Abstract
A nicotine pouch container and a method for opening. The nicotine pouch container comprising a body and a lid. The lid is configured to rotatably engage the body. The lid further comprises a lid frame, a top wall, a flexible member and a locking rim. The flexible member is configured to engage with the locking rim to keep the lid closed. A first surface of the flexible member is configured to engage with a corresponding first surface of the locking rim when initiating opening of the lid. The body comprises a bottom wall and a side wall defining an interior. The side wall comprises a protruding member along a portion of a perimeter of the side wall. The protruding member defines an interruption with a width corresponding to at least a width of the flexible member. The interruption is configured to allow inwardly motion of the flexible member into the interruption. The configuration of the interruption is such that when the flexible member is rotationally aligned with the interruption, the flexible member is enabled to flex inwards into the interruption enough to disengage from the locking rim. The nicotine pouch container prevents inappropriate users to open the nicotine pouch container and reach the nicotine containing content.
Claims
1. A nicotine pouch container comprising: a body, and a lid configured to rotatably engage the body, the lid comprises a lid frame, a top wall, a flexible member and a locking rim, wherein the flexible member is configured to engage with the locking rim to keep the lid closed, wherein a first surface of the flexible member is configured to engage with a corresponding first surface of the locking rim when initiating opening of the lid, the body comprises a bottom wall and a side wall defining an interior, wherein the side wall comprises a protruding member along a portion of a perimeter of the side wall, and the protruding member defines an interruption with a width corresponding to at least a width of the flexible member, and wherein the interruption is configured to allow inwardly motion of the flexible member into the interruption such that when the flexible member is rotationally aligned with the interruption, the flexible member is enabled to flex inwards into the interruption enough to disengage from the locking rim.
2. The nicotine pouch container according to claim 1, wherein the first surface of the flexible member has an acute angle (V1) relative to the top wall, wherein an upwards directed opening force applied on the lid together with the acute angle (V1) enables the flexible member to be pressed into the interruption, to enable the lid to be opened.
3. The nicotine pouch container according to claim 1, wherein the first surface of the flexible member is parallel to the top wall, wherein an upwards directed opening force applied on the lid together with an inwards directed unlocking force applied on the flexible member enables the flexible member to be pressed into the interruption, to enable the lid to be opened.
4. A nicotine pouch container according to claim 3, wherein the protruding member is configured to prevent inwardly motion of the flexible member, such that when the flexible member is rotationally unaligned with the interruption, the upwards directed opening force applied on the lid together with the first surface of the flexible member will not suffice to press the locking rim outwards enough to disengage from the flexible member.
5. A nicotine pouch container according to claim 2, wherein the flexible member comprises a second surface having an acute angle (V2) relative to the top wall, wherein the second surface of the flexible member is configured to engage with a corresponding second surface of the locking rim during closure of the lid, such that the flexible member presses the locking rim outwards before returning to an unpressed state when the flexible member has passed the locking rim.
6. A nicotine pouch container according to claim 1, wherein the flexible member comprises a second surface having an acute angle (V2) relative to the top wall, wherein the second surface of the flexible member is configured to engage with a corresponding second surface of the locking rim during closure of the lid, such that the locking rim presses the flexible member inwards before returning to an unpressed state when the flexible member has passed the locking rim.
7. A nicotine pouch container according to claim 5, wherein the acute angle (V1) of the first surface of the flexible member is smaller than the acute angle (V2) of the second surface of the flexible member.
8. A nicotine pouch container according to claim 2, wherein the acute angle (V1) of the first surface of the flexible member is between 0-50 degrees, preferably about 40 degrees.
9. A nicotine pouch container according to claim 5, wherein the acute angle (V2) of the second surface of the flexible member is between 45-75 degrees, preferably about 65 degrees.
10. A nicotine pouch container according to claim 1, wherein the lid further comprises one or more slits along a perimeter of the lid, wherein the one or more slits are configured to facilitate opening of the lid by providing grippable access to a user.
