U.S. patent application number 10/630852 was filed with the patent office on 2004-02-05 for smokeless tobacco product.
Invention is credited to Williams, Jonnie R..
Application Number | 20040020503 10/630852 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31192331 |
Filed Date | 2004-02-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040020503 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Williams, Jonnie R. |
February 5, 2004 |
Smokeless tobacco product
Abstract
A smokeless tobacco product suitable for human consumption is
prepared from powdered tobacco. In one embodiment, the product
comprises powdered tobacco and from about 0.5 to about 15 wt %
peppermint, from about 0.5 to about 15 wt % menthol, and from about
0.5 to about 15 wt % wintergreen. In another embodiment, the
product comprises powdered tobacco and from about 0.5 to about 15
wt % peppermint, from about 0.5 to about 15 wt % menthol, and from
about 0.5 to about 15 wt % spearmint. The powdered tobacco can be
prepared by pulverizing cured tobacco or, alternatively, from an
aqueous extract of tobacco.
Inventors: |
Williams, Jonnie R.;
(Manakin-Sabot, VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BANNER & WITCOFF
1001 G STREET N W
SUITE 1100
WASHINGTON
DC
20001
US
|
Family ID: |
31192331 |
Appl. No.: |
10/630852 |
Filed: |
July 31, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10630852 |
Jul 31, 2003 |
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10134689 |
Apr 30, 2002 |
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10134689 |
Apr 30, 2002 |
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09845249 |
May 1, 2001 |
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60331236 |
Nov 13, 2001 |
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60326224 |
Oct 2, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
131/352 ;
131/359 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24B 15/30 20130101;
A24B 15/14 20130101; A24B 15/16 20130101; A24B 15/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
131/352 ;
131/359 |
International
Class: |
A24B 015/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A smokeless tobacco product suitable for human consumption
comprising powdered tobacco and from about 0.5 to about 15 wt %
peppermint, from about from about 0.5 to about 15 wt % menthol, and
from about 0.5 to about 15 wt % wintergreen.
2. The smokeless tobacco of claim 1 which comprises from about 0.5
to about 10 wt % peppermint, from about from about 0.5 to about 10
wt % menthol, and from about 1 to about 10 wt % wintergreen.
3. The smokeless tobacco of claim 2 which comprises from about 1 to
about 5 wt % peppermint, from about from about 1 to about 5 wt %
menthol, and from about 2 to about 5 wt % wintergreen.
4. The smokeless tobacco product of claim 1 which is a solid bit
comprising from about 10% to about 80% powdered tobacco by
weight.
5. The smokeless tobacco product of claim 4 wherein said solid bit
comprises from about 25% to about 55 wt % powdered tobacco by
weight.
6. The smokeless tobacco product of claim 1 wherein said powdered
tobacco has a collective content of N'-nitrosonornicotine (NNN),
4-(N-nitrosomethyl-amino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK),
N'-nitrosoanatabine (NAT) and N'-nitrosoanabasine (NAB) which is
0.3 .mu.g/g or less.
7. The smokeless tobacco product of claim 6 wherein said collective
content is 0.2 .mu.g/g or less.
8. The smokeless tobacco product of claim 7 wherein said collective
content is 0.1 .mu.g/g or less.
9. The smokeless tobacco product of claim 1 wherein the powdered
tobacco consists essentially of Virginia flue cured tobacco.
10. The smokeless tobacco product of claim 9 wherein said powdered
tobacco comprises pulverized tobacco.
11. The smokeless tobacco product of claim 9 wherein said powdered
tobacco is prepared from an extract of tobacco.
12. A smokeless tobacco product suitable for human consumption
comprising powdered tobacco and from about 0.5 to about 15 wt %
peppermint, from about 0.5 to about 15 wt % menthol, and from about
0.5 to about 15 wt % spearmint.
