U.S. patent application number 17/205034 was filed with the patent office on 2021-07-01 for composition for a tobacco-free chew with liquid synthetic nicotine.
This patent application is currently assigned to Blesst Boyz LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Blesst Boyz LLC. Invention is credited to Michael R. Crawford, Kenneth A. Dawson, JR., Alan J. Duignan, Sean P. Linton.
Application Number | 20210195937 17/205034 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005505376 |
Filed Date | 2021-07-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210195937 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Duignan; Alan J. ; et
al. |
July 1, 2021 |
COMPOSITION FOR A TOBACCO-FREE CHEW WITH LIQUID SYNTHETIC
NICOTINE
Abstract
Exemplary embodiments contained herein relate to smokeless
products containing one or more non-tobacco plant materials and
methods of manufacture thereof. Exemplary embodiments are related
to the method of manufacture of various chew products containing
non-tobacco ingredients including plant material and a starch, a
sweetener, natural and artificial flavors, a pH adjuster, solvent,
salt, and liquid synthetic nicotine and methods of manufacture
thereof. The liquid synthetic nicotine is provided at greater
volumes compared to when liquid tobacco-derived nicotine is used
due to the presence of both R nicotine isomers and S nicotine
isomers present in the liquid synthetic nicotine.
Inventors: |
Duignan; Alan J.;
(Uniontown, OH) ; Dawson, JR.; Kenneth A.;
(Uniontown, OH) ; Crawford; Michael R.; (Akron,
OH) ; Linton; Sean P.; (Akron, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Blesst Boyz LLC |
Akron |
OH |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Blesst Boyz LLC
|
Family ID: |
1000005505376 |
Appl. No.: |
17/205034 |
Filed: |
March 18, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16180417 |
Nov 5, 2018 |
10952460 |
|
|
17205034 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24B 15/38 20130101;
A24B 15/16 20130101; A24B 15/302 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A24B 15/30 20060101
A24B015/30; A24B 15/16 20060101 A24B015/16; A24B 15/38 20060101
A24B015/38 |
Claims
1. A composition comprising: a non-tobacco leaf material comprising
a combination of spearmint leaves and arrowroot; a flavorant,
wherein the flavorant comprises capsaicin adapted to produce a
burning sensation upon contact with a tissue during chewing usage;
liquid synthetic nicotine that is not derived from tobacco, wherein
the liquid synthetic nicotine is (R,S)-nicotine that comprises S
nicotine isomers and R nicotine isomers and has the following
structure: ##STR00002## a ratio of S nicotine isomers to R nicotine
isomers in the liquid synthetic nicotine in a range from about 3:1
to about 1:3; the liquid synthetic nicotine having a weight that is
in a range from about 0.15% to about 0.5% of the total weight of
the composition; a diluent, wherein the diluent is operative to
dilute the synthetic nicotine to a lower concentration, while
maintaining the weight that is in the range from 0.3% to 0.5% of a
total weight of the composition, and wherein a ratio of diluent to
liquid synthetic nicotine is about 3:1, wherein an amount of free
nicotine in the liquid synthetic nicotine, after being exposed to
the diluent and an alkaline pH equals an amount of free nicotine in
the liquid synthetic nicotine in an undiluted concentration at a
neutral or acidic pH; a pH adjuster comprising at least one of
baking soda and an ammonium salt, wherein the pH adjuster maintains
the composition at a pH greater than 8.0; and wherein the
composition is adapted to be packaged in a pouch or a can and the
composition adapted to deliver the liquid synthetic nicotine during
chewing usage.
2. A composition comprising: a non-tobacco leaf material; a
flavorant; and liquid synthetic nicotine that is not derived from
tobacco, wherein the liquid synthetic nicotine comprises S nicotine
isomers and R nicotine isomers; a ratio of S nicotine isomers to R
nicotine isomers in the liquid synthetic nicotine in a range from
about 3:1 to about 1:3; and the liquid synthetic nicotine having a
weight that is in a range from about 0.15% to about 0.5% of the
total weight of the composition; wherein the composition is adapted
to be packaged in a pouch or a can and the composition adapted to
deliver the liquid synthetic nicotine during chewing usage.
3. The composition of claim 2, wherein the ratio of S nicotine
isomers to R nicotine isomers in the liquid synthetic nicotine that
is not derived from tobacco is in a range from about 2:1 to about
1:2.
4. The composition of claim 3, wherein the flavorant comprises
capsaicin adapted to produce a burning sensation upon contact with
a tissue during chewing usage.
5. The composition of claim 2, wherein the ratio of S nicotine
isomers to R nicotine isomers in the liquid synthetic nicotine that
is not derived from tobacco is about 1:1.
6. The composition of claim 2, further comprising a diluent,
wherein the diluent is operative to dilute the synthetic nicotine
to a lower concentration, while maintaining the weight that is in
the range from 0.3% to 0.5% of a total weight of the
composition.
7. The composition of claim 6, further comprising a ratio of
diluent to liquid synthetic nicotine in a range from about 2:1 to
about 4:1.
8. The composition of claim 7, wherein the ratio of diluent to
liquid synthetic nicotine is about 3:1.
9. The composition of claim 7, wherein an amount of free nicotine
in the liquid synthetic nicotine, after being exposed to the
diluent and an alkaline pH approximates a similar amount of free
nicotine in an undiluted concentration at a neutral or acidic
pH.
10. The composition of claim 7, further comprising a pH
adjuster.
11. The composition of claim 10, wherein the pH adjuster includes
at least one of baking soda and an ammonium salt.
12. The composition of claim 11, wherein pH adjuster maintains the
composition at a pH of about 8.6.
13. The composition of claim 10, wherein the non-tobacco leaf
material comprises shredded spearmint leaves and arrowroot.
14. The composition of claim 6, wherein the composition has a pH
greater than 8.
15. The composition of claim 14, wherein the composition has a pH
of about 8.6.
16. The composition of claim 2, wherein the liquid synthetic
nicotine has the following structure: ##STR00003## and the liquid
synthetic nicotine is a product of a process comprising: reacting a
nicotinate ester with N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone in the presence of a
base and a solvent to form a first mixture; combining the first
mixture with a cold acid solution to form a second mixture
comprising an aqueous layer; separating the aqueous layer from the
second mixture; combining the separated aqueous layer with an acid
to form a third mixture; combining the third mixture with a base to
form a fourth mixture comprising myosamine; and reducing the
myosamine to nornicotine using a reducing agent; and methylating
the nornicotine to yield (R,S)-nicotine.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/180,417, filed Nov. 5, 2018;
the disclosures of which is entirely incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to a tobacco-free
chew product having liquid synthetic nicotine and methods of
manufacturing the same. More particularly, the present disclosure
relates to a tobacco-free chew product containing plant materials
and flavorants and methods of manufacturing the same. Specifically,
the present disclosure relates to non-tobacco ingredient plant
ingredient, liquid synthetic nicotine, starch, a sweetener, a
flavorant, a pH adjuster, solvent, and salt and methods of
manufacturing the same.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In recent years, the harmful effects of tobacco use has been
recognized by multiple campaigns both privately funded by various
health groups and by governmental agencies. These campaigns have
done well to communicate various information about the adverse
health effects related to the use of tobacco products. Many of
these programs are directed to attempts to reduce the smoking
incidence within the population.
[0004] Tobacco smoking alone has far reaching impacts on health. It
is currently estimated that there are 3-4 million deaths per year
around the world directly attributable to tobacco smoking and
tobacco smoking related diseases. In a 1988 report entitled The
Health Consequences of Smoking: Nicotine Addiction: A Report of the
Surgeon General, it was estimated that approximately 300,000 deaths
each year are caused as a result of cigarette smoking in the US
alone. Smoking is internationally recognized as a major cause to
health problems throughout the world. Tobacco use costs $300
billion a year in the United States. Currently, 36.5 million adults
continue to smoke.
[0005] However, quitting using tobacco is extremely difficult. In
fact, the World Health Organization has in its International
Classification of Disorders a diagnosis called Tobacco Dependence.
One primary reason individuals have trouble giving up tobacco
products centers around nicotine. Nicotine is an organic compound
and is the principal alkaloid of tobacco. Nicotine is the chief
addictive ingredient in the tobacco used in cigarettes, cigars,
snuff, chew and the like. Nicotine addicts characteristically
display a strong tendency to relapse after having successfully
stopped using tobacco for a time. Nicotine is the world's second
most used drug, after caffeine from coffee and tea.
[0006] The administration of nicotine can give satisfaction and the
usual method is by smoking. When smoking a cigarette or other
tobacco containing product, nicotine is quickly absorbed into the
smoker's blood and reaches the brain within around ten seconds
after inhalation. The quick uptake of nicotine gives the consumer a
rapid satisfaction, or kick. The satisfaction, then, lasts during
the smoking time of the cigarette and for a period of time
thereafter.
[0007] However, tobacco smoke has a lot of dangerous substances
that are formed during the combustion of tobacco, such as carbon
monoxide, tar products, aldehydes, and hydrocyanic acid. Chewing
tobacco comes with its own set of issues as well, including use as
a risk factor for the development of oral cancers and precancers.
Additionally, using chewing tobacco can include other health risks
including, but not limited to gum disease, tooth decay, tooth loss,
links to various other cancers and cardiovascular disease.
[0008] As a result, there has been a push for tobacco alternative
products and methods. Recently "electronic cigarettes",
"e-cigarettes" or "personal vaporizers", are becoming increasingly
popular. These are often names for a personal vaporizer or
vaporizer pen, which is a device that heats and vaporizes a liquid
material such as a liquid tobacco or an herbal extraction product
without causing combustion. These devices may be used by various
people to simulate tobacco smoking, including current or past
smokers of tobacco cigarettes and individuals who never were
smokers of tobacco cigarettes.
SUMMARY
[0009] However, using tobacco and tobacco derived products has
health hazards and it is therefore desirable to formulate an
alternative way of administering nicotine in a pleasurable manner
that can be used to facilitate withdrawal from tobacco and/or used
as a replacement for the use of tobacco. Therefore, it is prudent
to develop a product free of tobacco, yet still capable of
delivering nicotine in an improved manner. This is accomplished
through the usage of liquid synthetic nicotine (i.e., nicotine that
is synthesized in a laboratory and not derived from tobacco).
[0010] Exemplary embodiments relate to compositions, such as
tobacco-free chew, containing a base material free of tobacco plant
materials as well as methods of manufacture related thereto.
Additionally, these exemplary compositions include liquid synthetic
nicotine that is not derived from tobacco.
[0011] This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment
may further comprise, a non-tobacco leaf material, a flavorant, and
synthetic nicotine. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary
embodiment may further comprise, a diluent, wherein the diluent is
operative to dilute the synthetic nicotine to a lower amount. This
exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further
comprise a composition has a pH greater than 7; more particularly,
the composition has a pH greater than 7.5. One embodiment provides
a preferred pH at 8.6. This exemplary embodiment or another
exemplary embodiment may further comprise, a composition wherein
the amount of free nicotine after being exposed to a diluent and an
alkaline pH would equal that of a similar undiluted
concentration.
