RU2845702C2 - Method for manufacturing container for smokeless tobacco product, method for manufacturing product adapted for introduction into oral cavity of user, and fleece material therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: smoking accessories.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to a method of making a container for a smokeless tobacco product, a method of making a product adapted for introduction into the oral cavity of a user, and a fleece material therefor. Method of making a smokeless tobacco product container comprises providing a fleece material configured to allow a portion of the tobacco material to pass through it, applying an adhesive to the outer surface of the fleece material and bonding a plurality of microcapsules to the fleece material by applying a plurality of microcapsules to the adhesive, wherein each of the plurality of microcapsules contains an additive, and the plurality of microcapsules releases the additive in response to a trigger condition associated with the use of the smokeless tobacco product.

EFFECT: reliable connection of microcapsules with material.

20 cl, 3 dwg

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 14/988,096, filed January 5, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Field of technology

[0002] This application relates generally to the field of smokeless tobacco products.

State of the art

[0003] Cigarettes, cigars, and pipes are popular smoking products that use tobacco in various forms. Such smoking products involve heating or burning tobacco, and the resulting aerosol (e.g., smoke) is inhaled by the smoker. Tobacco may also be used in what is known as a "smokeless" form. In particular, popular smokeless tobacco products are used by placing some form of processed tobacco or a tobacco-containing composition into the user's mouth.

[0004] Various types of smokeless tobacco products, ingredients, and processing methods are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 1,376,586 to Schwartz; U.S. Patent No. 3,696,917 to Levi; U.S. Patent No. 4,513,756 to Pittman, et al.; U.S. Patent No. 4,528,993 to Sensabaugh, Jr., et al.; U.S. Patent No. 4,624,269 to Story, et al.; U.S. Patent No. 4,991,599 to Tibbetts; U.S. Patent No. 4,987,907 to Townsend; U.S. Patent No. 5,092,352 to Sprinkle, III, et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,387,416 to White, et al.; in U.S. Patent No. 6,668,839 to Williams; in U.S. Patent No. 6,834,654 to Williams; in U.S. Patent No. 6,953,040 to Atchley, et al.; in U.S. Patent No. 7,032,601 to Atchley, et al.; and in U.S. Patent No. 7,694,686 to Atchley, et al.; in U.S. Published Patent Application Nos. 2004/0020503 to Williams; 2005/0115580 to Quinter, et al.; 2006/0191548 to Strickland, et al.; 2007/0062549 to Holton, Jr., et al.; 2007/0186941 to Holton, Jr., et al.; 2007/0186942, Strickland et al.; 2008/0029110, Dube et al.; 2008/0029116, Robinson et al.; 2008/0173317, Robinson et al.; 2008/0196730, Engstrom et al.; 2008/0209586, Neilsen et al.; 2008/0305216, Crawford et al.; 2009/0065013, Essen et al.; 2009/0293889, Kumar et al.; 2010/0291245, Gao et al.; and 2011/0139164, Mua et al.; in International Publications under PCT WO 04/095959, Arnarp et al. and WO 2010/132444 A2, Atchley, each of which is incorporated into the description of the present invention by reference.

[0005] Some commercially available smokeless tobacco products, such as those commonly referred to as "snus," contain shredded tobacco materials contained within sealed pouches. The pouches are typically a non-woven fleece material containing pasteurized tobacco. Typical types of snus products are manufactured in Europe, for example in Sweden by Swedish Match AB, Fiedler & Lundgren AB, Gustavus AB, Skandinavisk Tobakskompagni A/S, and Rocker Production AB. Snus products available in the United States are marketed, for example, under the trade names Camel Snus Frost, Camel Snus Original, and Camel Snus Spice by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. Typical smokeless tobacco products are also marketed under the trade names Oliver Twist by House of Oliver Twist A/S; Copenhagen, Skoal, SkoalDry, Rooster, Red Seal, Husky, and Revel by U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co.; "taboka" by Philip Morris USA; and Levi Garrett, Peachy, Taylor's Pride, Kodiak, Hawken Wintergreen, Grizzly, Dental, Kentucky King, and Mammoth Cave by Conwood Sales Co., L.P. See also, e.g., Bryzgalov et al., 1N1800 Life Cycle Assessment, Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of General Loose and Portion Snus (2005). In addition, some quality standards related to snus production are collected in the so-called GothiaTek standard.

