FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a refill unit for a package for a moist tobacco product and to the use of the refill unit. The invention also relates to a package for a moist tobacco product comprising the refill unit.

BACKGROUND

A variety of different tobacco products is offered on the market and there is a class of goods which does not require combustion of the tobacco but is intended for oral administration. Examples are chewing tobacco, moist snuff and in particular so called "snus". Snus is a moist tobacco product which is provided in loose form or in individually wrapped pouches. Moist tobacco products like snus are particularly sensitive to environmental impacts such as changes in temperature or humidity. In order to provide a product which retains freshness and which is protected against negative environmental impact on the product performance, moist tobacco products are delivered in substantially air tight packages.

A typical package, for example for snus, is a substantially cylindrical can or container which is made from metal or a resilient plastic material. An attractively designed and durable package further protecting the moist tobacco product against environmental impact may be provided. However, those packages are costly and have significant weight which is a drawback for transport and storage. Further, there is significant environmental impact if the empty package is discarded after use. Since frequent use of one and the same package is not favorable due to customer demands and due to hygienic reasons, most snus containers are dispensed if the tobacco product is consumed.

Document EP2142022 B1 discloses a tobacco product container for accommodation of a refill unit comprising a smokeless tobacco product. The refill unit is tailored to a specific tobacco product container and fits in the container by way of a drop-in refill or a screw-in refill. However, the refill unit may be applied for the specific tobacco container only. Further, the refill unit still causes significant environmental impact due to the high amount of plastic material which is used for manufacturing the refill container. In document US 2011/0174325 A1 , there is another smokeless tobacco product package. It is suitable for use as a refill package for refilling a cylindrical snus can. The package may be placed inside an annular rigid side wall and snus pouches are placed inside a flexible wrapper. However, resealing of the opened package is performed using an adhesive label. Reclosing a tobacco receptacle by help of an adhesive label may be insufficient with respect to reliability and air-tightness of the resealing. This may have a negative impact on freshness and quality of the tobacco product.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the invention to provide a refill unit for a package of a moist tobacco product, use of the refill unit and a package for a moist tobacco product comprising the refill unit which is reliable, flexible and more environmentally friendly.

In one aspect of the invention, a refill unit for a package for a moist tobacco product is provided. The refill unit comprises a stiff or rigid top cover and a flexible receptacle which is coupled to the stiff top cover. Within the context of this specification, the term "flexible receptacle" can be understood in that the structural integrity of the flexible receptacle is lower than that of the stiff top cover. In other words, the term flexible receptacle can be understood in that the three dimensional shape of the flexible receptacle, which may be a container, a bag, a box, etc. is not dimensionally stable in at least one dimension or direction in space. According to the invention, the stiff top cover is configured to close the flexible receptacle. A recusable access opening to the storage space is provided. The stiff top cover may be configured to have a re-closable access opening, for example by providing the stiff top cover with a lid or a cap for closing the access opening. According to the invention, the flexible receptacle is configured to be arranged inside the master can, if the stiff top cover is coupled to the master can. in an embodiment, the diameter of the master can is about 60 mm to 70 mm. The diameter of the stiff top cover can then also be in the range of 60 mm to 70 mm. The depth of the master can, i.e. the space of the master can for accommodating the flexible receptacle is about 15 mm to 25 mm. These dimensions are advantageously applicable to all embodiments of this invention.

Further, the flexible receptacle may be manufactured using a thin material. In an embodiment, a material may be used which is thinner and more flexible in comparison to the material of the stiff top cover. According to another embodiment, the thin material of the flexible bag is thinner than a material thickness of the stiff top cover. Preferably, the material of the flexible bag is thinner than a material thickness of the master can. The walls of the master can may have thickness of about 1 mm to 5 mm. Further preferably, a material thickness of the flexible bag is between 13pm and 75pm. This is advantageous in that the consumption of material for manufacturing the entire refill unit can be reduced. For example, less synthetic or plastic material which may be applied for manufacturing the refill unit is necessary. This reduces the environmental impact of the refill unit. Further, the reduced weight of the refill unit is advantageous with respect to production, transport and storage of the refill unit.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the flexible bag is manufactured from a transparent material. Preferably, a thin, flexible and transparent material, for example a transparent synthetic foil may be applied. Advantageously, the transparent material allows an optical inspection of the moist tobacco product which is packed in the refill unit. A customer may visually inspect the product prior to purchase.

