U.S. patent application number 15/530698 was filed with the patent office on 2018-09-27 for oral pouched product having a rectangular shape.
The applicant listed for this patent is Swedish Match North Europe AB. Invention is credited to Thom ASPGREN, Thord HASSLER, Christian WERDINIUS.
Application Number | 20180271146 15/530698 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52987959 |
Filed Date | 2018-09-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180271146 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
ASPGREN; Thom ; et
al. |
September 27, 2018 |
ORAL POUCHED PRODUCT HAVING A RECTANGULAR SHAPE
Abstract
Disclosed herein is an oral pouched product, such as an oral
pouched smokeless tobacco product, which comprises a filling
material, such as tobacco material, and a saliva-permeable pouch
enclosing the filling material, the product having a rectangular
shape with a maximum length and a maximum width, wherein the
maximum width of the product is within the range of from 3 mm to 10
mm, the maximum length of the product is within the range of from
25 mm to 40 mm, the ratio of maximum length to maximum width is
within the range of from 3 to 6, and the oral pouched product has a
weight within the range of from 0.3 to 0.7 g.
Inventors: |
ASPGREN; Thom; (Hisings
Backa, SE) ; HASSLER; Thord; (Helsingborg, SE)
; WERDINIUS; Christian; (Goteborg, SE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Swedish Match North Europe AB |
Stockholm |
|
SE |
|
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20180140007 A1 |
May 24, 2018 |
|
|
Family ID: |
52987959 |
Appl. No.: |
15/530698 |
Filed: |
April 15, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24F 23/0220130101; B65B
9/10 20130101; A24B 13/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A24F 23/02 20060101
A24F023/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 17, 2015 |
EP |
15164065.3 |
Claims
1. An oral pouched product comprising a filling material and a
saliva-permeable pouch enclosing the filling material, the product
having a rectangular shape with a maximum length and a maximum
width, wherein the maximum width of the product is within the range
of from 3 mm to 10 mm, the maximum length of the product is within
the range of from 25 mm to 40 mm, the ratio of maximum length to
maximum width is within the range of from 3 to 6, and the oral
pouched product has a weight within the range of from 0.3 g to 0.7
g.
2. The oral pouched product according to claim 1, wherein the
maximum width of the product is within the range of from 3 mm to
9.5 mm, within the range of from 5 mm to 9.5 mm or within the range
of from 7 mm to 9.5 mm.
3. The oral pouched product according to claim 1, wherein the ratio
of maximum length to maximum width is within the range of from 3 to
5.
4. The oral pouched product according to claim 1, wherein the
product has a thickness in a direction perpendicular to the width
of the product, said thickness being within the range of from 2 to
8 mm, within the range of from 3 to 7 mm or within the range of
from 4 to 6 mm.
5. The oral pouched product according to claim 4, wherein the
thickness of the product at half the maximum length of the product
is within the range of from 4 to 6 mm.
6. The oral pouched product according to claim 5, wherein the
product has a width at half the maximum length of the product, said
width at half the maximum length of the product being within the
range of from 4 to 6 mm.
7. The oral pouched product according to claim 1, wherein the oral
pouched product has a dry weight within the range of from 0.2 g to
0.4 g.
8. The oral pouched product according to claim 1, wherein the oral
pouched product is an oral pouched smokeless tobacco product and
the filling material comprises tobacco or moist tobacco snuff.
9. The oral pouched product according to claim 8, wherein the oral
pouched smokeless tobacco product has a moisture content within the
range of 10 to 60% w/w, or within the range of from 20 to 58% w/w,
based on the total weight of the pouched product.
10. The oral pouched product according to claim 9, wherein the oral
pouched smokeless tobacco product is non-post-moisturized.
11. The oral pouched product according to claim 10, wherein the
oral pouched smokeless tobacco product has a moisture content
within the range of from 45 to 55% w/w, or within the range of from
50 to 53% w/w, based on the total weight of the product.
12. The oral pouched product according to any one of claim 1,
wherein the oral pouched product is an oral pouched non-tobacco
nicotine-free snuff product and the filling material comprises one
or more non-tobacco plant fibers, or oat fibers.
13. The oral pouched product according to claim 1, wherein the oral
pouched product is an oral pouched non-tobacco nicotine-containing
snuff product and the filling material comprises nicotine or a salt
thereof and one or more particulate fillers, or microcrystalline
cellulose.
14. The oral pouched product according to claim 1, wherein the
pouch contains a longitudinal fin seam extending along the length
of the product, said longitudinal fin seam having a width within
the range of from 0.5 mm to 2 mm, or from 0.5 mm to 1 mm.
15. The oral pouched product according to claim 1, wherein the
pouch contains at least one transverse fin seam extending along the
width of the product, said at least one transverse fin seam having
a width within the range of from 0.5 mm to 2mm, or from 0.5 mm to 1
mm.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an oral pouched product,
such as an oral pouched smokeless tobacco product, comprising a
filling material, such as tobacco material, and a saliva-permeable
pouch enclosing the filling material.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Smokeless tobacco for oral use includes chewing tobacco, dry
snuff and moist (wet) snuff. Generally, dry snuff has a moisture
content of less than 10 wt % and moist snuff has a moisture content
of above 40 wt %. Semi-dry products having between 10% to 40 wt %
moisture content are also available.
[0003] Smokeless tobacco products for oral use are made from
tobacco leaves, such as lamina and stem of the tobacco leaf. The
material from roots and stalks are normally not utilized for
production of smokeless tobacco compositions for oral use.
[0004] There are two types of moist snuff, the American type and
the Scandinavian type which is also called snus. American-type
moist snuff is commonly produced through a fermentation process of
tobacco. Scandinavian-type moist snuff is commonly produced by
using a heat-treatment process (pasteurization). The heat-treatment
is carried out in order to degrade, destroy or denature at least a
portion of the microorganisms in the tobacco preparation.
[0005] Both the American-type and the Scandinavian-type of moist
snuff for oral use are available in loose form or portion-packed in
a saliva-permeable, porous wrapper material forming a pouch.
Pouched moist snuff, including snus, is typically used by the user
by placing the pouch between the upper or lower gum and the lip or
cheek and retaining it there for a limited period of time. The
pouch material holds the tobacco in place while allowing saliva to
pass into the interior of the pouched product and allowing flavours
and nicotine to diffuse from the tobacco material into the user's
mouth.