[0006] Various types of snus products, as well as components for these products and methods for processing components associated with these products, have been proposed. See, for example, U.S. Patent No. 8,067,046 to Schleef et al. and U.S. Patent No. 7,861,728 to Holton, Jr. et al.; U.S. Published Patent Application Nos. 2004/0118422 to Lundin et al.; 2008/0202536 to Torrence et al.; 2009/0025738 to Mua et al.; 2010/0180087 to Gee et al.; 2010/0218779 to Zhuang et al.; 2010/0294291 to Robinson et al.; 2010/0300465 to Zimmermann; 2011/0061666, Dube et al.; 2011/0303232, Williams et al.; 2012/0067362, Mola et al.; 2012/0085360, Kawata et al.; 2012/0103353, Sebastian et al.; 2012/0247492, Kobal et al.; 2014/0190497, Dube et al.; 2014/0255452, Reddick et al. and 2015/0068545, Moldoveanu et al.; and PCT International Publication Nos. WO 05/063060, Atchley et al. and WO 08/56135, Oppo; each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0007] In order to provide a variety of products having different flavor profiles, smokeless tobacco products, such as snus products, are often treated with a variety of flavorings and other flavor-enhancing materials. For example, flavorings may be added to shredded tobacco materials and/or to sealed pouches containing tobacco materials. A common problem encountered with flavorings in smokeless tobacco products is the loss of flavor over time. For example, smokeless tobacco products often provide an initial release of flavor when placed in the user's mouth, but may lose flavor before the consumer desires to complete consumption of the product.

[0008] Another common problem encountered in the use of flavors in smokeless tobacco products is the delayed release of flavor. Flavors are typically added directly to tobacco materials, so that consumers may not perceive the flavor imparted to the tobacco materials until they are saturated with saliva in the user's mouth, causing some components of the flavored tobacco material to pass (e.g., by diffusion) through the associated package. It would therefore be desirable to provide a smokeless tobacco product having an immediate and/or sustained release of flavor during use.

The essence of the invention

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a container for a smokeless tobacco product includes a liquid-permeable bag and a capsule connected to the liquid-permeable bag and containing an additive. The capsule releases the additive in response to an actuation condition associated with the use of the smokeless tobacco product.

[0010] According to the second aspect, a container for a smokeless tobacco product includes a liquid-permeable bag and a plurality of capsules connected to the liquid-permeable bag. The plurality of capsules includes one or more first capsules containing a first additive. The one or more first capsules release the first additive in response to a first actuation condition associated with the use of a smokeless tobacco product. The plurality of capsules also includes one or more second capsules containing a second additive. The one or more second capsules release the second additive in response to a second actuation condition associated with the use of a smokeless tobacco product. The plurality of capsules further includes one or more third capsules containing a third additive. The one or more third capsules release the third additive in response to the third actuation condition associated with the use of a smokeless tobacco product.

[0011] According to a third aspect, a method for producing a container for a smokeless tobacco product comprises: providing a fleece material configured to allow a portion of the tobacco material to pass through it, applying an adhesive to the outer surface of the fleece material, and connecting a plurality of microcapsules to the fleece material by applying the plurality of microcapsules to the adhesive. Each of the plurality of microcapsules comprises an additive. The plurality of microcapsules release the additive in response to an actuation condition associated with the use of the smokeless tobacco product.

Brief description of the drawings

[0012] Illustrative embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying figures, where:

[0013] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a smokeless tobacco product according to an illustrative embodiment.

[0014] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the smokeless tobacco product shown in Fig. 1 taken along line 2-2.

[0015] Fig. 3 is a block diagram of a method for creating a container for a smokeless tobacco product according to an illustrative embodiment.

Detailed description of the invention

[0016] The present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying figures, which illustrate some, but not all, aspects of the present invention. Of course, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be considered as limited to the aspects set forth herein. On the contrary, these aspects are provided so that the disclosure of the present invention will be thorough and complete, will fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art, and will comply with applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description.

[0017] Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, a smokeless tobacco product 10 is shown according to an illustrative embodiment. In Figs. 1 and 2, the tobacco product 10 is shown as a snus-type product. However, according to other embodiments, the tobacco product 10 may be another type of packaged smokeless tobacco product (e.g., snuff). The tobacco product 10 includes a moisture-permeable container in the form of a pouch 12. A solid tobacco material 14 is disposed within the pouch 12. The tobacco product 10 is typically administered by placing the pouch 12 containing the tobacco material 14 into the oral cavity of a user. During administration, saliva in the oral cavity of the user causes some components of the tobacco material 14 to pass (e.g., diffuse) through the water-permeable pouch 12 into the oral cavity of the user, resulting in the user perceiving a tobacco flavor.

