U.S. patent application number 12/695697 was filed with the patent office on 2010-11-04 for smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product.
This patent application is currently assigned to Philip Morris USA Inc.. Invention is credited to Hakan Bivehed.
Application Number | 20100275936 12/695697 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40983458 |
Filed Date | 2010-11-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100275936 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bivehed; Hakan |
November 4, 2010 |
SMOKELESS DISSOLVABLE COMPRESSED TOBACCO PRODUCT
Abstract
A smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product having a
total aerobic microbial count of less than 2 log cfu/g is made by
pasteurizing a tobacco component so as to reduce the total aerobic
microbial count thereof to less than 2 log cfu/g and the total
yeast and mold count thereof to less than 2 log cfu/g. The
pasteurized tobacco component is mixed with one or more non-tobacco
components before being compressed to form the smokeless
dissolvable compressed tobacco product.
Inventors: |
Bivehed; Hakan; (Upplands
Vasby, SE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BUCHANAN, INGERSOLL & ROONEY PC
POST OFFICE BOX 1404
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22313-1404
US
|
Assignee: |
Philip Morris USA Inc.
Richmond
VA
|
Family ID: |
40983458 |
Appl. No.: |
12/695697 |
Filed: |
January 28, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
131/119 ;
131/352 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24B 13/00 20130101;
A24B 15/18 20130101; A24B 15/183 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
131/119 ;
131/352 |
International
Class: |
A24C 1/18 20060101
A24C001/18; A24B 15/00 20060101 A24B015/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 28, 2009 |
EP |
09250218.6 |
Claims
1. A smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product comprising: a
pasteurized tobacco component having a total aerobic microbial
count of less than 2 log cfu/g.
2. The smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product of claim 1,
wherein the pasteurized tobacco component includes particulate
tobacco with an average particle size ranging from about 100 nm to
about 0.5 mm.
3. The smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product of claim 1,
further including one or more non-tobacco components selected from
the group consisting of: acidity regulators, buffering agents,
fillers, binders, gelling agents, lubricants, anti-adherents,
glidants, disintegration agents, sweeteners, flavorants, taste
enhancers and colorants.
4. The smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product of claim 1,
further including: at least one binder or filler; at least one
lubricant, anti-adherent or glidant; at least one acidity
regulator; at least one flavorant; and at least one sweetener.
5. The smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product of claim 4,
further including one or more of: a gelling agent; a taste
enhancer; a colorant; and a disintegration agent.
6. The smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product of claim 1,
wherein the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product has a
diameter ranging from about 2 mm to about 30 mm.
7. The smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product of claim 1,
wherein the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product has a
weight ranging from about 0.1 g to about 3.0 g.
8. The smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product of claim 1,
wherein the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product has a
hardness ranging from about 2 N to about 300 N.
9. The smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product of claim 1,
wherein the pasteurized tobacco component is included in the
smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product in an amount
ranging from about 0.5% to about 60% of the dry weight of the
smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product.
10. The smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product of claim
1, wherein the pasteurized tobacco component has a pH ranging from
about 7.5 to about 8.9.
11. A method of making a smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco
product having a total aerobic microbial count of less than 2 log
cfu/g comprising the steps of: pasteurizing a tobacco component so
as to reduce the total aerobic microbial count thereof to less than
2 log cfu/g and the total yeast and mold count thereof to less than
2 log cfu/g; mixing the pasteurized tobacco component with one or
more non-tobacco components; and compressing the pasteurized
tobacco component and one or more non-tobacco components to form a
product having a predetermined shape.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of pasteurizing the
tobacco component includes direct heating of the tobacco by hot
steam injection to a temperature ranging from about 100.degree. C.
to about 120.degree. C. for a period ranging from about 1 minute to
about 30 minutes.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of pasteurizing the
tobacco component includes direct heating of the tobacco component
by repeated hot steam injection to temperatures of at least about
100.degree. C.
14. The method of claim 11, further including the step of adjusting
the pH of the pasteurized tobacco component to about 7.5 and about
8.9 prior to compressing the pasteurized tobacco component and one
or more non-tobacco components to form the smokeless dissolvable
compressed tobacco product.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to European Application No.
