U.S. patent application number 11/233399 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-22 for smokeless tobacco composition.
Invention is credited to Daniel Verdin Cantrell, James Neil Figlar, Darrell Eugene JR. Holton.
Application Number | 20070062549 11/233399 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37882857 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070062549 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Holton; Darrell Eugene JR. ;
et al. |
March 22, 2007 |
Smokeless tobacco composition
Abstract
A smokeless tobacco product includes a powdered or granular
smokeless tobacco formulation that is contained within a
moisture-permeable packet or pouch. The smokeless tobacco
formulation includes finely ground particles of tobacco in
powder-like form and other ingredients such as sweeteners, binders,
colorants, pH adjusters, fillers, flavoring agents, disintegration
aids, antioxidants and preservatives. The container has the form of
a pouch or bag, such as is the type commonly for the manufacture of
snus products. The container is intended to be placed in the mouth
of the tobacco user, in order that the dry tobacco formulation
within the container may be enjoyed by the user. After the tobacco
user is finished using the smokeless tobacco product, the container
is removed from the user's mouth for disposal. Alternatively, the
container is dissolvable or dispersible in the mouth of the
user.
Inventors: |
Holton; Darrell Eugene JR.;
(Clemmons, NC) ; Cantrell; Daniel Verdin;
(Lewisville, NC) ; Figlar; James Neil; (Clemmons,
NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRINKS HOFER GILSON & LIONE
P.O. BOX 10395
CHICAGO
IL
60610
US
|
Family ID: |
37882857 |
Appl. No.: |
11/233399 |
Filed: |
September 22, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
131/352 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24B 15/28 20130101;
A24B 15/42 20130101; A24B 13/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
131/352 |
International
Class: |
A24B 15/00 20060101
A24B015/00 |
Claims
1. A smokeless tobacco product for insertion into the mouth of a
user of that product, the product comprising: a tobacco formulation
including granular tobacco and a water-permeable sealed pouch
containing the tobacco formulation.
2. The tobacco product of claim 1 wherein the sealed pouch is
soluble in water, dispersible in water, or a combination
thereof.
3. The tobacco product of claim 1 wherein the pouch contains about
50 mg to about 500 mg of tobacco formulation, on a dry weight
basis.
4. The tobacco product of claim 1 wherein the pouch contains about
100 mg to about 400 mg of tobacco formulation, on a dry weight
basis.
5. The tobacco product of claim 1 wherein the tobacco formulation
has a moisture content, prior to use, of less than about 20 weight
percent.
6. The tobacco product of claim 1 wherein the tobacco formulation
has a moisture content of less than about 10 weight percent.
7. The tobacco product of claim 1 wherein the tobacco formulation
includes a disintegration aid.
8. The tobacco product of claim 7 wherein the disintegration aid is
selected from the group consisting of microcrystalline cellulose,
croscarmellose sodium, crospovidone, sodium starch glycolate, and
pregelatinized corn starch.
9. The tobacco product of claim 1 wherein the tobacco formulation
includes a buffering agent.
10. The tobacco product of claim 9 wherein the buffering agent is
selected from the group consisting of metal hydroxides, metal
carbonates, and metal bicarbonates.
11. The tobacco product of claim 1 wherein the tobacco formulation
includes an artificial sweetener, a natural sweetener, or a
combination thereof.
12. The tobacco product of claim 1, comprising a sweetener selected
from the group consisting of fructose, sucrose, glucose, maltose,
mannose, galactose, lactose, sucralose, saccharin, aspartame, and
acesulfame K.
13. The tobacco product of claim 1 wherein the tobacco formulation
includes a filler.
14. The tobacco product of claim 13 wherein the filler is selected
from the group consisting of grains, maltodextrin, dextrose,
calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, corn starch, lactose,
manitol, xylitol, sorbitol, and finely divided cellulose.
15. The tobacco product of claim 1 wherein the tobacco formulation
includes an antioxidant.
16. The tobacco product of claim 15 wherein the antioxidant is
selected from the group consisting of ascorbic acid, grape seed
extract, grape seed oil, polyphenol-containing materials, green tea
extract, black tea extract, peanut endocarb, and potato peel.
17. The tobacco product of claim 1 wherein the granular tobacco is
sized to pass through a screen of 20 Tyler mesh.