13. The smokeless tobacco of claim 12 which comprises from about
0.5 to about 10 wt % peppermint, from about from about 0.5 to about
10 wt % menthol, and from about 0.5 to about 10 wt % spearmint.
14. The smokeless tobacco of claim 13 which comprises from about 1
to about 5 wt % peppermint, from about from about 1 to about 5 wt %
menthol, and from about 1 to about 5 wt % spearmint.
15. The smokeless tobacco product of claim 12 which is a solid bit
comprising from about 10% to about 80% powdered tobacco by
weight.
16. The smokeless tobacco product of claim 15 wherein said solid
bit comprises from about 25% to about 55 wt % powdered tobacco by
weight.
17. The smokeless tobacco product of claim 12 wherein said powdered
tobacco has a collective content of N'-nitrosonornicotine (NNN),
4-(N-nitrosomethyl-amino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK),
N'-nitrosoanatabine (NAT) and N'-nitrosoanabasine (NAB) which is
0.3 .mu.g/g or less.
18. The smokeless tobacco product of claim 17 wherein said
collective content is 0.2 .mu.g/g or less.
19. The smokeless tobacco product of claim 18 wherein said
collective content is 0.1 .mu.g/g or less.
20. The smokeless tobacco product of claim 12 wherein the powdered
tobacco consists essentially of Virginia flue cured tobacco.
21. The smokeless tobacco product of claim 20 wherein said powdered
tobacco comprises pulverized tobacco.
22. The smokeless tobacco product of claim 20 wherein said powdered
tobacco is prepared from an extract of tobacco.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application
Ser. No. 10/134,689, filed Apr. 30, 2002, which in turn is a
continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/845,249, filed May
1, 2001. Application Ser. No. 10/134,689 claims priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) to provisional application No. 60/331,236,
filed Nov. 13, 2001, and provisional application No. 60/326,224,
filed Oct. 2, 2001. The disclosure of each of these applications is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to tobacco products and, more
particularly, to smokeless tobacco products.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] There are many oral delivery forms of tobacco. Such forms
include chewing tobacco, chewing gum, bits, capsules, and tablets.
Chewing tobacco utilizes chopped or shredded tobacco, which is
placed in the mouth and ultimately removed from the mouth. Bits,
tablets, and the like, are often designed to dissolve slowly in
order to administer nicotine over a period of time. Such products
are often obtained by chopping the tobacco plant or leaf and then
extracting soluble components from the tobacco using a solvent. The
resulting extract is dried and combined with other ingredients to
form the products.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 3,368,567 describes a tablet having a tobacco
concentrate and which is intended to be located in the mouth of the
user. In preparing the tablet, nicotine and other active
ingredients are extracted from cured tobacco that has been ground
into fine particles. The tobacco is steeped in water and then
concentrated mineral acid is added. The resulting liquid is applied
to an absorbent, inert, edible base, to the extent that it
constitutes less than 10% of the base. After the liquid is dried,
the resultant material is compressed into a tablet.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,991,599 describes a fiberless tobacco
product for smoking or chewing. The fiberless tobacco product is
obtained by forming an aqueous extract of the tobacco. Cured
tobacco leaves are preferably shredded or comminuted to minute
particles, and boiling water or water vapor is passed through the
particles to produce an aqueous, fiberless extract of tobacco. The
aqueous extract is dried to produce a solid extract. The solid then
is crushed into smokeable or chewable particles.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,416 describes extracting cured tobacco
leaves with water to form a liquid extract. The liquid extract is
concentrated to a solids concentration of about 30% dissolved
solids, which is then spray dried to form a spray dried powder. The
powder is then dissolved and added to gelatin, for example, and
processed to form a tobacco composition that can be placed in the
cheek.
[0007] Other products utilize a package containing a tobacco
product that is placed in the mouth. The tobacco diffuses through
the package and the package is ultimately taken out of the mouth
and thrown away. Such products include SNOOSE wherein tobacco is
placed in a mesh pouch and placed in the mouth. U.S. Pat. No.
