U.S. patent application number 12/553646 was filed with the patent office on 2010-04-01 for container with two opposing lids.
This patent application is currently assigned to Phillip Morris USA Inc.. Invention is credited to Lukas Avall, Jakob Rasmussen.
Application Number | 20100078341 12/553646 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39944455 |
Filed Date | 2010-04-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100078341 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rasmussen; Jakob ; et
al. |
April 1, 2010 |
CONTAINER WITH TWO OPPOSING LIDS
Abstract
A container includes: a body portion having a side wall and a
base wall, the container further including a first lid and a second
lid, wherein the first lid and the second lid are both removably
attached to the side wall. The body portion and the first lid form
a first compartment. The body portion and the second lid form a
second compartment. The first compartment and the second
compartment are located on opposite sides of the base wall, which
may be convex in one of the compartments.
Inventors: |
Rasmussen; Jakob; (Belgium,
DK) ; Avall; Lukas; (Gothenburg, SE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BUCHANAN, INGERSOLL & ROONEY PC
POST OFFICE BOX 1404
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22313-1404
US
|
Assignee: |
Phillip Morris USA Inc.
Richmond
VA
|
Family ID: |
39944455 |
Appl. No.: |
12/553646 |
Filed: |
September 3, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/260 ;
220/504 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2543/0074 20130101;
B65D 43/0212 20130101; B65D 2543/00277 20130101; B65D 2543/00537
20130101; B65D 2543/00796 20130101; B65D 77/06 20130101; B65D
21/083 20130101; B65D 43/0231 20130101; B65D 2543/00629 20130101;
B65D 2543/00092 20130101; B65D 51/28 20130101; B65D 2543/00694
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/260 ;
220/504 |
International
Class: |
A24F 15/00 20060101
A24F015/00; B65D 25/04 20060101 B65D025/04; B65D 85/00 20060101
B65D085/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 4, 2008 |
EP |
08252935.5 |
Claims
1. A container comprising: a body portion having a side wall and a
base wall; a first lid, wherein the body portion and the first lid
form a first compartment; and a second lid, wherein the body
portion and the second lid form a second compartment, wherein each
of the first lid and the second lid is removably attached to the
side wall and wherein the first compartment and the second
compartment are located on opposite sides of the base wall.
2. The container according to claim 1, wherein the base wall is
curved such that the first compartment includes a section of the
base wall that is convex and the second compartment includes the
same section of the base wall that is concave.
3. The container according to claim 1, further comprising retention
means associated with at least one of the first and second lids for
locking that lid in a closed position.
4. The container according to claim 1, wherein the body portion
further comprises a substantially transparent portion suitable for
displaying the contents of at least one of the first and second
compartments.
5. The container according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the
first lid, the second lid and the body portion has a generally
circular cross section.
6. The container according to claim 5, wherein the first lid, the
second lid and the body portion have a generally circular cross
section and wherein the first lid, the second lid and the body
portion have outer diameters which are substantially the same.
7. The container according to claim 1, wherein the first lid and
the second lid have different opening mechanisms.
8. The container according to claim 1, wherein the container
comprises flavor pouches.
9. The container according to claim 8, wherein the flavor pouches
include tobacco.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to European Application No.
08252935.5, filed Sep. 4, 2008, the entire content of which is
incorporated herein by this reference thereto.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Novel containers for consumer items are described herein.
The container is particularly suitable for such items that deliver
oral sensations. More particularly, the container is suitable for
flavor pouches for oral delivery of one or more selected flavorants
including tobacco.
[0003] Consumer items are commonly sold in boxes or tins having a
box portion for housing the items, and a removable lid for closing
the box portion.
[0004] It has been proposed to provide a container for consumer
items having an additional small 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 box
containing snuff, and a cover lid moveably secured to the lower lid
by a hinged joint. The lower lid and the cover lid between them
define a space, which is intended for the storage of used snuff.
The cover lid is held in a closed position by means of a tab, which
interacts with a corresponding part on the lower lid.
[0005] It would be desirable to provide a container having two or
more separate compartments, each of which may be easily opened and
closed. It would also be desirable to provide a container having
two or more separate compartments, each of which is accessible
independently from the other compartments. It would further be
desirable if such a container could be simply manufactured and
assembled.
