Personal caffeine delivery pouch

Abstract

Caffeine-bearing substances include coffee, tea, kola nut, cacao beans, guarana and yerbamate. The saliva permeable pouch encloses any caffeine-bearing substance as its charge. The filled pouch is sized so that the pouch can be placed in a person's mouth in an area adjacent an outer gum. Saliva from the mouth permeates through the pouch and selectively dissolves the charge releasing the active ingredients like caffeine and attendant sweetener, flavoring and other constituents. A method for placement of the pouch in the mouth and the process of chewing is provided that helps release of active ingredients from the pouch. These ingredients satisfy the test buds. At other times, it acts as a stimulant, anti-depressant, and diuretic and helps reduce fatigue, jitters and other symptoms associated with caffeine deprivation. An apparatus for the mass production of the pouches and its packaging for the marketplace is also claimed.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a personal caffeine delivery pouch, and more particularly but not by way of limitation, to saliva permeable pouch that releases caffeine products by means of the saliva dissolving the active ingredients. The invention, by way of examples, and not as any further limitation relates to coffee delivery pouch, method of coffee pouch use and the apparatus to manufacture the pouch.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Consumption of caffeine-bearing beverages is very popular at home and in the offices. However, the dispensing of these products on a personal portable level has been scarce. Coffee a popular beverage is largely limited to a brewed beverage, with occasional variation in a tablet form to be dissolved in hot water. The closest personal dispensing prior art is a one-cup brewing system. A brief discussion of related art follows.

[0005] Bunke, U.S. Pat. No. 6,783,791 discloses processes for making coffee concentrate, and soluble coffee. However, this patent does not disclose particular packaging of the coffee or using the coffee without more traditional brewing practices.

[0006] Fortune Jr, U.S. Pat No. 6,749,882 discloses combining a nicotine composition in brewed coffee. However, this patent again discloses coffee that is presented in a more traditional brewed format.

[0007] Derr, U.S. Pat. No. 6,162,516 discloses a system and method for protecting oral tissues from smokeless tobacco by enclosing the tobacco in a protective layering shield and inserting the shielded pouch in the mouth, generally between the cheek and gum surfaces, thereby reducing the direct contact of tobacco to the inner membranes or linings of the mouth, in particular the cheek linings and gum tissues. The typical use of smokeless tobacco results in a concentrated area of direct contact of the tobacco fibers to a level that is above some tolerance threshold for the inner linings of the mouth. The result is leukoplakia reported to be associated with a 3%-6% probability of mouth cancer. The protective shield assists in reducing leukoplakia and other oral diseases related to the use of smokeless tobacco.

[0008] Lesser, U.S. Pat. No. 6,007,853 discloses a single portion or single cup coffee making system. This invention provides a filter unit that can be easily handled and produces a single serving of coffee. However, this patent also relies on more traditional brewing systems such as steeping of coffee.

[0009] Blane, U.S. Pat. No. 5,776,527 discloses a tablet in a filled bag formed of filter paper containing ground coffee. However, this patent discloses that the coffee package should be used in an espresso coffee maker or the like, thus relying on the more traditional brewing process.

[0010] Sanders, U.S. Pat. No. 5,688,545 discloses a coffee pack or method of packaging a coffee product, that includes an aroma area and a coffee product area, However, this patent is primarily concerned with enhancing the aroma impact of coffee and does not disclose specific packaging,

[0011] Liu, U.S. Pat. No. 5,580,593 discloses packaging coffee and aroma agents to provide a noticeable coffee aroma. However, this patent does not disclose packaging such as can be used in single servings in the mouth, a feature in the present invention.

[0012] Sierra, U.S. Pat. No. 4,975,295 discloses a water-soluble coffee tablet. This patent discloses the method of manufacturing the coffee tablet but does not disclose any particular packaging for using in the mouth or even the ability of using the tablet in the mouth. The patent further discloses that the tablet should be dissolved in water along more traditional lines of brewing.

[0013] Paules, U.S. Pat. No. 4,703,765 discloses an apparatus for forming distinct portions of smokeless tobacco in a pouch or packet form, and continuously forming a chain of individual pouches containing distinct portions of smokeless tobacco.

[0014] A brief review of the literature and commercial uses is as follows.

[0015] A pouch of tobacco product is distributed in the form of tobacco bandit, also marketed under the brand name SKOAL bandit. Folgers and other coffee companies are marketing coffee singles, a one-cup brewing product. Chewing gums containing caffeine have entered the market using a brand name Joltgum. Snuff pouches have been in use for a long time and non-snuff pouches in wintergreen and other flavors have been produced. However, these products are limited to tobacco, snuff or substitute areas.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] It is an object of this invention to provide a saliva permeable pouch to provide a measured amount of caffeine or coffee beverage charge to a person when such a pouch is inserted in the mouth between the gums and the cheek, preferably in the sublingual area.