[0018] During use, portions of the tobacco material 14 are allowed to pass through the bag 12. The materials of such bags may be in the form of a mesh, a sieve, perforated paper, a permeable fabric, or similar materials. According to some embodiments, the bag 12 is made of a fleece fabric material. The bag 12 may also be configured to undergo controlled dispersion or dissolution. For example, a bag material made of a mesh-shaped rice paper or perforated rice paper may dissolve in the oral cavity of the user. As a result, both the bag 12 and the tobacco composition may undergo complete dispersion within the oral cavity of the user under normal conditions of use. Other illustrative pouch materials may be made using water-dispersible film forming materials (e.g., binders such as alginates, carboxymethyl cellulose, xanthan gum, pullulan, and similar materials) and these materials in combination with materials such as ground cellulose (e.g., finely sized wood pulp). Preferred pouch materials - water-dispersible or soluble - may be designed and manufactured such that, under conditions of normal use, a significant amount of the tobacco composition contents permeates through the pouch material to the point where the pouch loses its physical integrity.

[0019] The tobacco material 14 may be provided in cut, ground, granulated, finely divided or powdered form. The tobacco material 14 may also be processed, mixed, combined, blended and intermixed with other materials or ingredients. For example, the tobacco material 14 may include salts, sweeteners, binders, colorants, pH adjusters or buffers, fillers, flavors, disintegrating agents, antioxidants, humectants and preservatives. Typically, for some embodiments, the amount of the tobacco material 14 in the tobacco product 10 may be, on a dry weight basis, at least about 30 mg, often at least about 40 mg and often at least about 45 mg; wherein this amount is typically less than about 200 mg, typically less than about 150 mg and often less than about 100 mg. The tobacco material 14 may be in the form of processed tobacco parts or fragments, dried and aged tobacco essentially in the form of natural leaf plates or stems, tobacco extract, extracted tobacco pulp (for example, using water as a solvent) or a mixture of the above components (for example, a mixture that combines extracted tobacco pulp with granulated cured and aged natural tobacco leaf plate).

[0020] The tobacco product 10 also includes a plurality of microcapsules 16 connected to the package 12 (e.g., by coating the package, gluing to the package, attaching to the package, etc.). According to an illustrative embodiment, the microcapsules 16 are connected to the package 12 by means of an adhesive polymer. For example, the package 12 can be coated with a food-grade biodegradable polymer, such as polycaprolactone. The microcapsules 16 are then connected to the package 12 by coating the microcapsules 16 on the adhesive polymer. The microcapsules 16 can be applied by printing or spraying the microcapsules 16 on the adhesive polymer. The microcapsules 16 can also be applied using a drying oven.

[0021] The microcapsules 16 include an inner or core region encapsulated by an outer shell region. The inner region includes a payload of an additive or ingredient. The additive may be adapted to enhance one or more sensory characteristics of the smokeless tobacco product 10, such as taste, mouthfeel, moisture, cold/warmth, and/or smell. The additive may also be adapted to impart an additional functional quality to the smokeless tobacco product 10, such as adding an antioxidant function or enhancing the immune system. The microcapsules 16 physically separate or segregate, to some extent, the additive from one or more other components of the tobacco product 10. The functional benefit of such separation may vary, but typically includes minimizing or eliminating chemical interactions between the additive and other components of the tobacco product 10 under normal storage and/or use conditions. Thus, separation of certain additives may increase the storage stability of the resulting tobacco product 10 and/or preserve desirable sensory characteristics of the product 10. Although the tobacco product 10 is presented as containing microcapsules 16, the separation means may take various forms, including the use of the additive in various forms, such as beads, pellets, rods, films, ropes, layered or multilayered structures, sheets, strips or other molded articles. The additive may also be dispersed in the matrix material to be molded into the desired shape.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the additive comprises a flavoring agent configured to enhance the flavor of the smokeless tobacco product during use. Examples of flavoring agents that may be used as additives are components or suitable combinations of these components that act to alter the bitterness, sweetness, sourness, or saltiness of the smokeless tobacco product 10, enhance the perceived dryness or wetness of the tobacco product 10, or the degree of tobacco flavor exhibited by the product 10. Types of flavoring agents include salts (e.g., sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium citrate, potassium citrate, sodium acetate, potassium acetate, etc.), natural sweeteners (e.g., fructose, sucrose, glucose, maltose, mannose, galactose, lactose, etc.), artificial sweeteners (e.g., sucralose, saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame K, neotame, etc.); and mixtures thereof. Flavors may be natural or artificial, and the flavor character imparted may be described as, among other things, fresh, sweet, herbal, candy-like, floral, fruity, or savory. Specific types of flavors include, among other things, vanilla, coffee, chocolate/cocoa, cream, mint, spearmint, menthol, peppermint, wintergreen oil, eucalyptus, lavender, cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, croton wood, sandalwood, honey, jasmine, ginger, anise, sage, licorice, lemon, orange, apple, peach, lime, cherry, strawberry, and any combination thereof. See also Leffingwell et al., Tobacco Flavoring for Smoking Products, R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company (1972), which is incorporated herein by reference. Flavors may also include components that are considered to be moisturizing, cooling or softening agents, such as eucalyptus. These flavors may be provided in pure form (i.e., separately) or in combination (e.g., spearmint and menthol or orange and cinnamon). The combined flavors may be combined in one of the microcapsules 16 as a mixture or as separate components of individual microcapsules 16.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the additive comprises a tobacco-based flavoring composition, such as a flavoring comprising particulate tobacco material or a tobacco extract (e.g., an aqueous extract of tobacco in solid form).