11. A nicotine pouch container according to claim 1, wherein the lid frame and the top wall are comprised in the same continuous part, and wherein a portion connecting the lid frame and the top wall is configured to serve as a hinge for the lid when the lid is connected to the body.
12. A nicotine pouch container according to claim 1, wherein the lid frame is configured to be connected to the body via a barb lock mechanism, wherein the barb lock mechanism allows for the lid frame to rotate relative to the body.
13. A nicotine pouch container according to claim 1, wherein the body comprises a first marking and the lid comprises a second marking, wherein the first marking and the second marking are configured to indicate when the flexible member rotationally aligns with the interruption.
14. A nicotine pouch container according to claim 1, wherein the flexible member extends along a portion of a perimeter of the lid.
15. A nicotine pouch container according to claim 1, wherein the protruding member extends along a majority of the perimeter of the side wall.
16. A nicotine pouch container according to claim 1, wherein the lid further comprises a lid side wall, and wherein the lid side wall and the top wall defines a lid cavity.
17. A nicotine pouch container according to claim 16, wherein the nicotine pouch container further comprises a top cap configured to engage with the lid side wall to enclose a lid compartment.
18. A nicotine pouch container according to claim 17, wherein the top cap and the lid are comprised in the same continuous part, and wherein a portion connecting the lid and the top cap is configured to serve as a hinge for the top cap.
19. A nicotine pouch container according to claim 17, wherein at least one of the lid and the top cap comprises a locking mechanism for the lid compartment.
20. A nicotine pouch container according to claim 1, wherein the lid further comprises a sealing member along a perimeter of the lid, wherein an outer surface of the sealing member is configured to interact with an inner surface of the side wall of the body to enclose the nicotine pouch container.
21. A method for opening a nicotine pouch container comprising: a body, and a lid configured to rotatably engage the body, the lid comprises a lid frame, a top wall, a flexible member and a locking rim, wherein the flexible member is configured to engage with the locking rim keep the lid closed, and the flexible member comprises a first surface having an acute angle (V1) relative to the top wall, and wherein the first surface of the flexible member is configured to engage with a corresponding first surface of the locking rim when initiating opening of the lid, the body comprises a bottom wall and a side wall defining an interior wherein the side wall comprises a protruding member along a portion of a perimeter of the side wall, and the protruding member defines an interruption with a width corresponding to at least a width of the flexible member, wherein the method comprises: rotatably aligning (S1) the flexible member with the interruption, applying (S2) an opening force upwardly on the lid which engages the first surface of the flexible member with the first surface of the locking rim, the force being sufficient to press the flexible member inwards into the interruption during further engagement between the first surface of the flexible member and the first surface of the locking rim, and the flexible member being configured to return to an unpressed state when the flexible member has passed the locking rim.
22. A method for closing a nicotine pouch container comprising: a body, and a lid configured to rotatably engage the body, the lid comprises a lid frame, a top wall, a flexible member and a locking rim, wherein the flexible member is configured to engage with the locking rim to keep the lid closed, and the flexible member comprises a second surface having an acute angle (V2) relative to the top wall, and wherein the second surface of the flexible member is configured to engage with a corresponding second surface of the locking rim during closure of the lid, the body comprises a bottom wall and a side wall defining an interior, wherein the side wall comprises a protruding member along a portion of the perimeter of the side wall, and the protruding member defines an interruption with a width corresponding to at least a width of the flexible member, wherein the method comprises: applying (S1) a closing force downwardly on the lid, the force being sufficient to engage the second surface of the flexible member with the second surface of the locking rim, and press the locking rim outwards by further engagement of the second surface of the flexible member and the second surface of the locking rim, and the locking rim being configured to return to an unpressed state when the flexible member has passed the locking rim to keep the nicotine pouch container closed.
