ORAL POUCH PRODUCT

An oral pouch product includes a wrapper and a filling material. The wrapper defines a cavity. The filling material is in the cavity. The filling material includes a dry mixture and a liquid mixture. The dry mixture includes a cellulosic material and a water-soluble filler. The liquid mixture includes an oil and liquid nicotine. The oil includes a triglyceride, a diglyceride, a monoglyceride, or any combination thereof. The liquid nicotine is dissolved in the oil. The filling material is free of water or includes water in an amount less than or equal to 5 weight percent.

BACKGROUND

Field

The present disclosure relates to oral pouch products including nicotine.

Description of Related Art

Oral nicotine products are available in a variety of formats, such as gums, sprays, lozenges, dissolvable tablets, non-dissolvable chews, films, gels, capsules, sticks (e.g., coated wooden dowels or singular dissolvable sticks), and pouches (e.g., containing fibers or granules). Oral products may have nicotine levels that create a familiar experience for adult tobacco consumers.

SUMMARY

At least one example embodiment relates to an oral pouch product.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product includes a wrapper and a filling material. The wrapper defines a cavity. The filling material is in the cavity. The filling material includes a dry mixture and a liquid mixture. The dry mixture includes a cellulosic material and a water-soluble filler. The liquid mixture includes an oil and liquid nicotine. The oil includes a triglyceride, a diglyceride, a monoglyceride, or any combination thereof. The liquid nicotine is dissolved in the oil. The filling material is free of water or includes water in an amount less than or equal to 5 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the filling material is free of glycerin and propylene glycol.

In at least one example embodiment, the cellulosic material includes microcrystalline cellulose (MCC).

In at least one example embodiment, the MCC includes particles having a size ranging from 100 microns to 300 microns.

In at least one example embodiment, the MCC is wood pulp-derived MCC.

In at least one example embodiment, the filling material includes the cellulosic material in an amount ranging from 10 weight percent to 70 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the filling material includes the cellulosic material in an amount ranging from 30 weight percent to 60 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the filling material includes the oil in an amount ranging from 10 weight percent to 50 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the filling material includes the oil in an amount ranging from 15 weight percent to 25 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the oil consists essentially of a triglyceride, a diglyceride, a monoglyceride, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the oil includes the triglyceride.

In at least one example embodiment, the triglyceride includes a medium chain triglyceride.

In at least one example embodiment, the filling material includes the water-soluble filler in an amount ranging from 10 weight percent to 50 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the water-soluble filler includes a sugar alcohol, a sugar, a maltodextrin, a starch, a polysaccharide, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the water-soluble filler includes the sugar alcohol.

In at least one example embodiment, the filling material includes the sugar alcohol in an amount ranging from 15 weight percent to 25 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the sugar alcohol includes xylitol.

In at least one example embodiment, the filling material further comprises a pH adjuster.

In at least one example embodiment, the pH adjuster includes sodium bicarbonate.

In at least one example embodiment, the filling material further includes an antioxidant.

In at least one example embodiment, the antioxidant includes Tocopherol, or a tocopherol derivative, ascorbic acid, an ascorbic acid derivative, tert-butylhydroquinone, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the filling material includes the antioxidant in an amount less than 2 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the filling material further includes an flavorant.

In at least one example embodiment, wherein the filling material includes the flavorant in an amount less than 10 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the filling material includes the flavorant in an amount ranging from 0.1 weight percent to 5 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the filling material includes the liquid nicotine in an amount ranging from 0.1 weight percent to 10 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the liquid nicotine includes tobacco-derived nicotine.

In at least one example embodiment, the liquid nicotine includes synthetic nicotine.

In at least one example embodiment, the wrapper includes an elastomer.

In at least one example embodiment, the elastomer is white.

In at least one example embodiment, the elastomer includes polyurethane.

In at least one example embodiment, the wrapper has a basis weight ranging from 20 grams per meter (gsm) to 30 gsm.

At least one example embodiment relates to an oral pouch product.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product includes a wrapper and a filling material. The wrapper defines a cavity. The wrapper includes an elastomer. The filling material is in the cavity. The filling material includes a dry mixture and a liquid mixture. The dry mixture includes a cellulosic material and a water-soluble filler. The liquid mixture includes an oil and liquid nicotine. The oil includes a triglyceride, a diglyceride, a monoglyceride, or any combination thereof.

At least one example embodiment, relates to an oral pouch product.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product includes a wrapper and a filling material. The wrapper defines a cavity. The filling material is in the cavity. The filling material includes a dry mixture and a liquid mixture. The dry mixture includes microcrystalline cellulose and a water-soluble filler. The microcrystalline cellulose is present in an amount ranging from 10 weight percent to 70 weight percent. The water-soluble filler is present in an amount ranging from 10 weight percent to 50 weight percent. The water-soluble filler includes a sugar alcohol. The liquid mixture includes a triglyceride. The triglyceride is present in an amount ranging from 10 weight percent to 30 weight percent. The liquid nicotine is dissolved in the triglyceride. The filling material is free of glycerin and propylene glycol. The filling material is either free of water or includes water in an amount less than 5 weight percent of the filling material.

In at least one example embodiment, the wrapper includes an elastomer.

In at least one example embodiment, the elastomer includes polyurethane.

At least one example embodiment relates to a method of making an oral pouch product.

In at least one example embodiment, the method comprises preparing a liquid mixture including liquid nicotine and an oil. The oil includes a triglyceride, a diglyceride, a monoglyceride, or any combination thereof. At least a portion of the nicotine is dissolved in the oil. The method further comprises preparing a dry mixture including a cellulosic material and a water-soluble filler. The method further includes forming a filling material by admixing the liquid mixture and the dry mixture. The method further includes forming oral pouch product by enclosing the filling material in cavity defined by a wrapper.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Some detailed example embodiments are disclosed herein. However, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for purposes of describing example embodiments. Example embodiments may, however, be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to only the example embodiments set forth herein.

It should be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, regions, layers, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of example embodiments.

Example embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of example embodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations are to be expected. Thus, example embodiments should not be construed as limited to the shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations and variations in shapes. When the terms “about” or “substantially” are used in connection with a numerical value, it is intended that the associated numerical value include a tolerance of ±10% around the stated numerical value unless the context indicates otherwise.

In at least one example embodiment, methods of enhancing flavor and/or sensory effects of nicotine in oral products, such as oral pouch products including nicotine and cellulose in a pouch wrapper are provided.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product includes a tobacco extract, such as a tobacco-derived nicotine extract, and/or synthetic nicotine. The oral pouch product may include nicotine alone or in combination with a carrier (e.g., white snus), such as a cellulosic material. The carrier may be a non-tobacco material (e.g., microcrystalline cellulose). In some example embodiments, the carrier may also include a tobacco material (e.g., tobacco fibers having reduced or eliminated nicotine content, which may be referred to as “exhausted tobacco plant tissue or fibers”). In some example embodiments, the exhausted tobacco plant tissue or fibers can be treated to remove at least 25%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% of the nicotine. For example, the tobacco plant tissue can be washed with water or another solvent to remove the nicotine.

In other example embodiments, the oral pouch product may include cannabis, such as cannabis plant tissue and/or cannabis extracts. In at least one example embodiment, the cannabis material includes leaf and/or flower material from one or more species of cannabis plants and/or extracts from the one or more species of cannabis plants. The one or more species of cannabis plants may includeCannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and/orCannabis ruderalis. In at least one example embodiment, the cannabis may be in the form of fibers. In at least one example embodiment, the cannabis may include a cannabinoid, a terpene, and/or a flavonoid. In at least one example embodiment, the cannabis material may be a cannabis-derived cannabis material, such as a cannabis-derived cannabinoid, a cannabis-derived terpene, and/or a cannabis-derived flavonoid.