[0012] In an exemplary embodiment a composition of tobacco-free
chew comprises mint leaves, ground arrowroot, water, natural
flavors, artificial flavors, colors and/or dyes, propylene glycol
and nicotine as well as methods of manufacture related thereto.
[0013] A further embodiment provides for a composition of
tobacco-free chew comprises mint leaves, ground arrowroot, water,
natural flavors, artificial flavors, colors and/or dyes, propylene
glycol and free of any nicotine as methods of manufacture related
thereto.
[0014] In one aspect, the present disclosure may provide a
composition containing: non-tobacco ingredient plant ingredient,
starch, a sweetener, a flavorant, a pH adjuster, solvent, and salt.
This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may
further provide where the sweetener comprises molasses. This
exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further
provide where the pH adjuster includes at least one of baking soda
and ammonium salt. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary
embodiment may further provide where the non-tobacco plant
ingredient comprises shredded spearmint leaves. This exemplary
embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide
where the starch component is derived from arrow root. This
exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further
provide where a weight percentage of the non-tobacco plant
ingredient and starch is in a range of about 20% to about 40% of
the total composition. This exemplary embodiment or another
exemplary embodiment may further provide where a weight percentage
of the non-tobacco plant ingredient and starch is in a range from
about 37% to about 30% of the total composition. This exemplary
embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide a
weight percentage of the non-tobacco plant ingredient and starch is
in a range from about 27% to about 30% of the total composition.
This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may
further provide a weight percentage of sweetener is in a range from
about 10% to about 35% of the total composition. This exemplary
embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide a
weight percentage of sweetener is in a range from about 18% to
about 27% of the total composition. This exemplary embodiment or
another exemplary embodiment may further provide a weight
percentage of flavorant is in a range from about 10% to about 35%
of the total composition This exemplary embodiment or another
exemplary embodiment may further provide a weight percentage of
flavorant is in a range from about 17% to about 26% of the total
composition. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary
embodiment may further provide wherein the flavorant comprises
natural and artificial flavors. This exemplary embodiment or
another exemplary embodiment may further provide a weight
percentage of pH adjuster is in a range from about 0.1% to about 3%
of the total composition. This exemplary embodiment or another
exemplary embodiment may further provide a weight percentage of pH
adjuster is in a range from about 0.5% to about 1.0% of the total
composition. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary
embodiment may further provide a weight percentage of solvent,
wherein the solvent is water and is in a range of about 15% to
about 30% of the total composition. This exemplary embodiment or
another exemplary embodiment may further provide a weight
percentage of solvent is in a range of about 20% to about 24% of
the total composition. This exemplary embodiment or another
exemplary embodiment may further provide a weight percentage of
salt is in a range of about 0.5% to about 3% of the total
composition. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary
embodiment may further provide a weight percentage of salt is about
0.5-1% of the total composition
[0015] This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment
may further comprise liquid synthetic nicotine, wherein the liquid
synthetic nicotine is diluted at a general ratio of vegetable
glycerin to liquid synthetic nicotine from 2:1 to 4:1 more
particularly, glycerin to liquid synthetic nicotine is 3:1. This
exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further
provide a weight percentage of liquid synthetic nicotine is about
0.05% to about 5% of the total composition. This exemplary
embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide a
weight percentage of liquid synthetic nicotine is about 0.16% to
about 0.35% of the total composition.
[0016] This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment
may further provide for a plasticizer, wherein the plasticizer
comprises propylene glycol and is generally at a weight percentage
of plasticizer is up to about 10% of the total composition, and is
more particularly at a weight percentage of plasticizer is up to
about 6% of the total composition. wherein the percent weight of
the plasticizer is up to about 6% of the total weight of the
composition.
[0017] In another aspect, the present disclosure may provide a
method of making a tobacco-free chew composition comprising:
measuring ingredients, including non-tobacco ingredients including
non-tobacco plant material, a starch, a sweetener, a flavorant, a
pH adjuster, a solvent, and salt, adding said ingredients into a
mixer, mixing said ingredients in the mixer, drying the mixed
ingredients, and packaging the ingredients into a package. This
exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further
provide subsequent to packaging, diluting the synthetic nicotine
with a diluent, wherein a ratio of the diluent to the synthetic
nicotine in a range from about 2:1 to about 4:1. This exemplary
embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide
where adding of the ingredients incudes: adding half of the wet
ingredients to the mixer; adding half of the dry ingredients to the
mixer; adding the rest of the wet ingredients to the mixer; and
adding the rest of the dry ingredients to the mixer. This exemplary
embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide
dyeing the starch material with a dye, wherein dyeing the starch
material includes weighing the starch material, calculating out a
brown colored dye at a concentration of about 1.75 oz per pound of
starch material, adding the dye to the starch material and mixing
the starch material in a mixer. This exemplary embodiment or
another exemplary embodiment may further provide prior to drying
the mixed ingredients occurs, determining if the ingredients are
sufficiently mixed. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary
embodiment may further provide prior to packaging the ingredients
occurs, weighing the mixed ingredients after drying to determine
moisture content, determining if the mixed ingredients are at the
proper moisture content, redrying the mixed ingredients if the
mixed ingredients are not at the proper moisture content for an
additional time, and passing the mixed ingredients on to packaging
if they are sufficiently dry. This exemplary embodiment or another
exemplary embodiment may further provide where packaging the
ingredients includes: filling the package, weighing the package,
determining proper package weight, returning the package to for
more mixed ingredients to be added if the package is below proper
weight, sealing the package if it is at the proper weight and
subsequent to packaging, briefly storing the package. This
exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further
provide subsequent to storing the package and further comprising,
checking the package for any leaks, discarding the package if it
has the presence of any leaks, preparing to sell the package if it
is substantially free of any leaks. This exemplary embodiment or
another exemplary embodiment may further provide measuring an
amount of nicotine.
[0018] Additionally, the can or tin that is packaged the
non-tobacco chew composition of the present disclosure may be
packaged in five-pack sleeves for retail purchase. The sleeve
formed of five cans are manufactured by stacking five cans and
shrink-wrapping the stacked cans together. The shrink-wrapping may
occur by placing a plastic sleeve over the stacked cans and
exposing the plastic sleeve to heat so it contracts to reduce its
size and wrap the cans together.
[0019] In one aspect, the present disclosure may provide a
composition consisting essentially of: non-tobacco plant
ingredient, starch, a sweetener, a flavorant, a pH adjuster,
solvent, and salt.
[0020] In another aspect, the present disclosure may provide a
composition comprising a non-tobacco leaf material, a flavorant;
and synthetic nicotine that is not derived from tobacco. This
exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further
provide for a diluent, wherein the diluent is operative to dilute
the synthetic nicotine to a lower concentration. This exemplary
embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide a
ratio of diluent to synthetic nicotine in a range from about 2:1 to
about 4:1. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary
embodiment may further provide for a ratio of diluent to synthetic
nicotine is about 3:1. This exemplary embodiment or another
exemplary embodiment may further provide for an amount of free
nicotine in the synthetic nicotine, after being exposed to the
diluent and an alkaline pH approximates a similar amount of free
nicotine in an undiluted concentration at a neutral or acidic pH.
This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may
further provide for a starch, a sweetener, a pH adjuster, a solvent
and a salt. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary
embodiment may further provide wherein the pH adjuster includes one
of baking soda and an ammonium salt. This exemplary embodiment or
another exemplary embodiment may further provide for the
non-tobacco leaf material comprises shredded spearmint leaves.
[0021] This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment
may further provide for the composition has a pH greater than 7.
This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may
further provide for the composition has a pH greater than 7.5. In
one particular embodiment, it has been determined to be beneficial
to maintain the pH greater than 8.0, particularly maintaining the
pH around 8.6.
[0022] In yet another aspect, another embodiment of the present
disclosure provides a composition comprising: a non-tobacco leaf
material comprising a combination of spearmint leaves and
arrowroot; a flavorant, wherein the flavorant comprises capsaicin
adapted to produce a burning sensation upon contact with a tissue
during chewing usage; liquid synthetic nicotine that is not derived
from tobacco, wherein the liquid synthetic nicotine comprises S
nicotine isomers and R nicotine isomers; a ratio of S nicotine
isomers to R nicotine isomers in the liquid synthetic nicotine in a
range from about 3:1 to about 1:3; the liquid synthetic nicotine
having a weight that is in a range from about 0.15% to about 0.5%
of the total weight of the composition; a diluent, wherein the
diluent is operative to dilute the synthetic nicotine to a lower
concentration, while maintaining the weight that is in the range
from 0.3% to 0.5% of a total weight of the composition, and wherein
a ratio of diluent to liquid synthetic nicotine is about 3:1,
wherein an amount of free nicotine in the liquid synthetic
nicotine, after being exposed to the diluent and an alkaline pH
approximates a similar amount of free nicotine in an undiluted
concentration at a neutral or acidic pH; a pH adjuster comprising
at least one of baking soda and an ammonium salt, wherein the pH
adjuster maintains the composition at a pH greater than 8.0;
wherein the composition is adapted to be packaged in a pouch or a
can and the composition adapted to deliver the liquid synthetic
nicotine during chewing usage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] A sample embodiment of the disclosure is set forth in the
following description, is shown in the drawings and is particularly
and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.
The accompanying drawings, which are fully incorporated herein and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate various
examples, methods, and other example embodiments of various aspects
of the disclosure. It will be appreciated that the illustrated
element boundaries (e.g., boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes)
in the figures represent one example of the boundaries. One of
ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that in some examples one
element may be designed as multiple elements or that multiple
elements may be designed as one element. In some examples, an
element shown as an internal component of another element may be
implemented as an external component and vice versa. Furthermore,
elements may not be drawn to scale.
[0024] FIG. 1 (FIG. 1) is a perspective view of various containers
of ingredients.
[0025] FIG. 2 (FIG. 2) is a perspective view of an exemplary mixer
focused on the mixing bowl with the paddle operative to spin, as
liquid ingredients are added.
[0026] FIG. 3 (FIG. 3) is a perspective view of the mixing bowl
being emptied into a tray.
[0027] FIG. 4 (FIG. 4) is a perspective view of the tray covered
with a screen, allowing for evaporation.
[0028] FIG. 5A (FIG. 5A) is a view of chew product being added to
exemplary containers including pouches and cans.
[0029] FIG. 5B (FIG. 5B) is a view of exemplary sealed and packaged
chew.
[0030] FIG. 6 (FIG. 6) is a flowchart for an exemplary method.
[0031] FIG. 7 (FIG. 7) is a flowchart for a further exemplary
method.