Any of the types of tobacco material disclosed herein may be used as a microencapsulated flavor. Use of a microencapsulated tobacco flavor may provide a smokeless tobacco product 10 with immediate and/or sustained flavor release characteristics. Some forms of smokeless tobacco products provide a strong sensory profile. By microencapsulating a portion of the tobacco material 14 in the product 10, a softer sensory perception may be achieved. Microencapsulation of the tobacco flavor may also prolong the sensory perception by providing a slow, continuous release of tobacco flavor over time as the product 10 is in the oral cavity. Preferred microencapsulated tobacco flavors will provide a sustained release of tobacco flavor under conditions of normal use of the smokeless tobacco product 10.

[0024] The outer shell or coating of the microcapsules 16 serves as a barrier between the payload (i.e., the additive) and the tobacco material 14 of the smokeless tobacco product 10. According to exemplary embodiments, the outer shell can be made from any of gelatin, sodium alginate, ethyl cellulose, carrageenan, cellulose acetate, and similar substances. The additive in the core region of the microcapsules 16 is released under certain conditions of use of the product (e.g., a use condition, an actuation condition, an actuation mechanism, etc.). For example, the outer shell may experience some type of physical destruction, rupture or other loss of physical integrity (e.g., by decomposition, softening, crushing, application of pressure, or the like) in response to an actuation condition associated with the product 10. Such release of the additive may change or enhance the aroma or other sensory characteristics of the product 10, extend the period of time during which the user can enjoy the product 10, or provide other functional benefits. The actuation conditions associated with the release of the additive may vary depending on the characteristics of the packet 12, the tobacco material 14, the microcapsules 16 and the additive. The actuation conditions may also vary depending on the intended use of the product 10.

[0025] According to some embodiments, one or more of the microcapsules 16 are configured to release the additive in response to a change in humidity. For example, contact of the microcapsules 16 with moisture present in the oral cavity of the user may cause the microcapsules 16 to soften, lose their physical integrity and release the additive in the oral cavity of the user. For some tobacco products, such as products including snus-type tobacco materials, the moisture content of the tobacco material (e.g., the tobacco material 14) present in the packet prior to introduction into the oral cavity of the user may exceed 20 weight percent and often may exceed 30 weight percent. For example, a standard snus-type product may include a tobacco material characterized by a moisture content of from about 25 weight percent to about 50 weight percent, preferably from about 30 weight percent to about 40 weight percent. According to one embodiment, the tobacco product 10 is a snus-type product, and the tobacco material 14 has a moisture content of approximately 33 weight percent. According to this embodiment, one or more of the microcapsules 16 are configured to release the additive when the moisture content in the one or more microcapsules 16 reaches a predetermined moisture content above 33 weight percent (e.g., 35 percent, 40 percent, 50 percent, etc.).