The oral pouch product may have various ranges of oven volatiles. In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product is a dry oral pouch product having a moisture content of less than 10 weight percent (e.g., 0.5 weight percent to 10 weight percent, or about 2 weight percent to about 4 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product has a medium moisture content, such as a moisture content ranging from 20 weight percent to 35 weight percent. In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product is a wet oral pouch product having a moisture content ranging from 40 weight percent to 55 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, oral pouch product may further include one or more elements such as a mouth-stable polymer, a mouth-soluble polymer, a sweetener (e.g., a synthetic sweetener and/or a natural sweetener), an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a focusing agent, a plasticizer, mouth-soluble fibers, an alkaloid, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a nutraceutical, a coloring agent (natural and/or artificial), an amino acid, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food-grade emulsifier and/or surfactant, a pH modifier, a botanical, a tooth-whitening agent, a therapeutic agent, a processing aid, a stearate, a wax, a stabilizer, a disintegrating agent, a lubricant, a preservative, a filler, a flavorant, flavor masking agents, a bitterness receptor site blocker, a receptor site enhancers, other additives, or any combination thereof.

Oral Pouch Product

FIG.1Ais a perspective view of an oral pouch product according to at least one example embodiment.

FIG.1Bis a cross sectional view of the oral pouch product taken at line I-I ofFIG.1Aaccording to at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIGS.1A-1B, an oral pouch product100is configured to fit in an adult consumer's mouth. The oral pouch product100includes a pouch wrapper102and an inner filling material104. The filling material104is in an inner cavity106at least partially defined by the pouch wrapper102. For example, an adult consumer can suck, chew, or otherwise orally manipulate the oral pouch product100to release flavor and/or functional ingredients contained therein.

The filling material104includes a dry mixture and a liquid mixture, such as the liquid mixture described herein with respect toFIGS.4A-6D. At least a portion of the liquid mixture is absorbed on the dry mixture. In at least one example embodiment, all of the liquid mixture is absorbed on the dry mixture. The liquid mixture includes an oil and an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), such as nicotine. The dry mixture includes an insoluble material or carrier, such as a cellulosic material.

In at least one example embodiment, the API includes nicotine and the oral pouch product100includes the oil and the nicotine in the amounts and ratios described above with respect toFIGS.4A-6D. In at least one example embodiment, the API includes one or more tobacco extracts, nicotine, one or more cannabis extracts, and/or one or more cannabinoids. The nicotine may include tobacco-derived nicotine and/or synthetic nicotine. In at least one example embodiment, the API includes liquid nicotine. The cannabinoid may include tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”) and/or cannabidiol (“CBD”).

The oral pouch product100may include the API in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 7 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 9 weight percent). The oral pouch product100may include the API in an amount less than or equal to about 10 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 9 weight percent, less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, less than or equal to about 5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent).

In at least one example embodiment, the oil of the liquid mixture includes one or more triglycerides, one or more diglycerides, one or more monoglycerides, triacetin, triolein, trilinolein, vegetable oil, one or more partially-hydrogenated oils, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the oil consists essentially of one or more triglycerides, one or more diglycerides, one or more monoglycerides, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the oil consists essentially of the triglyceride. The triglyceride may include LCT, MCT, SCT, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the triglyceride consists essentially of MCT. In at least one example embodiment, the filling material104includes the oil in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 15 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 20 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 25 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 30 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 35 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 40 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 45 weight percent). The filling material104may include the oil in an amount less than or equal to about 50 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 45 weight percent, less than or equal to about 40 weight percent, less than or equal to about 35 weight percent, less than or equal to about 30 weight percent, less than or equal to about 25 weight percent, less than or equal to about 20 weight percent, less than or equal to about 15 weight percent, less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, less than or equal to about 5 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 1 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product100includes the oil in an amount ranging from 10 weight percent to 50 weight percent (e.g., about 10 weight percent to about 25 weight percent, or about 15 weight percent to about 25 weight percent).

In at least one example embodiment, the filling material104includes water in amount less than or equal to about 5 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, less than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 0.25 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, no water is intentionally added to the liquid mixture. However, a small amount of water may come into contact with the liquid mixture via other elements in the oral pouch product. In at least one example embodiment, the low water content may slow down nicotine degradation and oxidation compared to oral pouch products having higher water content. In at least one example embodiment, the filling material104is free of water.

By including a higher level of oil, such as MCT, the oral pouch product100maintains a relatively moist mouth feel, while maintaining low water content and a water activity level below about 0.7, which can aid in preventing and/or reducing microbial growth and increasing stability of nicotine in the oral pouch product100. Further, when the wrapper102is hydrophobic, since the inner filling material predominately includes oils instead of water, the flavors from the filling material104more readily pass through the pouch wrapper102than where a hydrophilic pouch wrapper is used.

In at least one example embodiment, a weight ratio of the dry mixture to the liquid mixture may be greater than or equal to about 60:40 (e.g., greater than or equal to about 65:35, greater than or equal to about 70:30, greater than or equal to about 75:25, greater than or equal to about 80:20, greater than or equal to about 85:15, greater than or equal to about 90:10, or greater than or equal to about 95:5).

In at least one example embodiment, the dry mixture includes an insoluble material. At least a portion of the liquid mixture may be absorbed in the insoluble material, as described below with respect toFIGS.1A-3D. In at least one example embodiment, all of the liquid mixture is absorbed in the insoluble material.

In at least one example embodiment, the insoluble material is a cellulosic material. The cellulosic material may include or be derived from sugar beets, wood pulp, cotton, bran, citrus pulp, grass (e.g., switch grass), willow, poplar, or any combination thereof. The insoluble cellulosic material may be a treated cellulosic material, such as microcrystalline cellulose (“MCC”), carboxymethyl cellulose (“CMC”), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (“HPMC”), hydroxypropyl cellulose (“HPC”), or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the cellulosic material includes mouth-insoluble cellulosic fibers. In at least one example embodiment, the cellulosic material includes MCC. In at least one example embodiment, the MCC includes wood pulp-derived MCC.

In at least one example embodiment, the insoluble material includes water-insoluble fibers. The water-insoluble fibers may include water-insoluble polymeric fibers. The water-insoluble polymer fibers may include polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene, polyurethane, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the filling material104includes the insoluble material in an amount greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 15 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 20 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 25 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 30 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 35 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 40 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 45 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 50 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 55 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 60 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 65 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 70 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 75 weight percent). The filling material104may include the insoluble material in an amount less than or equal to about 80 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 75 weight percent, less than or equal to about 70 weight percent, less than or equal to about 65 weight percent, less than or equal to about 60 weight percent, less than or equal to about 55 weight percent, less than or equal to about 50 weight percent, less than or equal to about 45 weight percent, less than or equal to about 40 weight percent, less than or equal to about 35 weight percent, less than or equal to about 30 weight percent, less than or equal to about 25 weight percent, less than or equal to about 20 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 15 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the filling material104includes the insoluble material in an amount ranging from 10 weight percent to 70 weight percent (e.g., about 30 weight percent to about 60 weight percent).

In at least one example embodiment, the insoluble material has a particle size of greater than or equal to about 50 microns (e.g., greater than or equal to about 100 microns, greater than or equal to about 150 microns, greater than or equal to about 200 microns, greater than or equal to about 250 microns, greater than or equal to about 300 microns, greater than or equal to about 350 microns, greater than or equal to about 400 microns, or greater than or equal to about 450 microns). The particle size may be less than or equal to about 500 microns (e.g., less than or equal to about 450 microns, less than or equal to about 400 microns, less than or equal to about 350 microns, less than or equal to about 300 microns, less than or equal to about 250 microns, less than or equal to about 200 microns, less than or equal to about 150 microns, or less than or equal to about 100 microns).