4,907,605 directed to using a water-insoluble material (could be
similar to a tea-bag) to dispense nicotine in the mouth.
[0008] There is a developing market for smoking cessation aids.
Most notably have been the transdermal or transmucosal devices to
allow delivery of nicotine through the skin or mouth.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,512,306 describes a smoking cessation aid in
the form of an inclusion complex formed between nicotine and a
cyclo compound such as polysaccharide. U.S. Pat. No. 5,525,351 is
directed to a saliva-soluble stimulant formed from a gel and
nicotine, while U.S. Pat. No. 5,783,207 describes forming a
compressed tablet containing a matrix material and nicotine whereby
the compressed tablet is attached to a holder for insertion into
the mouth.
[0010] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,135,753, 5,362,496, and 5,593,684, are each
directed to the combination of transdermal nicotine delivery along
with transmucosal or buccal delivery of nicotine. The latter
delivery may be in the form of lozenges, gum, tablets, or
capsules.
[0011] One of the drawbacks with the aforementioned products is
that they may deliver a product too high in nitrosamines, which are
carcinogens believed to be formed predominantly during tobacco
curing. The group of nitrosamines identified in tobacco products
include tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) such as
N'-nitrosonornicotine (NNN),
4-(N-nitrosomethylamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK),
N'-nitrosoanatabine (NAT) and N'-nitrosoanabasine (NAB). It is
believed that nitrosamines may be derived from tobacco alkaloids,
of which nicotine is the most prevalent. It has been postulated,
according to one group of researchers, that nicotine is nitrosated
to form NNN, NNK and/or 4-(N-methyl-N-nitrosamino)-4-(3-pyridyl)
butanol (NNA) (Hoffman et al., "Formation, Occurrence, and
Carcinogenicity of N-Nitrosamines in Tobacco Products" in O'Neill
et al., N-Nitroso Compounds: Occurrence, Biological Effects and
Relevance To Human Cancer, World Health Organization, 1984). Hecht
et al., "Tobacco specific N-Nitrosamines Occurrence,
Carcinogenicity, and Metabolism" Amer. Chem. Soc., 1979, postulated
that NNN in unburned tobacco is at levels in the range of 0.3-9.0
ppm in cigarette tobacco, 3.0-45.3 ppm in cigar tobacco, 3.5-90.6
ppm in chewing tobacco, and 12.1-29.1 ppm in snuff. Up to 35
.mu.g/g of NNK has been detected in tobacco, 0.2-8.3 .mu.g/g in
snuff products, and 0.1-0.5 mg/cig in cigarette smoke.
[0012] Techniques for substantially preventing the formation of
nitrosamines in tobacco are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,803,081
and 6,338,348 to the present inventor, which describe the
application of microwave radiation to uncured tobacco while in a
state susceptible to having the formation of nitrosamines arrested.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,311,695, also to the present inventor, describes
the application of high frequency electromagnetic energy (e.g.,
electron beam, gamma rays) to uncured tobacco while in a
susceptible state to substantially prevent the formation of
nitrosamines. Alternatively, tobacco can be cured in a controlled
environment to substantially prevent the formation of nitrosamines,
as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,202,649 and 6,425,401, both to the
present inventor. Each of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,803,081, 6,202,649,
6,311,695, 6,338,348, and 6,425,401 is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] According to one aspect, the present invention is directed
to a smokeless tobacco product comprising powdered tobacco and from
about 0.5 to about 15 wt % peppermint, from about 0.5 to about 15
wt % menthol, and from about 0.5 to about 15 wt % wintergreen.
[0014] According to another aspect of the invention, a smokeless
tobacco product comprises powdered tobacco and from about 0.5 to
about 15 wt % peppermint, from about 0.5 to about 15 wt %
spearmint, and from about 0.5 to about 15 wt % menthol.