According to an aspect of the invention, the stiff top cover is configured to be non-permanently joined to the master can. In other words, the stiff top cover is removable or detachable from the master can. For fastening the refill unit at the master can, a releasable adhesive, an adhesive tape, a frictional connection, a screwed in fitting and / or a snap lock, etc. may be applied. All cooperating parts for providing the different types of interconnection between the stiff top cover and the master may be referred to as a fastener. According to another embodiment of the invention, the refill unit is fastened to an upper rim of the master can and the stiff top cover. For example, the fastener may be a snap lock. Within the context of this specification, an upper rim may be a free end of a wall surrounding the interior space of the master can. Preferably, the wall is a lateral wall, a side wall or a vertical wall of the master can. The free end is averted from the bottom of the master can.

The fastener may provide a releasable lock having two cooperating parts. A first part of the fastener may be fixed to the master can and a second part of the fastener may be fixed to the stiff top cover of the refill unit. Advantageously, the releasable lock may be a snap lock. Further, examples are: a hook and loop fastener, a zip or a releasable two components adhesive or adhesive tape. According to other aspects of the invention there may be a snap in lock for releasable or detachably locking the upper rim of the master can and the stiff top cover. Preferably, either one of the upper rim of the master can and a collar of the stiff top cover comprise an indentation and the opposite part comprises a suitable protrusion or projection. The releasable lock between the stiff top cover and the master can prevents loss of the refill unit during handling, transport or usage of a package for the moist tobacco product. If the tobacco product is consumed, the lock may be released and the empty refill unit may be replaced by a new refill unit.

According to another aspect of the invention, the fastener comprises a first and a second collar forming an intermediate slot for entering the upper rim of the master can into said slot. Preferably, the upper rim of the master can is connected to the slot by a frictional connection. According to an embodiment of the invention, the fastener may be a single collar which preferably is an integral part of the stiff top cover. The collar has a functionality of a clamping ring which is adapted to be inserted through an access opening of the master can. Due to the radial frictional connection between the clamping ring of the stiff top cover and an inner wall of the master can, a releasable lock between the master can and the stiff top cover may be provided. Preferably, the outer surface of the collar facing the inner wall of the master can is conically tapered towards the interior of the master can so as to facilitate fitting of the two parts. According to another aspect of the invention, the flexible receptacle of the refill unit is a flexible container having a staggered wall if considered in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to a plane which is defined by a dimension or extension of the access opening. In other words, a surface of the wall of the flexible container which faces for example an inner surface of the master can is staggered or stepped. In other words, there is a staggered profile of the wall if considered in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to a plane which is defined by the extension of the access opening. The staggered flexible container may be configured to have a plurality of concentric steps. The flexible container may be configured so as to allow stepwise reduction or increase of its capacity by insertion or expansion of steps, preferably of subsequent steps. Accordingly, a staggered funnel-shaped reservoir having a variable and adjustable capacity is provided. The flexible container is configured "concertina-like" and the wall is folded like a bellow, if the capacity of the flexible container is at minimum. The structural integrity of the flexible container is lower than that of the stiff top cover. The flexible container is not dimensionally stable in a direction in space which is substantially parallel to a vertical axis of the funnel-shaped reservoir and the master can, respectively. This vertical axis will be substantially perpendicular to a plane which is defined by an extent of the access opening. Advantageously, the capacity of the flexible container may be adapted to the amount of tobacco products which is stored inside an interior space which is surrounded by the container. This allows reducing the amount of air which resides in the interior space together with the tobacco product. Advantageously, freshness of the moist tobacco product may be maintained for a longer period of time. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the flexible receptacle is configured so as to provide a spring action upon reduction or increase of its capacity by insertion or expansion of subsequent steps. This spring action may be due to temporary bending of a vertical wall of the respective (an individual) step which is inserted or expanded. This spring action facilitates the stepwise reduction or increase of the capacity of the flexible receptacle.

In another aspect of the invention, the flexible receptacle is a flexible bag. This flexible bag has significantly less structural integrity than the stiff top cover. The flexible bag is not dimensionally stable in all directions in space. Preferably, the flexible bag is manufactured using a thin and flexible sheet, preferably a sheet of synthetic material such as a polymer foil. The polymer foil may be coated, for example using a metal, so as to provide a diffusion tight storage space. Further, the flexible bag may be made from a tissue or paper, preferably a coated or impregnated paper or tissue.

Preferably, the stiff top cover comprises a rigid frame or ring and the flexible bag is attached thereto. The bag may be joined to the rigid frame by bonding (gluing), plastics welding or any other suitable joining technology. However, the bag and the stiff top cover may be a single and integral part which is for example manufactured by injection molding.