09250218.6, filed Jan. 28, 2009, the entire content of which is
incorporated herein by this reference thereto.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A number of oral smokeless non-dissolvable tobacco products
that include an insoluble residual component that is disposed of by
a consumer after use are known in the art. Known smokeless
non-dissolvable tobacco products include: plug, twist, and loose
leaf chewing tobacco; dry snuff; moist snuff, which typically
contains finely cut fermented moist tobacco; loose or portioned
snus, which typically contains finely ground moist tobacco; and
tobacco-containing chewing gum.
[0003] A number of oral smokeless dissolvable tobacco products that
dissolve in the mouth of a consumer are also known. Amongst these
are smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco products in the form
of pills, tablets and lozenges, which include powdered or ground
tobacco together with other ingredients.
[0004] Raw, unprocessed tobacco may contain increased levels of
viable bacteria. As smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco
products dissolve and the tobacco in such products is ingested by
the consumer, it would be desirable to provide an improved method
for treating a smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product for
oral use.
[0005] The present invention relates to an oral smokeless
dissolvable compressed tobacco product.
Summary of Selected Aspects
[0006] A smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product includes
a pasteurized tobacco component. Preferably, the smokeless
dissolvable compressed tobacco product has a total aerobic
microbial count of less than 2 log cfu/g. Also preferably, the
pasteurized tobacco component includes particulate tobacco with an
average particle size ranging from about 100 nm to about 0.5 mm. In
the preferred embodiment, the smokeless dissolvable compressed
tobacco product can also include one or more non-tobacco components
selected from the group consisting of: acidity regulators,
buffering agents, fillers, binders, gelling agents, lubricants,
anti-adherents, glidants, disintegration agents, sweeteners,
flavorants, taste enhancers and colorants. Preferably, the
smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product includes at least
one binder or filler, at least one lubricant, anti-adherent or
glidant, at least one acidity regulator, at least one flavorant,
and at least one sweetener. Also preferably, the smokeless
dissolvable compressed tobacco product can include one or more of a
gelling agent, a taste enhancer, a colorant, and a disintegration
agent.
[0007] A method of making a smokeless dissolvable compressed
tobacco product having a total aerobic microbial count of less than
2 log cfu/g includes the steps of: pasteurizing a tobacco component
so as to reduce the total aerobic microbial count thereof to less
than 2 log cfu/g and the total yeast and mold count thereof to less
than 2 log cfu/g; mixing the pasteurized tobacco component with one
or more non-tobacco components; and compressing the pasteurized
tobacco component and one or more non-tobacco components to form a
smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product. Preferably, the
step of pasteurizing the tobacco component includes direct heating
of the tobacco by hot steam injection to a temperature ranging from
about 100.degree. C. to about 120.degree. C. for a period ranging
from about 1 minute to about 30 minutes. Also preferably, the step
of pasteurizing the tobacco component includes direct heating of
the tobacco component by repeated hot steam injection to
temperatures of at least about 100.degree. C. Moreover, the method
can also include the step of adjusting the pH of the pasteurized
tobacco component to about 7.5 and about 8.9 prior to compressing
the pasteurized tobacco component and one or more non-tobacco
components to form the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco
product.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The invention will be further described, by way of example
only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like
reference numerals are applied to like elements and wherein:
[0009] FIGS. 1(a), 1(b), and 1(c) show perspective, side and top
views, respectively, of a first embodiment of a smokeless
dissolvable compressed tobacco product;
[0010] FIGS. 2(a), 2(b), and 2(c) show perspective, side and top
views, respectively, of a second embodiment of a smokeless
dissolvable compressed tobacco product;
[0011] FIGS. 3(a), 3(b), and 3(c) show perspective, side and top