[0006] The pouch material is typically made of a nonwoven fleece
(soft fabric) material, such as viscose (regenerated cellulose;
viscose fibres are often referred to as viscose rayon or rayon),
including an acrylic polymer that acts as binder in the nonwoven
material and provides for heat-sealing of the pouches during
manufacturing thereof. The viscose nonwoven material normally used
for pouched smokeless tobacco products is similar to the fabric
used in tea bags. Nonwovens are fabrics that are neither woven nor
knitted. Methods for the manufacturing of nonwoven materials are
commonly known in the art.
[0007] Pouched smokeless tobacco products may be produced by
measuring portions of the smokeless tobacco composition and
inserting the portions into a nonwoven tube. U.S. Pat. No.
4,703,765 discloses a device for packaging precise amounts of
finely divided tobacco products, such as snuff tobacco or the like,
in a tubular packaging material into which snuff portions are
injected via a fill tube. Downstream from the tube, welding means
are positioned for transverse sealing of the packaging material,
and also cutting means for severing the packaging material in the
area of the transverse seal to thus form discrete or individual
portion packages. EP 2428450 B1 relates to a snus dosing method,
wherein a portion of tobacco is filled into a dosing chamber of a
dosing device and then blown out of the dosing chamber by means of
blow-out air to which water vapor has been added.
[0008] Pouched smokeless tobacco products may alternatively be
produced by placing portions of moist snuff on a nonwoven web using
a pouch packer machine in accordance with the device disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,120. This device comprises feeding means for
feeding the tobacco material into pockets formed in a rotary
portioning wheel for portioning the material into portions, at
least one compression means for compressing the tobacco material
portions, a unit for advancing a packaging material, such as a
nonwoven web, in synchrony with the compressed portions, at least
one discharge means for discharging the portions from the pockets
to the packaging material, and a forming unit for forming
individual portion packages (i.e. pouched smokeless tobacco
products) from the discharged portions and the packaging material.
At the intended point of discharge of the portions of to the
packaging material, said packaging material has the form of a tape,
the compression means being arranged to compress the portions in a
direction which differs from the discharging and the feeding
directions. The compression is preferably effected in a direction
perpendicular to the discharging and the feeding directions. The
compression may be effected in the axial direction of the
portioning wheel whereas the feeding and discharging may be
effected in the radial direction of said wheel. This technique is
herein referred to as the "NYPS" technique.
[0009] The individual portions are sealed and cut apart thereby
forming rectangular "pillow shaped" (or any other desired form)
pouched products. Generally, each final pouched product includes
parallel transverse seams with seals at opposite ends and a
longitudinal seam with a seal orthogonal to the transverse
seams/seals. The seals should be of sufficient strength to preserve
the integrity of the pouched product during use while not
disturbing the user's experience.
[0010] The organoleptic properties, such as texture, aroma, taste,
shape and appearance, of the pouched smokeless tobacco product are
of high importance to the user.
[0011] Oral pouched smokeless tobacco products are normally sized
and configured to fit comfortably and discreetly in a user's mouth
between the upper or lower gum and the lip. In general, oral
pouched smokeless tobacco products have a generally rectangular
shape. Some typical shapes (length x width) of commercially
available oral pouched smokeless tobacco products are, for
instance, 35 mm.times.20 mm, 34/35 mm.times.14 mm, 33/34
mm.times.18 mm, and 27/28 mm.times.14 mm. The thickness ("height")
of the pouched product is normally within the range of from 5 to 7
mm. The total weight of commercially available oral pouched
smokeless tobacco products are typically within the range from
about 0.3 to about 3.5 g, such as from about 0.5 to 1.7 g, per
pouched product.
[0012] Examples of some present commercially available oral pouched
snus products are shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.
[0013] For users having a small space between the upper (or lower)
gum and the upper (or lower) lip, the oral pouched smokeless
tobacco product may be visible, for instance, when the user smiles.
Some users find this problematic and undesirable.
[0014] Moreover, users having this type of mouth geometry as well
as other users may experience that the pouched product rubs on the
interface between gum and teeth which may cause pain and/or gum
recession.
[0015] It is generally desirable to provide oral pouched smokeless
tobacco products with rapid release of flavour and nicotine to
reduce nicotine craving and give an initial strong flavour
experience. In particular, previous smokers which are used to quick
nicotine stimulation from cigarettes desire oral pouched smokeless
tobacco products with rapid nicotine release.
[0016] As mentioned above, saliva passes into the interior of the
pouched product and allows flavours and nicotine to diffuse from
the tobacco material into the user's mouth.
[0017] The user's experience may be affected by the initial
moisture content of the pouched product when put in the user's
mouth and the saliva uptake (rate of uptake and amount of saliva
taken up) by the pouched product.
[0018] Oral pouched smokeless tobacco products may be
post-moisturized after pouch formation or not post-moisturized
after pouch formation which herein is referred to as
non-post-moisturized. Post-moisturized pouched products may be
produced by spraying water on the pouched smokeless tobacco product
before packaging the pouched products in cans. Post-moisturized
pouches are sometimes referred to as "original snus".
Non-post-moisturized pouched products are sometimes referred to as
"white snus" and are by some users considered to have a more
appealing appearance. The moisture content of the final oral
pouched smokeless tobacco product comprising moist or semi-dry
snuff is normally within the range of from 25 to 55% w/w based on
the weight of the pouched product (i.e. the total weight of snuff
and pouch material).
[0019] Saliva is secreted by major and minor salivary glands
located in the oral cavity. The major salivary glands are the
parotid glands, the submandibular glands and the sublingual glands.
There are also about 800 to 1000 minor salivary glands located in
the mucosa throughout the oral cavity, such as in the tissue of the
buccal and labial mucosa.
[0020] When the oral pouched smokeless tobacco product has initial
high moisture content and/or a large amount of saliva is taken up
by the pouched product, the user may experience that the pouched
product becomes too runny (flowing) even though the taste may be
satisfactory. Thus, the user may experience an unpleasant excessive
amount of saliva/water in the mouth when the pouched product has
been used by the user a period of time, such as after about 15-40
minutes.
[0021] Thus, there is a need for an improved oral pouched smokeless
tobacco product providing a satisfactory taste experience and
nicotine release and configured to fit comfortably and discreetly
in a user's mouth irrespective of the user's mouth geometry while
avoiding the feeling of runniness upon use by the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0022] An object of the present invention is to alleviate one or
more of the problems discussed above, and to provide advantages and
aspects not provided by hitherto known oral pouched products, in
particular oral pouched smokeless tobacco products.