Further, an access opening, which may be defined by the rigid frame or ring of the refill unit, may be sealed using a transparent foil. The transparent sealing allows a visual inspection of the content of the flexible bag, for example the snus pouches. This may be advantageous for optical quality assurance during production of the refill units or may allow a customer to visually inspect the tobacco product prior to purchase. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the flexible bag comprises a predetermined breaking line which is located in a segment of the bag which is adjacent to the interconnection between the stiff top cover and the bag. For example, the predetermined breaking line may be a perforation. This predetermined breaking line allows separating of substantially the entire flexible bag from the stiff top cover. This is advantageous for waste separation. For example, the flexible bag and the stiff top cover may be manufactured using different materials and upon separation, each part, which may be manufactured using a synthetic or plastic material, may be recycled separately.

According to another aspect of the invention, the stiff top cover comprises a lid and a rim which surrounds the access opening. The rim and the lid are configured to cooperate so as to provide a substantially air tight re-closable sealing of the access opening to the storage space. Preferably, the lid is attached or coupled to the stiff top cover and is pivotable (rotatable) away from the access opening so as to provide access to the storage space. According to another embodiment of the invention, the refill unit further comprises a lockable waste compartment. The waste compartment may be a multipurpose compartment. For example, the waste compartment may be used for accommodating coins or other small personal items. Preferably, the waste compartment is for accommodating consumed moist tobacco products. For example, consumed snus pouches may be kept in the waste compartment. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the lockable waste compartment is integrated in the stiff top cover. In other words, the stiff top cover comprises the lockable waste compartment which may be an integral part of the injection molded stiff top cover. This design of the refill unit is advantageous in that the consumed tobacco products for example consumed snus pouches (located in the waste compartment) may be dispensed together with the refill unit. Upon replacement of the refill unit there is no need for emptying the waste compartment from consumed snus pouches. According to another advantageous embodiment, the waste compartment may be included in the first lid of the stiff top cover which is for re-closably sealing the access opening to the storage space. This embodiment is advantageous in that upon opening of the first lid, the waste compartment is swiveled away together with the first lid and an access opening having a large diameter may be provided. This allows very comfortable reception of the moist tobacco product from the storage chamber.

According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the stiff top cover comprises a further or second lid which is adapted to close the waste compartment. The second lid may be pivotably coupled to the stiff top cover and may be pivotable away from the waste compartment so as to provide access to the waste compartment.

According to still another advantageous embodiment of the invention, either both, the first lid and the second lid or one of the first lid or the second lid may be pivotable around a first and a second swiveling axis which is arranged perpendicular or parallel to a plane which is defined by the access opening of the stiff top cover. In other words, the swiveling axis of the first lid and / or the second lid may be arranged perpendicular or parallel to a plane which is defined by an extension of the access opening. For example, the first lid which is for closing the access opening may be rotated around a swiveling axis which is substantially perpendicular to the access opening, i. e. which is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the master can. The first lid may be swiveled or panned in a plane of the access opening from a first position (closed storage space) to a second position (opened storage space) so as to provide access to the moist tobacco product in the storage space. The second lid, however, may be swiveled around a different swiveling axis which may be parallel to the access opening in order to flip up the waste compartment.

According to another aspect of the invention, the refill unit according to aspects of the invention is used for packing a moist tobacco product. Preferably, the refill unit is used for packing snus. Further, the refill unit according to embodiments of the invention may be configured so as to fit in standard snus cooling systems. Snus is often stored in refrigerators to keep the moist tobacco product fresh. The refill unit may fit in these cooling systems.

According to still another aspect of the invention, a package for a moist tobacco product comprising a refill unit according to aspects of the invention and a master can is provided. The master can comprises a bottom wall and at least one lateral wall, wherein the master can and the stiff top cover have a substantially cylindrical shape. The flexible receptacle is configured to be arranged inside the master can if the stiff top cover is coupled to the master can. The bottom wall of the master can may be circular and the lateral wall surrounding the bottom at an outer perimeter may be cylindrical. However, there may be an oval bottom wall and an elliptical lateral perimeter. According to an embodiment of the invention, the master can comprises a waste compartment. Preferably, the waste compartment is recessed in the bottom wall of the master can and projects into an interior space which is surrounded by the master can.