SUMMARY
[0006] A container comprises: a body portion consisting of a side
wall and a base wall; a first lid, wherein the body portion and the
first lid form a first compartment; and a second lid, wherein the
body portion and the second lid form a second compartment. The
first lid and the second lid are both removably attached to the
side wall and wherein the first compartment and the second
compartment are located on opposite sides of the base wall. The
base wall is curved such that the first compartment comprises a
section of the base wall that is convex and the second compartment
comprises the same section of the base wall that is concave.
[0007] The container can further comprise retention means
associated with at least one lid for locking that lid in a closed
position. The body portion can further comprise a substantially
transparent portion suitable for displaying the contents of at
least one of the first and second compartments.
[0008] In one embodiment, at least one of the first lid, the second
lid and the body portion have a circular cross section. In another
embodiment, the first lid, the second lid and the body portion have
a circular cross section and the outer diameters of the first lid,
the second lid and the body portion are substantially the same.
[0009] The first lid and the second lid can have different opening
mechanisms. The container can comprise flavor pouches.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a closed container.
[0011] FIG. 2 shows a cross section of the closed container of FIG.
1.
[0012] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1
with the first lid removed from the container.
[0013] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1
with the second lid removed from the container.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] Provided is a container comprising a body portion consisting
of a side wall and a base wall. The container further comprises a
first lid and a second lid, wherein the first lid and the second
lid are both removably attached to 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. According to the
invention, the first compartment and the second compartment are
located on opposite sides of the base wall. Thus, the openings of
the first and the second compartment are also arranged on opposite
sides of the container.
[0015] The arrangement of the openings of the compartments on
opposite sides of the base wall discourages the consumer from
having both compartments open at the same time. With one
compartment closed, the risk of contaminating the consumer items,
or mixing the items in the compartments is decreased.
[0016] The first compartment and the second compartment may be of
substantially the same size as each other, but preferably, the
first compartment and the second compartment are of different size
and have a different volume.
[0017] 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 entirely separate, or detached
from it. This simplifies the production and assembly process for
the container, since it is not necessary to incorporate means for
permanently connecting the lid to the body portion, such as a
hinge.
[0018] The base wall is a flat or curved wall that is surrounded on
all sides by the side wall. The side wall may consist of one
surface, for example surrounding a circular base wall.
Alternatively, the side wall may comprise a number of discrete
surfaces, for example three for a triangular base wall or four for
a rectangular base wall. The side walls may be substantially
perpendicular to the base wall. Alternatively, the side wall may be
inclined towards or away from the base wall, for example if the
container is tapered in the direction perpendicular to the base
wall.
[0019] The first lid and the second lid are preferably separate,
that is, they are not attached or linked to each other in any way.
The structure of the lids can therefore be relatively simple
compared to the structure of the containers of the prior art, where
the lids are connected to each other. One advantage of a simplified
lid structure is that the manufacture and assembly processes may be
further simplified and more efficient. A further advantage is that
each lid can be more easily removed and replaced. Since the lids
are not attached to each other, the risk of inadvertently opening
one compartment while attempting to open the other compartment is
also minimized.
[0020] Preferably, the base wall of the body portion is curved such
that the first compartment comprises a section of the base wall
that is convex. A curved base wall adds structural strength to the
container.
[0021] 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 volume missing in the first
compartment due to the convex form of the section of the base wall
substantially adds to the volume of the second compartment. In a
particularly preferred embodiment, the second compartment is solely
formed by the concave surface of the curved base wall and the
second lid. Preferably, a circumferential section of the base wall
comes into contact with the surface of the lid to form an airtight
seal when the second compartment is closed.
[0022] The first lid, or the second lid, or both lids may close
their respective compartments by fitting over the side wall of the
body portion. Alternatively, the first lid, or the second lid, or
both lids may close their respective compartments by fitting within
the side wall of the body portion.