[0023] According to a first aspect, there is provided an oral
pouched product comprising a filling material and a
saliva-permeable pouch enclosing the filling material, the product
having a rectangular shape with a maximum length and a maximum
width, wherein the maximum width of the product is within the range
of from 3 to 10 mm, the maximum length of the product is within the
range of from 25 mm to 40 mm, the ratio of maximum length to
maximum width is within the range of from 3 to 12, and the oral
pouched product has a (total) weight within the range of from 0.3 g
to 0.7 g.
[0024] It is believed that the comparatively narrow width and the
specified length-to-width ratio of the oral pouched product as
disclosed herein, such as the oral pouched smokeless tobacco
product as disclosed herein, may mitigate pressure on the gum/teeth
interface upon use of the oral pouched product, thereby reducing
the risk for uncomfortable rubbing and gum recession.
[0025] The oral pouched product as disclosed herein may fit
discreetly and comfortably also in the mouth of users having a
small space between the upper (or lower) gum and the upper (or
lower) lip.
[0026] The oral pouched product as disclosed herein may also be
more prone to stay in place in the mouth upon usage thereof.
[0027] As disclosed herein, the oral pouched product may be an oral
pouched smokeless tobacco product and the filling material may then
comprise tobacco material.
[0028] As disclosed herein, the oral pouched product may be a
non-post-moisturized oral pouched smokeless tobacco product.
[0029] As disclosed herein, the oral pouched product may be a
non-post-moisturized oral pouched smokeless tobacco product having
moisture content within the range of from 45 to 55% w/w, such as
within the range of from 50 to 53% w/w, based on the total weight
of the product. This oral pouched smokeless tobacco product
provides a satisfactory taste experience while avoiding the feeling
of runniness upon use by the user. The oral pouched smokeless
tobacco product has also been found to provide a satisfactory
perceived nicotine delivery.
[0030] As disclosed herein, the oral pouched product may be a
non-post-moisturized oral pouched smokeless tobacco product having
moisture content within the range of from 45 to 55% w/w, such as
within the range of from 50 to 53% w/w, based on the total weight
of the product and the pouch may contain a longitudinal fin seam
extending along the length of the product, said longitudinal seam
having a width within the range of from 0.5 mm to 2 mm, such as
from 0.5 mm to 1 mm.
[0031] As disclosed herein, the oral pouched product may be a
non-post-moisturized oral pouched smokeless tobacco product having
moisture content within the range of from 45 to 55% w/w, such as
within the range of from 50 to 53% w/w, based on the total weight
of the product and the pouch may contain at least one transverse
fin seam extending along the width of the product, said at least
one transverse seam having a width within the range of from 0.5 mm
to 2mm, such as from 0.5 mm to 1 mm.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b show an embodiment of the oral pouched
product as disclosed herein and how to determine the length (L),
width (W) and thickness (T) thereof. As shown in FIG. 1a, the
length (L) of the oral pouched product as disclosed herein is the
maximum length of the oral pouched product and the width (W) of the
oral pouched product as disclosed herein is the maximum width of
the oral pouched product.
[0033] FIG. 2a illustrates a lap seal, FIG. 2b illustrates a fin
seam and FIG. 2c illustrates a combined fin-and-lap seal.
[0034] FIG. 3a illustrates where to cut the product in order to
measure the transverse waist circumference. FIG. 3b illustrates
where to cut the product in order to measure the longitudinal
circumference.
[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates the sensory characteristics experienced
by a panel of users when using oral pouched smokeless tobacco
products with varying length-to-width ratios.
[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates the maximum length and the maximum width
of the commercially available pouched snus product "LaB 02" (prior
art).
[0037] FIG. 6 illustrates the maximum length and the maximum width
of the commercially available pouched snus product "Camel Frost"
(prior art).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] By "tobacco" is meant any part, e.g., leaves, stems, and
stalks, of any member of the genus Nicotiana. The tobacco may be
whole, shredded, threshed, cut, ground, cured, aged, fermented, or
treated otherwise, e.g., granulated or encapsulated.
[0039] The term "tobacco material" is used herein for tobacco
leaves or parts of leaves, such as lamina and stem. The leaves and
parts of leaves may be finely divided (disintegrated), such as
ground, cut, shredded or threshed, and the parts of leaves may be
blended in defined proportions in the tobacco material.
[0040] "Oral" and "oral use" is in all contexts used herein as a
description for use in the oral cavity of a human, such as buccal
placement.
[0041] The terms "oral pouched products" and "oral pouched snuff
products" as used herein include oral pouched non-tobacco snuff
products, which may be nicotine-containing or nicotine-free, as
well as oral pouched tobacco-containing snuff products (also called
oral pouched smokeless tobacco products).
[0042] As used herein the terms "pouched snuff product for oral
use" or "oral pouched snuff product" refer to a portion of
smokeless tobacco or tobacco-free filling material, which may be
nicotine-containing or nicotine-free as described herein, packed in
a saliva-permeable pouch material intended for oral use.
[0043] As used herein "pouched smokeless tobacco product for oral
use" or "oral pouched smokeless tobacco product" refers to a
portion of smokeless tobacco packed in a saliva-permeable pouch
material intended for oral use.
[0044] As used herein, the term "moisture content" refers to the
total amount of oven volatile ingredients, such as water and other
oven volatiles (e.g. propylene glycol) in the preparation,
composition or product referred to. The moisture content is given
herein as percent by weight (wt %) of the total weight of the
preparation, composition or product referred to.
[0045] The moisture content as referred to herein may be determined
by using a method based on literature references Federal Register/
vol.74, no. 4/712-719/Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009/Notices "Total
moisture determination" and AOAC (Association of Official
Analytical Chemics), Official Methods of Analysis 966.02: "Moisture
in Tobacco" (1990), Fifth Edition, K. Helrich (ed). In this method,
the moisture content is determined gravimetrically by taking
2.5.+-.0.25 g sample and weighing the sample before evaporation of
moisture and after completion of dehydration. Mettler Toledo's
Moisture Analyzer HB43, a balance with halogen heating technology,
is used (instead of an oven and a balance as in the mentioned
literature references) in the experiments described herein. The
sample is heated to 105.degree. C. (instead of 99.5.+-.0.5.degree.