Same or similar advantages which have been already mentioned with respect to the refill unit apply to use of the refill unit and to the package for a moist tobacco product in a same or similar way and are therefore not repeated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Further aspects and characteristics of the invention ensue from the following description of the preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein

FIGs.la) to 1c) show a master can (FIG. 1a) and a refill unit (FIGs. 1b and 1c) according to a first embodiment of a package for a moist tobacco product, FIG. 2 is another embodiment of a package according to the invention, wherein FIG. 2a) is a simplified cross-sectional view and FIG. 2b) is a simplified top view,

FIGs. 3 to 7 are further embodiments of a package for a moist tobacco product according to the invention, shown in a simplified cross-sectional view, FIG. 8 is another simplified top view, showing a package for a moist tobacco product, according to another embodiment of the invention,

FIGs. 9a) to 9e) is another embodiment of a package according to the invention, wherein FIG. 9a) is a simplified side view, FIG. 9b) is a simplified top view showing the open package for a moist tobacco product and FIGs 9c) to 9e) are simplified cross-sectional views of a master can (FIG. 9e) and a refill unit (FIG. 9c and FIG. 9d) having a swivelable lid (FIG. 9c),

FIG. 10 is a cooling system comprising a plurality of refill units, shown in a simplified cross-sectional view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT

A package for a moist tobacco product, according to an embodiment of the invention, comprises a master can and a refill unit. FIG. 1a) is a simplified perspective view showing the master can 6. FIGs. 1 b) and 1c) are further simplified perspective views showing the refill unit 16 which may be inserted into an interior space 10 of the master can 6. Preferably, the moist tobacco product 4 is so called "snus" which is a moist tobacco product wrapped in individual pouches for oral administration. However, the package comprising the master can 6 and the refill unit 16, according to the embodiment of the invention, is also suitable for any other moist tobacco product such as chewing tobacco, moist snuff, dissolvable films etc. Preferably, the master can 6 (FIG. 1a) has a substantially cylindrical shape. However, other shapes of the master can 6, for example a cylinder having a substantially oval cross-section, a parallelepiped, a cuboid or a cube may be suitable. The master can 6 may be manufactured using a metal or a rigid synthetic material. Preferably, the master can 6 is an injection molded part of PP (polypropylene) or ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer). The master can 6 comprises a bottom wall 5 (see for example FIGs. 2a and 3 to 7) and a lateral wall 8, which projects substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall 5. The bottom wall 5 and the lateral wall 8 surround an interior space 10 which is for accommodating a flexible receptacle 24 of the refill unit 16. The lateral wall 8 of the master can 6 comprises an upper rim 12 which is a free end of the lateral wall 8. The free end is averted from the bottom wall 5. An outer surface of the lateral wall 8 may be provided with an appealing design or with an embossing 14 to simplify handling of the package for the moist tobacco product. The diameter d1 of the master can is about 60 mm to 70 mm. The depth d2 of the master can forming the space for the flexible bag is about 15 mm to 25 mm. These dimensions are advantageously applicable to all embodiments of this invention. In FIG. 1b), the refill unit 16 is shown in a simplified perspective view. The refill unit 16 comprises a stiff top cover 18, for example a rigid frame or ring. According to the embodiment in FIG. 1b) the stiff top cover 18 is a substantially disc shaped rigid ring. The stiff top cover 18 may be manufactured from a synthetic material. For example, a transparent or opaque plastic material which is based on one or more polyolefins such as polyethylene or polypropylene (PP) may be applied. The stiff top cover 18 and in particular the rigid ring may be an injection molded part of PP, ABS or any other suitable synthetic material. Advantageously, the used materials may be recyclable or degradable (preferably biodegradable). However, other materials, such as a metal may be applied for manufacturing the stiff top cover 18, i. e. the rigid ring of the refill unit 16.

The stiff top cover 18 comprises a rim 20 having a diameter which is slightly greater than the diameter of a collar 22. The rim 20 and the collar 22 circumvent the disc shaped stiff top cover 18 at an outer perimeter. The refill unit 16 is configured to be non-permanently joined to the master can 6. The refill unit 16 may be inserted in the interior space 10 of the master can 6 and the rim 20 and the collar 22 fit in or seat at the upper rim 12 of the master can 6. In particular, an outer wall of the collar 22 faces an inner wall of the lateral wall 8 of the master can 6 and a lower surface of the rim 20 faces an upper surface of the upper rim 12 of the master can 6. There may be a frictional connection for providing a non-permanent joint between the refill unit 16 and the master can 6 due to mechanic friction between the outer surface of the collar 22 and the inner wall of the side wall 8.