[0032] Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the
drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 shows containers of
various ingredients 10 that are to be combined to form a
composition 54 for a tobacco free chew product adapted to be
retained with a user's mouth. The ingredients 10 are separated into
two main categories. Dry ingredients 12 having a subset of the dry
ingredients 12 as plant based ingredients 14, and wet ingredients
16. Dry ingredients may be comprised natural flavorants 18,
artificial flavorants 20, pH adjusters such as an ammonium salt 22,
baking soda 24, a salt component 26, and a dry sweetener 28, such
as xylitol, along with of alternative plant based ingredients to
tobacco including mint leaves 30 and a starch containing compound
32. The wet ingredients 16 may include a wet sweetener 34, such as
molasses, solvent 36, liquid or emulsion based flavorants 38,
nicotine 40, plasticizer 42, such as propylene glycol, and a
diluent 44.
[0034] As tobacco has both texture as well as plant matter, and it
is desirable to recreate the chew of tobacco with other plant
matter 14, or tobacco-alternative plant based ingredients 14. An
exemplary embodiment herein provides for the use of mint leaves 30
and a starch containing compound 32, such as arrowroot.
[0035] An exemplary embodiment provides for the use of mint leaves
30 as a source of tobacco-alternative plant materials. As used
herein "mint leaves" refers to plants of the genus Mentha. The
genus Mentha includes but is not limited to those listed in the
USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program, Germplasm Resources
Information Network--(GRIN), National Germplasm Resources
Laboratory, Beltsville, Md. Examples of this genus include, but are
not limited to: Mentha aquatica, Mentha canadensis, Mentha cervina,
Mentha japonica, Mentha logifolia, Mentha piperita, Mentha
pulegium, Mentha spicata, and Mentha suaveolens. Mint leaves may
provide a source of a dry ingredient. The term "leaves" or "mint
leaves" specifically excludes any corn derived product or
substance. An exemplary embodiment of the chew allows for spearmint
leaves to make up 15-30% of the chew. The spearmint leaves may more
particularly include about 17-23% of the chew.
[0036] In exemplary embodiments, the composition includes a starch
containing compound 32 as a source of tobacco-alternative plant
based ingredients 14. The starch containing compound 32 is
operative to adequately simulate the consistency of chewing
tobacco.
[0037] Starch is the most abundant storage carbohydrate in higher
plants. Starches comprise primarily amylase and amylopectin, but
the physical properties of starches and, therefore, the
applications, depend on the starch composition and are unique for
each botanical source. As an example, starch from different plants
may comprise amylose and amylopectin in varying ratios along with a
varying chain length and varying degrees of branching. Some
starches further comprise additional components, such as
phosphates, lipids, and/or proteins. Starches may exhibit varying
levels of cross-linking between polymer chains. Further, starch can
vary in average granule size, size distribution, and shape. For
example, rice-derived starch is generally around 2 .mu.m,
maize-derived starch is generally around 12-30 .mu.m, wheat-derived
starch is generally around 30-45 .mu.m, and potato-derived starch
is generally around 50-100 .mu.m.
[0038] These and other differences can significantly affect the
physical properties of the starch. For example, they may impact the
swellable potential of starch granules, that is how much water may
be held by the starch. For example, the higher the crystallinity of
the starch, the higher the swellable potential of the starch. The
crystallinity of a given starch is, in turn impacted by the ratio
of amylase to amylopectin. High levels of amylase typically
decrease the crystallinity of a starch, and thus, decrease the
swellable potential. The crystallinity is also impacted by the size
and shape of starch granules, as smaller, spherical granules are
typically less crystalline and thus have less swelling
potential.
[0039] An exemplary embodiment uses arrowroot powder as the starch
compound 32. Raw arrowroot may be processed to a desired texture by
the facility making the chew, or may be processed prior to
arriving, including being modified, as discussed below. Other
exemplary sources of starch compound 32 may include, but are not
limited to, arrowroot, arracacha, bananas, barley, beans,
breadfruit, buckwheat, canna, chestnuts, colacasia, katakuri,
kamut, kudzu, malanga, millet, oats, oca, Polynesian arrowroot,
sago, sorghum, sweet potato, quinoa, rice, rye, spelt, tapioca,
taro, tobacco, triticale, water chestnuts, and yams.
[0040] In exemplary embodiments, certain starches may be modified
starches. A modified starch has undergone one or more structural
modifications, often designed to alter its properties. Most
notably, heat stability. Other exemplary starches have been
developed by genetic modifications, and are considered to be
"modified" starches. Other starches are obtained from plant based
material and subsequently modified. For example, modified starches
can be starches that have been subjected to chemical reactions,
such as esterification, etherification, oxidation, depolymerization
(thinning) by acid catalysis or oxidation in the presence of base,
bleaching, transglycosylation and depolymerization (e.g.,
dextrinization in the presence of a catalyst), cross-linking,
enzyme treatment, acetylation, hydroxypropylation, and/or partial
hydrolysis. Exemplary embodiments may be modified by heat
treatments, such as pregelatinization, dextrinization, and/or cold
water swelling processes. In other embodiments, certain modified
starches may include, but are not limited to: monostarch phosphate,
distarch glycerol, distarch phosphate esterified with sodium
trimetaphosphate, phosphate distarch phosphate, acetylated distarch
phosphate, starch acetate esterified with acetic anhydride, starch
acetate esterified with vinyl acetate, acetylated distarch adipate,
acetylated distarch glycerol, hydroxypropyl starch, hydroxypropyl
distarch glycerol, starch sodium octenyl succinate.
[0041] An exemplary embodiment of the chew composition 54 allows
for tobacco-alternative plant based ingredients 14 and starch 32 to
generally include about 20-40% of the total weight of the chew
composition 52. The tobacco-alternative plant based ingredients 14
and starch 32 in the chew may more particularly include about
27-30% of the total weight of the chew.
[0042] Exemplary embodiments may contain nicotine 40. In some
cases, liquid nicotine can be tobacco-derived nicotine, synthetic
nicotine, or combinations thereof. Liquid nicotine can be purchased
from commercial sources, whether tobacco-derived or synthetic.
Liquid tobacco-derived nicotine can include one or more other
tobacco organoleptic components other than nicotine. The liquid
tobacco-derived nicotine can be extracted from raw tobacco and/or
processed tobacco. Typically, tobacco-derived nicotine contains
significantly larger portions of the S nicotine isomer but
relatively little amounts of the R nicotine isomer, wherein the S
nicotine isomer is the physiologically active variant.
[0043] In one particular embodiment of the present disclosure,
liquid synthetic nicotine that is not derived from tobacco is the
preferred nicotine source for the composition. This exemplary
embodiment may be advantageous because the liquid synthetic
nicotine is free of any other secondary compounds ordinarily found
in tobacco derived nicotine which have been linked to
disease-causing contaminants. It is possible to obtain a 100%
concentrate from a synthetic nicotine supplier, namely, Next
Generation Labs LLC of San Diego, Calif. The process of which to
make the nicotine is described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,556,142 and is
herein incorporated by reference. However, heretofore, liquid
synthetic nicotine has been used for various vaping devices.
Synthetic nicotine having the ratios of R nicotine isomers and S
nicotine isomers (which are the physiologically active nicotine
isomers) have been found to be beneficial for use in a chew
composition. The liquid synthetic nicotine with the isomer ratios
discussed herein are distinguishable from previous compositions
formed from nicotine salts, nicotine resins (polacrilex), or
nicotine bitartrate dihydrate.
[0044] In one particular embodiment, the liquid nicotine is
synthetic nicotine (i.e, nicotine that is not derived from tobacco)
and the liquid synthetic nicotine comprises (R,S)-nicotine.
(R,S)-nicotine is a nicotine composed of both R nicotine and S
nicotine isomers.
[0045] The (R,S)-nicotine has this structure:
##STR00001##
[0046] Typically the ratio of S nicotine isomers to R nicotine
isomers is a ratio in a range from about 3:1 to about 1:3. In one
embodiment, the ratio range is from about 2:1 to about 1:2. In one
particular embodiment, the ratio is 1:1. When the liquid synthetic
nicotine is used that contains the ratio of S nicotine isomers to R
nicotine isomers in the range from about 3:1 to about 1:3 (such as
1:1 in one example), the overall volume of liquid synthetic
nicotine must be greater than the amount of liquid nicotine than
would have been used in a composition utilizing tobacco-derived
nicotine. The reason for this is because tobacco derived nicotine
is formed primarily of S nicotine isomer, with relatively small
amounts (typically less than 10%) of R nicotine isomer. Inasmuch as
the S nicotine isomer is the physiologically active isomer, a
greater volume of liquid synthetic nicotine must be used to provide
the substantially same resultant physiological response to the end
user as tobacco-derived nicotine.
[0047] Accordingly, in one particular embodiment, the volume of
liquid synthetic nicotine used in the composition of the present
disclosure would be in a range from 20% to 75% greater than the
volume of liquid tobacco-derived nicotine if the liquid
tobacco-derived were to be used in the composition. Various
examples depicting the use of greater volumes of liquid synthetic
nicotine as compared to those using liquid tobacco-derived nicotine
are described in greater detail below. Namely, See Examples 1, 3,
6, 8, 11, 13, 16, and 18.
[0048] The liquid synthetic nicotine 40 may be prepared by a method
of preparing (R,S)-nicotine, comprising: reacting a nicotinate
ester with N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone in the presence of a base and a
solvent to form a first mixture; combining the first mixture with a
cold acid solution to form a second mixture comprising an aqueous
layer; separating the aqueous layer from the second mixture;
combining the separated aqueous layer with an acid to form a third
mixture; combining the third mixture with a base to form a fourth
mixture comprising myosamine; reducing the myosamine to nornicotine
using a reducing agent; and methylating the nornicotine to yield
(R,S)-nicotine. In this method of preparing the liquid synthetic
nicotine, the nicotinate ester includes an alkyl group comprising
an ethyl group. Further, in this method of preparing the
(R,S)-nicotine, the base is a metal hydride, and the mole ratio of
the metal hydride to the nicotinate ester is from about 1 to 4. The
metal hydride is selected from the group consisting of lithium
hydride, potassium hydride, and sodium hydride. Further, the
solvent is anhydrous, and is selected from the group consisting of
a dipolar aprotic amide, an ether, a polyether, an aromatic
hydrocarbon, an alcohol, and combinations thereof. Further, the
solvent may be selected from the group consisting of
dimethylformamide, ethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, glyme, diglyme,
toluene, xylene, benzene, ethanol, methanol, propanol, and
combinations thereof. The reducing agent is selected from the group
consisting of a hydrogenation catalyst and a borohydride salt. The
hydrogenation catalyst may be palladium on carbon.