23. The method according to claim 22, further comprising: rotatably misaligning (S2) the flexible member from the interruption when the locking rim has returned to the unpressed state.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0047] The invention will in the following be described in more detail with reference to the enclosed drawings, wherein:
[0048] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a nicotine pouch container according to an exemplifying embodiment.
[0049] FIG. 2a shows a perspective view of a lid according to an exemplifying embodiment.
[0050] FIG. 2b shows a perspective view of a body according to an exemplifying embodiment.
[0051] FIG. 3a shows a perspective view of a nicotine pouch container according to an exemplifying embodiment.
[0052] FIG. 3b shows a sectional view of a nicotine pouch container according to an exemplifying embodiment.
[0053] FIG. 3c-e shows a close up of the sectional view of a nicotine pouch container according to various exemplifying embodiments.
[0054] FIG. 4a shows a perspective view of a nicotine pouch container according to an exemplifying embodiment.
[0055] FIG. 4b shows a sectional view of a nicotine pouch container according to an exemplifying embodiment.
[0056] FIG. 5a shows a perspective view of a nicotine pouch container according to an exemplifying embodiment.
[0057] FIG. 5b shows a sectional view of a nicotine pouch container according to an exemplifying embodiment.
[0058] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a lid and a top cap according to an exemplifying embodiment.
[0059] FIG. 7a-c shows a perspective view of a lid and a top cap according to an exemplifying embodiment.
[0060] FIG. 8 shows a flow chart of method of opening a nicotine pouch container according to an exemplifying embodiment.
[0061] FIG. 9 shows a flow chart of method of closing a nicotine pouch container according to an exemplifying embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0062] Nicotine pouches or snuff are generally sold to consumers in round container with closable lids to achieve an easy storage of the nicotine pouches and easy access for the user when consuming a nicotine pouch. However, due to the high nicotine content of the nicotine pouches they may be harmful for children or other inappropriate users. As the inventors herein have recognized, there is a need for a safer container for nicotine pouches which makes it more difficult for children and other inappropriate users to reach the nicotine pouches or snuff.
[0063] The present inventive concept will be described more fully hereinafter with exemplifying embodiments and accompanied with appropriate figures.
[0064] With reference to the FIG. 1, which is a schematic view, a nicotine pouch container 100 will now be described in accordance with an exemplifying embodiment. The nicotine pouch container 100 comprises a body 200 and a lid 300. The lid 300 is designed to be attachable to the body 200 to together constitute a more secure nicotine pouch container 100 with an interior compartment for storing nicotine pouches. In this embodiment, the nicotine pouch container 100 is designed with a circular cross section. The principles and benefits of the body 200 and the lid 300 will be further described below in conjunction with separate embodiments and with reference to more detailed figures.
[0065] The FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b, are schematic views illustrating different parts of a nicotine pouch container, according to exemplifying embodiments. The reference numbers in the figures have been reused where appropriate.
[0066] FIG. 2a illustrate the lid 300 comprising a lid frame 302 and a top wall 304, connected by a hinge 320. The lid frame 302 and the top wall 304 are provided with a locking mechanism. In this embodiment the locking mechanism is designed as a flexible member 306 at the top wall 304, and a locking rim 308 at the lid frame 302. The flexible member 306 will engage with the locking rim 308 to secure the top wall 304 to the lid frame 302 at an opposite side to the hinge 320, to keep the lid 300 closed.
[0067] The top wall 304 may be designed with a ring-formed sealing member 338, which outer surface 340 is configured to contact a corresponding inner surface 214 of a side wall 204 of the body 200 to prevent leakage from the nicotine pouch container 100. The body 200 and its parts will be further described below in conjunction with other embodiments.