The diameter d3 of the stiff top cover 18 (including the rim 20) is about 60 mm to 70 mm. The diameter d1 of the master can 6 is then a little bit smaller so that the rim can overlap (or cover) the upper rim 12 of the master can 6. The width d5 of the collar 22 is 5 mm to 7 mm. The depth d4 of the flexible receptacle is between 10 mm and 50 mm. These dimensions are advantageously applicable (with or without some modifications dependent on the specific design) to all embodiments of this invention.

Further, the joint or interconnection may be non-permanently locked using a releasable adhesive or adhesive tape which may be located at the outer perimeter 61445

11 of the collar 22. Further, there may be an adhesive tape or layer of adhesive material at a lower surface of the rim 20 so as to provide a glued connection between this lower surface of the rim 20 and the upper rim 12 of the master can 6.

The refill unit 16 further comprises a flexible bag 24 providing a flexible receptacle and surrounding a storage space 26 for accommodating the moist tobacco products 4 which are located inside the storage space 26 and are shown in dashed line. The flexible bag 24 may be manufactured from a transparent or opaque material. Any flexible or easy yielding material may be suitable. Suitable material for the flexible bag 24 includes, but is not limited to: synthetic or plastic foil, metal foil (for example, aluminum foil), composite material such as metalized foil or metalized paper, paper, wax paper, glassine, etc. A preferable material thickness for the flexible bag 24 may be between 13 and 75 microns (13pm to 75pm). Advantageously, the flexible bag 24 may be manufactured using a recyclable or degradable (preferably biodegradable) material. The thickness d6 of the walls of the master can 6 is about 1 mm to 5 mm. The thickness of the walls of the stiff cover can have the same dimension, and therefore be also between 1 mm and 5 mm. These dimensions are advantageously applicable (with or without some modifications dependent on the specific design) to all embodiments of this invention. The storage space 26 is accessible via an access opening 28 in the stiff top cover 18. The access opening 28 may be sealed or closed using a transparent sheet or foil. This transparent "window" may be useful for quality inspection of the moist tobacco product 4. Further, a customer may visually inspect for example the snus pouches prior to purchase. Similar advantages pertain to a transparent flexible bag 24.

The access opening 28 may be closed by a suitable cap or lid providing a substantially air-tight sealing of the storage space 26. The flexible bag 24 may be manufactured using a thin and flexible sheet, for example, a foil or a paper sheet which is metalized using aluminum. The polymer foil may be coated using a metal so as to provide diffusion tight storage space 26 to keep the moist tobacco product 4 fresh and avoid diffusion of humidity. The flexible bag 24 may be further manufactured using a tissue, for example an impregnated or coated tissue.

A segment of the flexible bag 24 which is adjacent to the interconnection between the flexible bag 24 and the stiff top cover 18, i. e. the rigid ring according to the embodiment in FIG. 1, comprises a perforation 30 which serves as a predetermined breaking line for separation of substantially the entire flexible bag 24 from the stiff top cover 18. FIG. 1c) shows the refill unit 16, wherein the stiff top cover 18 is separated from the flexible bag 24 along the predetermined breaking line 30. Advantageously, the stiff top cover 18 and the flexible bag 24 may be dispensed separately. This may be advantageous if the flexible bag 24 and the stiff top cover 8 are made from different (plastic) material which needs to be recycled separately. However, the stiff top cover 18 and the flexible bag 24 may be manufactured using a same material. For example, both parts may be an integral injection molded part of for example PP. If the flexible bag 24 and the stiff top cover 18 are manufactured separately, the joint between the two parts may be provided using an adhesive, plastics welding or any other suitable connection technology.

FIG. 2a) and FIG. 2b) show a package 2 for a moist tobacco product 4, for example for snus, according to another embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2a) is a simplified cross-section of the package 2 and FIG. 2b) is a simplified top view of the package 2. The refill unit 16 comprises a lockable waste compartment 32 which may be an integral part of the stiff top cover 18. The waste compartment 32 may be used for storing consumed moist tobacco products, for example for storing consumed snus pouches 38. However, the waste compartment 32 may be used as a multi purpose storage space, for example for storing coins or other small personal items. Further, the waste compartment 32 may be a rigid part or a flexible part. In FIG. 2a), by way or an example only, the waste compartment 32 is a rigid part

The thickness of the walls of the stiff cover can have the same dimension, and therefore be also between 1 mm and 5 mm. A preferable material thickness for the flexible bag 24 may be between 13 and 75 microns (13pm to 75pm). In this or other embodiments the thickness can be up to 500 pm, still being substantially thinner than the walls of the stiff top cover. These dimensions are advantageously applicable (with or without some modifications dependent on the specific design) to all embodiments of this invention.