[0049] The liquid nicotine can be pure, substantially pure, or
diluted with a diluent 44 prior to combination with the
tobacco-free plant material. Particularity, the synthetic nicotine
may make use of a diluent 44 may be any compound operative to
dilute the nicotine 40 or other additives. Exemplary diluents 43
include, but are not limited to, propolene glycol, vegetable
glycerin, aqueous vegetable glycerin, distilled water, glycerol,
ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triacetin, ethyl laurate,
diethyl suberate, triethylene glycol, glycerin, ethyl vanillate,
triethyl citrate, tributyrin, diethyl sebacate, benzyl phenyl
acetate, benzyl benzoate, erythritol, tetraethylene glycol, ethyl
stearate, dioctyl sebacate and mixtures thereof.
[0050] In exemplary embodiments, liquid nicotine 40 is generally
diluted with a diluent 44 to a concentration of between 20 to 33
weight percent with vegetable glycerin, or a 2:1-4:1 ratio, prior
to mixing the liquid nicotine with the remaining ingredients. In
further exemplary embodiments, liquid nicotine is more particularly
diluted to a concentration of between 25 weight percent with
vegetable glycerin, or a 3:1 ratio prior to mixing the liquid
nicotine with the remaining ingredients. In some embodiments, the
chew generally includes about 0.5-5% of the total weight of the
chew of nicotine 40. The nicotine 40 more particularly includes up
to about 3.5% of the total weight of the chew.
[0051] As a result of this dilution, coupled with an alkaline or
basic pH, may be effective to increase the amount of `free base`
nicotine delivered to a user. This may then allow a user to
experience more nicotine, even though less of an amount is used in
the formulation as a whole. This will be discussed further
below.
[0052] Any of the products described herein can optionally include
one or more additional ingredients. For example, in some
embodiments, the chew composition 54 product can include, but are
not limited to, one or more solvents 36, sweeteners 28, 34
humectants, flavorants 18, 20, 38, plasticizers 42, pH stabilizers
and pH adjustors 22, 24, preservatives diluents 43 and combinations
thereof, such that the base or the product in its final form mimics
the flavor profile and tactile experience of certain
tobacco-containing products. In some embodiments, a single
substance can serve as both a plasticizer 42 and a humectant, both
a humectant and a flavorant 18, 20, 38, both a plasticizer 42 and a
flavorant 18, 20, 38, a sweetener 28, 34 and a flavorant 18, 20, a
plasticizer 42 and a diluent 44, or as all five, or a combination
not listed for the sake of brevity. For example, molasses can serve
as a humectant, sweetener 28, 34 and a flavorant 18, 20, 38. For
example, propylene glycol can serve as a plasticizer, diluent 44
and a humectant.
[0053] An exemplary embodiment of the chew composition 54 contains
a solvent 36. In exemplary embodiments, the solvent 36 is water.
Water acts as a solvent of certain water soluble molecules as well
as a way to dissolve other ingredients. It should be understood
that water could mean any of tap water, potable water, distilled
water, deionized water, spring water, bottled water or water with a
specific mineral composition to improve the chew product. In
additional embodiments, ethanol, denatured ethanol, or other known
food-safe additives as solvents 36 or combination of solvents 36
may be used. In some embodiments, the chew generally includes about
15-30% of the total weight of the chew of solvent 36. The solvent
36 more particularly includes about 20-24% of the total weight of
the chew.
[0054] In some embodiments, the chew can include the sweetener 28,
34. Such sweeteners 28, 34 are operative to make the product taste
sweet and pleasant to human taste buds. A variety of synthetic
and/or natural sweeteners 28, 34 can be used as in the diluent or
added separately to the tobacco-free chew. Suitable natural
sweeteners include sugars, for example, monosaccharides,
disaccharides, and/or polysaccharide sugars, and/or mixtures of two
or more sugars. In some embodiments, a diluent can include one or
more of the following: sucrose or table sugar; honey or a mixture
of low molecular weight sugars not including sucrose; glucose or
grape sugar or corn sugar or dextrose; molasses; corn sweetener;
corn syrup or glucose syrup; fructose or fruit sugar; lactose or
milk sugar; maltose, maltriose, dextrin, maltodextrin; sorghum
syrup; mannitol or manna sugar; sorbitol or d-sorbite or d-sobitol;
xylitol, fruit juice concentrate; and/or mixtures or blends of one
or more of these ingredients. Additional embodiments may contain
non-nutritive sweeteners. Suitable non-nutritive sweeteners may
include, but are not limited to, stevia (mainly stevioside and
rebaudioside), saccharin, aspartame, sucralose, and acesulfame
potassium. In some embodiments, the chew generally includes about
10-35% of the total weight of the chew of sweetener 28, 34. The
sweetener 28, 34 more particularly includes about 18-27% of the
total weight of the chew.
[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, the chew can include a
humectant. A humectant is a substance that can be used to keep
things moist, as such humectants can be hygroscopic. Suitable
humectants include but are not limited to propylene glycol,
hexylene glycol, butylene glycol, glyceryl triacetate, vinyl
alcohol, neoagarobiose, sugar polyols (such as glycerol, sorbitol,
xylitol, maltitol, mannitol, and isomalt), polymeric polyols,
quillaia, alpha hydroxyl acids (e.g., lactic acid), glycerin, aloe
vera gel, molasses, and honey. In some embodiments, humectants can
reduce the water activity of the product. In some embodiments, the
chew generally includes about 10-45% of the total weight of the
chew of humectant. The humectant more particularly includes about
18-30% of the total weight of the chew.
[0056] In exemplary embodiment, flavorants 18, 20, 38 may be used.
Flavorants 18, 20, 38 are as a substance that gives another
substance flavor, altering the characteristics of the solute,
causing it to become sweet, sour, tangy, or other flavors.
Flavorants 18, 20, 38 can be both natural or artificial. Exemplary
flavorants 18, 20, 38 may be selected from the following, but not
limited to: licorice, wintergreen, peach, cherry and berry type
flavorants, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint,
peppermint, lavender, cinnamon, cardamon, apium graveolents, clove,
cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, apricot, geranium, honey
essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, Japanese mint,
cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmin, chamomile, capsaicin, menthol,
ylangylang, sage, fennel, pimento, cayenne pepper, ginger, anise,
coriander, coffee, mint oils from a species of the genus Mentha,
cocoa, tobacco free latakia and combinations thereof. Synthetic
flavorants can also be used. In certain embodiments, a combination
of flavorants 18, 20, 38 can be combined to imitate a tobacco
flavor without tobacco. In other embodiments the flavorants 18, 20,
38 may be combined in a way to mimic various fruits, such as cherry
or peach. In other embodiments the flavorants 18, 20, 38 are
operative to mimic various mint flavors. The particular combination
of flavorants 18, 20, 38 can be selected from the flavorants 18,
20, 38 that are generally recognized as safe for food consumption.
These flavorants 18, 20, 38 may be added in the form of extracts,
raw materials, powder, oil, tinctures, emulsions, and will be
understood to those in the arts what may be required (depending on
the solubility of various flavorants in various solvents). In some
embodiments, the chew generally includes about 10-35% of the total
weight of the chew of flavorant 18, 20, 38. The flavorant 18, 20,
38 more particularly includes about 17-26% of the total weight of
the chew.
[0057] In certain embodiments, as a flavorant, cayenne pepper or
other capsaicin containing compounds are used as a flavorant. The
cayenne pepper or other capsaicin compounds are used in order to
best mimic a traditional chew product that may contain fiberglass,
or glass particles, as an aid to the absorption of nicotine by the
user's blood. Additionally, this burn may also be created by a
user's mucous membranes readily absorbing free nicotine. As certain
embodiments do not use nicotine, and no embodiment uses fiberglass,
it may be advantageous for consumers to get the same burn as they
would from traditional chew. Therefore, cayenne pepper or other
capsaicin containing compounds may be implored in order to produce
a sensation of burning sensation in any tissue with which it comes
into contact.
[0058] In certain exemplary embodiments, plasticizers 42 may be
used. Plasticizers 42 can, in some embodiments, soften the product,
promote flexibility and reduce brittleness. Suitable plasticizers
42 include but are not limited to propylene glycol, vegetable oil,
glycerin, partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, esters of
polycarboxylic acids with linear or branched aliphatic alcohols of
moderate chain length, and medium chain triglycerides. In some
embodiments, the chew generally includes up to about 10% of the
total weight of the chew of plasticizer 42. The plasticizer 42 more
particularly includes up to about 6% of the total weight of the
chew.
[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, a pH stabilizer or pH adjuster
22, 24 may be implored. A pH stabilizer or pH adjuster 22, 24 will
allow the pH of the solution to be maintained over a shelf life
along with changing the pH to better suit the product.
Additionally, the pH stabilizer or pH adjuster 22, 24 may adjust
the solubility of other ingredients. The pH stabilizer or pH
adjuster 22, 24 may vary based on the solvents and other
ingredients used in the chew. The pH stabilizer or pH adjuster 22,
24 may also vary based on the amount of nicotine desired to be in
chew. However, a wide variety of pH stabilizers and pH adjusters
22, 24 may be used. Examples of pH stabilizers and pH adjusters 22,
24 that may be used in exemplary solutions include but are not
limited to: citric acid, acetic acid, phosphoric acid, benzoic
acid, ascorbic acid, sodium hydroxide, glycolic acid, ammonium
carbonate, ammonium phosphate, ammonium chloride, sodium carbonate,
sodium bicarbonate and ammonium hydroxide or mixtures thereof. In
an exemplary embodiment the pH adjuster or pH stabilizer include
baking soda and an ammonium salt. In some embodiments, the chew
generally includes about 0.1-3% of the total weight of the chew of
pH stabilizer or pH adjuster 22, 24. The pH stabilizer or pH
adjuster 22, 24 more particularly includes about 0.5-4% of the
total weight of the chew.
[0060] Nicotine absorption from smokeless products is influenced by
the pH at the cheek. In an alkaline pH (or pH>7), environment
nicotine is unionized and rapidly absorbed whereas in an acidic (or
pH<7), nicotine is ionized and does not cross biological
membranes nearly as well. Absorption of nicotine across the
membranes within it's a user's mouth is directly related to the
amount of nicotine present in the unionized "free base" form.
Tobacco naturally occurs in an acidic form and therefore is slow to
release free-base nicotine unless buffered to alkaline levels.
Similarly, the chew product implores various pH stabilizers or pH
adjusters 22, 24 to raise the pH to an alkaline level, and be
operative to maintain the chew at such an alkaline level once
placed into a user's mouth. In certain exemplary embodiments, the
pH may be greater than 7.0. In a further exemplary embodiment, the
pH may be greater than 7.5. In a further exemplary embodiment, the
pH may be greater than 8.0. In a further exemplary embodiment, the
pH may be greater than 8.5.
[0061] Therefore, by increasing the pH will result in a subsequent
increase to the amount of free base nicotine. This may be
adequately manipulated in such a way to give a user a similar
effect that more nicotine is present, while in reality there is
less nicotine. This may be exploited to save substantial money on
nicotine costs, as more diluent 44 could be used to dilute the
nicotine to desired levels.