[0017] Traditionally, there are no caffeine-bearing or coffee-based charge pouches available. Therefore the individual in the field environment is away from an office or home without access to coffee or caffeine-bearing substance. Prior art pouches available for individual use were limited to tobacco or snuff products or their substitute products encased in the pouch, nothing to compare with caffeine or coffee enclosed in a pouch.

[0018] The present saliva permeable pouch caffeine charge avoids this problem by providing a shot from the charge even when one is driving or working away from a traditional home or office setting.

[0019] A further object of the invention is to offer coffee singles that are inserted in the mouth, in distinct pre-measured packaged amounts. The charge is in the form of a long and slender pouch with papered or sealed ends that can easily fit in the mouth. The saliva dissolves and releases the caffeine or coffee flavor back into the mouth Another object of the invention is to provide a range of caffeine or coffee products including finely ground coffee or other caffeine filler.

[0020] A further object of the invention is to provide a coffee or caffeine experience. The product is consumable and digestible by human and is designed to mix with saliva to produce the coffee in the person's mouth.

[0021] Another object of the invention is to have a safe edible product that is non-toxic and can be used anonymously and without the harmful side effects of tobacco or nicotine.

[0022] Another object of the invention is to allow a single shot use for between 15 and 30 minutes, wherein afterwards the pouch is removed from the mouth and then disposed of.

[0023] Another object of the invention is to market the pouch for its psychological and pharmacological benefits to mitigate the effects and symptoms of caffeine withdrawal.

[0024] Briefly, these and other objects of the invention are accomplished by a saliva permeable pouch. The pouch surface has suitable perforations that retain the charge and allow saliva to permeate inwards. The charge inside the pouch is soluble in saliva and the caffeine-bearing solution then flows outwardly from the pouch. This process can be further facilitated by the person chewing on the pouch to produce beverage of required caffeine consistency and strength.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] FIG. 1 shows a top view and an end view for the saliva permeable pouch.

[0026] FIG. 2 shows an end view showing salivary glands and a frontal view showing the sublingual pouch placement.

[0027] FIG. 3 shows the operational sequence diagram for a machine for the mass manufacture and packaging of the saliva permeable pouches.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION [PREFERRED EMBODIMENT]

I. Calculation of Measure of Charge

[0028] Using the state of the art in caffeine and coffee technology, a measured amount of charge can easily be calculated for each application specific case. The preferred embodiment shown here is showing the computation of measured charge for coffee as a preferred embodiment and not as any limitation since the art is well developed to the caffeine charge as well. TABLE-US-00001 One cup of coffee is normally a dosage of 150 ml, approximately 5.3 oz. One oz. of ground coffee prepares 21 oz. of coffee, about 4 cups of coffee. Therefore, 1 cup of coffee equivalent will require 0.25 oz. or 7 gm of ground coffee equivalent Depending on the constitution of pouch charge one can calculate the measure of charge to be encased in each pouch.

[0029] The caffeine-bearing charge can similarly be calculated for any of the caffeine-bearing drinks. Following is a list of caffeine-bearing drinks, shown only for an illustrative purpose and not as any limitation of this invention. TABLE-US-00002 Caffeine Equivalents in Beverage Containers Constituent- dosage 150 mg Container/Size Caffeine, mg Coffee Instant 150 ml cup 60-100 Coffee Percolated/Drip 150 ml cup 100-150 mg Coffee Espresso 150 ml cup 190 mg Coffee Decaffeinated 150 ml cup 2-4 mg Tea 150 ml cup 30-100 mg Cocoa 150 ml cup 30-60 mg Cola Soft Drink 250 ml 35 mg Energy Drink 250 ml 80 mg

II. Saliva Permeable Pouch

[0030] Turning now to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is presented. The primary function of the preferred embodiment is to include proper amount of charge to compensate for the desired amount of caffeine to emulate the beverage desired by the individual.

[0031] The technology for making saliva permeable pouches is well known in the art and a further description of the fabrication of the pouch (10) is not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to appreciate this present invention. For example, similar pouches, in a tobacco application are employed in the manufacture of smokeless tobacco marketed under the trademark BANDIT by U.S. Tobacco Company of Franklandpark, Ill.

[0032] The following description is by way of examples only and not as any limitation of the invention. The saliva permeable pouch of the present invention can be one of two designs: flat design or tubular design. The flat design can be constructed from a pouch stock in a continuous roll form, further processed to cuts of individual pieces. Similarly, the tubular design pouch stock can be in form of a continuous tube, further processed to cuts of individual pieces. Each cut of individual pieces is suitably sized to form individual pouches.