[0015] The powdered tobacco can be prepared from pulverized tobacco
stems, lamina, or both. Alternatively, the powdered tobacco can be
prepared from an aqueous extract of tobacco stems, lamina, or both.
The powdered tobacco, together with any flavorants or other
ingredients, can be pressed into a bit or other form suitable for
oral human consumption.
[0016] Preferably, the powdered tobacco contains very low levels of
tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs). In one preferred embodiment,
the powdered tobacco has a collective content of
N'-nitrosonornicotine (NNN),
4-(N-nitrosomethylamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK),
N'-nitrosoanatabine (NAT) and N'-nitrosoanabasine (NAB) which is
0.3 .mu.g/g or less, more preferably 0.2 .mu.g/g or less, and even
more preferably 0.1 .mu.g/g or less.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The smokeless tobacco products described herein provide an
alternative to cigarettes and traditional smokeless products. The
smokeless tobacco product contains powdered tobacco and optionally
other ingredients such as binders. In addition, the smokeless
tobacco product contains suitable quantities of flavorants as
described herein. The product preferably contains primarily
water-soluble (or saliva-soluble) components, permitting
transdermal or transmucosal delivery of nicotine and other
components. The powder is preferably milled fine enough so that
even insoluble components can be easily swallowed. The product
preferably has a very low nitrosamine content, preferably at
food-safe levels.
[0018] In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
smokeless tobacco product is a solid bit comprising powdered
tobacco. The powdered tobacco may be produced from cured tobacco
stems, lamina, or both (hereinafter collectively referred to as
"tobacco material"). The relative proportion of tobacco material in
the smokeless tobacco product depends on such factors as the
particular composition of the tobacco leaf. The solid bit most
often has from about 10% to about 80% of powdered tobacco by
weight, more usually from about 25% to about 55% by weight.
[0019] Preferably, the cured tobacco material is pulverized, e.g.
milled, to form a powdered tobacco. In this manner, the tobacco
material is milled fine enough to produce an easily swallowed
product. Alternatively, an extract of the tobacco material is dried
to form a powder. In the extraction process, cured tobacco material
is extracted with a solvent, typically water or steam. The
resulting solution contains the water-soluble components of the
tobacco, including nicotine. The solution is then dried and ground,
as needed, to form a powdered tobacco.
[0020] The powdered tobacco may then be used to form a bit. Prior
to forming the bit it may be desirable to process the powdered
tobacco to form larger particles, such as by granulation or by
rolling and grinding. Such processes provide particles, which are
more readily formed into bits, and form bits, which do not
disintegrate during handling and in the package. The larger
particles are easier to handle than the smaller particles and do
not form the "dust" associated with small powder particles.
Furthermore, the larger particles compress into bits more readily
than powder particles. This allows for higher speed bit formulation
and easier machining of the bits. In addition, using either
granulation or rolling and pressing provides an even distribution
of flavorants, coloring agents, and the like, throughout the final
bit.
[0021] Granulation increases the particle size by adding a binder
to the powder and allowing the powder to clump into larger
particles. By using a fluid granulation process, for example, the
powder clumps into fairly larger particles. The granulation process
may also be used to add the flavorants or other ingredients to the
particles by including dissolved flavorants in the binder
solution.
[0022] Rolling under pressure presses the particles into a flake or
a bark. The flake or bark is then ground to form particles, which
are larger than the original powder particles. Prior to rolling,
the powder may be mixed with other ingredients including binders
and flavorants.
[0023] The powder or particles are then compressed to form a bit.
The bit may be processed and packaged by any suitable means. During
use, the bit typically is placed in the mouth and allowed to
dissolve, releasing the nicotine and other tobacco components. Any
material that does not dissolve is easily swallowed along with the
dissolved components. That is, for example, a bit formed from whole
leaf pulverized tobacco, will disintegrate and dissolve in the
mouth, such that any insoluble components are in the form of very
small particles that are easily swallowed with the saliva.
