EP4637428A1

EP4637428A1 - Container for snus and use thereof

Info

Publication number: EP4637428A1
Application number: EP23838216.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Claudia FRADEANI
Original assignee: GD SpA
Current assignee: GD SpA
Priority date: 2022-12-19
Filing date: 2023-12-15
Publication date: 2025-10-29
Also published as: IT202200025971A1; WO2024134418A1

Abstract

A snus container (1) comprising a main body (100) having at least one outer side wall (101), circumscribing a containing space (V), and a first opening (102) and a second opening (103), opposite to the first opening (102). The main body (100) has at least one partition wall (104) arranged transversely in the containing space (V) so as to divide the containing space (V) into a first half-space (V1), accessible from the first opening (102), and a second half-space (V2), accessible from the second opening (103). The at least one partition wall (104) is shaped so as to define at least two containing cavities (105) and at least two protrusions (106) in the first half-space (V1) and so as to define at least two protrusions (106) and two containing cavities (105) in the second half-space (V2). The container (1) further comprises a first lid (200) configured to close the first opening (102) when the first half-space (V1) is in a closed configuration, and a second lid (300) configured to close the second opening (103) when the second half-space (V2) is in a closed configuration.

Description

CONTAINER FOR SNUS AND USE THEREOF

Technical field

The present invention relates to a snus container.

Background art

It is known that snus (tobacco for oral use) is generally sold loose in predosed packages or pre-portioned in pouches contained in a box in order to preserve the properties and humidity of the tobacco over time.

In particular, it is known to manufacture containers comprising a main body and a lid, where the main body is provided with two or more compartments communicating with one another and accessible by simultaneously opening the aforesaid lid. Typically, the two or more compartments are intended to contain respective kinds or qualities of moist tobacco to be consumed. Moreover, one of the aforesaid compartments can be used to contain portions of consumed tobacco that is collected temporarily or permanently by the user inside the container until it has been completely used up.

Despite being very widespread, the structure and operation of such solutions can be improved.

Firstly, the proximity and communication among compartments containing different kinds or qualities of moist tobacco to be consumed, can lead to a mutual “reduction” in the respective organoleptic properties, thus impairing the user’s experience.

In addition, the proximity and communication among compartments containing moist tobacco to be consumed and compartments intended to collect consumed tobacco can result in the product becoming contaminated, and can hinder the enjoyment of the product itself due to an aversion caused by the consumed product. Object of the invention

In this context, it is the technical task underlying the present invention to provide a snus container which overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above.

In particular, it is the object of the present invention to provide a snus container which allows optimally preserving the organoleptic properties of the snus and limiting contaminations of the product to be consumed, even after repeated use of the container, thus improving the user’s snus consumption experience.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a snus container which is versatile and easy to use.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a snus container having a simplified structure simultaneously optimised in terms of use of spaces.

The specified technical task and object are substantially achieved by a snus container in accordance with the appended claims 1 and 16 and/or one or more of the dependent claims.

Brief description of the drawings

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the indicative and thus non-limiting description of a preferred, but non-exclusive, embodiment of a snus container, as shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

- figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a snus container in accordance with the present invention;

- figures 2A-2B are exploded views of the embodiment of the container in figure 1 ;

- figure 3 is an exploded sectional view of the embodiment of the container in figure 1 ;

- figures 4A-4B are side section views of two further embodiments of the container in accordance with the present invention; - figures 5-9 depict a component of the container according to the invention in accordance with further embodiments.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

In accordance with the accompanying figures, a snus container in accordance with the invention is globally indicated by reference numeral 1 . The container 1 comprises a main body 100, a first lid 200, and a second lid 300, the two lids being stably applicable in a removable manner to opposite sides of the main body 100.

Generally speaking, the containment body 100 is preferably axisymmetric or almost axisymmetric in shape. The term “almost axisymmetric” means a shape given by a shape replicated around an axis of symmetry, e.g., a shape having polygonal portions or in segments, as will be described below.