[0068] FIG. 2b illustrate the body 200 comprising a bottom wall 202 and a side wall 204 which define an interior 206. The interior may be used to store unused nicotine pouches or snuff before use. The body 200 further comprises a protruding member 208 which goes around a majority of a perimeter of the body 200. Even if the protruding member 208 in this figure is illustrated as one continuous protruding member 208, the inventive concept is not limited thereto. The protruding member 208 may be divided into an appropriate number of parts along a common perimeter of the body 200 at a common height from the bottom wall 202. The multiple protruding members may have the same length along the common perimeter. The multiple protruding members may also have different lengths along the common perimeter. A break along the protruding member 208 defines an interruption 210. In this embodiment there is one interruption 210 along the protruding member 208. There may be multiple interruptions along the protruding member 208, defined by multiple breaks along the protruding member 208. A width of the interruption 210 along the perimeter of the body 200 corresponds to a width of the flexible member 306 of the lid 300. The flexible member 306 is configured to fit inside the interruption 210 in an unlocking state of the nicotine pouch container 100. The side wall 204 comprises an inner surface 214 configured to contact the outer surface 340 of the sealing member 338 of the top wall 304 to prevent leakage from the nicotine pouch container 100.
[0069] The FIG. 3a-e are schematic views illustrating different parts of a nicotine pouch container, according to exemplifying embodiments. The reference numbers in the figures have been reused where appropriate.
[0070] FIG. 3a illustrate the nicotine pouch container 100 with a cross section line illustrated to indicate the sectional view in FIG. 3b.
[0071] FIG. 3b illustrates a sectional view of the nicotine pouch container 100. Exemplifying embodiments of the encircled part is shown in more detail in FIG. 3c and FIG. 3d. The flexible member 306 of the lid 300 comprises angle V1 and angle V2. Angle V1 is defined relative to a first surface 310 of the flexible member 306 and the top wall 304. In FIG. 3b the angle V1 is designed to be 40, without being limited thereto. Within the inventive concept the angle V1 may be selected to any suitable angle in an interval between 0 and 50, where appropriate. The first surface 310 of the flexible member 306 is configured to interact with a corresponding first surface 312 of the locking rim 308, which could be observed in the enlarged view of FIG. 3c. The angle V1 together with material properties of the flexible member 306 and the locking rim 308 are configured to let the flexible member 306 be flexed inwardly when the lid 300 is opened by a user and the flexible member 306 is located at the interruption 210, which could be observed in the enlarged view of FIG. 3e.
[0072] An opening motion performed by the user releases the top wall 304 from the lid frame 302 at an end. And with the lid 300 mounted onto the body 200 the opening motion opens the nicotine pouch container 100. The inwardly flex of the flexible member is caused by the first surface 310 of the flexible member 306 sliding upwards along the first surface 312 of the locking rim 308. Due to the angle V1 the sliding motion pushes the flexible member 306 inwardly. The locking rim 308 acts as a directing member which transfer the opening motion of the lid 300 to an inwards motion of the flexible member 306. The dimensions and material properties, like flexibility and friction, of the flexible member 306 and the locking rim 308, are selected to balance stiffness and resilience to achieve the inwardly directed motion of the flexible member 306.
[0073] When the flexible member 306 is rotationally aligned with the interruption 210, further shown in FIG. 3e, the inwardly flex of the flexible member 306 pushes the flexible member 306 into the interruption 210 to disengage the flexible member 306 from the locking rim 308. If the flexible member 306 is rotationally unaligned with the interruption 210 the inwardly flex of the flexible member 306 will instead push the flexible member 306 onto the protruding member 208. The protruding member 208 will then prevent the flexible member from inwardly motion to the extent that the flexible member 306 will not disengage from the locking rim 308.