In at least one example embodiment, the dry mixture further includes a water-soluble filler. The water-soluble filler may include one or more sweeteners, maltodextrin, psyllium, starch, one or more polysaccharides, one or more salts, one or more synthetic polymers, dietary fibers, or any combination thereof. The filling material104may include the water-soluble filler in an amount greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 15 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 20 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 25 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 30 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 35 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 40 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 45 weight percent). The filling material104may include the water-soluble filler in an amount less than or equal to about 50 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 45 weight percent, less than or equal to about 40 weight percent, less than or equal to about 35 weight percent, less than or equal to about 30 weight percent, less than or equal to about 25 weight percent, less than or equal to about 20 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 15 weight percent).

In at least one example embodiment, the filling material104includes at least one sweetener. The sweetener may include a synthetic sweetener and/or a natural sweetener. The natural sweetener may include one or more sugars, such as a monosaccharide, a disaccharide, and/or a polysaccharide (e.g., xylose, ribose, mannose). In at least one example embodiment, the sweetener includes a natural sweetener including sucrose (i.e., table sugar), honey, low-molecular-weight sugars excluding sucrose, glucose (i.e., grape sugar, corn sugar, dextrose), molasses, corn sweetener, glucose syrup (i.e., corn syrup), fructose (i.e., fruit sugar), lactose (i.e., milk sugar), maltose (i.e., malt sugar, maltobiose), sorghum syrup, fruit juice concentrate, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the sweetener includes a non-nutritive sweetener including stevia, saccharin, aspartame, sucralose, acesulfame potassium, or any combination thereof. The sweetener may include a high-intensity sweetener. The high-intensity sweetener may be sucralose, palatinose, stevia, Acesulfame K, glycyrrhizic acid, or any combination thereof.

In at one example embodiment, the sweetener includes one or more sugar alcohols. The sugar alcohols may include ethylene glycol, glycerol, erythritol, threitol, arabitol, xylitol, ribitol, mannitol, sorbitol, galactitol, fucitol, iditol, inositol, volemitol, isomalt, maltitol, lactitol, maltotriitol, maltotetraitol, polyglycitol, or any combination thereof. The filling material404may include the sugar alcohol in an amount greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 15 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 20 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 25 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 30 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 35 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 40 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 45 weight percent). The filling material104may include the sugar alcohols in an amount less than or equal to about 50 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 45 weight percent, less than or equal to about 40 weight percent, less than or equal to about 35 weight percent, less than or equal to about 30 weight percent, less than or equal to about 25 weight percent, less than or equal to about 20 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 15 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the filling material104includes the sugar alcohol in an amount ranging from about 15 weight percent to about 25 weight percent (e.g., about 18 weight percent to about 22 weight percent).

In at least one example embodiment, the filling material104includes a pH adjuster. The pH adjuster may be included in the dry mixture, such as a water-soluble filler. The pH adjuster may include ammonium carbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium hydroxide, or any combination thereof. The pH adjuster may be included in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.05 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 7 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 9 weight percent). The pH adjuster may be included in an amount less than or equal to about 2 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, less than or equal to about 9 weight percent, less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, less than or equal to about 5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, less than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 0.05 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the pH adjuster is present in an amount ranging from about 4 weight percent to about 6 weight percent. In at least one other example embodiment, the pH adjuster is present in an amount ranging from about 0.01 weight percent to about 2 weight percent. In at least one other example embodiment, the oral pouch product is free of a pH adjuster.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product is free of humectants. In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product is free of glycerin and/or propylene glycol.

In at least one example embodiment, the filling material104includes an antioxidant. The antioxidant may be one or more oil-phase antioxidants, one or more water-phase antioxidants, one or more dry antioxidants, or any combination thereof. The antioxidant may include tocopherol, a tocopherol derivative, ascorbic acid, an ascorbic acid derivative (e.g., ascorbyl palmitate, sodium ascorbate), tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), vitamin C, vitamin B, magnesium, calcium, or any combination thereof, by way of example. The filling material104may include the antioxidant in an amount less than or equal to about 5 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent).

In at least one example embodiment, the filling material104includes one or more flavorants. The flavorants may be provided in the liquid mixture, the dry mixture, or separately (e.g., water-based flavorants, as discussed below in conjunction withFIG.7). The flavorant may include an oil-phase flavorant and/or a water/phase flavorant. The flavorant may be natural or artificial. In at least one example embodiment, the flavorant includes a fruit flavorant (e.g., bergamot, berry, cherry, lemon, and/or orange), a liquor or liqueur flavorant (e.g., bourbon, cognac, scotch, whiskey, and/or DRAMBUIE brand liqueur), a mint flavorant (e.g., Japanese mint, menthol, peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen, and/or mint oils from a species of the genus Mentha), a floral flavorant (e.g., geranium, lavender, and/or rose), a spice, an herb, or another botanical or botanical-derived flavorant (e.g., anise, apium graveolens, caraway, cardamom, cascarilla, cassia, cinnamon, chamomile, clove, cocoa, coffee, coriander, fennel, ginger, jasmine, licorice, nutmeg, pimenta, sage, sandalwood vanilla, and/or ylang-ylang), honey essence, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the flavorant includes bergamot, berry, cherry, lemon, orange, bourbon, cognac, scotch, whiskey, DRAMBUIE brand liqueur, Japanese mint, menthol, peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen, mint oils from a species of the genus Mentha, geranium, lavender, rose, anise, apium graveolens, caraway, cardamom, cascarilla, cassia, cinnamon, chamomile, clove, coffee, coriander, fennel, ginger, jasmine, licorice, nutmeg, pimenta, sage, sandalwood vanilla, ylang-ylang, honey essence, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product includes an encapsulated flavorant. In at least one example embodiment, the filling material104includes the flavorant in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 15 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 20 weight percent). The filling material104may include the one or flavorants in an amount less than or equal to about 25 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 20 weight percent, less than or equal to about 15 weight percent, less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent, less than or equal to about 5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the filling material104includes the flavorant in an amount ranging from about 0.1 weight percent to about 10 weight percent (e.g., about 0.1 weight percent to about 4 weight percent).

In at least one example embodiment, the filling material104includes an emulsifier and/or surfactant. The emulsifier and/or surfactant may include lecithin, glycerol monosterate, a polysorbate, a poloxamer, or a combination of lecithin and glycerol monostearate. The emulsifier and/or surfactant may be present in an amount greater than 0 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 0.75 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent). The emulsifier and/or surfactant may be present in an amount less than or equal to about 5 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, less than or equal to about 0.75 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the emulsifier and/or surfactant is present in an amount ranging from 0.1 weight percent to about 2 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the dry mixture may additionally or alternatively include cannabis. The cannabis can include any portion of the cannabis plant and/or any extract therefrom. For example, in some example embodiments, the plant material may include a mixture ofCannabis sativaandCannabis indica, such as, for example only, a mixture of about 70%sativaand about 30%indica. In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product100may include a cannabis extract applied to an insoluble filler, such as cellulose. In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product100may include cannabis in addition to other plant material. Alternatively, the oral pouch product100may include other plant materials, such as herbs, vegetables, and the like.

In at least one example embodiment, prior to placement of the cannabis (or other plant material) in the oral pouch product100, the cannabis (or other plant material) may be heated to a temperature sufficient to decarboxylate a compound within the cannabis (or other plant material). For example, cannabis may be maintained at the heated temperature for a time period that is sufficient to cause decarboxylation (i.e., to convert tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (“THCA”) that is present in the cannabis to THC, and/or to convert cannabidiolic acid (“CBDA”) to CBD). For some applications, maintaining the plant material at the heated temperature causes the decarboxylation of the cannabis in accordance with an article by Dussy, et al., entitled “Isolation of Delta9-THCA-A from hemp and analytical aspects concerning the determination of Delta9-THC in cannabis products (Forensic Sci. Int. 2005 Apr. 20; 149(1):3-10), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, and/or an article by Veress, et al., entitled “Determination of cannabinoid acids by high-performance liquid chromatography of their neutral derivatives formed by thermal decarboxylation: I. Study of the decarboxylation process in open reactors” (Journal of Chromatography A 520:339-347, November 1990), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. For example, the cannabis (or other plant material) may be maintained at approximately 225 degrees Celsius for approximately 35 to 45 minutes.