[0033] The individual pouch cuttings can be formed in several ways, the following is by way of examples only and not as any limitation. The flat design pouch stock rolls are in styles such that the continuity retains the longitudinal dimension of the pouch. As cuts are made, the individual piece has two open lateral edges and an open longitudinal edge. The second longitudinal edge is seamlessly rolled up on itself. Similarly, the tubular design is in the form of a continuous tube of pouch stock. As cuts are made, an individual piece, tubular in construction with two open-end edges, is formed.

[0034] In the process of making these pouches, a lip is formed at each open edge. The lips are sealed by suitable means such as heat-sealing, to form a pouch casing, leaving one last seal as open for the filling operation. During filling, a predetermined amount of charge, for example, 0.25 ounce of ground coffee of desired particle size is filled into the pouch casing through the open end. The open end of the pouch is finally sealed so that the pouch envelops and sealingly retains the charge therein.

[0035] A charge capable of placement in a person's mouth adjacent the outer gum was produced as follows. The saliva permeable pouches were fabricated of an infusible filter paper packaging material and each pouch was filled with the charge. The charge had a particle size, which contained a minority of fines that could pass through the pouch when wetted. The majority of the charge was retained in the pouch once it was sealed. The size of the pouch was approximately one and one-half inches in length and one-half inch in height so that when filled with the charge the pouch could be readily placed adjacent a person's outer gum without distorting the person's mouth or making the person uncomfortable.

[0036] The charge when placed in one's mouth in area adjacent an outer gum assists in reducing one's dependency on brewed coffee in favor of a personal delivery of caffeine charge. Further, because of the porous nature of the saliva permeable pouch, saliva induced juices contained within the pouch can readily be dispersed into the user's mouth and digestive system without the need for spittle of such juices.

[0037] It is clear that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and to obtain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those inherent therein. While a presently preferred embodiment has been described for the purpose of this disclosure, numerous changes may be made which will readily suggest them to those skilled in the art and which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention disclosed and as defined in the appended claims.

[0038] Turning now to FIG. 2, a method of delivering individual portion of caffeine-bearing charge in a saliva permeable pouch is shown. The figure shows the method to insert the pouch in the mouth and lodge it between the outer gum and the lips.

[0039] The figure shows how the person chewing on the pouch can benefit from the charge converting to caffeine-bearing material. The top view shows the glands whose secretive action provides the saliva, later used to react with the charge and result in the desired beverage of required caffeine consistency and strength.

[0040] As explained in the following claims, a preferred embodiment is to have a charge of desired strength. Separate pouches can be manufactured using a product specific measured charge.

[0041] FIG. 3 shows the sequence of operation of the machine used for producing caffeine-bearing beverage including coffee. The machine is used to mass-produce the pouches and then package them for commercial distribution. TABLE-US-00003 Sequence of Machine Operation for manufacturing Saliva Permeable Pouch Station Number Station Identifier 31A Operator Power Unit Switch 31C Machine Ready - Light Indicator 31E Filling Station -Receiving Position 31G Filling Station - Filling Position 31I Filling Station - Delivery Position 33A Pouch Supplier 33C Pouch Transfer & Pre-seal 33E Pouch Receiving 35A Charge Dispensing 35C Charge measurement sensing 35E Charge Receiving 37A Pouch Post-Seal 37C Quality Check Station- Proper Measure 37E Rejects Unit 37G Packaging Unit 37I Warehousing/Shipping

[0042] The following description is showing a sequence of operations to be accomplished by the machine apparatus to form the saliva permeable pouches. The sequence of operation and explanation of functions performed at each station is by way of examples only and in no way a limitation of the invention.

[0043] An operator unit power switch (station 31A) allows an operator to initiate the operation of the machine apparatus. All stations of the machine apparatus are properly coordinated and sequenced and a machine ready light indicator turns on (station 31C).

[0044] A pouch supplier unit (station 33A) provides individual pouch cuts prepared from a roll of pouch stock or furnished in pre-cut lengths. A pouch transfer/pre-seal unit (station 33C) forms the lips on all pouch-casing edges and later seals the pouch casings leaving one open end. A pouch-receiving unit (station 33E) receives these pre-sealed pouches for onward delivery to the filling unit (station 31).

[0045] A charge-dispensing unit (station 35A) receives caffeine-bearing charge for onward delivery to a charge measuring & sensing unit (station 35C). The charge is measured in reference to a operator set charge amount and proper amount of charge is delivered to the charge-receiving unit (station 35E) that, in turn passes it over to the filling unit (station 31).

[0046] The Filling unit comprises of three stations: Filling station receiving position (31E), filling station filling position (station 31G) and filling station delivery position (station 31I). The unit operates to properly sequence the filling of pouches with the caffeine charge.