views, respectively, of a third embodiment of a smokeless
dissolvable compressed tobacco product;
[0012] FIGS. 4(a), 4(b), and 4(c) show perspective, side and top
views, respectively, of a fourth embodiment of a smokeless
dissolvable compressed tobacco product;
[0013] FIGS. 5(a), 5(b), and 5(c) show perspective, side and top
views, respectively, of a fifth embodiment of a smokeless
dissolvable compressed tobacco product;
[0014] FIGS. 6(a), 6(b), and 6(c) show perspective, side and top
views, respectively, of a sixth embodiment of a smokeless
dissolvable compressed tobacco product;
[0015] FIGS. 7(a), 7(b), and 7(c) show perspective, side and top
views, respectively, of a seventh embodiment of a smokeless
dissolvable compressed tobacco product;
[0016] FIGS. 8(a), 8(b), and 8(c) show perspective, side and top
views, respectively, of an eighth embodiment of a smokeless
dissolvable compressed tobacco product;
[0017] FIGS. 9(a), 9(b), and 9(c) show perspective, side and top
views, respectively, of a ninth embodiment of a smokeless
dissolvable compressed tobacco product;
[0018] FIGS. 10(a), 10(b), and 10(c) show perspective, side and top
views, respectively, of a tenth embodiment of a smokeless
dissolvable compressed tobacco product;
[0019] FIGS. 11(a), 11(b), and 11(c) show perspective, side and top
views, respectively, of an eleventh embodiment of a smokeless
dissolvable compressed tobacco product; and
[0020] FIGS. 12(a), 12(b), and 12(c) show perspective, side and top
views, respectively, of a twelfth embodiment of a smokeless
dissolvable compressed tobacco product.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] In a preferred embodiment, a smokeless dissolvable
compressed tobacco product includes a pasteurized tobacco
component. Preferably, the substantially aseptic smokeless
dissolvable compressed tobacco product has a total aerobic
microbial count (also known as "TAMC") of less than 2 log cfu/g,
i.e., log.sub.10 cfu/g, where cfu/g is the value of conventionally
measured colony forming units per gram.
[0022] Also preferably, a method of making a smokeless dissolvable
compressed tobacco product having a total aerobic microbial count
of less than 2 log cfu/g includes the step of pasteurizing a
tobacco component to reduce the total aerobic microbial count to
less than 2 log cfu/g and the total yeast and mold count to less
than 2 log cfu/g. The method also includes the steps of mixing the
pasteurized tobacco component with one or more non-tobacco
components, and compressing the pasteurized tobacco component and
one or more non-tobacco components to form a smokeless dissolvable
compressed tobacco product.
[0023] For the purposes of the invention, the total aerobic
microbial count is measured in accordance with the Nordic Committee
on Food Analysis (NMKL) method No 86, 4. Ed., 2006 and the total
yeast and mold count specified is measured in accordance with NMKL
method No 98, 4. Ed., 2005. The NMKL method No 86, 4. Ed., 2006 is
used to determine the aerobic plate count by preparing a dilution
series of sample material according to general microbiological
principles, followed by pour-plating into an agar medium in Petri
dishes. In this method, the samples are incubated under aerobic
conditions at either 30.degree. C. for 3 days, 20.degree. C. for 3
days, or 6.5.degree. C. for 10 days. In the NMKL method No 98, 4.
Ed., 2005, the yeast and mold count is determined by surface
inoculation of appropriate dilution series on dichloran rose bengal
agar (DRBC), dichloran glycerol agar (DG18) or oxytetracykline
glucose yeast extract agar (OGYE) dependent on which matrix are
analysed. In this method, mold and yeast are counted after
incubation at 22-25.0+/-1.0.degree. C. for 5-7 days.
[0024] The tobacco component may be pasteurized using any suitable
technique provided that the pasteuriation parameters such as
temperature and time are sufficient to reduce the total aerobic
microbial count of the tobacco component to less than 2 log cfu/g
and the total yeast and mold count of the tobacco component to less
than 2 log cfu/g to render the tobacco component substantially
aseptic.
[0025] Suitable pasteurization techniques include, but are not
limited to, single hot steam injection, repeated hot steam
injection and indirect heating. Preferably, the tobacco component
is pasteurized by hot steam injection, more preferably by repeated
hot steam injection.
[0026] Preferably, the step of pasteurizing the tobacco component
includes direct heating of the tobacco by hot steam injection to a
temperature ranging from about 100.degree. C. to about 120.degree.