[0024] The powdered tobacco of the smokeless tobacco product
preferably is formed from cured tobacco stems, lamina, or both
having very low TSNA content. Preferably, flue varieties of tobacco
are used, i.e., Virginia flue. Tobacco stems generally have higher
amounts of fibrous components than are present in lamina. Other
differences exist. For example, stems typically have less
bitterness than lamina. Lamina generally is easier to mill and has
higher concentrations of soluble components.
[0025] First, tobacco is grown and harvested. The tobacco is cured
and then removed from the curing barn. If only the stem or lamina
is being used, the stem or lamina may be separated from the rest of
the leaf either before or after curing. Preferably, the stem or
lamina is separated after curing.
[0026] The tobacco material preferably is cured using a process
designed to obtain very low-TSNA cured tobacco. For example, a
microwave process may be used to substantially prevent the
formation of nitrosamines during curing. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,803,081
and 6,338,348 to the present inventor describe the use of
microwaves to substantially prevent the formation of nitrosamines.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,311,695, also to the present inventor, describes
the application of high frequency electromagnetic energy (e.g.,
electron beam or gamma rays) to uncured tobacco to substantially
prevent the formation of nitrosamines. Alternatively, tobacco can
be cured in a controlled environment to substantially prevent the
formation of nitrosamines, as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,202,649
and 6,425,401, both to the present inventor.
[0027] In accordance with one preferred aspect of the invention,
the powdered tobacco has a collective content of
N'-nitrosonornicotine (NNN),
4-(N-nitrosomethylamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK),
N'-nitrosoanatabine (NAT) and N'-nitrosoanabasine (NAB) which is
0.3 .mu.g/g or less, preferably is 0.2 .mu.g/g or less, more
preferably 0.1 .mu.g/g or less, more preferably less than about
0.09 .mu.g/g, more preferably less than about 0.07 .mu.g/g, and
even more preferably less than about 0.05 .mu.g/g, 0.03 .mu.g/g,
0.015 .mu.g/g, 0.01 .mu.g/g, or lower.
[0028] Preferably, the powdered tobacco has an NNK content of about
0.002 .mu.g/g or less, more preferably about 0.001 .mu.g/g or less,
and even more preferably about 0.0005 .mu.g/g or less. Preferably,
the powdered tobacco has an NNN content of about 0.1 .mu.g/g or
less, more preferably about 0.05 .mu.g/g or less, and even more
preferably about 0.03 .mu.g/g or less.
[0029] After curing, before or after milling or extracting, the
tobacco material is preferably subjected to a sterilization
technique. The sterilization technique typically irradiates the
tobacco to destroy any microbes remaining on the tobacco in order
to prevent or substantially prevent the further formation of
nitrosamines. Any suitable radiation may be used such as, but not
limited to, microwaves, gamma rays or electron beams. U.S. Pat. No.
6,311,695, discussed above, describes the use of electron
beams.
[0030] The cured tobacco material is subjected to a process to form
a powdered tobacco. The process may comprise extracting and drying,
or a pulverizing process such as milling.
[0031] A preferred method of forming powdered tobacco is
pulverizing the cured tobacco material into a powder. The cured
tobacco material may be pulverized by any suitable process,
preferably by milling. Preferably, the tobacco material is milled
into particles having a particle size of about 50 to about 300
mesh, typically about 150 mesh.
[0032] The tobacco material may be chopped or powdered and then
subjected to an extraction process with water or other aqueous
solvent. With the exception of the pulp, substantially all of the
components in tobacco are water-soluble, including components such
as nicotine and anti-depressive components such as MAO inhibitors
(e.g., nornicotine, anabasine, anatabine, etc.).