18. The tobacco product of claim 1 wherein the granular tobacco is
sized to pass through a screen of 60 Tyler mesh.
19. The tobacco product of claim 1 wherein the granular tobacco is
sized to pass through a screen of 150 Tyler mesh.
20. The tobacco product of claim 1 wherein the granular tobacco is
sized to pass through a screen of 200 Tyler mesh.
21. The tobacco product of claim 1, wherein one or both of the
tobacco formulation and the water-permeable sealed pouch includes
at least one flavoring agent.
22. A smokeless tobacco product comprising: a tobacco formulation
including ground tobacco lamina, sucralose, titanium dioxide,
calcium carbonate, mannitol, powdered cellulose, pregelatinized
corn starch, povidone, and potassium hydroxide; and a
water-permeable sealed pouch containing the tobacco formulation.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to tobacco, and in particular,
to the use of tobacco in a smokeless form.
[0002] Cigarettes, cigars and pipes are popular smoking articles
that employ tobacco in various forms. Such smoking articles are
used by heating or burning tobacco, and aerosol (e.g., smoke) is
inhaled by the smoker. Tobacco also can be enjoyed in a so-called
"smokeless" form. Particularly popular smokeless tobacco products
are employed by inserting some form of processed tobacco or
tobacco-containing formulation into the mouth of the user.
[0003] Various types of smokeless tobacco products are set forth in
U.S. Pat. No. 1,376,586 to Schwartz; U.S. Pat. No. 4,513,756 to
Pittman et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,528,993 to Sensabaugh, Jr. et al.;
U.S. Pat. No. 4,624,269 to Story et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,987,907 to
Townsend; U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,352 to Sprinkle, III et al.; and U.S.
Pat. No. 5,387,416 to White et al.; PCT Application Pub. No. WO
2004/095959 to Arnarp et al. and PCT Application Pub. No. WO
2005/063060 to Atchley et al.; each of which is incorporated herein
by reference. Representative types of moist snuff products,
commonly referred to as "snus," are manufactured in Europe,
particularly in Sweden, by or through companies such as Swedish
Match AB, Fiedler & Lundgren AB, Gustavus AB, Skandinavisk
Tobakskompagni A/S and Rocker Production AB. Representative
smokeless tobacco products also are marketed under the tradenames
Oliver Twist by House of Oliver Twist A/S; Copenhagen, Skoal,
Rooster, Red Seal, Husky, and Revel by U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co.;
and Levi Garrett, Peachy, Taylor's Pride, Kodiak, Hawken
Wintergreen, Grizzley, Dental, Kentucky King, and Mammoth Cave by
Conwood Sales Co., L.P.
[0004] It would be desirable to provide an enjoyable form of a
smokeless tobacco product.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention relates to smokeless tobacco product.
The product possesses a powdered or granular smokeless tobacco
formulation that is contained within a moisture-permeable
container. The smokeless tobacco formulation includes granular
particles of tobacco and other ingredients, such as sweeteners,
binders, colorants, pH adjusters, fillers, flavoring agents,
disintegration aids, antioxidants, and preservatives. The container
has the form of a pouch or bag, such as is the type commonly for
the manufacture of snus types of products. The container is
intended to be placed in the mouth of the tobacco user, in order
that the dry tobacco formulation within the container can be
enjoyed by the user. After the tobacco user is finished using the
smokeless tobacco product, the container is removed from the user's
mouth for disposal. Alternatively, the container may be
manufactured from a water dissolvable or dispersible material, such
that the tobacco formulation and the container each may be ingested
by the user.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0006] Tobaccos used for the manufacture of tobacco products
pursuant to the present invention can vary. The tobaccos may
include types of tobaccos such as flue-cured tobacco, burley
tobacco, Oriental tobacco, Maryland tobacco, dark tobacco,
dark-fired tobacco and Rustica tobaccos, as well as other rare or
specialty tobaccos. Descriptions of various types of tobaccos,
growing practices, harvesting practices and curing practices are
set for in Tobacco Production, Chemistry and Technology, Davis et
al. (Eds.) (1999). See, also, the types of tobaccos that are set
forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,660,577 to Sensabaugh, Jr. et al.; U.S.