Moreover, again in general terms, the main body 100 can be entirely or partially made of a metal or plastic material.

Figures 1 , 2A, 2B and 3 show a first embodiment of the main body 100.

The main body 100 has at least one outer side wall 101 circumscribing a containing space V, and exhibits a first opening 102 and a second opening 103, opposite to the first opening 102. The two openings 102, 103 are suitable for allowing access, from opposite sides, to the containing space “V”.

In accordance with the accompanying figures, the outer side wall 101 of the main body 100 has a circular section. In other words, the outer side wall 101 extends along a respective closed line and is preferably circular. The main body 100 has a main axis “X”.

Alternatively, in accordance with embodiments not shown, the outer side wall 101 of the main body 100 can have a non-circular section, e.g., elliptical or polygonal (in particular a regular polygon section).

The main body 100 has at least one partition wall 104 arranged transversely (i.e., transversely to the axis of symmetry mentioned above) in the containing space “V so as to divide the containing space “V” into a first half-space “V1”, accessible from the first opening 102, and a second half-space “V2”, accessible from the second opening 103. The two halfspaces “V1” and “V2” are preferably completely separated from each other by the at least one partition wall 104, so as to be mutually isolated (in particular, think of the separation of aromas contained therein).

The partition wall 104 is preferably made integrally with the outer side wall 101. Alternatively, the partition wall 104 can be defined by an insert stably inserted (by pressing or coupling or gluing) into the containing space “V”.

As it can be seen in particular in figures 2A, 2B and 3, the first opening 102 is closable by means of the aforesaid first lid 200 when the first halfspace “V1” is in a closed configuration, while the second opening 103 is closable by means of the aforesaid second lid 300 when the second halfspace “V2” is in a closed configuration. In other words, the first lid 200 is configured to overlap the first opening 102 when the first half-space “V1” is in the closed configuration, while the second lid 300 is configured to overlap the second opening 103 when the second half-space “V2” is in the closed configuration. The lids 200, 300 are shaped to match the openings and are preferably couplable to the main body 100 by means of a press-fit or snap connection, alternatively by screwing, thus being preferably separate from the main body 100. In accordance with constructional variants not shown, the lids 200, 300 can be hinged or otherwise permanently connected to the main body 100 and movable with respect thereto to define an open configuration and a closed configuration.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the at least one partition wall 104 is shaped so as to define at least two containing cavities

105 and at least two protrusions 106 in the first half-space “V1” and so as to define at least two protrusions 106 and two containing cavities 105 in the second half-space “V2”, where the cavities 105 and the protrusions

106 are mutually interposed for each side. In the context of the present invention, the term “protrusion” means a “filling body” interposed between two adjacent cavities 105 and defining a protrusion with respect thereto. Such a filling body has a preferably convex “solid” shape, the function of which is to be sandwiched between the two adjacent cavities 105 and define, as will be described below, a corresponding cavity on the opposite side.

Each cavity 105 defines a respective compartment. A “compartment”, in the context of the present invention, shall be understood as a space portion configured and/or divided to contain snus to be consumed or consumed snus. Therefore, in other words, each of the first half-space “V1” and the second half-space “V2” has two or more cavities 105 defining respective compartments for containing moist tobacco to be consumed and/or for containing consumed tobacco.

Each protrusion 106 defines instead a portion of the first half-space “V1” or of the second half-space “V2” not usable for containing the moist tobacco to be consumed and/or the consumed tobacco. Structurally, the protrusions 106 laterally delimit the cavities 105 and have a respective outside surface 106a, transverse to the main axis “X” of the container 1 and raised with respect to a base surface 105a (bottom) of the cavities 105.