[0074] The inventive concept realizes a configuration between the angle V1, the flexibility and friction of the flexible member 306 and the locking rim 308 that allow for the flexible member 306 to flex inwards when the lid 300 is acted upon by a reasonable opening force from a user when the flexible member 306 is rotationally aligned with the interruption 210. The same configuration of the inventive concept also realizes that the angle V1, the flexibility and friction of the flexible member 306 and the locking rim 308 allows for the flexible member 306 and the locking rim 308 to keep in engagement when the lid 300 is acted upon by a reasonable opening force from a user when the flexible member 306 is rotationally unaligned with the interruption 210. The kept engagement keeps the lid 300, and thereby also the nicotine pouch container 100, closed. FIG. 3b also shows an angle V2. The angle V2 is defined between a second surface 314 of the flexible member 306 and the top wall 304. In FIG. 3b the angle V2 is designed to be 65, without being limited thereto. Within the inventive concept the angle V2 may be selected to any suitable angle in an interval between 45 and 75, where appropriate. The angle V2 is adapted to, during closure of the lid, push the flexible member 306 inwards and/or the locking rim 308 outwards such that the flexible member 306 passes the locking rim 308 and engages the first surface 310 of the flexible member 306 with the first surface 312 of the locking rim 308. The pushing of the flexible member 306 and the locking rim 308 is due to engagement between the second surface 314 of the flexible member and a second surface 316 of the locking rim 308 during closure of the lid. The angle V2 together with the material properties of the flexible member 306 and the locking rim 308 allows for the flexible member 306 to flex inwards and/or the locking rim 308 to flex outwards when a closing motion of the lid 300 is performed.
[0075] If the flexible member 306 is rotationally aligned with the interruption 210 during closure of the lid 300 the flexible member 306 will be pushed into the interruption when closing the lid 300. The locking rim 308 serves as a directing member which transfers the closing motion of the lid 300 to an inwardly motion of the flexible member 306.
[0076] If the flexible member 306 is rotationally unaligned with the interruption 210 during closure of the lid 300 the protruding member 208 will prevent the flexible member from flexing inwardly. Instead, the locking rim 308 will flex outwardly to the extent that the flexible member 306 can pass the locking rim 308 and engage the first surface 310 of the flexible member 306 with the first surface 312 of the locking rim 308. These alternative ways of pressing the flexible member 306 pass the locking rim 308 to set the lid 300 in a closed state enables the lid 300 to be closed at any rotational position relative to the body 200. The alternative ways of pressing the flexible member 306 pass the locking rim 308 may require different closing forces from a user. Depending on the material characteristics, when the flexible member 306 and the interruption 210 are aligned, the flexible member's 306 passing may be achieved by a combination of the inwardly flex of the flexible member 306 and the outwardly flex of the locking rim 308.
[0077] FIG. 3b further shows a barb mechanism 322. The barb mechanism 322 connects the lid 300 to the body 200. The barb mechanism 322 together with the flexibility properties of the lid 300 and the body 200 allows for a snap lock between the lid 300 and the body 200. The barb mechanism 322 provides for the lid 300 and the body 200 to be pushed together when appropriately aligned to engage the barb mechanism 322 as one single common article. And when the barb mechanism 322 is engaged the nicotine pouch container 100 is prepared to not be separated during normal use. The barb mechanism 322 is further configured to allow rotational motion between the lid 300 and the body 200. The rotational motion is used to align the flexible member 306 of the lid 300 with the interruption 210 of the body 200 prior to opening the nicotine pouch container 100. The rotational motion can also be used to unalign the flexible member 306 from the interruption 210 to set the nicotine pouch container in a locked state and prevent the nicotine pouch container 100 from unintended opening. When the barb mechanism 322 connects the lid 300 to the body 200, opening of the lid 300 is equated with opening of the nicotine pouch container 100. Also closing of the lid 300 is equated with closing of the nicotine pouch container 100. The terms may therefore be used interchangeably for the same meaning.
[0078] By offering the lid 300 and the body 200 mounted together as one single common single article to be kept together during normal use, requirements of improved environmental regulations may be fulfilled as the resulting article is prepared for material recycling.