Pat. No. 5,387,416 to White et al.; and U.S. Pat. Application
2004/0084056 to Lawson et al., each of which is incorporated herein
by reference. Most preferably, the tobacco materials are those that
have been appropriately cured and aged. Especially preferred
techniques and conditions for curing flue-cured tobacco are set
forth in Nestor et al., Beitr. Tabakforsch. Int., 20 (2003) 467-475
and U.S. Pat. No. 6,895,974 to Peele, which are incorporated herein
by reference. Representative techniques and conditions for air
curing tobacco are set forth in Roton et al., Beitrage Tabakforsch.
Int., 21 (2005) 305-320 and Staaf et al., Beitrage Tabakforsch.
Int., 21 (2005) 321-330, which are incorporated herein by
reference.
[0007] Tobacco products of the present invention may incorporate
one type of tobacco (e.g., in a so-called "straight grade" form).
For example, the tobacco within a tobacco product can be composed
solely of flue-cured tobacco (e.g., all of the tobacco may be
composed, or derived from, either flue-cured tobacco lamina, or a
mixture of flue-cured tobacco lamina and flue-cured tobacco stem).
The tobacco within a tobacco product also can have a so-called
"blended" form. For example, the tobacco within a tobacco product
may be composed of a mixture of parts or pieces of flue-cured,
burley (e.g., Malawi burley tobacco) and Oriental tobaccos (e.g.,
as tobacco composed of, or derived from, tobacco lamina, or a
mixture of tobacco lamina and tobacco stem). Exemplary tobacco
blends incorporate about 75 parts flue-cured tobacco, about 15
parts burley tobacco and about 10 parts Oriental tobacco; about 65
parts flue-cured tobacco, about 25 parts burley tobacco and about
10 parts Oriental tobacco; and about 65 parts flue-cured tobacco,
about 10 parts burley tobacco and about 25 parts Oriental tobacco;
on a dry weight basis.
[0008] The tobacco that is used for the tobacco product most
preferably includes tobacco lamina, or tobacco lamina and stem
mixture, that has been cured and aged. Tobacco mixtures
incorporating a predominant amount of tobacco lamina, relative to
tobacco stem, are preferred. Most preferably, the tobacco lamina
and stem are used in an unextracted form, that is, such that the
extractable portion (e.g., the water soluble portion) is present
within the unextractable portion (e.g., the tobacco pulp) in a
manner comparable to that of natural tobacco provided in a cured
and aged form. Most preferably, the tobacco is not provided in a
reconstituted form, extruded form, or any form that has resulted
from extraction and recombination of components of that tobacco.
However, portions of the tobaccos within the tobacco product may
have processed forms, such as processed tobacco stems (e.g.,
cut-rolled stems, cut-rolled-expanded stems or cut-puffed stems),
or volume expanded tobacco (e.g., puffed tobacco, such as dry ice
expanded tobacco (DIET)). In addition, the tobacco product
optionally may incorporate tobacco that has been fermented. See,
also, the types of tobacco processing techniques set forth in PCT
Application Pub. No. WO 2005/063060 to Atchley et al., which is
incorporated herein by reference.
[0009] The tobacco used for the manufacture of the tobacco product
preferably is provided in a ground, granulated, fine particulate or
powder form. Most preferably, the tobacco is employed in the form
of parts or pieces that have an average particle size less than
that of the parts or pieces of shredded tobacco used in so-called
"fine cut" tobacco products. Preferably, the very finely divided
tobacco particles or pieces are sized to pass through a screen of
20 Tyler mesh, more preferably sized to pass through a screen of 60
Tyler mesh, still more preferably sized to pass through a screen of
100 Tyler mesh, and may be sized so as to pass through a screen of
200 Tyler mesh. If desired, air classification equipment may be
used in order to ensure that small sized tobacco particles of the
desired sizes, or range of sizes, may be collected.
[0010] The manner by which the tobacco is provided in a finely
divided or powder type of form may vary. Preferably, tobacco parts
or pieces are comminuted, ground or pulverized into a powder type
of form using equipment and techniques for grinding, milling, or
the like. Most preferably, the tobacco is relatively dry in form
during grinding or milling, using equipment such as hammer mills,
cutter heads, air control mills, or the like. For example, tobacco
parts or pieces may be ground or milled when the moisture content
thereof is less than about 15 weight percent to less than about 5
weight percent. The tobacco may also be irradiated or
pasteurized.