C. for a period ranging from about 1 minute tod about 30 minutes.
More preferably, the step of pasteurizing the tobacco component
includes direct heating of the tobacco component by repeated hot
steam injection to temperatures of at least about 100.degree.
C.
[0027] As well as reducing the total aerobic microbial count and
the total yeast and mold count of the tobacco component, the heat
treatment of the tobacco component during pasteurization
advantageously results in the formation of tobacco-derived
flavorings.
[0028] In the preferred embodiment, the tobacco component may be
pasteurized together with water. Alternatively, or in addition, the
tobacco component may be pasteurized with one or more other
additives approved for use in the food industry, including, but not
limited to, sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate,
propylene glycol, glycerol and combinations thereof.
[0029] Preferably, the pH of the pasteurized tobacco component may
be adjusted prior to compressing the pasteurized tobacco component
and one or more non-tobacco components to form the smokeless
dissolvable compressed tobacco product.
[0030] Also preferably, the pH of the pasteurized tobacco component
is adjusted to between about 7.5 and about 8.9. The pH of the
pasteurized tobacco component may be adjusted through the addition
of one or more acidity regulators. Suitable acidity regulators
approved for use in the food industry are known in the art and
include, but are not limited to: alkali carbonates, such as sodium
carbonate and potassium carbonate; calcium carbonate; alkali
hydroxides, such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide;
calcium hydroxide; magnesium hydroxide; and combinations
thereof.
[0031] Preferably the pH of the pasteurized tobacco component is
adjusted prior to mixing the pasteurized tobacco component with the
one or more non-tobacco components.
[0032] However, alternatively or in addition, the pH of the
pasteurized tobacco component may be adjusted by mixing the
pasteurized tobacco component with one or more non-tobacco
components including at least one acidity regulator or buffering
agent.
[0033] In the preferred embodiment, the tobacco component may
include one or more of tobacco lamina, tobacco stem, expanded
tobacco and reconstituted tobacco.
[0034] Preferably, the tobacco component may include a blend of two
or more different types of tobacco. For example, the tobacco
component may include a blend of two or more of different types of
tobacco selected from the group consisting of Virginia, Burley,
Maryland, Nicotiana rustica and oriental tobacco. Alternatively,
the tobacco component may include a single type of tobacco.
[0035] Also preferably, the tobacco component may include tobacco
that has been one or more of dried, aged, flue-cured, air-cured,
fire-cured, sun-cured, shredded, powdered and ground. Preferably,
the tobacco component includes air-cured tobacco, sun-cured
tobacco, dark air-cured tobacco or a combination thereof. Also
preferably, the tobacco component includes particulate tobacco.
More preferably, the tobacco component includes powdered tobacco,
ground tobacco or a combination thereof.
[0036] The particulate tobacco may have any suitable average
particle size. For example, the particulate tobacco may have an
average particle size of less than about 1 mm, less than about 0.5
mm, or less than about 0.1 mm. Preferably, the particulate tobacco
has an average particle size ranging from about 100 nm to about 1
mm, more preferably ranging from about 100 nm to about 0.5 mm. The
tobacco may be ground and sieved in a typical manner in order to
obtain a desired particle size.
[0037] As well as the tobacco component, to obtain desired
mechanical and organoleptic properties, the smokeless dissolvable
compressed tobacco product further includes one or more non-tobacco
components. For example, smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco
products may further include one or more non-tobacco components
approved for use in the food industry selected from the group
consisting of: acidity regulators, buffering agents, fillers,
binders, gelling agents, lubricants, anti-adherents, glidants,
disintegration agents, sweeteners, flavorants, taste enhancers and
colorants.
[0038] In the preferred embodiment, the tobacco component may be
dry blended or otherwise mixed with the one or more non-tobacco
components. For example, the tobacco component and one or more
non-tobacco components may be ground together or mixed in a
twisting powder mixer.
[0039] Preferably, the tobacco component may be present in the
smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product in an amount
ranging from about 0.5% to about 60% of the dry weight of the
compressed tobacco product. The amount of the tobacco component may
be selected as a function of, for example, the desired nicotine
content or the desired flavor or other organoleptic properties of
the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product.
