MX2011002483A

MX2011002483A - Container with two opposing lids.

Info

Publication number: MX2011002483A
Application number: MX2011002483A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Jakob Rasmussen; Lukas Avall
Original assignee: Philip Morris Prod
Priority date: 2008-09-04
Filing date: 2009-08-14
Publication date: 2011-05-19
Also published as: BRPI0918799A2; UA104433C2; CA2735903C; EP2337749A1; WO2010025819A1; DK2337749T3; BRPI0918799B1; RU2524897C2; EP2337749B1; ECSP11010954A; EP2161217A1; TW201016560A; JP5597201B2; US20100078341A1; PL2337749T3; JP2012501917A; RU2011112778A; KR20110051255A; CA2735903A1; TWI473748B

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a container (2) comprising: a body portion (4) consisting of a side wall (12) and a base wall (10), the container further comprising a first lid (6) and a second lid (8), wherein the first lid (6) and the second lid (8) are both removably attached to the side wall (12) and wherein the body portion (4) and the first lid (6) form a first compartment (14), wherein the body portion (4) and the second lid (8) form a second compartment (16) and wherein the first compartment (14) and the second compartment (16) are located on opposite sides of the base wall (10).

Description

CONTAINER WITH TWO OPPOSITE TAPAS Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a novel container for consumer articles. The container is particularly suitable for such articles that provide oral sensations. More particularly, the container is suitable for flavor sacks for oral delivery of one or more selected flavors including tobacco.

Background of the Invention Consumer items are usually marketed in boxes or cans that have a box portion to house the items and a removable lid to close the box portion.

It has been proposed to provide a container for consumer items that have a small additional compartment in the lid portion. For example, WO-A-2005/016036 discloses a box having a lid portion comprising a lower lid, which seals the portion of the tobacco containing box and a cover lid movably secured with the lower leg by an articulated joint. The lower cover and the cover lid between them define a space, which is intended to store the used tobacco. The cover lid is held in a closed position by means of a tongue, which interacts with a corresponding part in the lower lid.

It would be convenient to provide a container that has two or more Separate compartments, each of which can easily be opened and closed. Also, it would be desirable to provide a container having two or more separate compartments, each of which with an independent access from the other compartments. It would be desirable if such a container were easily manufactured and assembled.

Brief Description of the Invention In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a container comprising a body portion, wherein the body portion consists of a side wall and a base wall. The container also comprises a first lid and a second lid, wherein the first lid and the second lid are both removably coupled with the side wall. The body portion and the first lid form a first compartment and the body portion and the second lid form a second compartment. In accordance with the invention, the first compartment and the second compartment are located on opposite sides of the base wall. In this way, the openings of the first and second compartments are also configured on opposite sides of the container.

The arrangement of the openings in the compartments on opposite sides of the base wall does not offer the consumer having both compartments open at the same time. With a closed compartment, the risk of contaminating consumer items or mixing items in compartments is diminished.

The first compartment and the second compartment can have essentially the same size with each other, but preferably, the first compartment and the second compartment are of different size and can have a different volume.

The first lid and the second lid are both removable from the body portion. This means that when the lid is opened in order to open the corresponding compartment, the lid does not remain connected to the body portion, but is completely separated or detached therefrom. This simplifies the process of production and assembly of the container, since it is not necessary to incorporate means to permanently connect the lid to the body portion, such as with a joint.

The base wall is a flat or curved wall that is surrounded on all sides by a side wall. The side wall may consist of a surface, for example, surrounding the wall of the circular base. Alternatively, the side wall may comprise a number of discontinuous surfaces, for example, three for a triangular base wall or four for a rectangular base wall. The side walls can be essentially perpendicular to the base wall. Alternatively, the side wall may be inclined toward or away from the base wall, for example, when the container is tapered in the direction perpendicular to the base wall.

Preferably, the first lid and the second lid are separated, that is, they are not coupled or joined together in any way. Therefore, the structure of the covers can be relatively simple compared with the structure of the containers of the prior art, wherein the covers are connected to each other. An advantage of a simple lid structure is that the manufacturing and assembly processes can also be simplified and made more efficient. Another advantage is that each lid can be removed and replaced more easily. Because the caps are not coupled together, the risk of accidentally opening one compartment while attempting to open the other compartment is also reduced.

Preferably, the base wall of the body portion is curved, so that the first compartment comprises a section of the base wall that is convex. A curved base wall adds structural strength to the container.

Preferably, the second compartment comprises, on the other side of the base wall, the corresponding section of the base wall. On this side of the base wall, the section of the base wall is concave. This means that the missing volume in the first compartment due to the convex shape of the base wall section is essentially added to the volume of the second compartment. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the second compartment is formed only by the concave surface of the curved base wall and the second cover. Preferably, a circumferential section of the base wall comes into contact with the surface of the cap to form an air tight seal when the second compartment is closed.