[0062] In a further exemplary embodiment, a preservative may be
used. Food preservatives that are generally utilized in food or
food related products are set forth in the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration GRAS list of chemicals utilized in the food
industry. Exemplary preservatives include, but are not limited to:
ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, benzoic acid, butylated
hydroxytoluene (BHT), calcium ascorbate, EDTA, calcium sorbate,
caprylic acid, dehydroacetic acid or its sodium salt, disodium
ethylenebisdithiocarbamate, erythorbic acid, formaldehyde
(paraformaldehyde), methylparaben (methyl-p-hydroxybenzoate),
nitrates (sodium and potassium), n-octanoic (caprylic) acid, octyl
gallate, potassium metabisulfite, potassium nitrate, potassium
sorbate, propionic acid, propylparaben (propyl-p-hydroxybenzoate),
quaternary ammonium chloride combination, silver nitrate, silver
(metal), sodium ascorbate, sodium benzoate, sodium bisulfite,
sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate, sodium metabisulfite, sodium
nitrate, sodium nitrite, potassium nitrite, sodium phosphate
(monobasic) (monosodium phosphate), sodium propionate, sodium
sorbate, sorbic acid, stannous chloride, stearyl citrate, sulfating
agents, sulfur dioxide, and tocopherols, or any combination
thereof. In some embodiments, the chew can include up to about 2
weight percent preservative.
[0063] In a further exemplary embodiment, a salt 26 or brine
solution may be implored. The brine is a solution that can include
water and one or more inorganic salts, these salts may be in a
brine or by themselves. Exemplary salts may NaCl, KCl NaNO, KNO,
MgCl, MgSO, CaOI, or combinations thereof. In the case of NaCl, it
may be in the form of kosher salt, sea salt, iodized (table) salt,
canning salt, and/or pickling salt. In some embodiments, the chew
generally includes about 0.5-3% of the total weight of the chew
salt 26 and/or brine. The salt 26 more particularly includes about
0.5-1.0% of the total weight of the chew.
[0064] FIG. 2 refers to the ingredients that are subsequently added
to a mixing bowl 46 after being measured in their appropriate
proportions. The mixing bowl 44 is mixed by a paddle attachment 47
in a rotating manner as seen by arrow "R". At times it may be
useful to add in additional wet ingredients 16 prior to mixing as
seen by arrow "D".
[0065] An exemplary embodiment relates to a method of manufacturing
a tobacco-free chew composition 54. Ingredients are measured out
and placed into a mixer and into a mixing bowl 46 or vessel of
appropriate size based on batch size. The mixer is operative to
rotate a paddle attachment 46 to adequately mix the ingredients.
Exemplary mixers are commercial mixers made by Hobart and other
companies and are well known in the art. Ingredients may be
separated into wet and dry ingredients before they are added to the
mixer. This separation of ingredients is desirable as if the dry
ingredients are added partially first, and then the wet ingredients
16, and then the rest of the dry ingredients 12. Adding the
ingredients in this manner, it allows the ingredients room to move
and not be ejected from the mixer as the wet ingredients 16 hydrate
some of the dry ingredients 12 prior to mixing. In other
embodiments, it may be appropriate to add half of the dry
ingredients 12, then half of the wet ingredients 16, the other half
of dry ingredients 12 followed by the other half of wet ingredients
16. In an alternative embodiment, the dry ingredients 12 may be
split in half, wherein the first half of the dry ingredients 12 may
be added to an exemplary mixer, all of the wet ingredients 16 are
added, with the exception of a sweetener 28, 34, for example
molasses. Then, the remainder of the dry ingredients 12 are added,
and then topped with the sweetener 28, 34. Alternative embodiments
include adding the wet ingredients 16 and dry ingredients 12
incrementally over a period of time at related rates.
[0066] In an exemplary embodiment, after measuring out the
ingredients and adding them to a mixer, it is mixed for a time.
Depending on the desired moisture content, volume of the
ingredients and speed of the mixer, this could be anywhere from 10
minutes to 4 hours. In an exemplary Hobart mixer, it is mixed for
30 minutes on the lowest setting, one.
[0067] FIG. 3 refers to the ingredients that are mixed in a mixing
bowl 46 subsequently transferred into a drying bin 48 after being
mixed into a relatively homogeneous mixture 50.
[0068] After the mixing is done, the batch is transferred into a
drying bin 48. A drying bin may be any container operative to
evaporate moisture within an environment. An exemplary embodiment
provides for a shallow tub, but any container with proper air flow
and a requisite high surface area would be operative to accomplish
the desired function. Air flow may be passive, or dynamic and
accomplished by an exemplary fan or blower apparatus.
[0069] FIG. 4 refers to the evaporation of water and other
volatiles while a screen 52 is placed over the drying bin 48.
[0070] An exemplary drying bin 48 has netting or a screen 52 draped
across the drying bin 48 to allow moisture to escape. In an
alternative embodiment, the drying in 48 has a fitted lid operative
to allow appropriate airflow through. In one embodiment, drying may
occur in a drying room with an appropriate humidity and moisture
level sensor. The drying room may be kept at a constant temperature
and at a positive pressure to avoid bugs or other vermin, and as
such the drying may occur without the use of a screen 52 or
netting. In a further alternative embodiment, the chew may be
transferred into an oven in order to drive off excess moisture and
volatile compounds. This drying step dries off approximately 6-13%
of the total weight of the chew.
[0071] FIG. 5A refers to placing the chew 54 into a package that
can be either a pouch 56 or a puck-like container 58.
[0072] Once the moisture level reaches a desired state, the bins
that have been dried are then put into the packaging process. In
some embodiments, the product 54 provided herein can be placed into
a container, such as a puck-like container 58 (can), a bag, or a
pouch 56. These containers may be packaged by hand or machinery
operative to do so. The containers have a known tare weight, and
the desired package is packed with chew 54 product. It is then
weighed, either by an individual, or by the packing machine to
determine its weight. If the weight is within range of the desired
packing weight (dependent on moisture content), then it is ready to
continue on the process of making it. If the weight is too high,
then the chew 54 may be returned to an exemplary drying bin 48 to
allow additional moisture and volatiles to escape.
[0073] In some embodiments, the compositions provided herein can be
used to form a sort of loose leaf smokeless product, or a smokeless
product in a finely ground or cut or shredded, a moist cut form, a
milled form, a powder form, a pouch form, or snus. In some
embodiments, the products provided herein can be used to form a
smokeless chew product that includes a dipping product, a dip
product, or a snus product. All of these are referred to as "the
chew" or "chew" or "chew product" herein. As such, the product is
not to be ingested, but stuck under the lip and `dipped` like
traditional chewing tobacco.
[0074] An alternative embodiment provides for a pouch made out of
filter paper. The exemplary pouch is operative to allow the chew
composition to mix with a user's saliva or other source of moisture
and allow a free exchange of flavor, sweeteners, and other
components within the chew, but otherwise retain the composition to
prevent the chew from dispersing itself through a user's mouth. In
an exemplary embodiment, the filter paper is a coffee filter like
material, however it will be understood that the filter may be any
material with appropriate sized apertures to effectuate the proper
exchange of flavors, sweeteners and other components with a mouth
of a user.
[0075] When manufacturing the pouches containing the chew
composition, the process or method of manufacture may differ
slightly. Namely, when manufacturing pouches filled with the
composition, all of the dry ingredients are mixed in a mixer, and
then put into the pouch using a pouch forming machines. The wet
ingredients are mixed separately in a different mixer, using the
whisk attachment, and then poured on pre-weighed bins of dry
pouches. In one exemplary method of manufacture, all pouch products
have the same dry ingredients, so this allows the method of
manufacture to produce the dry pouches in bulk and then store them
in large bins. When a certain flavor needs to be made, the method
permits for the weighing out the amount of pouches needed for one
batch, and then pour the liquid mixture (i.e., flavor, plus other
wet ingredients, such as liquid synthetic nicotine, amongst others)
on the pouches. The pouches containing the dry materials then
absorb the wet ingredients.
[0076] FIG. 5B refers to sealing the containers with a seam in a
pouch 60 or in a can 62 with lid 64. Once the packages are packed,
the labels are applied and the packaged chew is stored. Sometimes
the packaged chew may be stored in a warehouse at ambient
temperature. Storage at ambient temperature is usually sufficient
when a large volume of packaged chew is manufactured and sold at a
relative quick pace. In other instances, the packaged chew may be
stored in a cooler, however it is not required. Cooler temperatures
may be thought to help with the labels to prevent bleeding of the
chew out of the package. Condensation can form when warm air
holding water in a vapor, cools down and that cooler air can no
longer hold the same amount of moisture. This moisture collects on
a cold surface in very tiny droplets almost a mist and those tiny
droplets will congregate to form even bigger droplets that can then
start running down the walls of the container quickly get absorbed
into the nearest water absorbing material, which is usually the
paper of the label itself. Therefore, at times, if the chew is in a
can and paper labels are put on and the product is left on a shelf,
some of the liquid may bleed out because the can lids do not create
a perfect seal to avoid this moisture. However, when the packages
are cooled or kept in a refrigerated state, the bleeding through
the label is lessened or reduced. This is likely because the
condensation is reduced as the cold air does not hold as much water
as the warm air left within the packaging. As such, unsightly
packaging as well as rejected packaging is reduced. Again, the
refrigerated storage is a possibility, but not required.
[0077] In some embodiments, the chew can be packaged, and/or
treated in a nitrogen or other inert gas environment or with
nitrogen gas or other inert gas to reduce the amount of oxidation
of particular components (e.g., flavors and/or nicotine) in the
final product. This can help to extend the product stability over
an extended shelf life.
[0078] FIG. 6 relates to a method for manufacturing the chew 600.
The method 600 comprising the steps of: measuring ingredients,
including non-tobacco ingredients including plant material and a
starch, a sweetener, natural and artificial flavors, a pH adjuster,
water, salt, and optionally nicotine 602, adding said ingredients
into a mixer 604, mixing said ingredients in the mixer 606, drying
the mixed ingredients 608, and packaging the ingredients into a
package 610.
[0079] FIG. 7 relates to an alternative embodiment of a method for
manufacturing the chew 700. In some embodiments, prior to measuring
the ingredients 702, it may be determined that the starch may need
to be a proper color 702 i.e. dyed, in order to better mimic
tobacco containing products. If this determination is that the
color is not proper, the starch is dyed 704. For example, in an
embodiment using arrowroot, before the arrowroot is mixed it with
the rest of the ingredients, 1.75 oz of brown liqua-gel food
coloring per pound of arrowroot is added to a mixer, it is mixed on
low for 30 minutes. Then, it is placed in bins to dry for a minimum
of 12 hours. If it is then the proper color, it is then measured
out with the rest of the ingredients 602 and added to a mixer 604.
Of course, this is but one embodiment and depending on the color of
the resultant starch or modified starch this may or may not need to
be done. Alternative embodiments may use different concentrations
of dye and different colors to effectuate desired color of the end
product.