C. as in the mentioned literature references). The measurement is
stopped when the weight change is less than 1 mg during a 90
seconds time frame. The moisture content as weight percent of the
sample is then calculated automatically by the Moisture Analyzer
HB43.
[0046] The term "additional ingredient" as used herein denotes
substances other than tobacco material, salt (e.g. sodium chloride,
potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride and any
combinations thereof), pH adjuster (e.g. sodium hydroxide,
potassium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate or
sodium bicarbonate) and water.
[0047] "Flavour" or "flavouring agent" is used herein for a
substance used to influence the aroma and/or taste of the smokeless
tobacco product, including, but not limited to, essential oils,
single flavour compounds, compounded flavourings, and extracts.
[0048] As used herein "finely divided" means an average particle
size of less than 2 mm. The particles of the finely divided tobacco
material may be sized to pass through a screen of about 10 (US)
mesh, i.e. sieve size 2.0 mm, or 18 (US) mesh, i.e. sieve size 1.0
mm.
[0049] As used herein "% w/w" or "wt %" or "weight %" refers to
weight percent of the ingredient referred to of the total weight of
the preparation, composition or product referred to.
[0050] As used herein, reference to "dry weight percent" refers to
weight percent of the ingredient referred to on the basis of the
total weight of dry ingredients, i.e. all ingredients of the
preparation, composition or product referred to excluding moisture
content.
[0051] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is
provided an oral pouched (snuff) product comprising a filling
material and pouch enclosing the filling material, the product
having a rectangular shape with a maximum length (L) and a maximum
width (W), wherein the maximum width of the pouch is within the
range of from 3 mm to 10 mm, the maximum length of the product is
within the range of from 25 mm to 40 mm, the ratio of maximum
length to maximum width (UW) is within the range of from 3 to 6,
and the oral pouched product has a weight within the range of from
0.3 g to 0.7 g.
[0052] As disclosed herein, the oral pouched product may be an oral
pouched smokeless tobacco product and the filling material may then
comprise tobacco material, in particular tobacco material in the
form of moist snuff or snus.
[0053] However, the oral pouched product may alternatively or
additionally contain any other botanical filling material, such as
any non-tobacco plant fibres.
[0054] The oral pouched product as disclosed herein may be an oral
pouched non-tobacco snuff product.
[0055] The oral pouched product as disclosed herein may be an oral
pouched non-tobacco nicotine-free snuff product comprising a
botanical filling material, such as one or more non-tobacco plant
fibers. Examples of non-tobacco plant fibers are maize fibers, oat
fibers, tomato fibers, barley fibers, rye fibers, sugar beet
fibers, buck wheat fibers, potato fibers, apple fibers, cocoa
fibers, bamboo fibers and citrus fibers.
[0056] The oral pouched product as disclosed herein may be an oral
pouched non-tobacco nicotine-containing snuff product. The filling
material may then be a particulate material comprising nicotine or
a salt thereof and one or more fillers, such as polysaccharides
(e.g. maltitol and mannitol) and/or microcrystalline cellulose.
[0057] An oral pouched smokeless tobacco product generally includes
a tobacco composition comprising divided (e.g. ground or cut)
tobacco material, water, salt (e.g. sodium chloride, potassium
chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride or any combinations
thereof), pH adjuster (e.g. sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide,
potassium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium
bicarbonate or magnesium carbonate) and optionally one or more
additional ingredients, such as flavouring agents, cooling agents,
heating agents, sweetening agents, colorants, humectants (e.g.
glycerol or propylene glycol), antioxidants, preservatives (e.g. as
potassium sorbate), binders, fillers, non-tobacco plant fibers
and/or disintegration aids. The smokeless tobacco composition may
be a moist snuff composition, such as a snus composition.
[0058] Typically, the amount of tobacco material in the smokeless
tobacco composition is within the range of from about 50 to about
80% w/w based on dry weight of the smokeless tobacco composition.
The tobacco material is typically finely divided, such as cut
(shredded) or ground tobacco material, in granulated form or in
powder form, i.e. tobacco flour, for instance having an average
particle size of about 1 mm to about 2 mm. The tobacco material may
be cured (aged) tobacco material.
[0059] Salt, such as sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium
chloride, calcium chloride and any combinations thereof, is added
mainly for its effect on taste but it also has a preservative
action which contributes to improved shelf life of the product.
Salt, such as sodium chloride lowers the water activity of the
products, thus preventing micro-organisms from growing. The natural
occurrence of sodium chloride in tobacco material is normally below
2% w/w, typically below 1% w/w, based on dry weight of the tobacco
material. Normally, the amount of added salt in the smokeless
tobacco composition is within the range of from about 0.5 to about
10% w/w based on dry weight of the tobacco composition.
[0060] pH adjusters, such as sodium carbonate, are added to bring
the pH value to the slightly alkaline side, such as about pH 7.5 to
8.5. Sodium carbonate may also be used to give the products their
characteristic aroma profile. Typically, the amount of pH adjuster
in the smokeless tobacco composition is less than about 7% w/w,
such as within the range of from 3 to 5% w/w, based on dry weight
of the tobacco composition.
[0061] Humectants, such as propylene glycol or glycerol, may also
be added to protect the product from drying out and may also have a
preservative effect since the water activity of the product will be
lowered, thereby preventing microorganisms from growing. Normally,
the amount of humectant in the smokeless tobacco composition is
within the range of from about 5 to about 15% w/w based on dry
weight of the tobacco composition.
[0062] Flavours used are generally natural or nature identical
compounds that comply with food regulations. Flavours are usually
dissolved in ethanol when added.
[0063] In addition, the smokeless tobacco composition may
optionally comprise other botanical filling material, such as any
non-tobacco plant fiber. Examples of non-tobacco plant fibers are
maize fibers, oat fibers, tomato fibers, barley fibers, rye fibers,
sugar beet fibers, buck wheat fibers, potato fibers, apple fibers,
cocoa fibers, bamboo fibers and citrus fibers. The amount of
non-tobacco plant fiber material, such as bamboo fibers, in the
smokeless tobacco composition may be within the range of from about
1 to about 60% w/w, such as from about 2 to about 20% w/w, based on
dry weight of the smokeless tobacco composition.