[0040] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the smokeless
dissolvable compressed tobacco product includes: at least one
binder or filler; at least one lubricant, anti-adherent or glidant;
at least one acidity regulator; at least one flavorant; and at
least one sweetener. Preferably, the smokeless dissolvable
compressed tobacco product also includes one or more of a gelling
agent, a taste enhancer, a colorant and a disintegration agent.
[0041] Preferably, the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco
product includes at least one binder or filler. Throughout the
specification, the terms "binder" and "filler" are used to refer to
any component that increases the disintegration time of the
dissolvable compressed tobacco product, maintains the integrity of
the dissolvable compressed tobacco product, increases the hardness
of the dissolvable compressed tobacco product, reduces the
friability of the dissolvable compressed tobacco product or adds
bulk to the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product. It
will be appreciated that a single non-tobacco component may perform
the functions of a binder and a filler.
[0042] The smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product may
optionally include one or more gelling agents. Throughout the
specification, the term "gelling agent" is used to refer to any
component that affects the mouth feel of the smokeless dissolvable
compressed tobacco product when dissolved in the mouth of a
consumer.
[0043] Suitable binders, fillers and gelling agents are known in
the art and include, but are not limited to: non-tobacco plant
fibres; starches, including pre-gelatinized starch; gums, including
natural gums, such as xanthan gum, gum, acacia, gum arabic, guar
gum, locust bean gum and sodium alginate; pectins; gelatin; agar;
carrageenan; pullulan; microcrystalline cellulose; methyl
cellulose; carboxymethyl cellulose; dextrins, including
maltodextrin; sugar alcohols, such as erythritol, xylitol mannitol,
sorbitol, isomalt, maltitol and lactitol; glucose; lactose;
sucrose; polyvidone; calcium sulfate dihydrate; and combinations
thereof.
[0044] In the preferred embodiment, the smokeless dissolvable
compressed tobacco product includes microcrystalline cellulose,
which functions as a binder and a filler.
[0045] The smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product may
optionally include one or more lubricants, anti-adherents, glidants
or combinations thereof. Throughout the specification, the terms
"lubricant" "anti-adherent" and "glidant" are used to refer to any
component that facilitates manufacturing of the smokeless
dissolvable compressed tobacco product by reducing friction,
reducing adhesion, or otherwise improving flow properties. It will
be appreciated that a single non-tobacco component may perform the
functions of one or more of a lubricant, an anti-adherent and a
glidant.
[0046] Suitable lubricants, anti-adherents and glidants are known
in the art and include, but are not limited to: stearates,
including magnesium stearate, calcium stearate, sodium stearate,
zinc stearate, and derivatives thereof, including sodium stearyl
fumarate; fatty acids, including stearic acid; silicates, including
magnesium silicates and calcium silicates; starch; lauryl sulfates,
including magnesium lauryl sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate;
polyethylene glycol; and silica aerogels, including colloidal fumed
silica.
[0047] Preferably, the one or more lubricants, anti-adherents,
glidants or combinations thereof may be present in the smokeless
dissolvable compressed tobacco product in an amount of, for
example, between about 0.1% to about 5% of the dry weight of the
compressed tobacco product. Also preferably, the one or more
lubricants, anti-adherents, glidants or combinations thereof are
present in the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product in
an amount of less than about 1% of the dry weight of the compressed
tobacco product, more preferably in an amount of about 0.2% of the
dry weight of the compressed tobacco product.
[0048] The smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product may
optionally include one or more disintegrants. Throughout the
specification, the term "disintegrant" is used to refer to any
component that facilitates breakup or disintegration of the
smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product when placed in a
consumer's mouth.
[0049] Suitable disintegrants are known in the art and include, but
are not limited to: starches, including pregelatinised starch;
sodium starch glycolate; sodium alginate; croscarmellose sodium;
crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone, including crospovidone; sodium
carboxymethyl cellulose; calcium carboxymethyl cellulose; sodium
bicarbonate; and calcium carbonate.
[0050] Depending on the nature thereof, the one or more
disintegrants may be present in the smokeless dissolvable
compressed tobacco product in an amount, for example, ranging from
about 1% to about 15% of the dry weight of the compressed tobacco
product.