The storage space 26 which is surrounded by the flexible bag 24 is closable by a first hinged lid 34. The first lid 34 is pivotably hinged to the stiff top cover 18 which may be a rigid frame or ring and is pivotable away from the access opening 28 along a first hinge H1. If the first lid 34 is swiveled away from the access opening 28, access to the storage space 26 is provided. The first lid 34 is configured to cooperate with a rim of the stiff top cover 18 so as to provide a substantially air tight and re-closable sealing of the access opening 28 to the storage space 26.

The waste compartment 32 is sealed by a second lid 36 which is pivotably coupled to the stiff top cover 18, i.e. to the rigid ring via a second hinge H2. The second lid 36 is pivotable away from the waste compartment 32 so as to provide access to the waste compartment 32. The second lid 36 may be configured similar to the first lid 34 and in particular, the second lid 36 may be adapted to corporate with a rim of the stiff top cover 8 so as to provide a substantially air tight re- closable sealing of the waste compartment 32. Preferably, the first hinge H1 and the second hinge H2 are (substantially) parallel to a plane which is defined by an extent of the access opening 28. If the master can 6 is cylindrical, the first hinge H1 and the second hinge H2 will be substantially perpendicular to a rotational axis of the master can 6. FIG. 2b) is a simplified top view of the package 2 according to the embodiment of FIG. 2a). The first and second hinge H1 and the second hinge H2 of the first and second lid 34, 36 are arranged side by side. However, arrangement of the first and second lid 34, 36 can substantially follow the design of the package 2 and other arrangement of the lids 34, 36 may be realized. FIG. 3 is a package 2 for a moist tobacco product 4 according to another embodiment of the invention. The cross sectional view in FIG. 3 shows the stiff top cover 18 that comprises a first lid 34 hinged along a first hinge line H1. The first lid 34 provides a substantially air tight sealing of the storage space 26 inside the flexible bag 24. The stiff top cover 18 and the master can 6 are releasably locked. In particular, an upper rim 12 of the lateral wall 8 of the master can 6 is releasably locked to a collar 22 of the stiff top cover 18. For example, a fastener between the stiff top cover 18 and the master can 6 which comprises two cooperating parts is applied. The fastener may be an adhesive tape, a hook and loop fastener, etc.

A first part of the fastener may be fixed to the master can 6, i. e. to the upper rim 12 of the lateral wall 8 and a second part of the fastener may be fixed to the collar 22 of the stiff top cover 18. For example, an outer wall of the collar 22 may be provided with a first component of a releasable adhesive and the inner wall of the upper rim 12 may be provided with a second component of a two component releasable adhesive. A lower surface of the collar 22, which faces the upper free end of the upper rim 12, and the upper surface of the upper rim 12 may be 14 provided with an adhesive, too. There may be a radial frictional connection between the collar 22 and the upper rim 12. Further, the collar 22 and the upper rim 12 may threaded and the refill unit 16 may be screwed in the master can 6.

FIG. 4 is a cross section of a package 2 for a moist tobacco product 4 according to another embodiment of the invention. The refill unit 16 comprises a flexible waste compartment 32 which is coupled to the first lid 34 for closing the access opening 28 to the storage space 26. The waste compartment 32 may be manufactured using a same or similar material which is applied for manufacturing the flexible bag 24. Further, the waste compartment 32 may be swiveled around the first hinge H1 together with the first lid 34. This is advantageous because an access opening 28 having a great diameter may be provided which allows the user a comfortable reception of the moist tobacco product 4.

FIG. 5 is a cross section of a package 2 for a moist tobacco product 4 according to another embodiment of the invention. A fastener between the refill unit 16 and the upper rim 12 of the lateral wall 8 of the master can 6 is a re!easable snap lock between an inner surface of the upper rim 12 and an outer surface of the collar 22 of the stiff top cover 18. The collar 22 comprises a snap in protrusion 40 which fits in a suitable notch 42 which is inserted in the inner surface of the upper rim 12. According to another embodiment of the invention, which is not explicitly shown, the snap fit lock may be between an outer surface of the lateral wall 8 and an inner surface of the collar 22, which means that a protrusion at the inner surface of the collar fits in a notch which is inserted in the outer surface of the of the lateral wall 8. The storage space 26 is surrounded by the flexible bag 24 and is re- closably sealed by a cap 44 which fits in the access opening 28 of the stiff top cover 18. The cap 44 is removable; it is not hinged to the stiff top cover 18.