[0080] In an alternative embodiment, after mixing of the
ingredients 606, it is then determined if the ingredients are
sufficiently mixed 706. If they are not, the ingredients are
returned to the mixer 604 and mixed again 606. If they are
sufficiently mixed, the now mixed ingredients are dried 608.
[0081] After drying 608, the mixed ingredients are tested to
determine their moisture content 708. If the test is not within
desired range, the mixed ingredients are returned to drying 608. If
the moisture content of the mixed ingredients is within proper
range, they are placed into packaging 610. In an exemplary
embodiment, if it is not dry enough, the chew material is returned
to be further dried. In an alternative embodiment, if it is too
dry, it may be rewetted with additional solvent and returned to
adequately dry a subsequent time.
[0082] As they are passed to packaging 610, they are weighed to
determine the amount of product within the package 710. If the
package is too heavy, it is returned to the start of the packaging
step. If the package is within proper weight it is passed along to
sealing 712.
[0083] After the package is sealed 712, it is placed in a storage
area 714, the purpose of which is described above. After the
package has been in the stored area for a requisite time, the
package is checked for leaks 716, which may occur during the time
upon which five packaged cans are put into the plastic sleeve. If
the package shows any leak, seepage or otherwise failure, the
package is discarded 718. If the package is substantially free of
any leaks or seepage, it is able to be sold 720.
EXAMPLES
[0084] Exemplary embodiments of a chew product 54 utilizing
principals described herein are further illustrated by the
following examples which are set forth to illustrate the presently
disclosed subject matter and are not to be construed as limiting.
All percentages are a weight percentage of the total mixture.
Example 1--"Classic" Flavored Full Nicotine Chew Using Liquid
Synthetic Nicotine
[0085] Approximately 27-31% of tobacco alternative plant materials
including spearmint leaves 30 and dyed arrowroot powder 32 are
added, along with about 15%-23% sweetener in the form of molasses
34 and xylitol 28, about 20% flavorants in the form of various
liquid and powder forms 18, 20, 38, about 20-24% water 36 added,
about 0.7% plasticizer 42 in the form of propylene glycol, about
0.7% salt 26, 0.7% pH adjusters, including ammonium salt 22 and
baking soda 24, and about 0.5% liquid synthetic nicotine 40 is
added to a mixer and mixed.
[0086] In Example 1, since liquid synthetic nicotine is used, the
volume of liquid synthetic nicotine is greater than some of the
other examples that utilize tobacco-derived nicotine inasmuch as
the presence of both R nicotine isomers and S nicotine isomers.
Thus, the overall liquid synthetic nicotine volume must be
increased to increase the amount of S nicotine isomers in the
composition that provide the desired physiological effects to the
user as compared to volume of liquid nicotine that would be used if
the liquid nicotine was tobacco-derived (See Example 2 below).
[0087] This example, as well as all of the remaining examples may
be mixed, dried, and subsequently processed and packaged in any way
consistent with the disclosure herein, preferably in a pouch but
may also be free form. The resultant chew has a texture and color
substantially similar to tobacco containing chews.
Example 2--"Classic" Flavored Full Nicotine Chew Using Liquid
Nicotine (Either Tobacco-Derived or Synthetic
[0088] Approximately 29% of tobacco alternative plant materials
including spearmint leaves 30 and dyed arrowroot powder 32 are
added, along with about 23% sweetener in the form of molasses 34
and xylitol 28, about 21% flavorants in the form of various liquid
and powder forms 18, 20, 38, about 22% water 36 added, about 0.7%
plasticizer 42 in the form of propylene glycol, about 0.7% salt 26,
0.7% pH adjusters, including ammonium salt 22 and baking soda 24,
and about 0.35% nicotine 40, which may be liquid synthetic nicotine
or liquid tobacco-derived nicotine, is added to a mixer and
mixed.
[0089] This example, as well as all of the remaining examples may
be mixed, dried, and subsequently processed and packaged in any way
consistent with the disclosure herein, preferably in a pouch but
may also be free form. The resultant chew has a texture and color
substantially similar to tobacco containing chews.
Example 3--"Classic" Flavored Half Nicotine Chew Using Liquid
Synthetic Nicotine
[0090] Approximately 29% of tobacco alternative plant materials
including spearmint leaves 30 and dyed arrowroot powder 32 are
added, along with about 23% sweetener in the form of molasses 34
and xylitol 28, about 21% flavorants in the form of various liquid
and powder forms 18, 20, 38, about 22% water 36 added, about 2.1%
plasticizer 42 in the form of propylene glycol, about 0.7% salt 26,
0.7% pH adjusters, including ammonium salt 22 and baking soda 24,
and about 0.25%-0.3% nicotine 40 is added to a mixer and mixed.
[0091] In Example 3, since liquid synthetic nicotine is used, the
volume of liquid synthetic nicotine is greater than some of the
other examples that utilize tobacco-derived nicotine inasmuch as
the presence of both R nicotine isomers and S nicotine isomers.
Thus, the overall liquid synthetic nicotine volume must be
increased to increase the amount of S nicotine isomers in the
composition that provide the desired physiological effects to the
user as compared to volume of liquid nicotine that would be used if
the liquid nicotine was tobacco-derived (See Example 4 below).
[0092] This example, as well as all of the remaining examples may
be mixed, dried, and subsequently processed and packaged in any way
consistent with the disclosure herein, preferably in a pouch but
may also be free form. The resultant chew has a texture and color
substantially similar to tobacco containing chews.
Example 4--"Classic" Flavored Half Nicotine Chew Using Liquid
Nicotine (Either Tobacco-Derived or Synthetic
[0093] Approximately 29% of tobacco alternative plant materials
including spearmint leaves 30 and dyed arrowroot powder 32 are
added, along with about 23% sweetener in the form of molasses 34
and xylitol 28, about 21% flavorants in the form of various liquid
and powder forms 18, 20, 38, about 22% water 36 added, about 2.1%
plasticizer 42 in the form of propylene glycol, about 0.7% salt 26,
0.7% pH adjusters, including ammonium salt 22 and baking soda 24,
and about 1.7% nicotine 40, which may be liquid synthetic nicotine
or liquid tobacco-derived nicotine, is added to a mixer and
mixed.
[0094] This example, as well as all of the remaining examples may
be mixed, dried, and subsequently processed and packaged in any way
consistent with the disclosure herein, preferably in a pouch but
may also be free form. The resultant chew has a texture and color
substantially similar to tobacco containing chews.
Example 5--"Classic" Flavored Nicotine-Free Chew
[0095] Approximately 28% of tobacco alternative plant materials
including spearmint leaves 30 and dyed arrowroot powder 32 are
added, along with about 22% sweetener in the form of molasses 34
and xylitol 28, about 22% flavorants in the form of various liquid
and powder forms 18, 20, 38, about 21% water 36 added, about 5.4%
plasticizer 42 in the form of propylene glycol, about 0.7% salt 26,
0.7% pH adjusters, including ammonium salt 22 and baking soda 24,
and no nicotine is added, and the ingredients are mixed.
[0096] This example, as well as all of the remaining examples may
be mixed, dried, and subsequently processed and packaged in any way
consistent with the disclosure herein, preferably in a pouch but
may also be free form. The resultant chew has a texture and color
substantially similar to tobacco containing chews.
Example 6--Mint Flavored Full Nicotine Chew Using Liquid Synthetic
Nicotine
[0097] Approximately 28% of tobacco alternative plant materials
including spearmint leaves 30 and dyed arrowroot powder 32 are
added, along with about 22% sweetener in the form of molasses 34
and xylitol 28, about 25% flavorants in the form of various liquid
and powder forms 18, 20, 38, about 20% water 36 added, about 0.7%
salt, 0.7% pH adjusters, including ammonium salt 22 and baking soda
24, and about 0.425%-0.5% nicotine 40 is added to a mixer and
mixed.
[0098] In Example 6, since liquid synthetic nicotine is used, the
volume of liquid synthetic nicotine is greater than some of the
other examples that utilize tobacco-derived nicotine inasmuch as
the presence of both R nicotine isomers and S nicotine isomers.
Thus, the overall liquid synthetic nicotine volume must be
increased to increase the amount of S nicotine isomers in the
composition that provide the desired physiological effects to the
user as compared to volume of liquid nicotine that would be used if
the liquid nicotine was tobacco-derived (See Example 7 below).
[0099] This example, as well as all of the remaining examples may
be mixed, dried, and subsequently processed and packaged in any way
consistent with the disclosure herein, preferably in a pouch but
may also be free form. The resultant chew has a texture and color
substantially similar to tobacco containing chews.
Example 7--Mint Flavored Full Nicotine Chew Using Liquid Nicotine
(Either Tobacco-Derived or Synthetic
[0100] Approximately 28% of tobacco alternative plant materials
including spearmint leaves 30 and dyed arrowroot powder 32 are
added, along with about 22% sweetener in the form of molasses 34
and xylitol 28, about 25% flavorants in the form of various liquid
and powder forms 18, 20, 38, about 20% water 36 added, about 0.7%
salt, 0.7% pH adjusters, including ammonium salt 22 and baking soda
24, and about 0.33% nicotine 40, which may be liquid synthetic
nicotine or liquid tobacco-derived nicotine, is added to a mixer
and mixed.
[0101] This example, as well as all of the remaining examples may
be mixed, dried, and subsequently processed and packaged in any way
consistent with the disclosure herein, preferably in a pouch but
may also be free form. The resultant chew has a texture and color
substantially similar to tobacco containing chews.
Example 8--Mint Flavored Half Nicotine Chew Using Liquid Synthetic
Nicotine
[0102] Approximately 28% of tobacco alternative plant materials
including spearmint leaves 30 and dyed arrowroot powder 32 are
added, along with about 22% sweetener in the form of molasses 34,
about 25% flavorants in the form of various liquid and powder forms
18, 20, 38, about 22% water 36 added, about 0.7% salt 26, 0.7% pH
adjusters, including ammonium salt 22 and baking soda 24, and about
0.25%-0.3% nicotine 40 is added to a mixer and mixed.
[0103] In Example 8, since liquid synthetic nicotine is used, the
volume of liquid synthetic nicotine is greater than some of the
other examples that utilize tobacco-derived nicotine inasmuch as
the presence of both R nicotine isomers and S nicotine isomers.
Thus, the overall liquid synthetic nicotine volume must be
increased to increase the amount of S nicotine isomers in the
composition that provide the desired physiological effects to the
user as compared to volume of liquid nicotine that would be used if
the liquid nicotine was tobacco-derived (See Example 9 below).
[0104] This example, as well as all of the remaining examples may
be mixed, dried, and subsequently processed and packaged in any way
consistent with the disclosure herein, preferably in a pouch but
may also be free form. The resultant chew has a texture and color
substantially similar to tobacco containing chews.