In at least one example embodiment, the dry mixture can also include tobacco material (in addition to or in lieu of the cannabis material and/or cellulose). In at least one other example embodiment, the filling material104includes tobacco plant material in an amount less than or equal to about 5 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 1 weight percent). In at least one other example embodiment, the filling material104is free of tobacco plant material.

In at least one example embodiment, the filling material104includes one or more additives. The additives may include one or more mouth-soluble polymers, partially-soluble fibers (e.g., sugar beet fibers), one or more plasticizers, one or more energizing agents, one or more focusing agents (e.g.,Gingko biloba), one or more alkaloids, one or more minerals, one or more vitamins, one or more dietary supplements, one or more nutraceuticals, one or more coloring agents, one or more amino acids, one or more sensates or chemesthetic agents, one or more soothing agents, one or more botanicals (e.g., green tea), one or more tooth-whitening agents (e.g., sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP)), a therapeutic agent, a processing aid, a stearate (e.g., magnesium and/or potassium), one or more waxes (e.g., glycerol monostearate, propylene glycol monostearate, and/or an acetylated monoglyceride), one or more lubricants (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)), one or more preservatives (e.g., sodium benzoate), one or more fillers, one or more effervescent agents (e.g., carbon dioxide embedded in a flavor or the filling material104), or any combination thereof. The oral pouch product may include multiple additional elements. Additionally, a single element may belong to more than one of the categories above. In at least one example embodiment, the filling material104includes the one or more additives in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 15 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 20 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 25 weight percent). The filling material104may include the one or more additives in an amount less than or equal to about 30 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 25 weight percent, less than or equal to about 20 weight percent, less than or equal to about 15 weight percent, less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, less than or equal to about 5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent).

In at least one embodiment, the one or more materials disposed in the inner cavity106as the filling material104, including, for example only, the one or more additives and/or one or more functional ingredients, may be provided in the form of a plurality of capsules, microcapsules, and/or beads of various sizes. The capsules, microcapsules, and/or beads may have a size that is determined by the desired size of the final product (e.g., oral pouch product400). For example, the capsules, microcapsules, and/or beads may range in size from about 0.1 mm to about 8 mm depending on the ingredients contained therein.

In each instance, each capsule, microcapsule, and/or bead may include an outer shell and an inner core. Varying the thicknesses of the outer shells of the capsules, microcapsules, and/or beads included can allow for the ingredients contained in each of the capsules, microcapsules, and/or beads to be released at varying rates to prolong the flavor and/or functional experience of the oral pouch product100. In some example embodiments, the shells range in thickness from about 0.1 mm to about 7 mm, depending on the size of the capsules, microcapsules, and/or beads and a desired dissolution rate. The capsules, microcapsules, and/or beads having the thinnest shells dissolve first to release the enclosed flavors and functional ingredients. Capsules, microcapsules, and/or beads having thicker shells dissolve at a slower rate to provide continued flavor and functional ingredients.

In at least one example embodiment, one or more materials in the filling material104may be provided as granules, such as encapsulated nicotine granules and/or encapsulated sweetener granules, as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/223,773, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In at least one example embodiment, the additives include one or more mouth-soluble polymers. As used herein, “mouth-soluble” means that the polymer experiences significant degradation when exposed to saliva within an oral cavity over a period of about four hours. In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-soluble polymer disintegrates when exposed to saliva at the normal human body temperature for a period of less than or equal to about an hour (e.g., less than or equal to about 30 minutes, less than or equal to about 15 minutes, less than or equal to about 10 minutes, or less than or equal to about 5 minutes). The mouth-soluble polymer may be biocompatible.

In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-soluble polymer may include a cellulosic polymer, such as carboxymethyl cellulose (“CMC”), hydroxypropyl cellulose (“HPC”), hydroxyethyl cellulose (“HEC”), hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (“HPMC”), and/or methyl cellulose (“MC”); a natural polymer, such as a starch, a modified starch, konjac, collagen, inulin, soy protein, whey protein, casein, and/or wheat gluten; a seaweed-derived polymer, such as a carrageenan (e.g., kappa carrageenan, iota carrageenan, lambda carrageenan), an alginate (e.g., propylene glycol alginate); a microbial-derived polymer, such as xanthan, dextran, pullulan, curdlan, and/or gellan; an extract, such as locust bean gum, guar gum, tara gum, gum tragacanth, pectin (e.g., low methoxy and amidated), agar, zein, karaya, gelatin, psyllium seed, chitin, and/or chitosan, an exudates, such as gum acacia (arabic) and/or shellac; a synthetic polymer, such as polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyethylene oxide, and/or polyvinyl alcohol, or any combination thereof. Other useful mouth-soluble polymers are known in the art, for example, see Krochta et al. Food Technology, 1997, 51:61-74, Glicksman Food Hydrocolloids CRC 1982, Krochta Edible Coatings and Films to Improve Food Quality Technomic 1994, Industrial Gums Academic 1993, Nussinovitch Water-Soluble Polymer Applications in Foods Blackwell Science 2003, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In at least one example embodiment, the filling material104includes a plasticizer. The plasticizer may include one or more triglycerides (e.g., long, medium, and/or short chain), triacetin, propylene glycol, glycerin, vegetable oil, a phthalate, one or more esters of a polycarboxylic acid with a linear or branched aliphatic alcohol of moderate chain length, or any combination thereof. The plasticizer may be present in addition to triglycerides and/or other oils in the liquid mixture.

In at least one example embodiment, the filling material104includes one or more energizing agents. In at least one example embodiment, the energizing agent includes caffeine, taurine, glucaronalactone, guarana, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and the like. Caffeine may include synthetic caffeine and/or natural caffeine, such as coffee-bean-extracted caffeine. In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product includes caffeine in an amount greater than or equal to about 10 mg (e.g., greater than or equal to about 25 mg, greater than or equal to about 50 mg, greater than or equal to about 75 mg, greater than or equal to about 100 mg, greater than or equal to about 150 mg) The caffeine may be included in an amount less than or equal to about 200 mg (e.g., less than or equal to about 150 mg, less than or equal to about 100 mg, less than or equal to about 75 mg, less than or equal to about 50 mg, or less than or equal to about 25 mg).

In at least one example embodiment, the filling material104includes a filler. The filler may be configured to alter a texture or pliability of the oral pouch product100compared to an oral pouch product without the filler. The filler may include mouth-soluble elements, mouth-insoluble elements, or both mouth-soluble and mouth-insoluble elements. Mouth-soluble elements may be configured to dissolve or disintegrate when in an adult consumer's mouth to render the oral pouch product more pliable. Fillers may include dicalcium phosphate, calcium sulfate, one or more clays, silica, glass particles, glyceryl palmitostearate, sodium stearyl fumarate, talc, or any combination thereof. Additionally, certain elements described above may also be classified as fillers, such as mouth-soluble fibers, sweeteners, minerals, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, cellulosic materials may be present in the oral pouch product100as fillers in addition to or as an alternative to being carriers for the liquid mixture.

The at least one sensate or chemesthesis agent may include mint, menthol, cinnamon, pepper, jambu, or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the at least one sensate or chemesthesis agent may include any soothing, cooling, and/or warming agent. For example, the at least one sensate or chemesthesis agent may include capsaicin, pipeline, alpha-hydroxy-sanshool, and (8)-gingerole, which may be selected to provide a warm, tingling or burning sensation. In other example embodiments, the at least one sensate or chemesthesis agent may include menthol, menthyl lactate, WS-3 (N-Ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide), WS-23 (2-Isopropyl-N,2,3-trimethylbutyramide) and Evercool 180™ (available from Givaudan SA), which may be selected to provide a cooling sensation.