[0051] In addition, the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco
product may optionally include one or more sweeteners. Smokeless
dissolvable compressed tobacco products may include natural
sweeteners, artificial sweeteners or combinations thereof. Suitable
natural and artificial sweeteners are known in the art and include,
but are not limited to: monosaccharides, such as glucose, fructose,
ribose xylose and invert sugar; disaccharides, such as lactose,
maltose and sucrose; sugar alcohols, such as erythritol, xylitol
mannitol, sorbitol, isomalt, maltitol and lactitol; and artificial
sweeteners, such as sucralose, aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame K,
and cyclamate,
[0052] Moreover, the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco
product may optionally include one or more flavorants. Smokeless
dissolvable compressed tobacco products may include natural
flavorants, artificial flavorants or combinations thereof. The one
or more flavorants may be added in encapsulated or non-encapsulated
form.
[0053] Suitable natural and artificial flavorants are known in the
art and include, but are not limited to, peppermint, spearmint,
wintergreen, menthol, eucalyptus oil, angelica, anise, anethole,
carvone, vanillin, vanilla, basil oil, cardamom, cassia, cinnamon,
clove, cocoa, coriander oil, fennel oil, fenugreek, ginger, lemon
grass, liquorice, nutmeg, palmarosa oil, sage oil, acacia, amber,
clary, geranium, jasmine, juniper berry, lavender oil, magnolia,
oak moss, orris root, osmanthus, rose oil, sandalwood, bergamot
oil, lemon oil, lime oil, orange oil, fruit extracts, fruit
flavoring, almond, coconut, chocolate, coffee, tea, arrack, rum,
cognac, whisky, and gin.
[0054] The one or more flavorants may be present in the smokeless
dissolvable compressed tobacco product in an amount, for example,
ranging from about 0.1% to about 4% of the dry weight of the
compressed tobacco product.
[0055] The smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product may
optionally include one or more taste enhancers such as, for
example, sodium chloride or ammonium chloride.
[0056] Additionally, the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco
product may optionally include one or more colorants to, for
example, indicate or reflect the flavor or brand of the compressed
tobacco product or otherwise enhance its aesthetic appearance.
[0057] It will be appreciated that smokeless dissolvable compressed
tobacco products may include multifunctional non-tobacco components
that perform two or more of the functions previously described
above. For example, the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco
product may include a multifunctional non-tobacco component that
functions as at least two of: (i) a binder or filler; (ii) a
lubricant, anti-adherent or glidant; and (iii) a disintegrant. In
one embodiment, the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco
product may include pre-gelatinised starch that functions as a
binder, lubricant and disintegrant.
[0058] In the preferred embodiment, smokeless dissolvable
compressed tobacco products may also include mutlifunctional
non-tobacco components that perform two or more other functions.
For example, the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product
may include a sugar alcohol that acts as a binder and a sweetener,
or colloidal fumed silica that acts as a glidant and a desiccant.
Other suitable known desiccants such as, for example, magnesium
sulfate may also be included in smokeless dissolvable compressed
tobacco products to control the moisture content thereof.
[0059] Also in the preferred embodiment, the pasteurized tobacco
component may be dry blended with one or more non-tobacco
components and then directly compressed in a typical manner to form
the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product. The
pasteurized tobacco component and one or more non-tobacco
components maybe be directly compressed using, for example, a
tablet press having a single die and punch arrangement or a rotary
tablet press having multiple dies. Prior to being dry blended with
one or more non-tobacco components, the pasteurized tobacco
component may optionally be wet granulated in a typical manner
using, for example, a fluid bed granulator.
[0060] Preferably, the compression forces used to form the
smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product may be selected
based on a number of factors. These factors include: the type of
apparatus employed to compress the tobacco component and one or
more non-tobacco components; the size of the smokeless dissolvable
compressed tobacco product; the desired physical and mechanical
properties of the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product,
including but not limited to the hardness, friability,
disintegration or dissolution characteristics; and the desired
appearance of the compressed smokeless dissolvable compressed
tobacco product. For example, through an appropriate choice of
compression force and the tobacco and non-tobacco components
thereof, smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco products may be
produced having a hardness ranging from about 2 N and about 300
N.