[0023] Each lid preferably remains in a closed position until a
positive force is applied by the consumer to remove that lid from
the body portion. This ensures that the lids are not inadvertently
separated from the container between uses. Advantageously, the lids
may remain in the closed position due to the tight fit of the lid
on the body portion and the friction between the contacting
surfaces of the respective lid and the side wall of the body
portion. For example, if a lid fits over the body portion, it may
be provided with an inner cross section of substantially the same
shape and size as the outer cross section of the body portion over
which it fits. Alternatively, if the lid fits within the
corresponding opening, it may be provided with an outer cross
section of substantially the same size and shape as the cross
section of that opening. Preferably, at least one of the contacting
surfaces is a high friction surface. For example, at least one of
the contacting surfaces may be roughened compared to the remaining
surfaces of the container.
[0024] Alternatively, or in addition, at least one of the first lid
and second lid further comprises retention means for locking that
lid in the closed position. The retention means may be provided on
the body portion, or the lid, or both the body portion and the lid.
The retention means may be provided for one, or both of the lids.
The retention means may comprise, for example, one or more annular
flanges on one of the contacting surfaces, which engages with one
or more correspondingly positioned grooves, on the other contacting
surface. With this type of retention means, the lid can be removed
from the container by pulling the lid away from the rest of the
container in order to disengage the flange from the groove.
[0025] Particularly preferably, the contacting surfaces are
provided with corresponding screw threads which engage with each
other when the lid is closed. The screw threads may be single
helical threads, or alternatively may be provided by at least two
circumferentially spaced apart portions of a screw thread.
[0026] The first lid and the second lid may be provided with the
same, or different retention means.
[0027] Containers are preferably substantially cylindrical in
shape, with the body portion and each lid having a substantially
circular outer cross section.
[0028] Alternatively, the body portion and lids of containers may
be substantially prismatic or pyramidal in shape with, for example,
a substantially triangular, rectangular or oval cross section.
Preferably, the height of the first lid and the second lid each is
about a 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.
[0029] Optionally, the container may comprise means for
distinguishing the first lid from the second lid. For example, the
lids may be of different color, or the container may be printed,
embossed or otherwise marked with indicia to indicate which
compartment contains which type of two possible consumer items.
This is particularly useful where one of the compartments is
intended to store used consumer items, whereas the other
compartment is intended to store fresh or non-used consumer
items.
[0030] The container may be formed from any suitable materials
including, but not limited to cardboard, plastic, metal or
combinations thereof. The body portion may be formed from a
different material to the lids, or the body portion and lids may
all be formed from the same material. The first and second lid each
may be formed from a different material but preferably, the first
and second lids are formed from the same material. Particularly
preferably, this material is different to the material from which
the body portion is formed. For example, in a preferred embodiment,
the body portion is made from molded plastic while the first and
second lids are made of metal.
[0031] Preferably, the body portion includes a substantially
transparent portion for viewing the contents of at least one of the
first and second compartments. This allows one to see how many of
the consumer items remain in the container, without the need to
remove the lid. In a preferred embodiment, the body portion is made
from a substantially transparent plastic material. Preferably, the
body portion of the container is injection molded from a material
selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene,
polystyrene, nylon, polysulfone, polyester, polyurethane, and
combinations thereof. Alternatively, the body portion is made from
glass.
[0032] For example, the first and the second compartment may be
used to store consumer items that differ in flavor, color or
texture. Alternatively, one compartment may be used to store
accessories for use in combination with the consumer items.
Alternatively, one compartment may be used to store discarded
packaging material or used consumer items.
[0033] Advantageously, the provision of a second compartment
enables the temporary storage of used items in the container until
it is possible to dispose of them appropriately. As the second
compartment is separate from the first compartment and the
compartments are closed by separate lids it is ensured that the
unused items are not contaminated or otherwise adversely affected
by the used items.
[0034] The container finds particular application as a container
for the storage of products that deliver oral sensations. More
particularly, the container is suitable for flavor pouches for oral
delivery of one or more selected flavorants including tobacco.
Typically, a flavor pouch comprises an external wrapper that
encloses a flavor source. An example of a flavor pouch is a snus
pouch. A snus pouch is a tobacco material encased in a pouch
material, wherein the tobacco material may include tobacco, water
and salt, as well as additives, such as non-tobacco flavorants and
humectants.