[0064] The pouched product as disclosed herein are intended for use
in the oral cavity, such as buccal placement (e.g. by placing the
pouched product between the upper or lower gum and the lip or
cheek), and may therefore be referred to as oral pouched product or
portion-packed (pouched) product for oral use. The oral pouched
product is sized and configured to fit comfortably and discreetly
in a user's mouth between the upper or lower gum and the lip or
cheek.
[0065] The oral pouched product as disclosed herein may be a
post-moisturized or non-post-moisturized oral pouched smokeless
tobacco product. The moisture content of the oral pouched smokeless
tobacco product as disclosed herein may be within the range of from
10 to 60% w/w, such as within the range of from 15 to 60% w/w or
from 20 to 60% w/w or from 30 to 60% w/w or from 30 to 55% w/w or
from 40 to 55% w/w or from 45 to 55% w/w or from 50 to 55% w/w,
based on the total weight of the product.
[0066] The oral pouched product as disclosed herein may be a
non-post-moisturized oral pouched smokeless tobacco product having
moisture content within the range of from 30 to 60%, such as within
the range of from 30 to 55% w/w or from 40 to 55% w/w or from 45 to
55% w/w or from 50 to 55% w/w or from 50 to 53% w/w, based on the
total weight of the product.
[0067] In particular, the oral pouched product as disclosed herein
may be a non-post-moisturized oral pouched smokeless tobacco
product having moisture content within the range of 45 to 55% w/w,
based on the total weight of the product. In such case, the dry
weight of the oral pouched smokeless tobacco product may be within
the range of from 0.14 g to 0.4 g.
[0068] The maximum width (W) of the oral pouched product as
disclosed herein is within the range of from 3 mm to 10 mm, such as
within the range of from 3 mm to 9.5 mm or from 3 mm to 9 mm or
from 5 mm to 9 mm or from 7 mm to 9 mm.
[0069] Thus, the maximum width (W) of the oral pouched product as
disclosed herein may be less than 10 mm, such as within the range
of from 3 mm to 9.5 mm or from 5 mm to 9.5 mm or 7 mm to 9.5
mm.
[0070] The ratio of maximum length to maximum width (L/W) of the
oral pouched product as disclosed herein is within the range of
from 3 to 6, such as within the range of from 3 to 5 or from 3.5 to
4.5.
[0071] The maximum length (L) of the oral pouched product as
disclosed herein is within the range of from 25 mm to 40 mm.
[0072] The oral pouched product as disclosed herein may have a
maximum length within the range of from 25 mm to 40 mm and a
maximum width within the range of from 5 mm to 9.5 mm as long as
the ratio of maximum length to maximum width is within the range of
from 3 to 6.
[0073] The oral pouched product as disclosed herein has a
rectangular shape.
[0074] FIG. 1a illustrates how the maximum width (W) and the
maximum length (L) of the product are measured.
[0075] FIG. 1b illustrates how the thickness (T) of the product is
measured. The thickness is measured as the height of the product
(in a non-compressed state) at the centre of the maximum length of
the product, i.e. at half the maximum length of the product. The
centre of the maximum length of the product is herein referred to
as the waist of the product. The thickness of the product is herein
therefore also referred to as "thickness at waist" of the oral
pouched product.
[0076] The thickness (T) at half the maximum length of the oral
pouched product as disclosed herein may be within the range of from
2 to 8 mm, such as within the range of from 3 to 7 mm or from 4 to
6 mm.
[0077] The total weight of the oral pouched product (including
filling material and pouch) is within the range of from 0.3 g to
0.7 g.
[0078] The dry weight of the oral pouched product (including
filling material and pouch) may be within the range of from 0.2 g
to 0.4 g. The dry weight of the oral pouched product is the total
weight of the oral pouched product excluding the moisture content
of the oral pouched product.
[0079] The ratio between length circumference and transverse waist
circumference (LC-to-TWC ratio), as defined in Example 1
hereinafter, of the pouch of the oral pouched product as disclosed
herein may be within the range of from 3 to 6.
[0080] The thickness at waist and the width at waist of the oral
pouched product as disclosed herein may be substantially the same.
Thus, the width at waist of the oral pouched product as disclosed
herein may be within the range of from 2 to 8 mm, such as within
the range of from 3 to 7 mm or from 4 to 6 mm.
[0081] In particular, the thickness of the product at half the
maximum length of the product may be within the range of from 4 mm
to 6 mm and the width at half the maximum length of the product may
be within the range of from 4 mm to 6 mm. The ratio between the
maximum length (L) of the product and the width at the waist of the
oral pouched product as disclosed herein may be within the range of
from 5 to 12.
[0082] The pouch of the oral pouched product may be made of any
suitable saliva-permeable (and preferably non-dissolvable) pouch
material, such as non-woven, woven or knitted materials made from
fibers of cellulose (e.g. cotton), regenerated cellulose (e.g.
viscose) or synthetic polymers (e.g. aliphatic polyesters or
aliphatic polyamides).
[0083] The pouch material may be a nonwoven material of viscose
(rayon staple fibres).
[0084] The pouch material may comprise additional ingredients, such
as flavouring agents and/or colorants.
[0085] As used herein, the term "seam" refers to those parts of the
pouch material which are brought into contact with one another in
order to form the pouch. The seam further comprises a seal. The
seal may be narrower in width than the seam. Alternatively, the
entire width of the seam contains the seal (i.e. the seam and seal
have the same width).
[0086] The longitudinal seam/seals of the pouch may be a lap
seam/seal, a fin seam/seal or a combined lap-and-fin seam/seal.
[0087] The longitudinal seal, such as longitudinal fin seal, may be
narrower in width than the longitudinal seam.
[0088] Alternatively, the width of the longitudinal seal, such as
longitudinal fin seal, may correspond in width to the width of the
longitudinal seam.
[0089] Still alternatively, the pouch material may be formed in
tubular configuration such that a longitudinal seam/seal is not
necessary. In such case, the pouch of the oral pouched product as
disclosed herein may include at least one transverse seam/seal.
[0090] The longitudinal seam/seal of the pouch may be a
symmetrically placed seam/seal or an asymmetrically placed
seam/seal.
[0091] A lap seam/seal is formed by bringing an outer surface
portion of the pouch material and an inner surface portion of the
pouch material into a superposed relation. A lap seal is
illustrated in FIG. 2a.
