a first lateral wall (13) that surround the storage compartment (11) and wherein the cap (30) comprises the top wall (31) and a second lateral wall (34) configured for being connected to the first lateral wall (13).

3. Container (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the top wall (31) of the cap (30) comprises at least one closed section (33) and the least one additional compartment (32).

4. Container (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one additional compartment (32) is configured as a depression in the top wall (31) of the cap (30).

5. Container (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid (40) comprises at least one closed section (43) and at least one access opening (41).

6. Container (100) according to claim 5, wherein the at least one closed section (43) of the lid (40) has at least the size of an additional compartment (32) of the cap (30) and/or wherein the at least one access opening (41) of the lid (40) has maximal the size of an additional compartment (32) of the cap (30).

7. Container (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the additional compartment (32) of the cap (30), the access opening (41) of the lid (40) and the closed sections (33, 43) is configured as circular sector and/or circular segment.

8. Container (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid (40) comprises a radial protrusion (44) configured to engage with the cap (30) for limiting the maximum angle of rotation of the lid (40) with respect to the cap (30).

9. Container (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid (40) comprises a grid element (45) for rotating the lid (40) with respect to the cap (30).

10. Container (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid (40) comprises a stud (46) protruding substantially perpendicular from its inner side and wherein the cap (30) comprises a corresponding recess (35) for engaging with the stud (46).

11. Container (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid (40) comprises an inner lid (50) and an outer lid (60).

12. Container (100) according to claim 11, wherein the inner lid (50) is rotatable coupled to the outer lid (60) and at least one of the inner lid (50) and the outer lid (60) is swiveable about the axis of rotation (H1).

13. Container (100) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein each of the inner lid (50) and the outer lid (60) comprises at least one closed section (53, 63) and at least one access opening section (51, 61).

14. Container (100) according to any one of the claims 11 to 13, wherein the inner lid (50) has an axial protrusion (54) configured to engage with an edge of an access opening (61) of the outer lid (60) for limiting the maximum angle of rotation of the inner lid (50) with respect to the outer lid (60).

15. Container (100) according to any one of the claims 11 to 14, wherein the outer lid (60) comprises a ventilation opening (62) configured to be overlapped with an access opening (51) of the inner lid (50) for providing gas exchange between the storage compartment (11) and environment.