[0035] The container is preferably offered with the first
compartment filled with the unused consumer items and the second
compartment empty. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the
first compartment is filled with flavor pouches and the second
compartment is empty.
[0036] Once filled with the consumer items, the compartment housing
the consumer items is preferably sealed in order to maintain
freshness of the consumer items. For example, a plastic or foil
layer may be sealed over the top edge of the first compartment.
Preferably, such a sealing layer includes a tab, or other means for
enabling the easy removal of the layer.
[0037] The container will be further described, by way of example
only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0038] The container 2 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 is substantially
cylindrical in 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 8 lid are fitted over opposite ends of the body portion
4.
[0039] As can be seen from FIG. 2, the body portion 4 comprises a
circular base wall 10 and an annular side wall 12 extending
perpendicularly from the edge of the base wall 10. The base wall
10, the side wall 12 and the first lid 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 on the opposite side from the first compartment 14
forms a recess, which defines together with the second lid 8 a
second compartment 16. The second compartment 16 is significantly
smaller than the first compartment 14.
[0040] The first lid 6 comprises a circular top wall 18 and an
annular side wall 20 extending perpendicularly from the edge of the
top wall 18. When fitted over the side wall 12 of the body portion
4, the first lid 6 closes the first compartment 14.
[0041] Similarly, the second lid 8 comprises a circular top wall 22
and an annular side wall 24 extending perpendicularly from the edge
of the top wall 22. When fitted over the side wall 12 of the body
portion 4 adjacent the base wall 10, the second lid 8 closes the
second compartment 16.
[0042] As can be seen from FIG. 2, the side wall 12 of the body
portion 4 comprises an annular central portion 26 and first 28 and
second 30 recessed annular portions on either side of the central
portion 26. As can be seen from FIG. 1, the central portion 26
remains visible when both of the lids 6, 8 are in place.
[0043] The first 28 and second 30 recessed annular portions are of
a reduced diameter compared to the central portion. The difference
in diameter between the central portion 26 and the first 28 and
second 30 portions is approximately equal to the thickness of the
side walls 20, 24 of the lids 6, 8. Thus, when the first 6 and
second 8 lids are in place on the body portion 4, the side walls
20, 24 thereof overlie the first 28 and second 30 annular portions
of the side wall 12 of the body portion, respectively. In this
closed position, the side walls 20, 24 of the lids 6, 8 are flush
with the central annular portion 26 of the side wall 12 of the body
portion 4.
[0044] As can be seen from FIG. 3, the first recessed annular
portion 28 of the side wall 12 of the body portion includes a
plurality of projections 32 extending circumferentially around the
body portion. The first lid 6 comprises an annular flange, or lip,
at the edge of the side wall 20 thereof, which engages with the
projections 32 on 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 opposite sides of the lid 6 to pull the lid 6 away
from the body portion 4.
[0045] As can be seen from FIG. 4, the second recessed annular
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 on 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 turned relative to the body portion 4 by approximately a
quarter of a turn in a counterclockwise direction. Conversely, to
replace the second lid 8, it must be turned relative to the body
portion 4 by approximately a quarter of a turn in the clockwise
direction.
[0046] In this specification, the word "about" is often used in
connection with numerical values to indicate that mathematical
precision of such values is not intended. Accordingly, it is
intended that where "about" is used with a numerical value, a
tolerance of .+-.10% is contemplated for that numerical value.
[0047] In this specification the words "generally" and
"substantially" are sometimes used with respect to terms. When used
with geometric terms, the words "generally" and "substantially" are
intended to encompass not only features which meet the strict
definitions but also features which fairly approximate the strict
definitions. In this connection, the terms "circular" and "curved"
are intended to also include configurations comprising two or more
substantially straight line segments describing the "circular"
and/or "curved" feature.
[0048] While the foregoing describes in detail a preferred
container with two opposing lids and methods of making with
reference to a specific embodiment thereof, it will be apparent to
one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may
be made to the container and equivalents method may be employed,
which do not materially depart from the spirit and scope of the
container described herein. Accordingly, all such changes,
modifications, and equivalents that fall within the spirit and
scope of the containers as defined by the appended claims are
intended to be encompassed thereby.
* * * * *