The at least one soothing agent may include, for example only, chamomile, lavender, jasmine, theanine, melatonin, soursop, cannabidiol, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the pouch wrapper102includes an outer web108. The outer web108may be formed from a material that is generally recognized as safe (“GRAS”) for use and/or contact with food. The material may be stain resistant, water permeable, and/or porous. The outer web108may have a thickness of about 0.05 mm to about 0.25 mm (e.g., about 0.075 mm to about 0.100 mm or about 0.1 mm to about 0.20 mm). The outer web108can be formed of a permeable material or a semi-permeable material, such that, for example, saliva, water, or both saliva and water can pass through the outer web108and into the inner cavity406defined by the pouch wrapper108. Flavors and juices formed by mixing of the saliva and/or water with the filling material104contained within the oral pouch product100can be drawn out of the oral pouch product100through the outer web108.

In at least one example embodiment, the wrapper102includes a non-woven material. The non-woven material may be formed of a polymer, including one or more synthetic and/or natural polymers. For example, wrapper402may be formed of a mesh material formed of spun or melt-blown fibers, such as polyurethane fibers as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,448,669, 10,463,070, and/or 9,414,624, the entire contents of each of which is incorporated herein by reference thereto. The mesh material may be at least partially elastomeric. The mesh material may be white and may exclude any colorant. In other example embodiments, the mesh material may include a colorant. Further, because of the material used to form the wrapper102, the oral pouch product100may exclude seams so as to provide a softer pouch.

In at least one example embodiment, the mesh material has a basis weight of greater than or equal to about 10 grams per square meter (“gsm”) (e.g., greater than or equal to about 15 gsm, greater than or equal to about 20 gsm, greater than or equal to about 25 gsm, greater than or equal to about 30 gsm, greater than or equal to about 35 gsm, greater than or equal to about 40 gsm, or greater than or equal to about 45 gsm). The basis weight may be less than or equal to about 50 gsm (e.g., less than or equal to about 45 gsm, less than or equal to about 40 gsm, less than or equal to about 35 gsm, less than or equal to about 30 gsm, less than or equal to about 25 gsm, less than or equal to about 20 gsm, or less than or equal to about 15 gsm). In at least one example embodiment, the basis weight ranges from about 20 gsm to about 30 gsm.

In at least one other example embodiment, the outer web108comprises a paper. For example, the outer web108can be formed of a cellulose fiber material, such as tea bag material or other materials typically used to form snus pouches. In at least one example embodiment, the outer web408has a desired (or alternatively, predetermined) level for basis weight and/or wet strength to reduce occurrence of breakage of the pouch wrapper102during manufacturing operations, storage, and placement in an adult consumer's mouth. For example, the outer web108may comprise a tea bag material having a basis weight of about 16.5 gsm with a wet tensile CD strength of 68 N/m. In another example embodiment, the outer web108may be formed of a paper having a wet MD tensile strength of about 45 N/mm to about 52 N/mm.

In at least one example embodiment, the outer web108is formed of a hydrophobic paper or material. The hydrophobic paper may be formed of a cellulosic material. The hydrophobic paper may be non-woven material and may include any hydrophobic materials. The hydrophobic materials may be synthetic materials and/or semi-synthetic materials. The hydrophobic materials may include viscose, rayon, lyocell, and/or modal fibers. The outer web108may be treated to make the outer web108hydrophobic. In other example embodiments, the hydrophobic material may be a woven material.

In at least one example embodiment, the wrapper102is free of an added coloring agent. In at least one example embodiment, the wrapper102is white due to a natural color of the polymer(s) used to form the wrapper. However, in other example embodiments, the wrapper402may be colored to indicate a flavor of the filling material404contained therein. The color of the wrapper402may be selected to identify contents thereof. For example, a green pouch wrapper may be used to identify an oral pouch product including a mint flavorant, while a red pouch wrapper may be used to identify an oral pouch product including cinnamon.

The material used to form the outer web108may have a neutral or pleasant taste and/or aroma. In at least one example embodiment, the outer web108may be impregnated or coated with at least one flavorant, at least one cannabis material, at least one tobacco material, at least one binder, at least one sensate or chemesthesis agent, at least one functional ingredient, at least one salivation inducing ingredient, or any combination thereof to enhance a flavor of the filling material104contained within the oral pouch product100. A substantially continuous coating including the at least one flavorant and/or the at least one cannabis material and/or at least one tobacco material and/or the at least one binder and/or the at least one sensate or chemesthesis agent may be coated on outer (exterior facing) surfaces of the outer web108. In at least one example embodiment, the coating may be formed on only a portion of the outer web108, such as only along the seams or only on one side of the oral pouch product100. The coating can provide an initial flavor burst upon placement of the oral pouch product100in an oral cavity, while the inner filling material104provides a later flavor release to prolong flavor release during placement in an adult consumer's mouth.

The at least one flavorant may be any flavorant disclosed herein for inclusion in the filling material102. In at least one example embodiment, the at least one flavorant may be coated on or impregnated in the outer web408in an amount ranging from about 0.01 weight percent to about weight percent based on the weight of the oral pouch product100(e.g., about 0.1 weight percent to about 4.5 weight percent, about 1 weight percent to about 4 weight percent, about 1.5 weight percent to about 3.5 weight percent, about 2 weight percent to about 3 weight percent).

In at least one example embodiment, the at least one cannabis or tobacco material may be coated on or impregnated in the outer web108. The at least one cannabis or tobacco material may include, for example only, a ground cannabis or tobacco material, cannabis or tobacco plant fibers, and/or any extract thereof. The at least one cannabis or tobacco material may be coated on or impregnated in the outer web108in an amount ranging from about 0.01 weight percent to about 5 weight percent based on the weight of oral pouch product100(e.g., about 0.1 weight percent to about 4.5 weight percent, about 1 weight percent to about 4 weight percent, about 1.5 weight percent to about 3.5 weight percent, or about 2 weight percent to about 3 weight percent).

In at least one example embodiment, the at least one binder may be coated on or impregnated in the outer web108. The at least one binder is a food grade adhesive, gum, or other binder. For example, in some example embodiments, the at least one binder includes, without limitation, sodium alginate, sugar, agar, guar gum, and the like. The at least one binder may be coated on or impregnated in the outer web in an amount ranging from about 0.01 weight percent to about 5 weight percent based on the weight of the oral pouch product100(e.g., about 0.1 weight percent to about 4.5 weight percent, about 1 weight percent to about 4 weight percent, about 1.5 weight percent to about 3.5 weight percent, about 2 weight percent to about 3 weight percent).

The at least one sensate or chemesthesis agent may be any of those discussed above with respect to the filling material104. The at least one sensate or chemesthesis agent may be coated on or impregnated in the outer web108in an amount ranging from about 0.01 weight percent to about 5 weight percent based on the weight of the oral pouch product100(e.g., about 0.1 weight percent to about 4.5 weight percent, about 1 weight percent to about 4 weight percent, about 1.5 weight percent to about 3.5 weight percent, or about 2 weight percent to about 3 weight percent).

In at least one example embodiment, the at least one functional ingredient may include an antioxidant, a soothing agent, an energizing agent, an effervescent, or any combination thereof, such as those described above in the discussion of the filling material102. In at least one example embodiment, the at least one functional ingredient may be coated on or impregnated in the outer web108in an amount ranging from about 0.01 weight percent to about 5 weight percent based on the weight of the oral pouch product100(e.g., about 0.1 weight percent to about 4.5 weight percent, about 1 weight percent to about 4 weight percent, about 1.5 weight percent to about 3.5 weight percent, or about 2 weight percent to about 3 weight percent).