[0092] A fin seam/seal is formed by bringing inner surface portions
of the pouch material into a superposed relation. A fin seal is
illustrated in FIG. 2b.
[0093] A combined lap-and-fin seam/seal is formed by first bringing
inner surface portions of the pouch material into a superposed
relation, optionally sealing to form a fin seal, and then lap
sealing the fin seam/seal to an outer surface portion of the pouch
material. A combined lap-and-fin seal is illustrated in FIG.
2c.
[0094] In this context, "inner surface" of the pouch material
refers to the surface of the pouch material that will form the
interior of the final pouch, i.e. the side of the pouch material
that will face the filling material enclosed in the pouch. "Outer
surface" of the pouch material refers to the surface of the pouch
material that will form the exterior of the final pouch.
[0095] For illustrative purposes, FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c show seals
held together by adhesive illustrated by the dashed regions. If any
one of these seals instead is created by, for instance heat
melt-welding or ultrasonic welding, portions of the pouch material
will form a solid-state weld (i.e. no dashed region exists).
[0096] The transverse seams/seals of the pouch may be fin
seams/seals.
[0097] Each of the transverse fin seals may correspond in width to
the width of the respective transverse fin seam.
[0098] Fin seals may have a higher strength than lap seals.
[0099] The seals may be provided by any known suitable sealing
method, such as by sewing, by applying an adhesive and/or by using
a welding method selected from the groups consisting of heat
melt-welding (heat and pressure), high frequency welding (high
frequency electromagnetic waves and pressure) and ultrasonic
welding (high frequency ultrasonic acoustic vibrations, such as
about 15 kHz to 70 kHz, and pressure).
[0100] When a welding method is used, a binder may be used in the
pouch material to facilitate sealing of the material. The binder
may be any suitable adhesive material, and suitable binders will be
known to the skilled person. For example, thermoplastic binders
based on polyacrylates can be used as suitable polymer binders.
Viscose nonwoven including an acrylic polymer is normally used for
pouched smokeless tobacco products.
[0101] Heat melt-welding is commonly used today in the production
of oral pouched smokeless tobacco products and this method may be
used to create the transverse seal(s) and/or the longitudinal seal,
if present, of the oral pouched product as disclosed herein. Fin
seals created by heat melt-welding may be within the range of from
about 2 mm to about 5 mm in width. This means that fin seams
comprising fin seals created by heat melt-welding may be within the
range of from about 2 mm to about 5 mm in width.
[0102] Ultrasonic welding may be used to generate seals that are
narrower in width (smaller) and more precise. Such seals are
therefore tidier, more visually appealing and more discrete. They
may also be more comfortable in the mouth of the user. Narrower
seams/seals have the further advantage that the amount of pouch
material required is reduced. Fin seals created by ultrasonic
welding may be within the range of from about 0.1 mm to about 2 mm
in width, such as within the range of from 0.1 mm to about 1 mm or
0.5 mm to about 1 mm in width. By using ultrasonic welding to
create fin seals, the fin seams may be within the range of from
about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm in width, such as from about 0.5 mm to 1
mm in width.
[0103] Ultrasonic welding may be used to create the transverse
seal(s) and/or the longitudinal seal, if present, of the oral
pouched product as disclosed herein. In such case, the transverse
seams(s) and/or the longitudinal seam, if present, may be within
the range of from about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm in width, such as
within the range of from 0.5 mm to 1 mm in width.
[0104] Alternatively, heat melt-welding may be used to create the
transverse seal(s) and ultrasonic welding may be used to create the
longitudinal seal of the oral pouched product as disclosed herein.
In such case, the transverse seams(s) may be within the range of
from about 2 mm to about 5 mm in width and the longitudinal seam
may be within the range of from about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm in
width, such as from about 0.5 mm to 1 mm in width.
[0105] Still alternatively, ultrasonic welding may be used to
create the transverse seal(s) and heat melt-welding may be used to
create the longitudinal seal of the oral pouched product as
disclosed herein. In such case, the transverse seams(s) may be
within the range of from about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm in width, such
as from about 0.5 mm to 1 mm, and the longitudinal seam may be
within the range of from about 2 mm to about 5 mm in width.
[0106] The oral pouched product, such as an oral pouched smokeless
tobacco product, as disclosed herein, may comprise a pouch
containing a longitudinal fin seam extending along the length of
the product, the longitudinal fin seam having a width within the
range of from 0.5 to 2 mm, such as from about 0.5 mm to 1 mm.
Ultrasonic welding enables the formation of this narrow
longitudinal fin seam.
[0107] The oral pouched product, such as an oral pouched smokeless
tobacco product, as disclosed herein, may comprise a pouch
containing at least one transverse fin seam extending along the
width of the product, the at least one transverse seam having a
width within the range of from 0.5 mm to 2 mm, such as from 0.5 mm
to 1 mm. Ultrasonic welding enables the formation of this (these)
narrow transverse fin seam(s).
[0108] In a specific embodiment of the oral pouched product as
disclosed herein, the product has a maximum length of 34.+-.0.5 mm
and a maximum width of 9.+-.0.5 mm. This product may include
transverse fin seams each one having a width of about 2 to 3 mm.
This product may further include a longitudinal fin seam having a
width of 2 to 4 mm.
[0109] In another specific embodiment of the oral pouched product
as disclosed herein, the product has a maximum length of 34.+-.0.5
mm and a maximum width of 9.+-.0.5 mm. This product may include
transverse fin seams each one having a width of 2 mm to 3 mm. This
product may further include a longitudinal fin seam having a width
of 0.5 mm to 1 mm.
[0110] In a further specific embodiment of the oral pouched product
as disclosed herein, the product has a maximum length of 29.+-.0.5
mm and a maximum width of 9.+-.0.5 mm. This product may include
transverse fin seams each one having a width of 0.5 mm to 1 mm.
This product may further include a longitudinal fin seam having a
width of 2 mm to 4 mm.
[0111] In still another specific embodiment of the oral pouched
product as disclosed herein, the product has a maximum length of
29.+-.0.5 mm and a maximum width of 9.+-.0.5 mm. This product may
include transverse fin seams each one having a width of 0.5 mm to 1
mm. This product may further include a longitudinal fin seam having
a width of 0.5 mm to 1 mm.