Example 9--Mint Flavored Half Nicotine Chew Using Liquid Nicotine
(Either Tobacco-Derived or Synthetic
[0105] Approximately 28% of tobacco alternative plant materials
including spearmint leaves 30 and dyed arrowroot powder 32 are
added, along with about 22% sweetener in the form of molasses 34,
about 25% flavorants in the form of various liquid and powder forms
18, 20, 38, about 22% water 36 added, about 0.7% salt 26, 0.7% pH
adjusters, including ammonium salt 22 and baking soda 24, and about
1.7% nicotine 40, which may be liquid synthetic nicotine or liquid
tobacco-derived nicotine, is added to a mixer and mixed.
[0106] This example, as well as all of the remaining examples may
be mixed, dried, and subsequently processed and packaged in any way
consistent with the disclosure herein, preferably in a pouch but
may also be free form. The resultant chew has a texture and color
substantially similar to tobacco containing chews.
Example 10--Mint Flavored Nicotine-Free Chew
[0107] Approximately 28% of tobacco alternative plant materials
including spearmint leaves 30 and dyed arrowroot powder 32 are
added, along with about 22% sweetener in the form of molasses 34,
about 25% flavorants in the form of various liquid and powder forms
18, 20, 38, about 21% water 36 added, about 3% plasticizer 42, in
the form of propylene glycol, about 0.7% salt 26, and 0.7% pH
adjusters, including ammonium salt 22 and baking soda 24, and no
nicotine is added, and the ingredients are mixed.
[0108] This example, as well as all of the remaining examples may
be mixed, dried, and subsequently processed and packaged in any way
consistent with the disclosure herein, preferably in a pouch but
may also be free form. The resultant chew has a texture and color
substantially similar to tobacco containing chews.
Example 11--Wintergreen Flavored Full Nicotine Chew Using Liquid
Synthetic Nicotine
[0109] Approximately 29% of tobacco alternative plant materials
including spearmint leaves 30 and dyed arrowroot powder 32 are
added, along with about 19% sweetener in the form of molasses 34,
about 26% flavorants in the form of various liquid and powder forms
18, 20, 38, about 22% water 34 added, about 0.1% plasticizer 42 in
the form of propylene glycol, about 0.7% 26 salt, 0.9% pH
adjusters, including ammonium salt 22 and baking soda 24, and about
0.4%-0.5% nicotine 40 is added to a mixer and mixed.
[0110] In Example 11, since liquid synthetic nicotine is used, the
volume of liquid synthetic nicotine is greater than some of the
other examples that utilize tobacco-derived nicotine inasmuch as
the presence of both R nicotine isomers and S nicotine isomers.
Thus, the overall liquid synthetic nicotine volume must be
increased to increase the amount of S nicotine isomers in the
composition that provide the desired physiological effects to the
user as compared to volume of liquid nicotine that would be used if
the liquid nicotine was tobacco-derived (See Example 12 below).
[0111] This example, as well as all of the remaining examples may
be mixed, dried, and subsequently processed and packaged in any way
consistent with the disclosure herein, preferably in a pouch but
may also be free form. The resultant chew has a texture and color
substantially similar to tobacco containing chews.
Example 12--Wintergreen Flavored Full Nicotine Chew Using Liquid
Nicotine (Either Tobacco-Derived or Synthetic
[0112] Approximately 29% of tobacco alternative plant materials
including spearmint leaves 30 and dyed arrowroot powder 32 are
added, along with about 19% sweetener in the form of molasses 34,
about 26% flavorants in the form of various liquid and powder forms
18, 20, 38, about 22% water 34 added, about 0.1% plasticizer 42 in
the form of propylene glycol, about 0.7% 26 salt, 0.9% pH
adjusters, including ammonium salt 22 and baking soda 24, and about
0.3%-0.4% nicotine 40, which may be liquid synthetic nicotine or
liquid tobacco-derived nicotine, is added to a mixer and mixed.
[0113] This example, as well as all of the remaining examples may
be mixed, dried, and subsequently processed and packaged in any way
consistent with the disclosure herein, preferably in a pouch but
may also be free form. The resultant chew has a texture and color
substantially similar to tobacco containing chews.
Example 13--Wintergreen Flavored Half Nicotine Chew Using Liquid
Synthetic Nicotine
[0114] Approximately 29% of tobacco alternative plant materials
including spearmint leaves 30 and dyed arrowroot powder 32 are
added, along with about 19% sweetener in the form of molasses 34,
about 26% flavorants in the form of various liquid and powder forms
18, 20, 38, about 21% water 36 added, about 1.8% plasticizer 42 in
the form of propylene glycol, about 0.7% salt 26, 0.9% pH
adjusters, including ammonium salt 22 and baking soda 24, and about
0.25-0.35% nicotine 40 is added to a mixer and mixed.
[0115] In Example 13, since liquid synthetic nicotine is used, the
volume of liquid synthetic nicotine is greater than some of the
other examples that utilize tobacco-derived nicotine inasmuch as
the presence of both R nicotine isomers and S nicotine isomers.
Thus, the overall liquid synthetic nicotine volume must be
increased to increase the amount of S nicotine isomers in the
composition that provide the desired physiological effects to the
user as compared to volume of liquid nicotine that would be used if
the liquid nicotine was tobacco-derived (See Example 14 below).
[0116] This example, as well as all of the remaining examples may
be mixed, dried, and subsequently processed and packaged in any way
consistent with the disclosure herein, preferably in a pouch but
may also be free form. The resultant chew has a texture and color
substantially similar to tobacco containing chews.
Example 14--Wintergreen Flavored Half Nicotine Chew Using Liquid
Nicotine (Either Tobacco-Derived or Synthetic
[0117] Approximately 29% of tobacco alternative plant materials
including spearmint leaves 30 and dyed arrowroot powder 32 are
added, along with about 19% sweetener in the form of molasses 34,
about 26% flavorants in the form of various liquid and powder forms
18, 20, 38, about 21% water 36 added, about 1.8% plasticizer 42 in
the form of propylene glycol, about 0.7% salt 26, 0.9% pH
adjusters, including ammonium salt 22 and baking soda 24, and about
0.17% nicotine 40, which may be liquid synthetic nicotine or liquid
tobacco-derived nicotine, is added to a mixer and mixed.
[0118] This example, as well as all of the remaining examples may
be mixed, dried, and subsequently processed and packaged in any way
consistent with the disclosure herein, preferably in a pouch but
may also be free form. The resultant chew has a texture and color
substantially similar to tobacco containing chews.
Example 15--Wintergreen Flavored Nicotine-Free Chew
[0119] Approximately 29% of tobacco alternative plant materials
including spearmint leaves 30 and dyed arrowroot powder 32 are
added, along with about 19% sweetener in the form of molasses 34,
about 26% flavorants in the form of various liquid and powder forms
18, 20, 38, about 21% water 36 added, about 3.6% plasticizer 42, in
the form of propylene glycol, about 0.7% salt 26, 0.9% pH
adjusters, including ammonium salt 22 and baking soda 24, and no
nicotine is added, and the ingredients are mixed.
[0120] This example, as well as all of the remaining examples may
be mixed, dried, and subsequently processed and packaged in any way
consistent with the disclosure herein, preferably in a pouch but
may also be free form. The resultant chew has a texture and color
substantially similar to tobacco containing chews.
Example 16--Cherry Flavored Full Nicotine Chew Using Liquid
Synthetic Nicotine
[0121] Approximately 29% of tobacco alternative plant materials
including spearmint leaves 30 and dyed arrowroot powder 32 are
added, along with about 23% sweetener in the form of molasses 34
and xylitol 28, about 17% flavorants in the form of various liquid
and powder forms 18, 20, 38, about 22% water 36 added, about 5%
plasticizer 42, in the form of propylene glycol, about 0.7% salt
26, 0.7% pH adjusters, including ammonium salt 22 and baking soda
24, and about 0.45%-0.5% nicotine 40 is added.
[0122] In Example 16, since liquid synthetic nicotine is used, the
volume of liquid synthetic nicotine is greater than some of the
other examples that utilize tobacco-derived nicotine inasmuch as
the presence of both R nicotine isomers and S nicotine isomers.
Thus, the overall liquid synthetic nicotine volume must be
increased to increase the amount of S nicotine isomers in the
composition that provide the desired physiological effects to the
user as compared to volume of liquid nicotine that would be used if
the liquid nicotine was tobacco-derived (See Example 17 below).
[0123] This example, as well as all of the remaining examples may
be mixed, dried, and subsequently processed and packaged in any way
consistent with the disclosure herein, preferably in a pouch but
may also be free form. The resultant chew has a texture and color
substantially similar to tobacco containing chews.
Example 17--Cherry Flavored Full Nicotine Chew Using Liquid
Nicotine (Either Tobacco-Derived or Synthetic
[0124] Approximately 29% of tobacco alternative plant materials
including spearmint leaves 30 and dyed arrowroot powder 32 are
added, along with about 23% sweetener in the form of molasses 34
and xylitol 28, about 17% flavorants in the form of various liquid
and powder forms 18, 20, 38, about 22% water 36 added, about 5%
plasticizer 42, in the form of propylene glycol, about 0.7% salt
26, 0.7% pH adjusters, including ammonium salt 22 and baking soda
24, and about 0.35% nicotine 40, which may be liquid synthetic
nicotine or liquid tobacco-derived nicotine, is added.
[0125] This example, as well as all of the remaining examples may
be mixed, dried, and subsequently processed and packaged in any way
consistent with the disclosure herein, preferably in a pouch but
may also be free form. The resultant chew has a texture and color
substantially similar to tobacco containing chews.
Example 18--Cherry Flavored Half Nicotine Chew Using Liquid
Synthetic Nicotine
[0126] Approximately 29% of tobacco alternative plant materials
including spearmint leaves 30 and dyed arrowroot powder 32 are
added, along with about 25% sweetener in the form of molasses 34
and xylitol 28, about 18% flavorants in the form of various liquid
and powder forms 18, 20, 38, about 21% water 36 added, about 4%
plasticizer 42, in the form of propylene glycol, about 0.7% salt
26, 0.7% pH adjusters, including ammonium salt 22 and baking soda
24, and about 0.25%-0.3% nicotine 40 // is added.
[0127] In Example 18, since liquid synthetic nicotine is used, the
volume of liquid synthetic nicotine is greater than some of the
other examples that utilize tobacco-derived nicotine inasmuch as
the presence of both R nicotine isomers and S nicotine isomers.
Thus, the overall liquid synthetic nicotine volume must be
increased to increase the amount of S nicotine isomers in the
composition that provide the desired physiological effects to the
user as compared to volume of liquid nicotine that would be used if
the liquid nicotine was tobacco-derived (See Example 19 below).
[0128] This example, as well as all of the remaining examples may
be mixed, dried, and subsequently processed and packaged in any way
consistent with the disclosure herein, preferably in a pouch but
may also be free form. The resultant chew has a texture and color
substantially similar to tobacco containing chews.