The oral pouch product100may be an oral pouch product having, for example only, a generally rectangular shape, a ravioli or pillow shape, an oblong shape, or any other suitable shape. Various shapes may be utilized so long as the shapes fit comfortably and discreetly in an adult consumer's mouth. In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product100is substantially free of oral cavity irritant, which, as used herein, means that the shape, configuration, and position of the oral pouch product100do not irritate oral tissues (e.g., gums) via sharp edges and the like. Furthermore, “substantial” and “substantially free” as used in connection with oral cavity irritant means that the shape, configuration, and position of the oral pouch product100does not irritate oral tissues (e.g., gums) in a time frame or period having the same order of magnitude as a typical length of time during which the oral pouch product100may be enjoyed by an adult consumer. Generally, sharp corners are avoided as sharp corners may lead to oral discomfort.

The oral pouch product100may be sized and configured to fit comfortably in an adult consumer's mouth, such as between the cheek and gum. In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product100has a major dimension in the range of about 0.20 inch to about 2.0 inches (e.g., about 0.25 inch to 1.75 inches, about 0.75 inch to about 1.5 inch) and a transverse dimension in the range of about 0.25 to about 1.5 inches (e.g., about 0.50 inch to 1.25 inches, about 0.75 inch to about 1.0 inch). The oral pouch product100may weigh about 0.25 gram (g) to about 2.0 grams (e.g., about 0.3 gram to about 1.8 grams, about 0.4 gram to about 1.5 grams, about 0.5 gram to about 1.25 grams, or about 0.75 gram to about 1.0 gram).

The oral pouch product100may be placed in an adult consumer's mouth for about 1 minute to about 3 hours (e.g., about 1 minute to about 2 hours, about 5 minutes to about 90 minutes, about 10 minutes to about 60 minutes, about 20 minutes to about 40 minutes). The size of the oral pouch product100may be selected based on desired length of placement in an adult consumer's mouth. For example, a larger pouch including a larger amount of filling material may provide for longer placement. In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product100is discarded after a single placement in an adult consumer's mouth.

FIG.2Ais a perspective view of an oral pouch product according to at least one example embodiment.

FIG.2Bis a cross-sectional view of the oral pouch product along line ofFIG.2Aaccording to at least one example embodiment.

FIG.2Cis a cross-sectional view of the oral pouch product along line ofFIG.2Aaccording to at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIGS.2A-2C, an oral pouch product200is the same as that ofFIGS.1A-1Bexcept that a pouch wrapper202includes one or more seals or seams, such as a longitudinal seal204and fin seals206. The longitudinal seal204extends between the fin seals206. In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG.2C, the longitudinal seal204may include overlapping edge portions of the outer web208that are sealed together. In at least one example embodiment, the seals204,206may have a dimension of less than about 1 mm. The sealing function can be accomplished by a food grade adhesive or by mutually sealing the overlapping edge portions, using thermal or sonic techniques.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG.2B, opposing layers of an outer web208, the longitudinal seal204, and the fin seals206define an inner cavity210therebetween. A filling material212, which may be the same as that ofFIGS.1A-1B, may be held within the inner cavity210. In at least one example embodiment, the filling material212completely fills the interior cavity210of the oral pouch product200. In other example embodiments, the filling material210only partially fills the interior cavity210of the oral pouch product200.

As illustrated inFIG.2B, each fin seal206is formed by bringing together an inner surface of the outer web208of the pouch wrapper202and another section of the inner surface of the outer web208in a superposed relation to form one of the fin seal. The fin seal can then be sealed using any method such as detailed above to form the fin seal206. Though not illustrated, in certain embodiments, integrated fin and longitudinal seals may be used, as would be recognized by the skilled artisan. By overlapping a fin seal, the oral pouch product200may be made more comfortable for insertion in the adult consumer's mouth because there are no loose, unsealed edges that may stick out and snag the consumer's mouth during enjoyment. In addition, integrated fin and longitudinal seals may be stronger to reduce and/or prevent breakage during manufacture, packaging, shipment, placement, and/or use of the oral pouch product200.

FIG.3Ais a side view of an oral pouch product according to at least one example embodiment.

FIG.3Bis a cross-sectional view along line VII-VII of the oral pouch product ofFIG.3Aaccording at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIGS.3A-3B, an oral pouch product300is the same as that ofFIGS.1A-1Bexcept that the oral pouch product300has a single seam or seal302along a pouch wrapper304. In at least one example embodiment, as shown, the oral pouch product300has a half moon shape. In some example embodiments, the pouch oral pouch product300has a D-shape, boomerang, crescent, or other shape.

In at least one example embodiment, the pouch wrapper304can be sealed along the seam or seal302to define an inner cavity306that is configured to contain or hold the filling material308, which is the same as described with respect toFIGS.1A-1B. The single seam or seal302can be formed by bringing together an inner surface of an outer web310of the pouch wrapper304and another section of the inner surface of the outer web310in a superposed relation. The sealing function can be accomplished by a food grade adhesive or by mutual sealing the adjacent portions, using thermal or sonic techniques.

Liquid Mixtures of Oil and Liquid Nicotine

In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product ofFIGS.1-3includes a liquid mixture including oil and nicotine as described below.

FIGS.4A-4Cdepict chemical structures of nicotine in different forms.

Nicotine, or 3-(1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)pyridine, is a tertiary amine. Under ambient conditions, nicotine is an oily, volatile, hygroscopic liquid. In this state, nicotine is a free base (non-protonated) and has the structure as shown inFIG.4A. Free-base nicotine has a pKavalue of about 8.

Nicotine may also be in a form of a complex or a salt. Nicotine complexes and salts may be provided in solid form, such as a powder. One example of a nicotine complex that is used in oral pouch products is nicotine polacrilex. In a salt, nicotine is mono-protonated, as shown inFIG.4B, or di-protonated, as shown inFIG.4C. Mono-protonated and di-protonated nicotine have lower pKavalues than free-base nicotine. Nicotine salts may include nitrate, monotartrate, bitartrate, bitartrate dihydrate, salicylate, sulfate or bisulfate, phosphate or acid phosphate, acetate, lactate, succinate, maleate, fumarate, gluconate, saccharate, benzoate, methanesulfonate, hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, or any combination thereof.

Oral pouch products, such as those described with respect toFIGS.1-3, often include nicotine in the form of a complex or salt for reasons related to manufacturing, handling, and stability. However, nicotine is believed to more readily absorb in the buccal mucosa at higher pKavalues. Accordingly, oral pouch products including nicotine in a protonated state may also include a pH adjuster to create a more basic environment in the oral pouch product.

In at least one example embodiment, an oral pouch product includes a liquid mixture of nicotine and an oil. The oil may include one or more triglycerides, one or more diglycerides, one or more monoglycerides, triacetin, triolein, trilinolein, vegetable oil, one or more partially-hydrogenated oils, or any combination thereof. The triglyceride may include one or more short-chain triglycerides (“SCT”), one or more medium chain triglycerides (“MCT”), one or more long chain triglycerides (“LCT”), or any combination thereof.

An oral pouch product including the liquid mixture may be configured to have increased buccal nicotine absorption compared to oral pouch products including aqueous nicotine, nicotine complexes, and/or nicotine salts. The nicotine may be liquid nicotine. At least a portion of the liquid nicotine may be dissolved in the oil to form a solution of the oil and the liquid nicotine. In at least one example embodiment, all of the liquid nicotine is dissolved in the oil. In at least one example embodiment, the liquid mixture may consist essentially of liquid nicotine and an oil (e.g., triglyceride, such as a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT)).