[0112] When making snus according to GothiaTek.RTM. standard, which
implies hygienic handling of all ingredients and pasteurization of
the loaded materials thus assuring a final tobacco composition with
negligible levels of bacteria, the typical main ingredients,
besides tobacco, are water, sodium chloride (NaCl) and sodium
carbonate (Na.sub.2CO.sub.3). Flavours and humectants (e.g.
propylene glycol or glycerol) are also common ingredients and
additional food approved additives might be used.
[0113] There are normally two major steps in the manufacturing
process of converting tobacco to a snus composition; a) grinding
(or cutting) and sieving and b) snus-processing.
a) Grinding and Sieving
[0114] Generally, tobacco flour is produced by batch grinding.
Compressed tobacco is emptied from its cases and torn to large
fragments which are cut to pieces. The cut tobacco pieces are dried
and transported to a mill. The tobacco is ground and ground tobacco
particles are sieved and separated into fractions. Too large
particles may be brought back to the mill for re-grinding. The
cutting, grinding and sieving is done in equipment where foreign
objects such as fragments of metallic material and stones are
separated and removed from the tobacco. A number of approved
fractions are weighed in separate fractions scales. The weighed
tobacco flour fractions are collected to pre-set quantities in a
container and blended by circulation. The blended tobacco flour is
stored in a container. Different types of tobacco flours are kept
in separate containers.
b) Snus-processing
[0115] The snus mixture (herein referred to as smokeless tobacco
composition) is produced by batch processing and should be carried
out in a closed system to minimize the risk of contamination from
bacteria or foreign substances. Since automatic feeding of tobacco
and the other ingredients is preferred, the whole process may be
computer controlled and can be run day and night, all week
around.
[0116] The process normally starts with loading of tobacco material
in powder form (tobacco flour), water, sodium chloride (NaCl) and
possibly additional additives, into a cylindrical blender. Loading
is done while stirring. The loaded materials are mixed to a
homogeneous blend, which is heated by injection of steam. The blend
is then kept heated for several hours with support of steam to
ensure reduction of the natural bacterial flora in the tobacco and
to bring texture, taste and color to the snus blend. Time,
temperature and frequency of stirring during heat treatment,
parameters specified for different snus blend qualities, are
preferably controlled by a process computer program. After heat
treatment, the blend is normally chilled by flow of cold water
through the blender jacket during stirring. Water, flavours, pH
adjuster, such as sodium carbonate, and possibly additional
additives may then be added to the chilled blend. The blend is
finally mixed to a homogeneous snus composition.
[0117] The oral pouched (i.e. portion-packed) products, such as
oral pouched smokeless tobacco products, as disclosed herein, may
be positioned randomly in a container or in a pattern, as described
in WO 2012/069505. Alternatively or additionally, each oral pouched
(i.e. portion-packed) product may be placed in a sachet.
[0118] The invention will now be illustrated by means of the
following non-limiting examples.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
[0119] A smokeless tobacco composition, having a moisture content
of about 56% w/w, suitable for pouch packing using the herein
referenced NYPS technology was produced in accordance with the
above disclosed GothiaTek.RTM. standard.
[0120] The tobacco composition was packed in pouches using a pouch
packer machine in accordance with the herein referenced NYPS
technology.
[0121] Pouched snus products with three different sizes, as
outlined in Table 1, were produced. The maximum length (L) of the
pouch, i.e. the maximum length of the product, was measured along
the direction from the first outer side end to the second outer
side end of the pouch as shown in FIG. 1. The maximum width (W) of
the pouch, i.e. the maximum width of the product, was measured in a
direction perpendicular to the length direction as shown in FIG.
1.
[0122] The thickness of the pouched product (in Table 1 referred to
as thickness at waist) was about 5.+-.0.5 mm for Example 1, Ref. 1
and Ref. 2.
[0123] The target weight per pouched product (i.e. the total weight
of pouch and snus) is also shown in Table 1.
[0124] The pouched snus products according to Example 1, Ref. 1 and
Ref. 2 were non-post-moisturized.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Example 1 Ref. 1 Ref. 2 Target weight per
0.5 .+-. 0.2 0.5 .+-. 0.2 0.9 .+-. 0.2 pouched product [g] Total
moisture 52 .+-. 1 52 .+-. 1 52 .+-. 1 content of pouched product
(% w/w) Maximum length of 34 27 34 product [mm] Maximum width of 9
14 18 product [mm] Ratio of maximum 3.8 1.9 1.9 length to maximum
width Thickness at waist ~5 ~4.5 ~5.5 [mm] Width at waist ~5 ~12
~15 [mm] Transverse waist 21 30 38 circumference (TWC) [mm]
Longitudinal 62 43 57 circumference (LC) [mm] LC-to-TWC ratio 3.0
1.4 1.5 Width of each ~3 ~3 ~3 transverse seam [mm]
[0125] Each pouched product was weighed and the weight was
recorded.
[0126] The target weight per pouched product is the total weight of
the product (i.e. including filling material and pouch).
[0127] The moisture content of Table 1 is the average value of 3 to
4 measurements of about 3.+-.0.5 g of the respective oral pouched
smokeless tobacco products.
[0128] The maximum length and maximum width of the product were
measured as illustrated in FIG. 1a.
[0129] The approximate "thickness at waist" (generally referred to
as the thickness of the product) was measured for each product as
the height of the product, in a non-compressed state, at the centre
of the maximum length of the product as illustrated in FIG. 1 b.
The centre of the maximum length of the product is herein referred
to as the waist of the product.
[0130] The approximate "width at waist" was measured in a direction
perpendicular to the direction in which "thickness at waist" was
measured.
[0131] The transverse waist circumference (TWC) of the pouch was
measured by cutting the product 1 around the waist of the product,
such as along the two dotted lines shown in FIG. 3a. The thereby
provided continuous annular piece of the pouch was cut open and the
length of the resulting rectangular piece of pouch material was
measured. This length is herein referred to as the transverse waist
circumference of the pouch.
[0132] The longitudinal circumference (LC) of the pouch was
measured by cutting the product 1 along the length of the product,
such as along the two dotted lines shown in FIG. 3b. The thereby
provided continuous annular piece of the pouch was cut open between
the transverse seams and the length of the resulting rectangular
piece of pouch material was measured. This length, which thus
excludes the width of the two transverse seams 2, is herein
referred to as the longitudinal circumference of the pouch.
[0133] The LC-to-TWC ratio of the product according to Example 1
was about 3.0.