[0033] Methods for forming aqueous tobacco extracts are known in
the art as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,065,775. In
general, tobacco material is contacted with an aqueous solution to
extract soluble components. The time of contact will depend on such
factors as the water to tobacco ratio and the temperature of the
aqueous solution. The aqueous extract produced by contact with the
water solution is then separated from the insoluble fibrous tobacco
residue, which can be accomplished using conventional solid-liquid
separation techniques. For example, squeezing, centrifugation, and
filtration techniques may be employed. If necessary, the separated
tobacco extract may then be treated to adjust soluble solids
content.
[0034] More particularly, cured tobacco material is contacted with
an aqueous extraction solvent. Contact can be performed in either a
continuous or batch-wise manner. The mixture of tobacco material
and extraction solvent can be agitated in order to enhance removal
of water-soluble components from the tobacco material. The mixture
is subjected to separation conditions (e.g., using a centrifuge) so
as to provide an aqueous tobacco extract (i.e., a water-soluble
tobacco extract within the extraction solvent), and a
water-insoluble tobacco residue.
[0035] The aqueous extraction solvent is primarily water, normally
at least about 90 wt % water, and can be essentially pure water
such as deionized water, distilled water, or tap water. The
extraction solvent can be a co-solvent mixture, such as a mixture
of water and minor amounts of one or more solvents that are
miscible therewith. An example of such a co-solvent mixture is a
solvent containing 95 parts water and 5 parts ethanol per 100 parts
by weight. The extraction solvent also may include substances such
as pH adjusters (i.e., acids or bases) or pH buffers dissolved
therein. For example, an aqueous solvent can have ammonium
hydroxide or gaseous ammonia incorporated therein so as to provide
a solvent having a pH of about 8 or more.
[0036] The amount of the tobacco material which is contacted with
the extraction solvent can vary over a wide range and depends upon
such factors as the type of solvent, the temperature at which the
extraction is performed, the type or form of tobacco material which
is extracted, the manner in which contact of the tobacco material
and solvent is conducted, and the type of extraction process which
is performed. Typically, for a batch-wise extraction, the weight of
extraction solvent relative to the tobacco stems is greater than
about 6:1, oftentimes greater than about 8:1 and in certain
instances can be greater than about 12:1. The manner for contacting
the tobacco material with the extraction solvent is not
particularly critical, e.g., the tobacco material can be extracted
in either a continuous or batch-wise manner. For example, the
tobacco material can be extracted using a continuous
counter-current extractor.
[0037] Tobacco material can be extracted in a batch-wise manner one
or more times using the solvent. Normally, the weight of extract
and solvent relative to the weight of tobacco material for each
batch extraction ranges from about 6:1 to about 40:1, more often
from about 15:1 to 25:1. The number of times that the tobacco stems
is contacted batch-wise with the processed tobacco extract and
solvent ranges from about I to about 8 times, more usually from
about 3 to 5 times.
[0038] The tobacco material can be extracted continuously.
Normally, the weight of aqueous solvent relative to the tobacco
material with which it is contacted during a continuous extraction
process is greater than about 40:1 and often is greater than about
50:1. The conditions under which the extraction is performed can
vary. Typical temperatures range from about 5 to 75.degree. C.,
more often from about 10 to 60.degree. C. Alternatively, steam can
be used to extract the soluble components, which can be recovered
in a condenser. The solvent/tobacco material mixture can be
agitated (e.g., stirred, shaken or otherwise mixed) in order to
increase the rate at which extraction occurs.
[0039] Typically, for a batch-wise extraction, adequate extraction
of components occurs in less than about 60 minutes, oftentimes in
less than about 30 minutes. A wide variety of components can be
extracted from the tobacco material. Water-soluble tobacco
components that are extracted from tobacco material using a solvent
having an aqueous character include alkaloids (e.g., nicotine),
acids, salts, sugars, and the like. Water-soluble extracted tobacco
components include many of the aroma-producing and flavorful
substances of the tobacco material.