The flexible bag 24 may comprise a stiff bottom plate 25. A shell 23 of the flexible bag 24 is manufactured using a flexible material. A refill unit 16 comprising a flexible bag 24 having a stiff bottom plate 25 may be advantageous with respect to storage of the refill unit 16. For example, the refill units 16 may be stackable. FIG. 6a) is another cross section of a package 2 for a moist tobacco product 4 according to a further embodiment of the invention. The refill unit 16 comprises a flexible container 46 providing a flexible receptacle. The flexible container 46 is staggered, if its shape is considered in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6a). The depicted cross section is perpendicular to a plane which is defined by the access opening 28 to the storage space 26. The flexible container 46 comprises a plurality of preferably concentric steps 48. There is a staggered funnel shaped reservoir inside the flexible container 46, i.e. the storage space 26 is staggered and funnel shaped if considered the cross-section shown in FIG. 6a).

The flexible container 46 is configured to allow stepwise reduction or increase of its capacity by insertion or expansion of subsequent steps 48. This may be advantageous in that the capacity of the flexible container 46 may be adapted to the amount of fresh moist tobacco products 4 which are stored in the storage space 26. For example, there is a plurality of layers L1 , L2 of snus pouches 4 (due to simplification of the drawing, only few snus pouches 4 per layer are depicted) and if a full layer of snus pouches is consumed, the capacity of the flexible container 46 may be reduced by a single step. This is to minimize the residual air in the flexible container 46 and due to the small amount of residual air, the moist tobacco products 4 are kept fresh for a longer period of time.

A stepwise reduction of the capacity of the flexible container 46 may be performed by pushing a bottom 49 of the flexible container 46 upwards. A first fold F1 moves up from position F1 to position F1 ^* . This is performed by temporarily bending the adjacent step 48. Movement of the fold F1 is illustrated by a respective arrow. To further reduce the capacity of the flexible container 46, the bottom 49 is pushed upwards again and a second fold F2 moves upwards from position F2 to position F2 ^* as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 6a). Upon reduction or expansion (which may be performed by pulling the bottom 49) of the volume of the flexible container 46, the steps 48 are temporarily bent. This results in a spring action upon reduction or increase of the capacity of the container 46 and will facilitate the handling of the container 46 during insertion or expansion of subsequent steps 48. In FIG. 6b), there is another cross sectional view showing the package 2 of FIG. 6a). The capacity of the flexible container 46 is reduced and the steps 48 are folded in.

FIG. 7 is a cross section of a package 2 for a moist tobacco product 4 according to another embodiment of the invention. The refill unit 16 is non- permanently joined to the master can 6. The flexible receptacle of the refill unit 16 is a flexible bag 24. The stiff top cover 18 comprises a first collar 50 and a second collar 52 forming an intermediate slot 53 for entering the upper rim 12 of the master can 6, i. e. the upper free end of the vertical wall 8, in said slot 53. The first and second collar 50, 52 provide a fastener for non-permanently locking the stiff top cover 18 of the refill unit 16 and the master can 6. The lock may be provided by a radial frictional connection between the first collar 50 or the second collar 52 or both collars 50, 52 and the upper rim 12. Additional locking means, for example an adhesive may be applied to the upper rim 12 for enforcing the lock between one or both of the collars 50, 52 and the upper rim 12. For re-closably sealing the access opening 28 to the storage space 26, the stiff top cover 18 comprises a slider 54. A slot 56 which may be inserted in the stiff top cover 18 is for guiding the movement of the slider 54. A handle 58 is provided to facilitate the opening and closing of the slider 54.

In FIG. 8 there is another simplified top view of a package 2, according to another embodiment of the invention. The access opening 28 of the stiff top cover 18 may be sealed using a slider 54. There may be a slot in the stiff top cover 8 for guiding the movement of the slider 54. The slider 54 is pivotable around a hinge or axis H1 , wherein the hinge H1 is substantially perpendicular to a plane of the access opening 28. Movement of the slider 54 is illustrated by arrows. Further, there is a handle 58 to facilitate the opening and closing of the slider 54.

According to another embodiment of the invention, there is a lid for re-closably sealing the access opening 28 to the storage space 26, wherein the lid is pivotable (rotatable) around an axis of rotation which is substantially perpendicular to the access opening. FIG. 9a) is a simplified side view showing a master can 6 which is substantially cylindrical and has a longitudinal axis A. A lid 34 of the stiff top cover 18 is pivotable along a first hinge H1 which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the master can 6. The lid 34 may be swiveled so as to provide access to the storage space 26.