[0134] The thickness at waist and the width at waist of the product
according to Example 1 was substantially the same; about 5 mm.
Example 1a
Sensory Characteristics
[0135] Each individual of a panel of 12 individuals were provided
with 4 pouched snus products of Example 1, 4 pouched snus products
of Ref. 1 and 4 pouched snus products of Ref. 2. The format of Ref.
1 is, when sold commercially, referred to as "mini". The format of
Ref. 2 is, when sold commercially, referred to as "large".
[0136] Each pouched snus product was provided in a 14 ml Falcon
test tube with a removable sealing cap.
[0137] For each type of product, the individuals were instructed to
put a snus product in the mouth between the upper lip and gum and
keep it there for 5, 10, 15 and 30 minutes, respectively, which
represent typical snus usage periods.
[0138] After use thereof, the 12 individuals were asked to evaluate
the overall experience of the different groups of pouched snus
products by rating, on a scale from 1-5, where 1 is the lowest
ranking and 5 is the highest ranking, whether the products were (i)
comfort, (ii) stayed in place, (iii) discreet, and (iv) runny. It
should be noted that with regard to runniness, ranking 5
corresponds to a low degree of experienced runniness while ranking
1 corresponds to a high degree of experienced runniness.
[0139] The results (median values) are presented in FIG. 4. These
results clearly show that the users found the oral pouched snus
product of Example 1 better than the reference products in view of
comfort and discreetness upon use thereof. The users also
experienced that the product of Example 1 stayed better in place in
the mouth as compared to the reference products. However, the users
did not experience any increased runniness while using the product
of Example 1, which is considered to be advantageous.
[0140] As shown by this experiment, the non-post-moisturized
pouched snus product of Example 1, having a moisture content of
about 51-53% w/w based on the total weight of the product, was
found to fit comfortably and discreetly in the user's mouth and
stayed in place in the mouth upon use thereof while still avoiding
the feeling of runniness.
Example 1b
Sensory Characteristics
[0141] 57 snus users normally using pouched snus products having
the so-called "slim" format were provided with a can of 24 pouched
snus products in accordance with Example 1 to compare with their
regular "slim" product.
[0142] Data for "slim" products sold by Swedish Match North Europe
under the brand name "The LaB Series", such as "The LaB 02" (Ref.
3a), "The LaB 03 Slim White" (Ref. 3b) and "The LaB 22" (Ref 3c),
are provided in Table 2. The product "The LaB 02" is
post-moisturized and the products "The LaB 03 Slim White" and "The
LaB 22" are non-post-moisturized.
[0143] FIG. 5 illustrates the maximum length (35 mm) and the
maximum width (14 mm) of the commercially available pouched snus
product "LaB 02" (Ref. 3a) having a product weight of 0.9 g.
[0144] FIG. 6 illustrates the maximum length (37 mm) and the
maximum width (13 mm) of another commercially available pouched
snus product called "Camel Frost" having a product weight 0.6
g.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Example 1 Ref. 3a Ref. 3b Ref. 3c Target
weight per 0.5 .+-. 0.2 0.9 .+-. 0.2 0.9 .+-. 0.2 0.7 .+-. 0.2
pouched product [g] Total moisture 52 .+-. 1 ~46.5 ~50.5 ~27.5
content of pouched product (% w/w) Maximum length of 34 35 34 35
product [mm] Maximum 9 14 product [mm] Ratio of maximum 3.8 2.5 2.4
2.5 length to maximum width
[0145] Each individual had to consider the following statements:
[0146] a) The product has a good fit under the lip. [0147] b) The
product feels comfortable. [0148] The answers for the individuals
to choose from were: [0149] 1. Applies much more on my normal
format (i.e. the "slim" format) [0150] 2. Applies somewhat more on
my normal format (i.e. the "slim" format) [0151] 3. No difference
between my regular format (i.e. the "slim" format) and the new
format (i.e. Example 1) [0152] 4. Applies somewhat more on the new
format (i.e. Example 1) [0153] 5. Applies much more on the new
format (i.e. Example 1)
[0154] 67% of the individuals responded that statements a) and b)
applied somewhat more (i.e. alternative 4) or much more (i.e.
alternative 5) on the new format in accordance with Example 1.
Thus, a majority of the individuals experienced that the oral
pouched snuff product as disclosed herein had a better fit under
the lip and was more comfortable than an oral pouched snuff product
having the "slim format", such as Ref. 3a-c.
Example 2
Sensory Characteristics
[0155] Each individual of a panel, 11 panelists the first day and
12 panelists the second day, was provided with two different types
of pouched snus products in two replicates on two days in a
row.
[0156] The reference product (called Ref. 4) was the commercially
available product called "G.3 White XSTR PSWS" (Slim White Portion,
0.9 g, 1.8% nicotine, 46.5% water).
[0157] Oral pouched snus products (called Example 2) having the
same format as in Example 1 and containing the same snus
composition as in the reference product were produced.
[0158] For each type of product, the panelists were instructed to
put a snus product in the mouth under the upper lip and keep it
there for 10 minutes, with a pause of a couple of minutes in
between the two tested products.
[0159] Each panelist was thereafter asked to rank which type of
product that provided the highest perceived nicotine delivery.
[0160] In total, there were 23 answers from the test. The test was
evaluated as a paired difference test. The results are presented in
Table 3.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Ref. 4 Example 2 Target weight per 0.9 .+-.
0.2 0.5 .+-. 0.2 pouched product [g] Nicotine per portion 16 9 (mg)
Total moisture ~46.5 ~46.0% content of pouched product (% w/w)
Maximum length of 34 34 product [mm] Maximum width of 14 9 product
[mm] Ratio of maximum 2.4 3.8 length to maximum width Perceived
delivery of 10 13 nicotine
[0161] 10 answers stated that the product of Ref. 4 provided a
higher perceived nicotine delivery than the product of Example
2.
[0162] 13 answers stated that the product of Example 2 provided a
higher perceived nicotine delivery than the product of Ref. 4.
[0163] Thus, despite the smaller format and less weight of the
product in accordance with Example 2, the result of the test showed
that even more individuals perceived the nicotine delivery as
higher from the product of Example 1 despite the lower nicotine
content of the product of Example 2 compared to the reference
product. This result was unexpected since the amount of nicotine (9
mg) in the product of Example 2 was lower than the 10 amount of
nicotine (16 mg) in the product of Ref. 4.
* * * * *