Advantageously, in accordance with a use of the container 1 , the cavities 105 of the first half-space “V1” are used to contain moist tobacco to be used, in particular in pre-dosed pouches or in loose form, while the cavities 105 of the second half-space “V2” are used to contain a different kind or quality of moist tobacco, in particular, in pre-dosed pouches or in loose form. Therefore, the shape of the container 1 as well as the use of the container 1 allow dividing the different kinds or qualities of tobacco to be consumed, so as to make them mutually non-communicating, thus preserving the respective organoleptic qualities and improving the user’s consumption experience.

Advantageously, in accordance with a further use of the container 1 , the cavities 105 of the first half-space “V1” are used to contain moist tobacco to be used, in particular in pre-dosed pouches or in loose form, while the cavities 105 of the second half-space “V2” are used to contain consumed tobacco (“spittoon”). Therefore, the shape of the container 1 as well as use of the container 1 allow dividing the tobacco to be consumed from the consumed tobacco so as to make them mutually non-communicating, thus avoiding possible contaminations and making the user’s consumption experience more enjoyable.

In accordance with a further variant of use of the container 1 , the cavities 105 of the same half-space “V1”, “V2” can be used to contain respective and different kinds or qualities of moist tobacco to be used.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, each cavity 105 of the first half-space “V1” corresponds, on the opposite side, to a respective protrusion 106 of the second half-space “V2”, while each cavity 105 of the second half-space “V2” corresponds, on the opposite side, to a respective protrusion 106 of the first half-space “V1”. Preferably, in this solution, the partition wall 104 is defined by a single, thin, shaped wall (for example, by deep drawing or by means of an injection process or by plastic moulding) to define, on one side, the cavities 105 and the protrusions 106 of the first half-space “V1” and on the second side, opposite to the first, to define the cavities 105 and the protrusions 106 of the second half-space “V2” in a mirror-like manner.

Advantageously, such technical features ensure optimal use of the spaces of container 1 , substantially engaging the whole containing space “V” of container 1 .

In accordance with the embodiments shown in the accompanying figures, the cavities 105 and the protrusions 106 are angularly distributed around a central zone of the main body 100, in particular like rays diverging from the centre, and are mutually angularly alternated. The cavities 105 and the protrusions 106 have a main extension direction oriented parallel to a radial direction passing through the main axis “X”: in detail, the partition wall 104 can optionally have a central connection portion 107 from which the cavities 105 and the protrusions 106 branch off. In other words, the main extension direction of the cavities 105 and the protrusions 106 has a radial orientation with respect to the central connection portion 107. The cavities 105 and the protrusions 107 preferably have a radially divergent shape, i.e., “in segments”.

The central connection portion 107 preferably has a tubular shape with a first closed axial end 107a and a second open axial end 107b. “First end” means the end of the central connection portion 107 facing and/or contained in the first half-space “V1”, while “second end” means the end of the central connection portion 107 facing the second half-space “V2”.

Therefore, each cavity 105 is thus laterally closed by the outer side wall 101 , the two adjacent protrusions 106, and the central connection portion 107 (if present). The cavities 105 are also internally closed by the partition wall 104 and open, as opposed to the respective base wall (bottom), to make accessible and/or receive the tobacco to be consumed or the consumed tobacco.

In other words, the partition wall 104 is shaped so as to define a sequence of radial walls mutually divergent from the main axis “X”, in which pairs of adjacent radial walls are connected to one another, on one side or the other, by a respective transverse closing wall defining the bottom wall of the cavity 105 defined by them (and similarly defining the cover of the corresponding protrusion 106 identified on the opposite side).

The protrusions 106 of the first half-space “V1” preferably have the respective outside surfaces 106a, (i.e., the transverse closing walls mentioned above) lying on a common surface, in particular having a curved, outwardly convex shape, specifically cap-shaped.

Moreover, on the outer peripheral edge, the outside surfaces 106a are preferably lowered with respect to the corresponding edge of the side wall 101.

Figure 4A shows a first exemplary embodiment of the main body 100. With particular reference to the common profile of the protrusions 106 of the first half-space “V1”, these have respective outside surfaces 106a extending outward, in the direction of the main axis “X”, beyond the edge of the outer side wall 101 .