FIG. 9b) is a simplified top view of the package 2 according to the embodiment of FIG. 9a). The lid 34 is swiveled away from the master can 6 so as to provide access to the moist tobacco products 4 in the storage space 26.

FIG. 9c) to 9e) is a simplified exploded view of the package 2 according to the embodiment of FIG. 9a), showing a cross sectional view of the master can 6 and the refill unit 16. The master can 6 and the refill unit 16 may be assembled along a common longitudinal axis A. There is a lid 34 which is swivelable along the first hinge H1. The refill unit 16 comprises a stiff top cover 18 comprising the lid 34 and a rigid frame 33. A flexible bag 24 for accommodating the moist tobacco product 4 is attached to the rigid frame 33. The lid 34 and the rigid frame 33 are coupled via a stud 37, which may be an integral part of the lid 34, wherein the stud 37 fits in sleeve 39, which may be an integral part of the rigid frame 33. For assembly of the stiff top cover 18, the stud 37 is inserted into the sleeve 39 along the first hinge H1. There may be a snap fit connection between the lid 34 and the rigid frame 33. According to the embodiment in FIGs. 9a) to 9e), there is a lug at the lower free end of the stud 37 which fits with a lower surface of the sleeve 39. The hinged connection between the lid 34 and the rigid frame 33 allows swiveling the lid 34 around the hinge H1 for sealing the access opening 28 of the refill unit 16.

The refill unit 16 is coupled to the master can 6 using a snap fit connection. There is a protrusion 40 at the upper rim 12 of the side wall 8 of the master can 6 which fits in a suitable notch (not shown) at the rigid frame 33. The packages 2 for a moist tobacco product 4 according to the above referenced embodiments may be substantially cylindrical. However, the packages 2 may be designed to have a different shape, for example, the cross section of the packages 2 may be oval. Further, a package 2 may be a parallelepiped, a cuboid, a cube, etc. According to another aspect of the invention, the refill unit may be configured to have a stiff top cover 18 and a separate flexible bag 24. In other words, the flexible bag 24 is not attached or fixed to the stiff top cover 18 of the refill unit 6. The stiff top cover 8 may be configured according to the embodiment in FIGs. 9c) and 9d). However, the flexible bag 24 may be configured to have a pouch or compartment at an edge or margin surrounding the opening of the flexible bag 24. Preferably, the pouch circumvents the opening of the flexible bag 24 and is configured to accommodate a pair of antagonistic spring blades. The spring blades may be manufactured using a flexible or elastic plastics material, however, metal or any other suitable material may be applied. In an initial state, the spring blades are not bent and no tension is applied to the spring blades. In this initial state, the spring blades are straight. As a result, the pair of spring blades closes the opening of the flexible bag 24. Additional sealing means such as an adhesive may be applied to the inner surfaces of the flexible bag 24 which touch each other and which are located in an area of the pouch or compartment. For opening the flexible bag 24, a force is applied to the free ends of the spring blades. Due to the applied force, the spring blades will bend so as to form an eye like opening providing access to the flexible bag 24. If the force is further increased, the opening will be substantially circular and a respective one of the spring blades will substantially follow the circular line of a semicircle. In the described opened state, the flexible bag 24 may be inserted into the interior space 10 of the master can 6. An upper rim of the spring blades (which are located in the pouches of the flexible bag 24) may be adjusted to be flush with the upper free end, i. e. the upper rim 12 of the master can 6. If the applied force is released from the free ends of the spring blades due to insertion of the of the flexible bag 24 into the interior space 10 of the master can 6, the spring blades tend to relax into their straight or linear configuration. This is however inhibited by a load bearing mechanical contact between the free ends of the spring blades and the inner surface of the lateral wall 8 of the master can 6. As a result, the flexible bag 24 is fixed to the master can 6 by help of a frictional fit between the spring blades and the lateral wall 8.

FIG. 10 is a cross section of a cooling system 60 for accommodating a plurality of refill units 16. The refill units may be configured to fit in the cooling system, which may be a standard cooling system 60 for storage of snus. The cooling system 60 may accommodate the refill units 16 in designated compartments. By way of an example only, the cooling system 60 comprises three compartments. The compartments comprise grooves 62 for receiving the upper rim 20 of the stiff top cover 18 of the refill unit 16. Other means for guiding the refill units 6 in the compartments, for example guide rails, may be applied. Although the invention has been described hereinabove with reference to specific embodiments, it is not limited to these embodiments and no doubt further alternatives will occur to the skilled person that lie within the scope of the invention as claimed.