The first cover or the second cover or both covers can close their respective compartments when fitting on the side wall of the body portion. Alternatively, the first lid or the second lid or both covers can close their respective compartments by fitting within the side wall of the body portion.

Preferably, each lid remains in a closed position until a positive force is applied by the consumer to remove the cap from the body portion. This ensures that the lids are not accidentally separated from the container between their uses. Advantageously, the caps can remain in the closed position due to the tight fit of the lid in the body portion and the friction between the contact surfaces of the respective lid and the side wall of the body portion. For example, when a cap fits over the body portion, it can be provided with an internal cross section of essentially the same shape and size as the external cross section of the body portion on which it fits. Alternatively, when the lid fits within the corresponding opening, it can be provided with an external cross section with essentially the same size and shape as the cross section of that opening. Preferably, at least one of the contact surfaces is a high friction surface. For example, at least one of the contact surfaces may have texture compared to the remaining surfaces of the container.

Alternatively or in addition, at least one of the first lid and the second lid also comprises a retaining means for securing that lid in the closed position. The retaining means may be provided in the body portion or in the cap or both in the body portion and in the cap. The means of retention can be provided for one or for both tapas. The retaining means may comprise, for example, one or more annular flanges on one of the contact surfaces, which engage with one or more of the correspondingly placed grooves, in the contact surface. With this type of retaining means the lid can be removed from the container by pulling the lid away from the rest of the container in order to uncouple the flange from the groove.

With particular preference, the contact surfaces are provided with corresponding screw threads which engage each other when the cover is closed. The screw threads can be simple helical threads or alternatively, they can be provided by at least two circumferentially spaced portions of a screw thread.

The first and second lid can be provided with the same retention means or with a different retention means.

The containers according to the invention, preferably, have an essentially cylindrical shape, with the body portion and each lid having an essentially circular external cross section. Alternatively, the body portion and the caps of the container according to the invention can be essentially prismatic or pyramidal, with for example an essentially triangular, rectangular or oval cross section. Preferably, each of the heights of the first lid and of the second lid is approximately one third of the height of the entire closed container. Alternatively, the first lid and the second lid have a different height in order to distinguish the two lids.

Optionally, the container may comprise a means for distinguish the first lid of the second lid. For example, the covers may be of different colors or the container may be printed, embossed or otherwise marked with indications to inform the compartment containing the type of two possible consumer items. This is particularly useful when one of the compartments is for the purpose of storing used consumer items, while the other compartment is for the purpose of storing unused or fresh consumer items.

The container according to the invention can be formed of any suitable material, including, without limitation, cardboard, plastic, metal or combinations thereof. The body portion can be formed of a material different from that of the caps or the body portion and the caps can all be formed of the same material. Each of the first and second covers may be formed of a different material, but preferably, the first and second covers are formed of the same material. With particular preference, this material is different from the material from which the body portion is formed. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the body portion is made of a molded plastic, while the first and second caps are made of metal.

Preferably, the body portion includes a substantially transparent portion to be able to see the contents of at least one of the first and second compartments. This allows a person to see how many of the consumer's items are left in the container, without the need to remove the lid. In a preferred embodiment, the body portion is made of a plastic material essentially transparent. Preferably, the body portion of the container is molded by injection of a material selected from the body consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, nylon, polysulfone, polyester, polyurethane and combinations thereof. Alternatively, the body portion is made of glass.

For example, the first and second compartments can be used to store consumer items that differ in taste, color or texture. Alternatively, a compartment can be used to store accessories to be used in combination with the consumer's items. Alternatively, a compartment can be used to store waste packaging material or consumer items used.

Advantageously, the provision of a second compartment allows temporary storage of the items used in the container until it can be disposed of properly. Because the second compartment is separated from the first compartment and the compartments are closed by separate lids, it ensures that unused items are not contaminated or affected by the items used.

The container of the present invention finds particular application as a container for the storage of products that offer oral sensations. More particularly, the container is suitable for flavor bags for oral delivery of one or more selected flavors, among which tobacco is included. Typically, a flavor bag comprises an outer wrap that encloses the flavor source.

An example of a flavor bag is a chewable bag. A chewable bag is a tobacco material enclosed in a bag material, wherein the tobacco material can include tobacco, water and salt, as well as additives, such as non-tobacco flavorings and humectants.

Preferably, the container is configured with the first compartment filled with the consumer items not used and the second compartment empty. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first compartment is filled with flavor bags and the second compartment is empty.