A weight ratio of the oil to (e.g., triglyceride) the nicotine in the liquid mixture may be greater than or equal to about 1:1 (e.g., greater than or equal to about 3:2, greater than or equal to about 2:1, greater than or equal to about 3:1, greater than or equal to about 4:1, greater than or equal to about 5:1, greater than or equal to about 6:1, greater than or equal to about 7:1, greater than or equal to about 8:1, greater than or equal to about 9:1, or greater than or equal to about 10:1). The weight ratio may be less than or equal to about 95:5 (e.g., less than or equal to about 9:1, less than or equal to about 8:1, less than or equal to about 7:1, less than or equal to about 6:1, less than or equal to about 5:1, less than or equal to about 4:1, less than or equal to about 3:1, or less than or equal to about 3:2). In at least one example embodiment, the weight ratio ranges from about 1:1 to about 9:1 (e.g., from about 3:2 to about 4:1, from about 3:1 to about 5:1, or about 4:1).

In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product may include additional oil beyond what is present in the liquid mixture. The additional oil may, in at least one example embodiment, be used as a plasticizer. A ratio of the oil to the liquid nicotine in the oral pouch product (i.e., both the liquid mixture and any additional oil) may be greater than or equal to about 1:1 (e.g., greater than or equal to about 3:2, greater than or equal to about 2:1, greater than or equal to about 3:1, greater than or equal to about 4:1, greater than or equal to about 5:1, greater than or equal to about 6:1, greater than or equal to about 7:1, greater than or equal to about 8:1, greater than or equal to about 9:1, greater than or equal to about 10:1, greater than or equal to about 15:1, greater than or equal to about 20:1, greater than or equal to about 25:1, greater than or equal to about 30:1, greater than or equal to about 40:1, greater than or equal to about 50:1, greater than or equal to about 60:1, greater than or equal to about 70:1, greater than or equal to about 75:1, or greater than or equal to about 80:1). The weight ratio of the oil to the liquid nicotine may be less than or equal to about 100:1 (e.g., less than or equal to about 90:1, less than or equal to about 80:1, less than or equal to about 75:1, less than or equal to about 70:1, less than or equal to about 60:1, less than or equal to about 50:1, less than or equal to about 40:1, less than or equal to about 30:1, less than or equal to about 25:1, less than or equal to about 20:1, less than or equal to about 15:1, less than or equal to about 10:1, less than or equal to about 9:1, less than or equal to about 8:1, less than or equal to about 7:1, less than or equal to about 6:1, less than or equal to about 5:1, less than or equal to about 4:1, less than or equal to about 3:1, less than or equal to about 2:1, or less than or equal to about 3:2).

FIGS.5A-5Bare a graphs depicting buccal nicotine disposition for different nicotine solutions.

In at least one example embodiment, providing the nicotine dissolved in an oil, such as triglyceride, may facilitate increased buccal absorption compared to nicotine in an aqueous phase. It is believed that providing the nicotine dissolved in the triglyceride facilitates retention of at least a portion of the nicotine in its free-base state, regardless of the presence of a pH adjuster.

As shown inFIGS.5A-5B, three solutions are prepared according to Table 5, below. Amounts in Table 1 are by weight percent. Solution A includes 0.5 mg liquid nicotine in water having a pH of 7. Solution B includes 0.5 mg nicotine in water having a pH of 10. Solution C includes 0.5 mg nicotine in MCT oil.

To determine the amount of nicotine absorbed, versus the amount not absorbed, each of Solutions A, B, and C is held in an oral cavity of an adult tobacco consumer. Five adult tobacco consumers participate. Expectorant samples are collected for each of the five adult tobacco consumers for each of the three solutions at three time intervals: 0-1 minute, 1-5 minutes, and 5-10 minutes. Each expectorant sample is analyzed to measure a weight of nicotine in the expectorant sample. The nicotine measured in the expectorant samples is necessarily not absorbed in the buccal mucosa. An amount of absorbed nicotine is calculated for each solution based on a difference between a known weight of nicotine in each solution and the measured amounts of nicotine in each of the expectorant samples for each solution, as described in greater detail below.

Solution A includes 0.5 mg of nicotine. A first solution A expectorant sample 500 is collected at 0-1 minute, and includes 57 weight percent of the 0.5 mg of nicotine. A second solution A expectorant sample 502 is collected at 1-5 minutes, and includes 18 weight percent of the 0.5 mg nicotine. A third solution A expectorant sample 504 is collected at 5-10 minutes, and includes 5 weight percent of the 0.5 mg of nicotine. Accordingly, a solution A absorbed nicotine 506 is calculated to be 20 weight percent (100%−57%−18%−5%=20%).

Solution B includes 0.5 mg of nicotine. A first solution B expectorant sample 510 is collected at 0-1 minute, and includes 50 weight percent of the 0.5 mg of nicotine. A second solution B expectorant sample 512 is collected at 1-5 minutes, and includes 19 weight percent of the 0.5 mg nicotine. A third solution B expectorant sample 514 is collected at 5-10 minutes, and includes 6 weight percent of the 0.5 mg of nicotine. Accordingly, a solution B absorbed nicotine 516 is calculated to be 25 weight percent (100%−50%−19%−6%=25%).

Solution C includes 0.5 mg of nicotine. A first solution C expectorant sample 520 is collected at 0-1 minute, and includes 38 weight percent of the 0.5 mg of nicotine. A second solution C expectorant sample 522 is collected at 1-5 minutes, and includes 22 weight percent of the 0.5 mg nicotine. A third solution C expectorant sample 524 is collected at 5-10 minutes, and includes 5 weight percent of the 0.5 mg of nicotine. Accordingly, a solution C absorbed nicotine 56 is calculated to be 35 weight percent (100%-38%-22%-5%=35%).

As shown by the differences in behavior of Solution A and Solution B, increasing a pH of an aqueous solution, as in Solution B, facilitates increased buccal nicotine absorption. For example, the increased pH of the aqueous environment may facilitate retention of nicotine in the free-base phase. As shown by the differences in behavior of Solutions A/B and Solution C, providing the nicotine in the MCT facilitates, as in Solution C, increased buccal nicotine absorption compared to providing nicotine in an aqueous phase. Moreover, as shown by the differences in behavior of Solution B and Solution C, providing the nicotine in the MCT facilitates, as in Solution C, increased buccal absorption compared to an aqueous phase including a pH adjuster. As shown inFIG.5B, the amount of absorbed nicotine for Solution C is higher than the amount absorbed for each of Solutions A and B.

FIG.6Ais a table depicting partition coefficient data for nicotine in different oil and water phase combinations.FIG.6Bdepicts of a chemical structure of triacetin (C2). FIG.6C depicts a chemical structure of MCT (C8-C10).FIG.6Ddepicts a chemical structure of triolein (C18).

As shown inFIG.6A, nicotine has solubility in both oil and water. Each of Samples 1-8 is prepared by and measured according to the following method. Liquid nicotine is added at the target nicotine concentration to a vessel containing an oil phase. The oil phase containing nicotine is mixed with an aqueous phase at a one-to-one volume ratio (v:v) using an orbital shaker at about 100 rotations per minute (rpm) for about 5 minutes to prepare a nicotine oil:aqueous phase mix. The nicotine oil:aqueous phase mix is allowed to sit at room temperature (about 25° C.) for about 24 hours. A concentration of nicotine in each of the oil phase and the nicotine phase is measured using a liquid chromatography method. A partition coefficient, which is a ratio concentrations of a compound (i.e., nicotine) in two immiscible solvents (i.e., an oil phase and an aqueous phase) at equilibrium, is calculated for each sample. The partition coefficient is a comparison of the solubilities of the nicotine in the two liquid phases.

Samples 1-6 include MCT oil (CAS No. 73398-61-5) as an oil phase. Sample 7 includes triacetin oil as an oil phase. Sample 8 includes triolein oil as an oil phase. Sample 1 includes deionized (DI) water as an aqueous phase. Sample 2 includes basified DI water having a pH of 7.4 as an aqueous phase. Sample 3 includes artificial saliva having a pH of 6.8 as an aqueous phase. Artificial saliva simulates mucus conditions. Sample 4 includes acidified DI water having a pH of 2 as an aqueous phase. Samples 5-8 include 1M acetic acid pH adjuster having a pH of 2 as an aqueous phase, which simulates stomach conditions.