[0079] FIG. 3c shows an enlarged portion of FIG. 3b where the first surface 310 of the flexible member 306, the second surface 314 of the flexible member 306, the first surface 312 of the locking rim 308 and the second surface 316 of the locking rim 308 are shown. FIG. 3c shows the state when the flexible member 306 is rotationally aligned with the protruding member 208. This state can be referred to as a locked state, also shown in FIG. 4b.
[0080] FIG. 3d shows the enlarged portion of FIG. 3b for another exemplifying embodiment of the inventive concept. FIG. 3d shows the state when the flexible member 306 is rotationally aligned with the protruding member 208. In FIG. 3d the angle V1 is 0. This embodiment of the inventive concept allows for another unlocking maneuver to be performed to open the lid 300. Since the angle V1 is 0 an opening force on the lid 300 cannot push the flexible member 306 into the interruption 210 just from sliding along the locking rim 308. For this embodiment an external unlocking force is required when the flexible member 306 is aligned with the interruption 210, to push the flexible member 306 into the interruption 210 and thereby disengage the flexible member 306 from the locking rim 308. The external unlocking force may be provided by a user simultaneously with applying the upwardly opening force on the lid to enable opening of the nicotine pouch container 100 in order to prevent inappropriate users to open it, in order to achieve further improved security.
[0081] FIG. 3e shows a situation, when the flexible member 306 is rotationally aligned with the interruption 210. This state can be referred to as an unlocked state, also shown in FIG. 5b. In comparison with the situation in FIG. 3c, in this unlocked state, the flexible member 306 can be pressed into the interruption 210 when an opening motion upwards is performed on the lid 300. The resulting passage of the flexible member 306 pass the locking rim 308 may be achieved by a combination of the inwardly flex of the flexible member 306 and the outwardly flex of the locking rim 308. I.e. the flexible member 306 flexes partly into the interruption 210 while also pressing the locking rim 308 outwardly enough to enable the passage of the flexible member 306.
[0082] The FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b are schematic views illustrating different parts of a nicotine pouch container, according to exemplifying embodiments. The reference numbers in the figures have been reused where appropriate.
[0083] FIG. 4a shows a nicotine pouch container 100 comprising a lid 300 and a body 200. The body 200 comprising a first marking 212. The lid 300 comprises a second marking 324. The first marking 212 and the second marking 324 are aids for a user to detect the rotational relation between the lid 300 and the body 200. The first marking 212 and the second marking 324 may be configured such that when the first marking 212 and the second marking 324 align the flexible member 306 and the interruption 210 align. The first marking 212 and the second marking 324 may be provided in different ways, for example from extrusions, dents or stickers. In FIG. 4a the first marking 212 and the second marking 324 are shown as extrusions. The first marking 212 and the second marking 324 may be used together or separately to indicate the rotational relation between the lid 300 and the body 200. The first marking 212 and the second marking 324 may be configured to align with each other or with some other visual and/or perceptible feature of the lid 300 and/or body 200 to indicate the rotational relation between the lid 300 and the body 200. FIG. 4a further shows two slits 318 along a perimeter of the lid 300. For the inventive concept, there may be one or more slits 318 along the perimeter of the lid 300. The slits 318 are configured to provide grippable access to a user. The grippable access may be used to place fingers or nails in to be able to apply an opening force to the lid 300. It is understood that even if the slits 318 facilitate the opening of the lid 300, the inventive concept is not limited thereto and that other alternative forms of gripping arrangements, e.g. extrusions, may be implemented without deviating from the inventive concept.
[0084] FIG. 4b shows a sectional view of the nicotine pouch container 100 in a situation where the flexible member 306 is rotationally unaligned with the interruption 210, and thereby rotationally aligned with the protruding member 208. In the state shown in FIG. 4b the flexible member 306 is prevented from inwardly flex by the protruding member 208. FIG. 4b shows the nicotine pouch container 100 in what can be referred to as a locked state. In the locked state opening of the nicotine pouch container 100 is intended to not be possible.
[0085] The FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b are schematic views illustrating different parts of a nicotine pouch container, according to exemplifying embodiments. The reference numbers in the figures have been reused where appropriate.