Once with the consumer items, the compartment that houses the consumer's items of preference is sealed in order to maintain the freshness of the consumer's items. For example, a sheet or plastic layer may be sealed on the upper edge of the first compartment. Preferably, such a sealing layer includes a tongue, or other means to allow easy removal of the layer.

Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a closed container, in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a cross section of the closed container of Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the container of the Figure 1, with the first lid removed from the container; Y Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the container of Figure 1, with the second lid removed from the container.

Detailed description of the invention The container 2 shown in Figures 1 through 4 has an essentially cylindrical shape and comprises a plastic body portion 4, a first metal lid 6 and a second metal lid 8. The first lid 6 and the second lid 8 fit over the opposite ends of the body portion 4.

As can be seen from Figure 2, the body portion 4 comprises a circular base wall 10 and an extended annular side wall 12, perpendicular from the edge of the base wall 10. The base wall 10, the side wall 12 and the first cover 6 define the first compartment 14. The base wall 10 is curved and is convex towards the opening of the first compartment 14. The concave surface of the base wall 10 in the opposite side from the first compartment 14 forms a recess, which together with the second lid 8 defines a second compartment 16. The second compartment 16 is much smaller than the first compartment 14.

The first cover 6 comprises a circular upper wall 18 and an annular side wall 20 extended perpendicular from the edge of the upper wall 18. When fitted on the side wall 12 of the body portion 4, the first lid 6 closes the first compartment 14.

Similarly, the second lid 8 comprises a circular upper wall 22 and an annular side wall 24 extended perpendicular from the edge of the upper wall 22. When fitted on the side wall 12 of the body portion 4 adjacent to the base wall 10, the second lid 8 closes the second compartment 18.

As can be seen from Figure 2, the side wall 12 of the body portion 4 comprises an annular central portion 26 and a first annular portion 28 and a second annular portion 30 on either side of the central portion 26. As can be seen from Figure 1, the central portion 26 remains visible when both covers 6, 8 are in place.

The first portion 28 and the second annular recess portion 30 have a reduced diameter compared to the central portion. The difference in diameter between the central portion 26 and the first portion 28 and the second portion 30 are approximately equal to the thickness of the side walls 20, 24 of the covers 6, 8. In this way, when the first cover 6 and the second lid 8 is in place in the body portion 4, the side walls 20, 24 thereof overlap the first and second annular portions 28, 30 of the side wall 12 of the body portion, respectively. In this closed position, the side walls 20, 24 of the covers 6, 8 are flush with the central annular portion 26 of the side wall 12 of the body portion 4.

As can be seen from Figure 3, the first recessed annular portion 28 of the side wall 12 of the body portion includes a plurality of projections 32 extended circumferentially. around the body portion. The first lid 6 comprises an annular rim, or lid, at the edge of the side wall 20 thereof, which engages the projections 32 in the body portion 4 to retain the first lid in the closed position. In order to remove the first lid 6, pressure must be applied on the opposite sides of the lid 6 to pull the lid 6 away from the body portion 4.

As can be seen from Figure 4, the second annular, recessed portion 30 of the side wall 12 of the body portion 4 includes an external screw thread extending circumferentially around it. The inner surface of the side wall 24 of the second lid 8 includes a corresponding screw thread, which engages with the external screw thread in the body portion 4 to retain the second lid 8 in a closed position. In order to remove the second lid 8, the second lid 8 must be rotated relative to the body portion 4 approximately by a quarter turn in relation to the body portion 4 by about a quarter of a turn in the rotating direction toward the left.

Claims

1. A container (2), characterized in that it comprises: a body portion (4) consisting of a side wall (12) and a base wall (10); a first lid (6), wherein the body portion (4) and the first lid (6) form a first compartment (14); Y a second lid (8), wherein the body portion (4) and the second lid (8) form a second compartment (16); wherein the first lid (6) and the second lid (8) are removably coupled with the side wall (12) and wherein the first compartment (14) and the second compartment (16) are located on opposite sides of the wall (12). the base wall (10).

2. The container (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the base wall (10) is curved, so that the first compartment (14) comprises a section of the base wall (10) that is convex and the second compartment (16) comprises the same section of base wall (10) that is concave.

3. The container (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a retaining means (32) associated with at least one lid (6) (8) to secure the lid in a closed position.

4. The container (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body portion (4) it also comprises an essentially transparent portion (26) suitable for displaying the contents of at least one of the first compartment (14) and the second compartment (16).

5. The container (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the first lid (6), the second lid (8) and the body portion (4) have a circular cross section.

6. The container (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that the first lid (6), the second lid (8) and the body portion (4) have a circular cross section and wherein the external diameters of the first lid (6), the second lid (8) and the body portion (4) are essentially the same.

7. The container (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first lid (6) and the second lid (8) have different opening mechanisms.

8. The container (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (2) comprises flavor bags.