[0026] The moisture content of the tobacco product 10 prior to use of the product 10 by the consumer may vary. According to some embodiments, the moisture content of the tobacco material 14 present in the pouch prior to placement into the oral cavity of the user is less than about 55 weight percent, typically less than about 50 weight percent, and often less than about 45 weight percent. Some types of tobacco materials have a moisture content prior to use that is less than about 15 weight percent, often less than about 10 weight percent, and often less than about 5 weight percent. According to one embodiment, the tobacco product 10 is a pouched moist snuff product, and the tobacco material 14 has a moisture content of approximately 50 weight percent. According to this embodiment, one or more of the microcapsules 16 are configured to release the additive when the moisture content in the one or more microcapsules 16 reaches a predetermined moisture content in excess of 50 weight percent (e.g., 51 percent, 55 percent, 60 percent, 65 percent, etc.).

[0027] According to some embodiments, one or more of the microcapsules 16 are configured to release the additive in response to a change in temperature. For example, contact of the microcapsules 16 with an elevated temperature of the user's oral cavity (e.g., the user's saliva) can cause one or more of the microcapsules 16 to soften, lose their physical integrity, and release the additive in the user's oral cavity. According to one embodiment, one or more of the microcapsules 16 are configured to release the additive when the temperature in the one or more microcapsules 16 is equal to or is near (e.g., higher than) a temperature typical of the user's oral cavity (e.g., approximately 37 degrees Celsius). According to other embodiments, one or more of the microcapsules 16 are configured to release the additive when the temperature of the product 10 (e.g., one or more microcapsules 16, tobacco material 14) changes (e.g., increases or decreases) by at least a predetermined value (e.g., 1 degree Celsius, 2 degrees Celsius, 5 degrees Celsius, etc.).

[0028] According to some embodiments, one or more of the microcapsules 16 are configured to release the additive in response to a change in pH. The pH of the tobacco product 10 (e.g., the tobacco material 14, the pouch 12) can vary. Typically, the pH of the tobacco material 14 is at least about 6.5 and is preferably at least about 7.5. Typically, the pH of such a tobacco material 14 will not exceed about 9 and will typically not exceed about 8.5. A typical tobacco material is characterized by a pH of from about 6.8 to about 8.2. According to one embodiment, one or more of the microcapsules 16 are configured to release the additive when the pH in the one or more microcapsules 16 is equal to or near (e.g., higher than) the pH value typical of the user's oral cavity (e.g., from about 5.6 to 7.9). According to other embodiments, one or more of the microcapsules 16 are configured to release the additive when the pH of the product 10 (e.g., one or more microcapsules 16, tobacco material 14) changes (e.g., increases or decreases) by at least a predetermined value (e.g., 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, etc.).

[0029] The microcapsules 16 may also be configured to release the additive in response to the presence of a digestive enzyme typically found in the oral cavity of the user (e.g., amylase). If the tobacco product 10 includes an amount of a digestive enzyme, one or more of the microcapsules 16 may be configured to release the additive in response to an increase in the amount of the digestive enzyme on or near one or more of the microcapsules 16.

[0030] According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of microcapsules 16 present in the tobacco product 10 is configured to release an associated flavor based on the same actuation condition. According to this embodiment, the microcapsules 16 are designed to provide a simultaneous, single release of flavor for the user in response to a product use condition (i.e., a single-stage release). For example, the actuation condition may include a change in humidity, temperature or pH, the amount or presence of a digestive enzyme, or some other actuation condition associated with the use of the tobacco product 10. According to this embodiment, the tobacco product 10 may also create an initial flavor for the user. For example, a flavor may be applied to the packet 12 or the tobacco material 14, which affects the user (i.e., without the use of an associated microcapsule) when said packet or material is placed in the oral cavity of the user. The flavor contained within the microcapsules 16 is then released in response to a triggering condition that is associated with continued use of the product 10 (e.g., temperature, humidity, pH, presence or amount of enzyme, etc. that are associated with prolonged use), providing additional release of flavor to the user during use of the product 10.

[0031] According to other embodiments, the plurality of microcapsules 16 includes more than one type of microcapsules, wherein each type of microcapsules is configured to release an additive associated therewith in response to a different actuation condition. According to one exemplary embodiment, the plurality of microcapsules 16 includes a first microcapsule configured to release a flavoring agent (or other additive) in response to a first actuation condition, a second microcapsule configured to release a flavoring agent in response to a second actuation condition, and a third microcapsule configured to release a flavoring agent in response to a third actuation condition. According to this embodiment, the microcapsules 16 are designed to provide multiple releases (i.e., multiple stages) of aroma to the user during use of the product 10. The response conditions are selected such that during use of the product 10, the first response condition occurs first, the second response condition occurs next, and the third response condition occurs last. As an example, the first response condition may be a temperature of about 33 degrees Celsius, the second response condition may be a temperature of about 35 degrees Celsius, and the third response condition may be a temperature of about 37 degrees Celsius. As another example, the first response condition may be a moisture content of over 40 weight percent, the second response condition may be a temperature of about 37 degrees Celsius, and the third response condition may be saturation with a digestive enzyme, such as amylase. The additive contained within each of the three types of microcapsules 16 may be the same, or the microcapsules 16 may include different types of additives.