[0011] If desired, the tobacco material may be cased and dried, and
then ground to the desired form. For example, the tobacco material
may be cased with an aqueous casing containing components such as
sugars (e.g., fructose, glucose and sucrose), humectants (e.g.,
glycerin and propylene glycol), flavoring agents (e.g., cocoa and
licorice), and the like. Non-aqueous casing components preferably
are applied to the tobacco in amounts of about 1 percent to about
15 percent, based on the dry weight of the tobacco.
[0012] The tobacco formulation may incorporate other components in
addition to tobacco. Those components may alter the nature of the
flavor provided by that formulation. For example, those components,
or suitable combinations of those components, may act to alter the
bitterness, sweetness, sourness or saltiness of the formulation;
enhance the perceived dryness or moistness of the formulation; or
the degree of tobacco taste exhibited by the formulation. Such
other components may be salts (e.g., sodium chloride, potassium
chloride, sodium citrate, potassium citrate, sodium acetate,
potassium acetate, and the like); natural sweeteners (e.g.,
fructose, sucrose, glucose, maltose, mannose, galactose, lactose,
and the like); artificial sweeteners (e.g., sucralose, saccharin,
aspartame, acesulfame K, and the like), organic and inorganic
fillers (e.g., grains, processed grains, puffed grains,
maltodextrin, dextrose, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, corn
starch, lactose, manitol, xylitol, sorbitol, finely divided
cellulose, and the like); binders (e.g., povidone, sodium
carboxymethylcellulose and other modified cellulosic types of
binders, sodium alginate, xanthan gum, starch-based binders, gum
arabic, lecithin, and the like); pH adjusters or buffering agents
(e.g., metal hydroxides, preferably alkali metal hydroxides such as
sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide, and other alkali metal
buffers such as potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium
bicarbonate, and the like); colorants (e.g., dyes and pigments,
including caramel coloring and titanium dioxide, and the like);
humectants (e.g. glycerin, propylene glycol, and the like);
preservatives (e.g., potassium sorbate, and the like); syrups
(e.g., honey, high fructose corn syrup, and the like);
disintegration aids (e.g., microcrystalline cellulose,
croscarmellose sodium, crospovidone, sodium starch glycolate,
pregelatinized corn starch, and the like); antioxidants (e.g.,
ascorbic acid, grape seed extracts and oils, polyphenol-containing
materials such as green tea extract and black tea extract, peanut
endocarb, potato peel, and the like; see Santhosh et al.,
Phytomedicine, 12(2005) 216-220, which is incorporated herein by
reference); and flavoring agents. Flavoring agents may be natural
or synthetic, and the character of these flavors may be described,
without limitation, as fresh, sweet, herbal, confectionary, floral,
fruity or spice. Specific types of flavors include, but are not
limited to, vanilla, coffee, chocolate, cream, mint, spearmint,
menthol, peppermint, wintergreen, lavender, cardamon, nutmeg,
cinnamon, clove, cascarilla, sandalwood, honey, jasmine, ginger,
anise, sage, licorice, lemon, orange, apple, peach, lime, cherry,
and strawberry. See also, Leffingwill et al., Tobacco Flavoringfor
Smoking Products, R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company (1972). Flavorings
also may include components that are considered moistening, cooling
or smoothening agents, such as eucalyptus. These flavors may be
provided neat (i.e., alone) or in a composite (e.g., spearmint and
menthol, or orange and cinnamon). Representative types of
components also are set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,416 to White
et al. and PCT Application Pub. No. WO 2005/041699 to Quinter et
al., each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0013] The amount of tobacco within the tobacco formulation may
vary. Preferably, the amount of tobacco within the tobacco
formulation is at least about 25 percent to at least about 40
percent, on a dry weight basis. The amounts of other components
within the tobacco formulation preferably are in excess of about 25
percent to in excess of about 40 percent, on a dry weight
basis.
[0014] The relative amounts of the various other components within
the tobacco formulation may vary. Any sweetener used most
preferably is employed in amounts sufficient in order to provide
desired flavor attributes to the tobacco formulation. When present,
a representative amount of sweetener, whether an artificial
sweetener and/or natural sugar, may make up at least about 1
percent to at least about 3 percent, of the total dry weight of the
formulation. Preferably, the amount of sweetener within the
formulation will not exceed about 40 percent, often will not exceed
about 35 percent, and frequently will not exceed about 30 percent,
of the total dry weight of the formulation. A binder may be
employed in amounts sufficient in order to provide the desired
physical attributes and physical integrity to the tobacco
formulation. When present, a representative amount of binder may
make up at least about 1 percent to at least about 3 percent of the
total dry weight of the formulation. Preferably, the amount of
binder within the formulation will not exceed about 20 percent of
the total dry weight of the formulation. Often, often the amount of
binder within a desirable formulation will not exceed about 15
percent, and frequently will not exceed about 10 percent, of the
total dry weight of the formulation.