In each of Samples 5-8, a partition coefficient is less than 1, indicating a higher solubility of nicotine in the acetic acid pH adjuster than the respective oil phase. This is believed to be caused by protonation of the nicotine and higher electrostatic interactions. In each of Samples 1-4, a partition coefficient is greater than 1, indicating a higher solubility in the MCT oil than the respective aqueous phase. However, in every sample, at least a portion of the nicotine is dissolved in the aqueous phase. Accordingly, if water is present in a liquid mixture, at least a portion of the nicotine will be dissolved in the water phase.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product includes water. The oral pouch product may include water in an amount less than or equal to about 10 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 8 percent, less than or equal to about 5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, less than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent. In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product is free of water.

In at least one example embodiment, the liquid mixture includes water in amount less than or equal to about 5 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, less than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 0.25 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, no water is intentionally added to the liquid mixture. However, a small amount of water may come into contact with the liquid mixture via other elements in the oral pouch product. In at least one example embodiment, the liquid mixture is free of water. Limiting an amount of water and/or omitting water may facilitate increasing an amount of nicotine dissolved in the triglyceride. Accordingly, an oral pouch product having the liquid mixture may be configured to facilitate increased buccal absorption of nicotine compared to an oral pouch product having all or a portion of the nicotine in a water phase.

As noted above, in at least one example embodiment, the nicotine may be liquid nicotine. Greater than or equal to about 50 weight percent of the nicotine may be free base nicotine (e.g., greater than or equal to about 55 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 60 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 65 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 70 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 75 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 80 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 85 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 90 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 95 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 98 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 99 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, greater than 80 weight percent of the nicotine is free-base nicotine. In at least one example embodiment, all of the nicotine is free-base nicotine.

In at least one example embodiment, the nicotine is tobacco-derived nicotine, synthetic nicotine, or both tobacco-derived nicotine and synthetic nicotine. In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product includes the nicotine in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.1 mg (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 mg, greater than or equal to about 2 mg, greater than or equal to about 4 mg, greater than or equal to about 6 mg, greater than or equal to about 8 mg, greater than or equal to about 10 mg, greater than or equal to about 12 mg). The oral pouch product may include the nicotine in an amount less than or equal to about 14 mg (e.g., less than or equal to about 12 mg, less than or equal to about 10 mg, less than or equal to about 8 mg, less than or equal to about 6 mg, less than or equal to about 4 mg, less than or equal to about 2 mg, or less than or equal to about 1 mg). In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product includes the liquid nicotine in an amount ranging from 0.1 mg to about 14 mg (e.g., ranging from about 2 mg to about 10 mg, ranging from about 4 mg to about 8 mg, or ranging from about 5 mg to about 6 mg).

As discussed above, the oil may include one or more monoglycerides, one or more diglycerides, one or more triglycerides, triacetin, triolein, trilinolein, vegetable oil, one or more partially-hydrogenated oils, or any combination thereof. The triglyceride may include one or more LCTs, one or more MCTs, one or more SCTs, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the oil includes one or mores monoglyceride, one or more diglycerides, one or more triglycerides, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the oil includes one or more triglycerides. In at least one example embodiment, the triglyceride includes MCT. In at least one example embodiment, the liquid mixture further includes triacetin, triolein, trilinolein, vegetable oil, a partially-hydrogenated oil, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product includes the oil (e.g., triglyceride) in an amount greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 15 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 20 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 25 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 30 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 40 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 50 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 60 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 70 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 80 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 90 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product may include the oil (e.g., triglyceride) in an amount less than or equal to about 95 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 90 weight percent, less than or equal to about 80 weight percent, less than or equal to about 70 weight percent, less than or equal to about 60 weight percent, less than or equal to about 50 weight percent, less than or equal to about 40 weight percent, less than or equal to about 30 weight percent, less than or equal to about 20 weight percent, less than or equal to about 15 weight percent, less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 5 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product includes the oil (e.g., triglyceride) in an amount ranging from 10 weight percent to 50 weight percent. In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product is a solid format including the oil (e.g., triglyceride) at less than or equal to about 50 weight percent.

Methods of Manufacturing an Oral Pouch Product

FIG.7is a flowchart depicting a method of manufacturing a pouch product according to at least one example embodiment.

As shown inFIG.7, a method of preparing a filling material may optionally include preparing a standard API solution at S700. The standard API solution may include an API, such as liquid nicotine, dissolved in oil, such as MCT, at a desired (or alternatively, predetermined) weight ratio. In at least one example embodiment, the desired weight ratio is greater than or equal to about 20:80 (1:4) (e.g., greater than or equal to about 25:75, greater than or equal to about 30:70, greater than or equal to about 35:65, greater than or equal to about 40:60 (2:3), greater than or equal to about 45:55, greater than or equal to about 50:50, greater than or equal to about 55:45, greater than or equal to about 60:40, greater than or equal to about 65:35, greater than or equal to about 70:30, or greater than or equal to about 75:25). The desired weight ratio may be less than or equal to about 80:20 (e.g., less than or equal to about 75:25, less than or equal to about 70:30, less than or equal to about 65:35, less than or equal to about 60:40, less than or equal to about 55:45, less than or equal to about 50:50, less than or equal to about 45:50, less than or equal to about 40:60, less than or equal to about 35:65, less than or equal to about 30:70, or less than or equal to about 25:75).

At S704, the method may include preparing a liquid pre-blend. In at least one example embodiment, the liquid prep-blend includes API, oil, and antioxidant. In at least one example embodiment, the liquid pre-blend may be prepared by providing the standard API solution in an amount suitable to achieve a desired API content in the pouch product (i.e., more standard API solution to prepare a higher API dose product). Additional oil may be added to the standard API solution to achieve a desired liquid content in the filling material. Antioxidant, such as liquid antioxidant, may also be added to the oil and API. An amount of antioxidant may be selected based on the amount of API.

At S708, the method may include preparing a dry pre-blend. In at least one example embodiment, preparing the dry pre-blend includes admixing the insoluble material, the water-soluble filler, the pH adjuster, dry flavorant, dry antioxidant, plant material (e.g., cannabis and/or tobacco plant material), the emulsifier and/or surfactant, and/or other dry additives.

At S712, the method may include admixing the liquid pre-blend and the dry pre-blend. In at least one example embodiments, one or more of water activity, pH, oven volatiles, bulk density, dissolution, flowability, and API content are monitored at one or more points in the process of preparing the oral pouch product. Admixing the liquid and dry pre-blends may include providing the liquid pre-blend in an atomized spray. The ingredients may be admixed, such as in a ribbon blender. A weight ratio of dry to liquid ingredients may be as described above in the discussion accompanyingFIGS.1A-1B.

At S716, the method may optionally include adding water-based additives. Water-based additives, such as flavorant, may be added by spraying and or pouring, optionally while admixing, such as in the ribbon blender. In at least one example embodiment, the dry pre-blend is continuous stirred while the liquid pre-blend is added at S712and the water-based additives are added at S716.

At S720, the method may include pouching the filling material. Pouching the filling material may generally include forming a wrapper into an open pouch using a vertical or horizontal fill machine and filling the open pouch with the filling material. The pouch may then be sealed to contain the filling material and form the oral pouch product. In at least one example embodiment, a series of oral pouch product are formed with a space between seals of adjacent pouch products and then cut apart to form individual pouch products. For instance, the oral pouch product may be cut with a die at a location between adjacent seals to form a soft edge on each pouch product. Alternatively, a first strip of pouch wrapper material can be advanced along a feed path, filling material can be placed on the strip, a second strip can be placed over the first strip, a sealing die can be used to press the strips together and form a seam such as a heat seal or adhesive seal around the filling, and a cuffing die can be used to cut the first and second strips outwardly of the seam to form the soft edge.