[0032] The microcapsules 16 may be uniform or variable in size, weight, and shape, and such properties of the microcapsules 16 will depend on the desired properties of the smokeless tobacco product 10. The microcapsules 16 may have a variety of shapes, including, as a rule, spherical, rectangular, oblong, elliptical, or oval. The microcapsules 16 may have diameters of less than about 100 microns, for example, the microcapsules have diameter values in the range of from about 1 to about 40 microns or from about 1 micron to about 20 microns. The total weight of the microcapsules 16 applied to the bag 12 may vary, but is typically greater than about 10 mg, often greater than about 20 mg, and may exceed about 30 mg. The total weight of the microcapsules 16 is typically less than about 200 mg, often less than about 100 mg, and may be less than about 50 mg.

[0033] The number of microcapsules 16 deposited on the pouch 12 may vary depending on factors such as the size of the microcapsules 16, the nature or character of the additive in the payload, the desired characteristics of the smokeless tobacco product 10, and the like. The number of microcapsules 16 deposited on the pouch 12 may exceed about 5, may exceed about 10, may exceed about 20, may exceed about 40, and may even exceed about 100. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the number of microcapsules 16 may exceed about 500, and may even exceed about 1000.

[0034] The outer wall or shell material and the solvents used to form the microcapsules 16 may vary. Classes of materials that are used as wall or shell materials include proteins, polysaccharides, starches, waxes, fats, natural and synthetic polymers, and resins. Illustrative materials for use in the microencapsulation process used to form the microcapsules 16 include gelatin, acacia, polyvinyl acetate, potassium alginate, locust bean gum, potassium citrate, carrageenan, potassium polymetaphosphate, citric acid, potassium tripolyphosphate, dextrin, polyvinyl alcohol, povidone, dimethylpolysiloxane, dimethyl silicone, purified paraffin wax, ethylcellulose, bleached shellac, modified food starch, sodium alginate, guar gum, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, sodium citrate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, sodium ferrocyanide, sodium polyphosphate, locust bean gum, methylcellulose, sodium trimetaphosphate, methyl ethylcellulose, sodium tripolyphosphate, microcrystalline wax, tannic acid, petroleum paraffin, terpene resin, tragacanth, polyethylene, xanthan gum and polyethylene glycol.

[0035] Referring now to Fig. 3, a method 300 for producing a bag 12 is shown according to an illustrative embodiment. Providing a fleece material for the bag 12 is performed at step 302. Although a fleece material is used in this embodiment, the bag 12 may be made of any other material described herein according to other embodiments of the present invention. The material for the bag 12 may be provided by cutting the fleece material from a sheet of said material in the shape of the bag 12. At step 304, an adhesive is applied to the outer surface of the fleece material. The adhesive may be an adhesive polymer that is suitable for ingestion by a user, including a food-grade biodegradable polymer such as polycaprolactone. The adhesive may be sprayed or otherwise applied to the entire outer surface of the fleece material.

[0036] In step 306, the microcapsules 16 are applied to the adhesive. The adhesive is configured to adhere to the microcapsules 16, connecting the microcapsules 16 to the fleece material. The microcapsules 16 can be applied to the adhesive by printing or spraying the microcapsules 16 onto the adhesive. The microcapsules 16 can also be applied using a drying cabinet. According to an exemplary embodiment, the microcapsules 16 are applied to the adhesive in such a way as to avoid a triggering condition and, therefore, to avoid the release of the additive contained in the microcapsules 16. In step 308, the fleece material, including the applied adhesive, is dried. The fleece material can also be dried in a drying cabinet. In step 310, the fleece material is shaped into a bag 12. In step 312, the bag 12 is filled with tobacco material.