[0015] A disintegration aid may be employed in an amount sufficient
to provide control of desired physical attributes of the tobacco
formulation such as, for example, by providing loss of physical
integrity and dispersion of the various component materials upon
contact of the formulation with water (e.g., by undergoing swelling
upon contact with water). When present, a representative amount of
disintegration aid may make up at least about 1 percent to at least
about 10 percent of the total dry weight of the formulation.
Preferably, the amount of disintegration aid within the formulation
will not exceed about 50 percent, and frequently will not exceed
about 30 percent, of the total dry weight of the formulation.
[0016] A colorant may be employed in amounts sufficient in order to
provide the desired visual attributes to the tobacco formulation.
When present, a representative amount of colorant may make up at
least about 1 percent to at least about 3 percent, of the total dry
weight of the formulation. Preferably, the amount of colorant
within the formulation will not exceed about 30 percent, and
frequently will not exceed about 10 percent, of the total dry
weight of the formulation. The filler preferably is employed in
amounts sufficient in order to provide control of desired physical
attributes and sensory attributes to the tobacco formulation. When
present, a representative amount of filler, whether an organic
and/or inorganic filler, may make up at least about 5 percent to at
least about 15 percent, of the total dry weight of the formulation.
Preferably, the amount of filler within the formulation will not
exceed about 60 percent, and frequently will not exceed about 40
percent, of the total dry weight of the formulation. When present,
a representative amount of buffering or pH adjusting agent may make
up at least about 1 percent to at least about 3 percent of the
total dry weight of the formulation. Preferably, the amount of
buffering or pH adjusting agent within the formulation will not
exceed about 10 percent, and frequently will not exceed about 5
percent, of the total dry weight of the formulation.
[0017] A flavoring agent preferably is employed in amounts
sufficient in order to provide desired sensory attributes to the
tobacco formulation. When present, a representative amount of
flavoring agent may make up at least about 1 percent to at least
about 3 percent of the total dry weight of the formulation.
Preferably, the amount of flavoring agent will not exceed about 15
percent, and frequently will not exceed about 5 percent, of the
total dry weight of the formulation. A salt may be employed in
amounts sufficient in order to provide desired sensory attributes
to the tobacco formulation. When present, a representative amount
of salt may make up at least about 1 percent to at least about 3
percent of the total dry weight of the formulation. Preferably, the
amount of salt within the formulation will not exceed about 10
percent, and frequently does not exceed about 5 percent, of the
total dry weight of the formulation. When present, a representative
amount of antioxidant, may make up at least about 1 percent to at
least about 3 percent, of the total dry weight of the formulation.
Preferably, the amount of antioxidant within the formulation will
not exceed about 25 percent, and frequently will not exceed about
10 percent, of the total dry weight of the formulation. When
present, a representative amount of preservative may make up at
least about 0.1 percent to at least about 1 percent, of the total
dry weight of the formulation. Preferably, the amount of
preservative within the formulation will not exceed about 5
percent, and frequently will not exceed about 3 percent, of the
total dry weight of the formulation.
[0018] Representative tobacco formulations may incorporate about 25
to about 60 percent tobacco, about 1 to about 5 percent artificial
sweetener, about 1 to about 5 percent colorant, about 10 to about
60 percent organic and/or inorganic filler, about 5 to about 20
percent disintegrating aid, about 1 to about 5 percent binder,
about 1 to about 5 percent pH-adjusting/buffering agent, flavoring
agent in an amount of up to about 10 percent, preservative in an
amount up to about 2 percent, and salt in an amount up to about 5
percent, based on the total dry weight of the tobacco formulation.
The particular percentages and choice of ingredients will vary
depending upon the desired flavor, texture, and other
characteristics.
[0019] The manner by which the various components of the tobacco
formulation are combined may vary. The various components of the
formulation may be contacted, combined, or mixed together in
conical-type blenders, mixing drums, ribbon blenders, or the like.