[0061] Furthermore, through an appropriate choice of compression
force and the tobacco and non-tobacco components thereof, smokeless
dissolvable compressed tobacco products may be produced that
dissolve in the mouth of an average consumer within about 5 minutes
to about 45 minutes.
[0062] In a preferred embodiment, through an appropriate choice of
the one or more non-tobacco components therein, smokeless
dissolvable compressed tobacco products according to the invention
dissolve in the mouth of an average consumer within about 5 minutes
to about 15 minutes.
[0063] Through another appropriate choice of the one or more
non-tobacco components, smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco
products which dissolve in the mouth of an average consumer within
about 30 minutes to about 45 minutes and which can be sucked by a
consumer and then "parked" between their cheek and gum may be
advantageously produced.
[0064] If desired, one or more surfaces of the formed smokeless
dissolvable compressed tobacco product may be embossed or debossed.
Alternatively the formed smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco
product may be at least partially coated in a typical manner using,
for example, a pan coater.
[0065] Smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco products may be
produced in one or more predetermined shapes or configurations.
FIGS. 1-12 show: (a) perspective views; (b) side views; and (c) top
views, respectively, of exemplary different shaped smokeless
dissolvable compressed tobacco products. As shown in FIGS. 1(a),
1(b), and 1(c), the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco
product can have a generally oblong shape with substantially flat
or planar faces. As shown in FIGS. 2(a), 2(b), and 2(c), the
smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product can have a
generally disk shaped configuration with substantially flat or
planar faces. As shown in FIGS. 3(a), 3(b), and 3(c), the smokeless
dissolvable compressed tobacco product can have a generally disk
shaped configuration with domed or convex faces. As shown in FIGS.
4(a), 4(b), and 4(c), the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco
product can have a generally spherical shape. As shown in FIGS.
5(a), 5(b), and 5(c), the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco
product can have a generally oblong shape with domed or convex
faces. As shown in FIGS. 6(a), 6(b), and 6(c), the smokeless
dissolvable compressed tobacco product can have an oblong shape
with biaxially symmetric faces. As shown in FIGS. 7(a), 7(b), and
7(c), the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product can have
an elongated generally rectangular parallelepiped shape. As shown
in FIGS. 8(a), 8(b), and 8(c), the smokeless dissolvable compressed
tobacco product can have a generally rectangular parallelepiped
shape. As shown in FIGS. 9(a), 9(b), and 9(c), the smokeless
dissolvable compressed tobacco product can have a generally square
opposed surfaces. As shown in FIGS. 10(a), 10(b), and 10(c), the
smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product can have a
generally pyramidal structure. As shown in FIGS. 11(a), 11(b), and
11(c), the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product can
have generally triangular opposed surfaces. As shown in FIGS.
12(a), 12(b), and 12(c), the smokeless dissolvable compressed
tobacco product can have generally hexagonal opposed surfaces.
[0066] Smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco products may also
be produced in a variety of different sizes. For example, smokeless
dissolvable compressed tobacco products may have a diameter ranging
from about 2 mm to about 30 mm and a weight ranging from about 0.1
g to about 3.0 g.
[0067] In this specification, the word "about" is often used in
connection with numerical values to indicate that mathematical
precision of such values is not intended. Accordingly, it is
intended that where "about" is used with a numerical value, a
tolerance of .+-.10% is contemplated for that numerical value.
[0068] In this specification the words "generally" and
"substantially" are sometimes used with respect to terms. When used
with geometric terms, the words "generally" and "substantially" are
intended to encompass not only features which meet the strict
definitions but also features which fairly approximate the strict
definitions.
[0069] While the foregoing describes in detail a preferred a
smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product and methods of
making the product with reference to specific embodiments thereof,
it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes
and modifications may be made to the product and equivalent methods
may be employed, which do not materially depart from the spirit and
scope of the foregoing description. Accordingly, all such changes,
modifications, and equivalents that fall within the spirit and
scope of the appended claims are intended to be encompassed
thereby.
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