[0040] The solvent and tobacco extract are separated from the
insoluble tobacco residue. The manner of separation can vary;
however, it is convenient to employ conventional separation
techniques involving the use of filters, centrifuges, screw
presses, converging belts, rotating disk presses, and the like. The
insoluble residue can be treated to remove additional solvent and
tobacco extract therefrom.
[0041] The solvent and tobacco components extracted thereby
optionally can be filtered to remove suspended insoluble particles.
In some cases it may be desirable to adjust the pH of the aqueous
tobacco extract. For example, as described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,065,775, pH of an aqueous tobacco extract can be raised to
promote removal of basic compounds, lowered to promote removal of
acidic compounds, or made neutral to promote removal of neutral
compounds.
[0042] After extraction, the aqueous extract is dried into a powder
by any suitable process. Preferably the extract is spray-dried to
form a powder. Spray-drying techniques are disclosed, for example,
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,416, the disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety. The powder is optionally
bleached and then dried. The powder generally has a particle size
of below 80 mesh and typically between 100 and 300 mesh.
[0043] If the average particle size of the powder is smaller than
80 mesh, as is typically the result with the extraction process,
and may be the result of the milling process, then the powder is
subjected to a process to increase its particle size, to
conglomerate particles to make larger particles or both, to an
average size greater than 80 mesh, preferably to an average
particle size of between 14 and 80 mesh. Any suitable process may
be used to increase particle size. Preferably the powder is
granulated, or rolled and ground. Granulating or rolling and
grinding the powder forms particles, which are easier to handle,
machine, and compress into bits than the powder.
[0044] The powder may be granulated in any suitable manner. A
preferred method uses a fluid bed granulator. The powder is placed
in a fluid bed product bowl in the chamber of the fluid bed
granulator. Air or other suitable gas is introduced into the
chamber to blow the powder around the chamber. A liquid solution
containing at least a binder is introduced into the chamber in the
form of a very fine mist. The particles blow around in the mist.
The particles become coated and start to clump together to make
discrete uniform particles. A second mist of a buffer solution may
then be introduced. After spraying, the particles are dried to the
desired moisture level and lubricants may be added to the
particles.
[0045] The powder may contain only tobacco or may include other
ingredients such as sweeteners, flavorants, coloring agents, and
fillers. The liquid solution may simply contain a binder or may
contain other ingredients in addition to the binder such as
flavorants, coloring agents, sweeteners, and fillers. The lubricant
may be a powder or a liquid. The lubricant may also contain other
ingredients such as flavorants and sweeteners. These other
ingredients may be distributed throughout the tobacco powder,
binder solution and lubricant.
[0046] The rolling and grinding process passes the powder though a
roller under high pressure. The powder forms flake (bark), which is
then ground to form particles having a size larger than the
original particle size, i.e. greater than 80 mesh. Tobacco bits
resulting from granulated or rolled and ground processes do not
disintegrate but instead hold their form.
[0047] The smokeless tobacco product comprises powdered tobacco and
a combination of flavorants, such as peppermint, menthol, and
wintergreen or spearmint. Wintergreen oil, or methyl salicylate
(C.sub.6H.sub.4OHCOOCH.sub.3), can be prepared by heating methanol
and salicylic acid in the presence of sulfuric acid, or by
distillation from the leaves of Gaultheria procumbens or the bark
of Betula lenta.
[0048] In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the smokeless
tobacco product is a solid bit containing powdered tobacco and from
about 0.5 to about 15 wt % peppermint, from about 0.5 to about 15
wt % menthol, and from about 0.5 to about 15 wt % wintergreen,
based on the total dry weight of the solid bit. Preferably, the
solid bit contains from about 0.5 to about 10 wt % peppermint, from
about 0.5 to about 10 wt % menthol, and from about 1 to about 10 wt
% wintergreen; more preferably from about 1 to about 5 wt %
peppermint, from about 1 to about 5 wt % menthol, and from about 2
to about 5 wt % wintergreen; and even more preferably from about 2
to about 3 wt % peppermint, from about 2 to about 3 wt % menthol,
and from about 3 to about 4 wt % wintergreen. This particular
combination of components has been found to provide a product with
highly desirable flavor and other consumption characteristics.