As such, the overall mixture of various components with the
powdered tobacco components may be relatively uniform in nature.
See also, for example, the types methodologies set forth in U.S.
Pat. No. 4,148,325 to Solomon et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,510,855 to
Korte et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,834,654 to Williams, each of
which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0020] The moisture content of the tobacco formulation prior to use
by a consumer of the formulation may vary. Typically, the moisture
content of the tobacco formulation, as present within the pouch
prior to insertion into the mouth of the user, is less than 40
weight percent and preferably less than 15 weight percent. Certain
highly preferred tobacco formulations have moisture contents, prior
to use, of less than 10 weight percent to less than 5 weight
percent.
[0021] The manner by which the moisture content of the formulation
is controlled may vary. For example the formulation may subjected
to thermal or convention heating. As a specific example, the
formulation may be oven-dried, in warmed air at temperatures of
about 40.degree. C. to about 95.degree. C., with a preferred
temperature range of about 60.degree. C. to about 80.degree. C. for
a length of time appropriate to attain the desired moisture
content.
[0022] The tobacco formulation used for the manufacture of the
tobacco product preferably is provided in a ground, granulated,
fine particulate or powder form. Although not preferred, the
tobacco formulation may be subjected to processing steps that
provide a further grinding, and hence additional or further
particle size reduction.
[0023] The pH of the formulation may vary. Typically, the pH of the
formulation is at least about 6.5 and preferably about 7.5.
Typically, the pH of the formulation will not exceed about 9, and
often will not exceed about 8.5. A representative formulation
exhibits a pH of about 6.8 to about 8.2. A representative technique
for determining the pH of the formulation involve dispersing 2 g of
the formulation in 10 ml of high performance liquid chromatography
water, and measuring pH using a pH meter.
[0024] If desired, prior to preparation of the formulation, the
tobacco parts or pieces may be irradiated, or those parts and
pieces may be pasteurized, or otherwise subjected to controlled
heat treatment. If desired, after preparation of all or a portion
of the formulation, the component materials may be irradiated, or
those component materials may be pasteurized, or otherwise
subjected to controlled heat treatment. For example, a formulation
may be prepared, followed by irradiation or pasteurization, and
then flavoring agents may be applied to the formulation.
[0025] The moisture-permeable packet or pouch that acts as a
container for use of the tobacco formulation may vary. Suitable
packets or pouches are of the type used for the manufacture of
smokeless tobacco products that are available under the tradenames
CatchDry, Ettan, General, Granit, Goteborgs Rape, Grovsnus White,
Metropol Kaktus, Mocca Anis, Mocca Mint, Mocca Wintergreen, Kicks,
Probe, Prince, Skruf and TreAnkrare. The tobacco formulation may be
contained in pouches and packaged, in a manner and using the types
of components used for the manufacture of conventional snus types
of products. The pouch provides a liquid-permeable container of a
type that may be considered to be similar in character to the
mesh-like type of material that is used for the construction of a
tea bag. Components of the loosely arranged, granular tobacco
formulation readily diffuse through the pouch and into the mouth of
the user.
[0026] Descriptions of various components of snus types of products
and components thereof also are set forth in U.S. Pat. Application
2004/0118422 to Lundin et al., which is incorporated herein by
reference. See, also, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,607,479 to
Linden; U.S. Pat. No. 4,631,899 to Nielsen; U.S. Pat. No. 5,346,734
to Wydick et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,162,516 to Derr, and U.S.
Pat. Application 2005/0061339 to Hansson et al.; each of which is
incorporated herein by reference. See, also, the types of pouches
set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,167,244 to Kjerstad, which is
incorporated herein by reference.
[0027] An exemplary pouch may be manufactured from materials, and
in such a manner, such that during use by the user, the pouch
undergoes a controlled dispersion or dissolution. Such pouch
materials may have the form of a mesh, screen, perforated paper,
permeable fabric, or the like. For example, pouch material
manufactured from a mesh-like form of rice paper, or perforated
rice paper, may dissolve in the mouth of the user. As a result, the
pouch and tobacco formulation each may undergo complete dispersion
within the mouth of the user during normal conditions of use, and
hence the pouch and tobacco formulation both may be ingested by the
user. Other exemplary pouch materials may be manufactured from
water dispersible film forming materials (e.g., binding agents such
as alginates, carboxymethylcellulose, xanthan gum, and the like),
as well as those materials in combination with materials such as
ground cellulosics (e.g., fine particle size wood pulp). Preferred
pouch materials, though water dispersible or dissolvable, may be
designed and manufactured in order that under conditions of normal
use, a significant amount of the tobacco formulation contents
permeate through the pouch material prior to the time that the
pouch undergoes loss of its physical integrity. If desired,
flavoring agents, disintegration aids, and other desired
components, may be incorporated within, or applied to, the pouch
material.