Figure 4B shows a second exemplary embodiment of the main body. With particular reference to the profile of the protrusions 106 of the first halfspace “V1”, these have respective outside surfaces 106a remaining inside the containing space “V”, i.e., they do not extend outward beyond the edge of the outer side wall 101 .

The protrusions 106 of the second half-space “V2” preferably have respective outside surfaces 106a, transverse to the main axis “X”, lying on a common surface having a curved, outwardly concave shape, specifically cap-shaped.

As will be further explained later in the present description, the common profile of the protrusions 106 of the first half-space “V1” can substantially match the common profile of the protrusions 106 of the second half-space “V2”.

The number, shape, and structure of cavities 105 and protrusions 106 can be varied as a function of the needs and are the subject of the different embodiments which will be described below.

Generally speaking, the first half-space “V1” can have a number of cavities 105 between two and six, more preferably between three and five. Obviously, the first half-space “V1” has the same number of protrusions 106, just like the second half-space “V2” has the same number of cavities 105 and protrusions 106.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the cavities 105 and the protrusions 106 can have the same angle size or can have different angle sizes.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the cavities 105 of the first half-space “V1” can have the same angle size or have different angle sizes. Similarly, this applies to the protrusions 106 of the first halfspace “V1”, which can have the same angle size or different angle sizes. Advantageously, such technical features allow optimising the use of the container 1 . For example, it is thus possible to vary the incidence of the portion of the containing space “V” given to the containment of the fresh tobacco and therefore also the space intended for the consumed tobacco. Going into detail of the specific embodiments, figure 5 shows an embodiment of the container 1 having three cavities 105 and three protrusions 106 arranged in segments, where the cavities 105 and the protrusions 106 have the same angle size (60°).

Figure 6 shows an embodiment of the container 1 having four cavities 195 and four protrusions 106 arranged in segments, where the cavities 105 and the protrusions 106 have the same angle size (45°).

Figure 7 shows a further embodiment of the container 1 having four cavities 105 and four protrusions 106 arranged in segments, but where, in this case, the angle size of the cavities 105 of the first half-space “V1” is greater than the angle size of the protrusions 106 of the first half-space “V1”, despite being the same for all cavities 105. For example, each cavity 105 has an angle size (about 60°) equal to about double that of the protrusions 106 (about 30°).

Figure 8 shows an embodiment of the container 1 having five cavities 105 and five protrusions 106 arranged in segments, where the protrusions 106 of the first half-space “V1” have irregular angle sizes and the cavities 105 of the first half-space “V1” also have irregular angle sizes.

Figure 9 shows an embodiment of the container 1 which is highly asymmetric with reference to the angle size of cavities 105 and protrusions 106. Such an embodiment includes two cavities 105 and two protrusions 106, where the cavities 105 of the first half-space “V1” have the same angle size, while the protrusions 106 of the first half-space “V1” have different angle sizes (one of which having a width substantially equal to 180°).

The shape and structure of the lids 200, 300 are the subject of the different embodiments which will be described below. Generally speaking, the first lid 200 preferably forms a component separated from the main body 100 and is stably applicable to the latter by press-fit coupling and/or snap coupling so as to achieve the aforesaid closed configuration of the first half-space “V1”.

To this end, the outer side wall 101 preferably has a first end 101 a configured to interpenetrate a respective edge 201 of the first lid 200. In particular, the first lid 200 has an edge 201 provided with a recess adapted to define a snap-coupling with a respective protuberance obtained on the first end 101 a of the outer side wall 101 of the main body 100.

The first lid 200 can be at least partially made of a silicone material, in particular in a region facing the respective half-space “V1” so as to improve the sealing of the first lid 200 when the first half-space “V1” is in the closed configuration.