[0037] As used herein, the terms "approximately," "about," "substantially," and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with common and accepted usage by those skilled in the art to which the subject matter of the present invention pertains. Those skilled in the art who become familiar with the present invention will understand that these terms are intended to provide a description of certain features described and claimed without limiting the scope of those features to the precise numerical ranges presented. Accordingly, these terms are to be interpreted to indicate that immaterial or minor modifications or variations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the present invention as disclosed in the appended claims.

[0038] It should be noted that the term "illustrative" as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to indicate that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superior examples).

[0039] In the context of the present invention, the terms "connected", "associated" and similar terms mean the unification of two elements directly or indirectly with each other. Such unification may be fixed (e.g., permanent) or detachable (e.g., removable or separable). Such unification may be achieved by two elements or two elements and any additional intermediate elements, integrally formed as a single solid body with each other or with two elements, or two elements and any additional intermediate elements, attached to each other.

[0040] References herein to positions of elements (e.g., "top," "bottom," "above," "below," etc.) are used only to describe the orientation of various elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may vary according to other illustrative embodiments, and that such variations are within the scope of the present invention.

[0041] It is important to note that the design and arrangement of the tobacco product 10 shown in various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who are familiar with the present invention will appreciate that numerous modifications are possible (e.g., variations in the sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of various elements, parameter values, arrangements of settings, use of materials, colors, orientations, manufacturing methods, etc.) without materially departing from the novel ideas and advantages of the inventive subject matter described herein. For example, elements shown as being formed as a whole may be comprised of multiple parts or elements, the position of the elements may be reversed or otherwise altered, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be changed or varied. The order or sequence of the steps of any process or method may be varied or have a different sequence according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various illustrative embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the present invention relates to a container for a smokeless tobacco product, said container comprising:

a liquid permeable bag; and

a capsule connected to a liquid-permeable pouch and containing an additive, wherein the capsule releases the additive in response to an actuation condition associated with use of the smokeless tobacco product.

[0043] According to one aspect, the additive comprises a flavoring agent configured to enhance the flavor of the smokeless tobacco product during use.

[0044] According to another aspect, the additive is the sole flavor delivery mechanism for a smokeless tobacco product.

[0045] According to another aspect, the container further comprises an adhesive polymer coating the outer surface of the liquid-permeable bag, wherein said adhesive polymer bonds the capsule to the liquid-permeable bag.

[0046] According to another aspect, the capsule includes a microcapsule including a core region encapsulated by an outer shell region, wherein the core region includes an additive, and the outer shell region releases the additive from the core region by losing physical integrity in response to an actuation condition.

[0047] According to another aspect, the trigger condition is based on at least one of humidity, temperature, and pH in or near the region of the outer shell.

[0048] According to another aspect, the container further comprises a tobacco material located within a liquid-permeable pouch, wherein the capsule physically separates the additive from the liquid-permeable pouch and the tobacco material prior to an actuation condition occurring.

[0049] According to another embodiment, the present invention relates to a container for a smokeless tobacco product, the container comprising:

a liquid permeable bag; and

a plurality of capsules connected to a liquid-permeable package, wherein the plurality of capsules comprise:

one or more first capsules containing a first additive, wherein the one or more first capsules release the first additive in response to a first actuation condition associated with use of the smokeless tobacco product;

one or more second capsules containing a second additive, wherein the one or more second capsules release the second additive in response to a second actuation condition associated with use of the smokeless tobacco product; and

one or more third capsules containing a third additive, wherein the one or more third capsules release the third additive in response to a third trigger condition associated with use of the smokeless tobacco product.

[0050] According to one aspect, each of the additives is a flavoring agent configured to enhance the flavor of the smokeless tobacco product during use.

[0051] According to another aspect, the first actuation condition, the second actuation condition and the third actuation condition are related to each other such that the first actuation condition occurs after the smokeless tobacco product is introduced into the oral cavity of the user, the second actuation condition occurs after the first actuation condition, and the third actuation condition occurs after the second actuation condition.

[0052] According to another aspect, each of the operating conditions relates to the same of humidity, temperature, and pH associated with the smokeless tobacco product.

[0053] According to another aspect, the plurality of capsules comprises equal amounts of each of one or more first capsules, one or more second capsules, and one or more third capsules.

[0054] According to another aspect, the container further comprises an adhesive polymer coating the outer surface of the liquid-permeable bag, wherein said adhesive polymer bonds the plurality of capsules to the liquid-permeable bag.

[0055] According to another aspect, each of the plurality of capsules comprises a microcapsule comprising a core region encapsulated by an outer shell region, wherein the core region includes a corresponding additive, and the outer shell region releases the corresponding additive from the core region by losing physical integrity in response to a corresponding actuation condition.