Example 19--Cherry Flavored Half Nicotine Chew Using Liquid
Nicotine (Either Tobacco-Derived or Synthetic
[0129] Approximately 29% of tobacco alternative plant materials
including spearmint leaves 30 and dyed arrowroot powder 32 are
added, along with about 25% sweetener in the form of molasses 34
and xylitol 28, about 18% flavorants in the form of various liquid
and powder forms 18, 20, 38, about 21% water 36 added, about 4%
plasticizer 42, in the form of propylene glycol, about 0.7% salt
26, 0.7% pH adjusters, including ammonium salt 22 and baking soda
24, and about 0.17% nicotine 40, which may be liquid synthetic
nicotine or liquid tobacco-derived nicotine, is added.
[0130] This example, as well as all of the remaining examples may
be mixed, dried, and subsequently processed and packaged in any way
consistent with the disclosure herein, preferably in a pouch but
may also be free form. The resultant chew has a texture and color
substantially similar to tobacco containing chews.
Example 20--Cherry Flavored Nicotine-Free Chew
[0131] Approximately 29% of tobacco alternative plant materials
including spearmint leaves 30 and dyed arrowroot powder 32 are
added, along with about 25% sweetener in the form of molasses 34
and xylitol 28, about 18% flavorants in the form of various liquid
and powder forms 18, 20, 38, about 21% water 36 added, about 6%
plasticizer 42, in the form of propylene glycol, about 0.7% salt
26, 0.7% pH adjusters, including ammonium salt 22 and baking soda
24, and no nicotine is added, and the ingredients are mixed.
[0132] This example, as well as all of the remaining examples may
be mixed, dried, and subsequently processed and packaged in any way
consistent with the disclosure herein, preferably in a pouch but
may also be free form. The resultant chew has a texture and color
substantially similar to tobacco containing chews.
Example 21--Peach Flavored Full Nicotine Chew
[0133] Approximately 27% of tobacco alternative plant materials
including spearmint leaves 30 and dyed arrowroot powder 32 are
added, along with about 21% sweetener in the form of molasses 34,
about 26% flavorants in the form of various liquid and powder forms
18, 20, 38, about 21% water added, about 0.7% salt 26, 0.7% pH
adjusters, including ammonium salt 22 and baking soda 24, and
3.2%-5% liquid synthetic nicotine 40 is added and the ingredients
are mixed in a mixer.
[0134] This example, as well as all of the remaining examples may
be mixed, dried, and subsequently processed and packaged in any way
consistent with the disclosure herein, preferably in a pouch but
may also be free form. The resultant chew has a texture and color
substantially similar to tobacco containing chews.
Example 22--Berry Flavored Full Nicotine Chew
[0135] Approximately 27% of tobacco alternative plant materials
including spearmint leaves 30 and dyed arrowroot powder 34 are
added, along with about 21% sweetener in the form of molasses 34,
about 26% flavorants in the form of various liquid and powder forms
18, 20, 38, about 21% water 36 added, about 0.7% salt 26, 0.7% pH
adjusters, including ammonium salt 22 and baking soda 24, and
0.32%-0.5% liquid synthetic nicotine 40 is added.
[0136] This example, as well as all of the remaining examples may
be mixed, dried, and subsequently processed and packaged in any way
consistent with the disclosure herein, preferably in a pouch but
may also be free form. The resultant chew has a texture and color
substantially similar to tobacco containing chews.
Example 23--Bourbon Flavored Full Nicotine Chew
[0137] Approximately 29% of tobacco alternative plant materials
including spearmint leaves 30 and dyed arrowroot powder 32 are
added, along with about 22% sweetener in the form of molasses 34,
about 21% flavorants in the form of various liquid and powder forms
18, 20, 38, about 24% water 36 added, about 0.7% salt 26, 0.7% pH
adjusters, including ammonium salt 22 and baking soda 24, and
0.34%-0.5% liquid synthetic nicotine 40 is added, and the
ingredients are mixed.
[0138] This example, as well as all of the remaining examples may
be mixed, dried, and subsequently processed and packaged in any way
consistent with the disclosure herein, preferably in a pouch but
may also be free form. The resultant chew has a texture and color
substantially similar to tobacco containing chews.
[0139] Also, various inventive concepts may be embodied as one or
more methods, of which an example has been provided. The acts
performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way.
Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are
performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include
performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as
sequential acts in illustrative embodiments.
[0140] While various inventive embodiments have been described and
illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily
envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing
the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the
advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or
modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive
embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the
art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions,
materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be
exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials,
and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or
applications for which the inventive teachings is/are used. Those
skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no
more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific
inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be
understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of
example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and
equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced
otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive
embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each
individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method
described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such
features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if
such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods
are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive
scope of the present disclosure.
[0141] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be
understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in
documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of
the defined terms.
[0142] At least a portion of the nicotine product present in the
nicotine replacement composition is synthetic. As used herein, the
term "synthetic" means that the identified compound (e.g.,
nicotine) is prepared through a chemical process that does not
include deriving/extracting the nicotine from a naturally occurring
source, such as tobacco leaves. The terms "tobacco derived,"
"natural" and "non-synthetic" may used interchangeably herein, and
refer to the identified compound or composition that is derived
from or extracted from a natural source (such as, for example,
tobacco). For example, as used herein, "tobacco derived nicotine,"
"natural nicotine" and "non-synthetic nicotine" refer to nicotine
derived from or extracted from tobacco leaves, and does not
encompass nicotine produced from independent chemical
synthesis.
[0143] The articles "a" and "an," as used herein in the
specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the
contrary, should be understood to mean "at least one." The phrase
"and/or," as used herein in the specification and in the claims (if
at all), should be understood to mean "either or both" of the
elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively
present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases.
Multiple elements listed with "and/or" should be construed in the
same fashion, i.e., "one or more" of the elements so conjoined.
Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements
specifically identified by the "and/or" clause, whether related or
unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a
non-limiting example, a reference to "A and/or B", when used in
conjunction with open-ended language such as "comprising" can
refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements
other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally
including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to
both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc. As used
herein in the specification and in the claims, "or" should be
understood to have the same meaning as "and/or" as defined above.
For example, when separating items in a list, "or" or "and/or"
shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at
least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of
elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms
clearly indicated to the contrary, such as "only one of" or
"exactly one of," or, when used in the claims, "consisting of,"
will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or
list of elements. In general, the term "or" as used herein shall
only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. "one
or the other but not both") when preceded by terms of exclusivity,
such as "either," "one of," "only one of," or "exactly one of."
"Consisting essentially of," when used in the claims, shall have
its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.
[0144] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the
phrase "at least one," in reference to a list of one or more
elements, should be understood to mean at least one element
selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of
elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and
every element specifically listed within the list of elements and
not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements.
This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present
other than the elements specifically identified within the list of
elements to which the phrase "at least one" refers, whether related
or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a
non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or, equivalently,
"at least one of A or B," or, equivalently "at least one of A
and/or B") can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one,
optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and
optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment,
to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A
present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet
another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than
one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B
(and optionally including other elements); etc.
[0145] When a feature or element is herein referred to as being
"on" another feature or element, it can be directly on the other
feature or element or intervening features and/or elements may also
be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to
as being "directly on" another feature or element, there are no
intervening features or elements present. It will also be
understood that, when a feature or element is referred to as being
"connected", "attached" or "coupled" to another feature or element,
it can be directly connected, attached or coupled to the other
feature or element or intervening features or elements may be
present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as
being "directly connected", "directly attached" or "directly
coupled" to another feature or element, there are no intervening
features or elements present. Although described or shown with
respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so described
or shown can apply to other embodiments. It will also be
appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a
structure or feature that is disposed "adjacent" another feature
may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent
feature.
[0146] Spatially relative terms, such as "under", "below", "lower",
"over", "upper" and the like, may be used herein for ease of
description to describe one element or feature's relationship to
another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It
will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended
to encompass different orientations of the device in use or
operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.
For example, if a device in the figures is inverted, elements
described as "under" or "beneath" other elements or features would
then be oriented "over" the other elements or features. Thus, the
exemplary term "under" can encompass both an orientation of over
and under. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees
or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors
used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms
"upwardly", "downwardly", "vertical", "horizontal", "lateral" and
the like are used herein for the purpose of explanation only unless
specifically indicated otherwise.
[0147] Although the terms "first" and "second" may be used herein
to describe various features/elements, these features/elements
should not be limited by these terms, unless the context indicates
otherwise. These terms may be used to distinguish one
feature/element from another feature/element. Thus, a first
feature/element discussed herein could be termed a second
feature/element, and similarly, a second feature/element discussed
herein could be termed a first feature/element without departing
from the teachings of the present invention.
[0148] An embodiment is an implementation or example of the present
disclosure. Reference in the specification to "an embodiment," "one
embodiment," "some embodiments," "one particular embodiment," or
"other embodiments," or the like, means that a particular feature,
structure, or characteristic described in connection with the
embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not
necessarily all embodiments, of the invention. The various
appearances "an embodiment," "one embodiment," "some embodiments,"
"one particular embodiment," or "other embodiments," or the like,
are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiments.
[0149] If this specification states a component, feature,
structure, or characteristic "may", "might", or "could" be
included, that particular component, feature, structure, or
characteristic is not required to be included. If the specification
or claim refers to "a" or "an" element, that does not mean there is
only one of the element. If the specification or claims refer to
"an additional" element, that does not preclude there being more
than one of the additional element.
[0150] As used herein in the specification and claims, including as
used in the examples and unless otherwise expressly specified, all
numbers may be read as if prefaced by the word "about" or
"approximately," even if the term does not expressly appear. The
phrase "about" or "approximately" may be used when describing
magnitude and/or position to indicate that the value and/or
position described is within a reasonable expected range of values
and/or positions. For example, a numeric value may have a value
that is +/-0.1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/-1% of
the stated value (or range of values), +/-2% of the stated value
(or range of values), +/-5% of the stated value (or range of
values), +/-10% of the stated value (or range of values), etc. Any
numerical range recited herein is intended to include all
sub-ranges subsumed therein.
[0151] Additionally, any method of performing the present
disclosure may occur in a sequence different than those described
herein. Accordingly, no sequence of the method should be read as a
limitation unless explicitly stated. It is recognizable that
performing some of the steps of the method in a different order
could achieve a similar result.
[0152] In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all
transitional phrases such as "comprising," "including," "carrying,"
"having," "containing," "involving," "holding," "composed of," and
the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean
including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases
"consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" shall be closed or
semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the
United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining
Procedures.
[0153] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used
for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary
limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of
the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes
and are intended to be broadly construed.
[0154] Moreover, the description and illustration of various
embodiments of the disclosure are examples and the disclosure is
not limited to the exact details shown or described.
* * * * *