[0047] The last open edge of each pouch is sealingly closed in the Pouch post-seal unit (station 37A). The pouch then moves on to quality check unit (station 37C) where the weight measure is validated and a quality compliance or non-compliance decision is rendered. In case of non-compliance, the pouch is discarded into the rejects unit (station 37E).

[0048] Quality compliant pouch moves on to the packaging unit (station 37E) where the pouches are assembled to a sufficient quantity to fill individual boxes. The packages move on to the warehousing/shipping unit (station 37G).

[0049] Changes may be made in the structure and embodiments shown herein without departing from the concept of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention is to be determined by the terminology of the following claims and the legal equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A saliva permeable pouch containing a measured charge of caffeine further comprising: said pouch having a surface constructed of a porous material; said porous material having pores in sizes suitable to retain said charge, allow inward saliva permeation and allow outward flow of charge dissolved in saliva; said pouch having a plurality of open ends; said plurality of open ends pressed to lip construction forming a plurality of lips; and said lips sealed closed providing a sealed enclosure for the retained charge within.

2. A saliva permeable pouch as in claim 1, where in said pouch is a slim design having size measurements which comprise: from about 1 inch to 1.5 inch in length; and from about inch to 1/2 inch in width.

3. A saliva permeable pouch as in claim 1, further comprising: said caffeine-bearing charge as coffee-based.

4. A saliva permeable pouch as in claim 2, further comprising: said caffeine-bearing charge as coffee-based.

5. A method of delivering individual portion of caffeine-bearing charge in a saliva permeable pouch comprising: proportioning a measure of said caffeine-bearing charge in a saliva permeable pouch to meet individual potion strength, flavoring, and coloring requirements; sealing said pouch; and positioning said pouch in a person's mouth.

6. The method of delivering said caffeine-bearing charge in said saliva permeable pouch as in claim 5, further comprising: releasing the active ingredients of said caffeine-bearing charge by absorption and ingestion in the mouth by voluntary action or involuntary reflex; chewing and compressing said pouch at will to effectuate slow, measured and selective release of the active ingredients; allowing said pouch to stay in the mouth till the effectiveness of the active ingredients persists; and ejecting said pouch after use at human will.

7. The method of delivering individual portion of said caffeine-bearing charge as in claim 5, wherein, said caffeine-bearing charge is coffee-based.

8. The method of delivering said coffee-based charge in said saliva permeable pouch as in claim 7, further comprising: releasing the active ingredients of the contents to the body by absorption and ingestion in the mouth by voluntary action or involuntary reflex; chewing and compressing said pouch at will to effectuate slow, measured and selective release of the active ingredients; allowing said pouch to stay in the mouth till the effectiveness of the active ingredients persists; and ejecting said pouch after use at human will.

9. A machine apparatus for filling measured quantities of said caffeine-bearing charge into saliva permeable pouches to make discrete, self-contained, end sealed packets, comprising: an operator power unit switch to initiate the production sequence; a light indicator to confirm ready status of said machine; a pouch supply unit to introduce said pouch stock from to a pouch transfer unit; said pouch transfer unit delivering said pouch stock to a pre-seal unit; said pre-seal unit programmed to select all except one extreme open end for forming lip construction; said pre-seal unit further securing all except one open end; said pre-seal unit cooperatively configured to hand over said pre-sealed pouch to a pouch-receiving unit; a charge-dispensing unit capable to receive caffeine-bearing charge and selectively pass it on to a measuring unit; said measuring unit capable of manipulation to receive a reference setting, sensing the measure of said charge, comparing said measure to said reference setting, validating when said measure equals said reference setting, and pass said charge forward to a charge receiving unit; said charge receiving unit cooperating with said pouch receiving unit delivering said measured charge to a filling station contemporaneously with said pouch receiving unit delivering said pre-sealed pouch stocks; said filling station comprising of a receiving position to receive said measured charge and said pre-sealed pouch, a filling position to sequence the receipt, fill, and delivery phases; and a delivery position receiving pre-sealed pouches containing said measured charge; a pouch post-seal unit forming a lip construction at the last open end of said pre-sealed pouch transferring from said delivery position of said filling station; a quality check unit comparing said product with programmed product specifications and capable of modulation from pass to fail; said quality check unit exhibiting a fail mode to discard said failed pouch to a reject bin; alternatively said quality check unit exhibiting a pass mode to steer said pouch as a finished product to a packaging unit; said packaging unit packing, containerizing and bar coding said product for transfer to warehousing and shipping.

10. A machine apparatus for filling measured quantities of said charge as in claim 9, wherein said caffeine-bearing charge is coffee-based.