[0028] Amount of tobacco formulation contained within each pouch
may vary. Typically, the dry weight of the tobacco formulation
within each pouch is at least about 50 mg to at least about 150 mg.
For a contemplated embodiment, the dry weight of the tobacco
formulation within each pouch does not exceed about 300 mg to about
500 mg.
[0029] The following example is provided in order to illustrate
further the present invention, but should not be construed as
limiting the scope thereof. Unless otherwise noted, all parts and
percentages are by weight.
EXAMPLE 1
[0030] Flue cured tobacco lamina that has been aged is provided in
a strip form, and at a moisture content of about 9 percent. The
lamina is milled under cryogenic conditions to a fine ground form.
The powder is sufficiently fine so as to pass through a 150 Tyler
mesh screen. The resulting powder then is irradiated with about 5
to about 20 kilorays of gamma radiation.
[0031] The tobacco powder is introduced into a fluidized bed. While
in the fluidized bed, the tobacco powder is introduced to a mixture
of water and various ingredients that have been provided in a dry
powder form. The resulting mixture is removed from the fluidized
bed, and dried to a moisture content of about 4 percent.
[0032] The resulting tobacco formulation that is removed from the
fluidized bed is composed of the following: The formulation
contains about 32 parts of the granulated flue-cured tobacco
lamina, about 2 parts of sucralose (modified sugar), about 1 part
titanium dioxide, about 20.5 parts calcium carbonate (in the form
available as HD PPT Fine from Ruger Chemical), about 27.7 parts
mannitol powder, about 2.3 parts powdered cellulose (in the form
available as QC-90 from CreaFill Fibers), about 8.5 parts
pregelatinized corn starch (in the form available as Starch 1500
from Colorcon), about 4.5 parts povidone (in the form available as
PVPK-30 from Xian Medicines & Health Products), and about 1.5
parts potassium hydroxide. The moisture content of the resulting
powdered tobacco formulation is about 4 percent. The tobacco
formulation is a dry, free flowing, finely milled powder that is
light tan in color, and is made up of particles having an average
particle size sufficient to pass through a screen of about 80 Tyler
mesh.
[0033] A smokeless tobacco product available as Revel Tobacco pack
cinnamon by U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co. is provided. That tobacco
product possesses pieces of tobacco contained within a sealed
pouch. The pouch is a slim, permeable, white packet that is treated
with sweetener and cinnamon flavor. A small slice is cut in the
pouch using a razor blade, and the tobacco within the pouch is
removed through the resulting opening. About 180 mg of the
previously described, finely ground, tobacco formulation is
introduced into the pouch. A heating iron is briefly passed near
the region of the slice, in order to cause the thermoplastic (e.g.,
polypropylene) components within the pouch to melt. The pouch is
then allowed to cool, thereby resealing the pouch. The tobacco
formulation within the sealed pouch has a loose, free-flowing,
granular form. The granular tobacco formulation is not shaped,
molded, compressed, or otherwise formed into any type of shape.
[0034] The tobacco product is used by placing one pouch containing
the tobacco formulation in the mouth of a human subject/user.
During use, saliva in the mouth of the user causes components of
the tobacco formulation to pass through the water-permeable pouch
and into the mouth of the human subject. The pouch is not chewed or
swallowed. The contents of the pouch most preferably are virtually
all dispersed from the pouch and pass into the mouth of the human
subject. The user is provided with tobacco flavor and satisfaction,
and is not required to spit out any portion of the tobacco
formulation. After about 10 minutes of enjoyment, substantial
amounts of the tobacco formulation have been ingested by the human
subject, and the pouch is removed from the mouth of the human
subject for disposal.
[0035] It is intended that the foregoing detailed description be
regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and that it be
understood that it is the following claims, including all
equivalents, that are intended to define the spirit and scope of
this invention.
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