The first lid 200 preferably has an inside surface 204 substantially shaped to match the outside surface 106a, transverse to the main axis “X”, of the protrusions 106 of the first half-space “V1” so as to sealedly close the adjacent cavities 105 of the first half-space “V1

Figures 1 , 2A, 2B, 3 and 4A show a first embodiment of the first lid 200. In such an embodiment, the first lid 200 has a substantially planar outside surface 202. Such a planar shape is preferably involved in the situation described above relative to figure 4A, in which the protrusions 106 of the first half-space “V1” have respective outside surfaces 106a extending outward in the direction of the main axis “X”, beyond the edge of the outer side wall 101 .

Figure 4B shows a second embodiment of the first lid 200. In such an embodiment, the first lid 200 has a curved, convex outside surface 202 matching the common profile of the protrusions 106 of the first half-space “V1” (i.e., with the same progression, thus the same curvature). Such a curved, convex shape is preferably involved in the situation described above relative to figure 4B, in which the protrusions 106 of the first halfspace “V1” have respective outside surfaces 106a, entirely enclosed, in the direction of the main axis “X”, within the edge of the outer side wall 101.

Generally speaking, as for the shape and structure of the second lid 300, this forms a component separated from the main body 100 and stably applicable to the latter by press-fit coupling and/or snap coupling so as to achieve the aforesaid closed configuration of the second half-space “V2”. To this end, the second lid 300 preferably has a central coupling portion 303 configured to define a coupling with the second end 107b of the central connection portion 107 of the main body 100. In particular, the central coupling portion 303 of the second lid 300 is configured to interpenetrate, at least partially, the central connection portion 107 of the main body 100: the central coupling portion 303 has a protuberance adapted to define a snap-coupling with a respective recess made on the inside surface of the central connection portion 107.

Moreover, the second lid 300 preferably has three coupling elements 104, arranged in a mutually equidistant angular position on an edge 301 of the second lid 300 and configured to define a snap-coupling with a second end 101 b of the outer side wall 101 of the central body 100: each coupling element 104 has a respective protuberance adapted to define a snapcoupling with a respective recess made on the outer side wall 101 of the main body 100.

Advantageously, the second lid 300 and/or the outer side wall 101 of the main body 100 have gripping recesses 305 adapted to facilitate the opening of the second half-space “V2”.

The second lid 300 can be at least partially made of a silicone material, in particular in a region facing the respective half-space “V2” so as to improve the sealing of the second lid 300 when the second half-space “V2” is in the closed configuration.

The second lid 300 preferably has an inside surface 302 substantially shaped to match the outside surface 106a, transverse to the main axis “X”, of the protrusions 106 of the second half-space “V2”, and more preferably, in contact therewith so as to sealedly close the adjacent cavities 105 of the second half-space “V”.

The second lid 300 preferably has a curved, concave outside surface 305, preferably substantially matching the inside surface 302 of the second lid 300.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the outside surface 202 of the first lid 200 substantially matches the outside surface 305 of the second lid 300 to allow identical containers 1 to be stacked.

The present invention achieves the suggested objects, overcoming the drawbacks reported in the prior art. In fact, the container in accordance with the invention is capable of preserving the organoleptic properties of the moist tobacco to be consumed, as well as limiting, if not eliminating, possible contaminations between the moist tobacco to be consumed and the consumed tobacco. The container in accordance with the invention also has a simplified structure, which is optimised from the point of view of use of spaces.

Such results are achieved by virtue of the division of the containing space into two half-spaces, which are separate and reachable by means of respective openings made on opposite ends of the main body, as well as by virtue of the division of the containing space by the partition wall, which allows substantially engaging the inner containing space of the main body. In particular, the shape of the partition wall ensures a separation and a mutual distance of the containing cavities, even in the same half-space.