[0049] In another embodiment, the smokeless tobacco product
comprises a solid bit containing from about 0.5 to about 15 wt %
peppermint, from about 0.5 to about 15 wt % menthol, and from about
0.5 to about 15 wt % spearmint. Preferably, the solid bit contains
from about 0.5 to about 10 wt % peppermint, from about 0.5 to about
10 wt % menthol, and from about 0.5 to about 10 wt % spearmint;
more preferably from about 1 to about 5 wt % peppermint, from about
1 to about 5 wt % menthol, and from about 1 to about 5 wt %
spearmint; and even more preferably from about 2 to about 3 wt %
peppermint, from about 2 to about 3 wt % menthol, and from about 2
to about 3 wt % spearmint.
[0050] If desired, one or more additional flavorants, such as
propolis or eucalyptus, may be provided to reduce the irritation
that can be caused by nicotine in the mouth and to enhance the
flavor of the powdered tobacco while removing bitterness. U.S. Pat.
No. 5,845,647 describes the use of propolis in tobacco-containing
chewing gum and other tobacco products.
[0051] Other ingredients may be added to the powder prior to
forming into a bit. Such ingredients include, but are not limited
to sweeteners, fillers, coloring agents, buffers, and lubricants.
Such ingredients may be added to the powdered tobacco or, if using
granulation process, to the binder solution.
[0052] The relative amounts of such other components can vary over
a wide range, depending on such factors as the particular tobacco
used and consumer preferences. Typically, the amounts of individual
components will range from about 0.5 wt % to about 15 wt %, more
often from about 0.5 wt % to about 10 wt %, and even more often
from about 1 wt % to about 5 wt %, based on the total weight of the
powdered tobacco.
[0053] The smokeless tobacco product can be prepared by any
suitable technique and is not limited by any particular method for
its production. For example, powdered tobacco can be combined with
excipients and a binder, and then granulated. The granulation can
be dry-blended with the remaining ingredients, and compressed into
a bit. The percent by weight of tobacco in the bit will vary
depending on such factors as whether tobacco lamina is used. Since
lamina has a higher concentration of nicotine than stems, generally
lower amounts of tobacco are employed when lamina is used and
higher amounts of tobacco are employed when only stems are used.
The bit usually contains from about 10 to 80 wt % of powdered
tobacco, preferably about 25 to 55 wt %. The weight of the bit can
vary over a wide range, most often from about 75 mg to about 1,000
mg, more usually from about 150 mg to about 550 mg.
[0054] The user consumes the bit by placing it in the mouth. As the
bit dissolves, the active tobacco components are dissolved in the
saliva. Components in the powdered tobacco will transmucously
absorb into the mouth or transdermally absorb into the skin or will
be easily swallowed with the saliva.
[0055] The following examples illustrate granulating cured whole
leaf tobacco that was pulverized into a powder. The resulting
granules are compressed into tobacco bits using standard
techniques.
EXAMPLE 1
[0056] Tobacco powder was combined with excipients in the product
bowl of a fluid bed granulator. A binder solution was prepared and
sprayed into the granulator, and the mixture was dried. The
resulting mixture was dry-blended with peppermint, menthol, and
wintergreen such that the resulting composition contained 2 wt %
peppermint, 2 wt % menthol, and 3 wt % wintergreen.
EXAMPLE 2
[0057] Tobacco bits can be prepared essentially by the procedure
described in Example 1, except that the resulting composition
contains about 2 wt % peppermint, 2 wt % menthol, and 2 wt %
spearmint.
[0058] While the invention has been described with respect to
specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying
out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that
there are numerous variations and permutations of the above
described systems and techniques that fall within the spirit and
scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
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