[0086] FIG. 5a shows a nicotine pouch container 100 comprising a lid 300 and a body 200. The body 200 comprising a first marking 212. The lid 300 comprises a second marking 324. FIG. 5a shows a state where the first marking 212 and the second marking 324 are rotationally aligned.
[0087] FIG. 5b shows a sectional view of the nicotine pouch container 100 where the flexible member 306 is rotationally aligned with the interruption 210. In the state shown in FIG. 5b the flexible member 306 may be pressed into the interruption 210. The pressing of the flexible member 306 may be caused by sliding upwards along the locking rim 308 or by an external unlocking force. FIG. 5b shows the nicotine pouch container 100 in what can be referred to as an unlocked state. In the unlocked state opening of the nicotine pouch container 100 is intended to be possible.
[0088] FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating different parts of a nicotine pouch container, according to optional exemplifying embodiments. The reference numbers in the figures have been reused where appropriate. FIG. 6 shows a lid 300 comprising a top wall 304 and a lid side wall 326. The top wall 304 and the side wall 326 defines a lid cavity 328. The lid cavity 328 may be used for temporary storage of used nicotine pouches, e.g. to limit littering of environments. FIG. 6 further shows a top cap 400 as a separate part. The top cap 400 is configured to engage with the lid side wall 326 when being connected to the lid 300 to enclose a lid compartment 332. The lid compartment 332 encloses the lid cavity 328 to keep the used nicotine pouches within an enclosed compartment.
[0089] The FIG. 7a-c are schematic views illustrating different parts of a nicotine pouch container, according to related exemplifying embodiments. The reference numbers in the figures have been reused where appropriate.
[0090] FIG. 7a shows a lid 300 comprising a top cap 400 where the top cap 400 is formed in the same continuous part as the lid 300. FIG. 7a shows the continuous part comprising the lid 300 and the top cap 400 in an unfolded state. The portion 334 connecting the top cap 400 and the lid 300 serves as a hinge for the top cap 400. FIG. 7a further shows a locking mechanism 336 for the top cap 400. In this embodiment, the locking mechanism 336 is located on the top cap 400 without being limited thereto. Within the inventive concept, the locking mechanism 336 may be placed on either of the top cap 400 or the lid 300, or different parts of the locking mechanism 336 may be placed on either of the top cap 400 or the lid 300. The locking mechanism 336 may be configured to require application of an external unlocking force prior to opening of the top cap 400. The locking mechanism 336 may be configured to open from a locked state by a sufficiently large opening force applied on the top cap 400.
[0091] FIG. 7b shows the continuous part comprising the lid 300 and the top cap 400 in a partly folded state.
[0092] FIG. 7c shows the continuous part comprising the lid 300 and the top cap 400 in a fully folded state. In the fully folded state, the lid 300 is closed and the top cap 400 is closed.
[0093] FIG. 8 shows a schematic flow chart of for an opening method of a nicotine pouch container 100. The first step S1 includes rotating a lid 300 relative to a body 200 to align a flexible member 306 and an interruption 210, the aligned state is illustrated in FIG. 5b. The second step S2 includes applying an opening force on the lid 300 which presses the flexible member 306 into the interruption 210 such that the flexible member 306 disengages from a locking rim 308 and allows for the lid 300 to be opened.
[0094] FIG. 9 shows a schematic flow chart of for a closing method of a nicotine pouch container. The first step S1 includes applying a closing force on a lid 300. The force being sufficient to press a flexible member 306 to pass a locking rim 308 to set the lid 300 in a closed state. The closed state is shown in for example FIG. 5b. The optional step S2 includes rotating the lid 300 relative to a body 200 such that the flexible member 306 is unaligned with an interruption 210. The unaligned state is illustrated in FIG. 4b. This additional step achieves additional security as it may prevent inappropriate users from directly opening the nicotine pouch container.