Claims

1. A container (1 ) for snus, comprising a main body (100) extending around a main axis (X) and having at least one outer side wall (101 ), arranged around the main axis (X) and circumscribing a containing space (V), and a first opening (102) and a second opening (103), opposite each other; the main body (100) having at least one partition wall (104) arranged transversely in the containing space (V) to divide the containing space (V) into a first half-space (V1 ), accessible from the first opening

(102), and a second half-space (V2), accessible from the second opening

(103); the at least one partition wall (104) being shaped in such a way as to define at least two containing cavities (105) and at least two protrusions (106) in the first half-space (V1 ) and to define at least two protrusions (106) and two containing cavities (105) in the second half-space (V2), wherein each cavity (105) of the first half-space (V1 ) corresponds, on the opposite side, to a respective protrusion (106) of the second half-space (V2), and wherein each cavity (105) of the second half-space (V2) corresponds, on the opposite, to a respective protrusion (106) of the first half-space (V1 ); the container (1 ) further comprising a first lid (200), configured to close the first opening (102) when the first half-space (V1 ) is in a closed configuration, and a second lid (300), configured to close the second opening (103) when the second half-space (V2) is in a closed configuration.

2. The container (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the cavities (105) and the protrusions (106) extend radially, in the manner of rays diverging from the centre, and are angularly alternated with each other.

3. The container (1 ) according to claim 2, wherein the first half-space (V1 ) has between two and six cavities (105), and more preferably, between three and five cavities.

4. The container (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cavities (105) and the protrusions (106) have the same angle size.

5. The container (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cavities (105) of the first half-space (V1 ) differ in angle size from the protrusions (106) of the first half-space (V1 ).

6. The container (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cavities (105) of the first half-space (V1 ) have the same angle size and/or wherein the protrusions (106) of the first half-space (V1 ) have the same angle size.

7. The container (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least two of the cavities (105) of the first half-space (V1) have different angle sizes and/or wherein at least two of the protrusions (106) of the first halfspace (V1 ) have different angle sizes.

8. The container (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first lid (200) has an inside surface (204) that is substantially shaped to match the outside surface (106a), transverse to the main axis (X), of the protrusions (106) of the first half-space (V1 ) so as to sealedly close the adjacent cavities (105) of the first half-space (V1 ).

9. The container (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second lid (300) has an inside surface (302) that is substantially shaped to match the outside surface (106a), transverse to the main axis (X), of the protrusions (106) of the second half-space (V2) so as to sealedly close the adjacent cavities (105) of the second half-space (V2).

10. The container (1 ) according to claims 8 and 9, wherein the first lid (200) has a curved, convex outside surface (202) and wherein the second lid (300) has a curved, concave outside surface (305), preferably substantially matching the outside surface (202) of the first lid (200) to allow identical containers (1 ) to be stacked.

11. The container (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protrusions (106) of the first half-space (V1 ) have respective outside surfaces (106a), transverse to the main axis (X), lying on a common surface having a curved, outwardly convex shape, specifically cap-shaped.

12. The container (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protrusions (106) of the second half-space (V2) have respective outside surfaces (106a), transverse to the main axis (X), lying on a common surface having a curved, outwardly concave shape, specifically cap-shaped.

13. The container (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the partition wall (104) is defined by a single, thin, contoured wall to define, on one side, the cavities (105) and the protrusions (106) of the first half-space (V1 ), and on the opposite side, the cavities (105) and the protrusions (106) of the second half-space (V2), the partition wall (104) being preferably integral with the outer side wall (101 ).

14. The container (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer side wall (101 ) of the main body (100) has a circular, elliptic or polygonal cross section.

15. The container (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the lids (200, 300) is made at least partly from silicone material, in particular in a region facing towards the respective half-space (V1 , V2).

16. Use of a container (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims for containing snus, wherein the cavities (105) of the first half-space (V1) are for containing moist tobacco, in particular, in pre-dosed pouches or in loose form, while the cavities (105) of the second half-space (V2) are for containing used tobacco or moist tobacco of a different kind or quality, in particular, in pre-dosed pouches or in loose form.