[0056] According to another aspect, the container further comprises tobacco material located within a liquid-permeable pouch, wherein the plurality of capsules physically separate the additives from the liquid-permeable pouch and the tobacco material prior to the occurrence of a corresponding actuation condition.

[0057] According to another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a container for a smokeless tobacco product, said method comprising:

providing a fleece material configured to allow a portion of the tobacco material to pass through it;

applying an adhesive to the outer surface of the fleece material; and

bonding a plurality of microcapsules to a fleece material by applying a plurality of microcapsules to an adhesive, wherein each of the plurality of microcapsules comprises an additive, and the plurality of microcapsules releases the additive in response to an actuation condition associated with use of the smokeless tobacco product.

[0058] According to one aspect, the adhesive comprises a food grade biodegradable polymeric adhesive.

[0059] According to another aspect, a plurality of microcapsules are applied to an adhesive by spraying or printing the plurality of microcapsules onto the adhesive.

[0060] According to another aspect, the method further comprises drying the fleece material including the adhesive.

[0061] According to another aspect, the method further comprises shaping the fleece material into a pouch; and filling the pouch with tobacco material.

Claims (20)

1. A method for producing a container for a smokeless tobacco product, wherein said method comprises: providing a fleece material configured to allow a portion of the tobacco material to pass through it; applying an adhesive to the outer surface of the fleece material; and bonding a plurality of microcapsules to the fleece material by applying a plurality of microcapsules to the adhesive, wherein each of the plurality of microcapsules comprises an additive, and the plurality of microcapsules releases the additive in response to an actuation condition associated with use of the smokeless tobacco product. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive comprises a food-grade biodegradable polymer adhesive. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of microcapsules are applied to the adhesive by spraying or printing the plurality of microcapsules onto the adhesive. 4. The method according to paragraph 1, further comprising drying the fleece material, including the adhesive. 5. The method according to paragraph 4, further comprising giving the fleece material the shape of a bag and filling the bag with tobacco material. 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the tobacco material comprises a tobacco extract mixed with a filler. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the tobacco material further comprises one or more salts, sweeteners, binders, colorants, pH regulators or buffers, flavorings, disintegrating additives, antioxidants, humectants and preservatives. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the additive comprises one or both of a flavoring agent and a tobacco extract. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the triggering condition relates to one of humidity, temperature, digestive enzyme, and pH associated with the use of the smokeless product. 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of microcapsules are formed from a material selected from the group consisting of proteins, polysaccharides, starches, waxes, fats, natural and synthetic polymers, resins and combinations thereof. 11. A method for producing a fleece material for a product adapted for insertion into the oral cavity of a user, wherein said method comprises: obtaining a liquid-permeable fleece material; applying an adhesive to the surface of the fleece material, wherein the adhesive comprises a food-grade biodegradable polymer adhesive; connecting a plurality of microcapsules to the fleece material by applying a plurality of microcapsules to the adhesive, wherein each of the plurality of microcapsules comprises an additive; and drying the fleece material, including the applied adhesive. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein applying the plurality of microcapsules comprises applying the microcapsules to the adhesive by spraying or printing the plurality of microcapsules onto the adhesive or using a drying oven. 13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the food-grade biodegradable polymer adhesive comprises polycaprolactone. 14. The method according to claim 11, wherein the fleece material is water-dispersible or soluble. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the fleece material comprises rice paper, which is optionally perforated. 16. The method according to claim 14, wherein the fleece material comprises a water-dispersible film-forming material selected from the group consisting of alginates, carboxymethyl cellulose, xanthan gum and pullulan, optionally in combination with ground cellulose. 17. A method for producing a product adapted for introduction into the oral cavity of a user, wherein said method comprises: producing a liquid-permeable fleece material containing a plurality of microcapsules glued to the surface of the fleece material using a food-grade biodegradable polymer adhesive, wherein each of the plurality of microcapsules contains an additive; giving the fleece material the shape of a bag; and filling the bag with a material in the form of small particles containing components capable of diffusing through the liquid-permeable fleece material. 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the material in the form of small particles comprises tobacco extract mixed with a filler. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the fine particle material further comprises one or more salts, sweeteners, binders, colorants, pH regulators or buffers, flavorings, leavening agents, antioxidants, humectants, and preservatives. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the additive comprises one or both of a flavoring agent and a tobacco extract.