(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2006/0193909 A1
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Aug. 31, 2006
`Stawski et al.
`
`US 20060193909Al
`
`(54) BREATH FRESHENING PRESSED TABLETS
`AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING
`SAME
`
`(76) Inventors: Barbara Z. Stawski, Forest Park, IL
`(US); Thomas M. Mindak, Itasca, IL
`(US); Philip M. Soukup, Freiburg
`(DE); Gordon N. McGreW, Evanston,
`IL (US); James C. Clark, St. Louis,
`MO (US); Michael S. Haas, Naperville,
`IL (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`WRIGLEY & DREYFUS 28455
`BRINKS HOFER GILSON & LIONE
`P.O. BOX 10395
`CHICAGO, IL 60610 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`11/349,525
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Feb. 6, 2006
`
`Related US. Application Data
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/ 650,785, ?led on Feb.
`7, 2005.
`
`Publication Classi?cation
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`A61K 9/20
`(52) U.S. c1. ............................................................ ..424/464
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A confectionery product comprises a pressed tablet made
`from a compressible composition and having at least one
`abrasive surface suitable for cleaning the surface of a human
`tongue in an oral cavity. Typically the product has a ?rst side
`and a second side generally opposite to the ?rst side; the
`second side comprising an abrasive surface that is suitable
`for scrubbing the top surface of the tongue. In some embodi
`ments, the ?rst side is smooth, and may be domed shaped
`and generally ?t the roof of the mouth. The abrasive surface
`may be provided by l) a formed, uneven surface, 2) by
`including abrasive inclusions in the composition making up
`the second surface, or 3) a combination of a formed, uneven
`surface and abrasive inclusions.
`
`Bass and Spangenberg
`Exhibit 1005
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Aug. 31, 2006 Sheet 1 0f 8
`
`US 2006/0193909 A1
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Aug. 31, 2006 Sheet 2 0f 8
`
`US 2006/0193909 A1
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Aug. 31, 2006 Sheet 3 0f 8
`
`US 2006/0193909 A1
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Aug. 31, 2006 Sheet 4 0f 8
`
`US 2006/0193909 A1
`
`'3
`
`I55
`
`'
`
`‘5°ISQFIGJ9A
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Aug. 31, 2006 Sheet 5 0f 8
`
`US 2006/0193909 A1
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Aug. 31, 2006 Sheet 6 0f 8
`
`US 2006/0193909 A1
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Aug. 31, 2006 Sheet 7 0f 8
`
`US 2006/0193909 A1
`
`223
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Aug. 31, 2006 Sheet 8 0f 8
`
`US 2006/0193909 A1
`
`

`
`US 2006/0193909 A1
`
`Aug. 31, 2006
`
`BREATH FRESHENING PRESSED TABLETS AND
`METHODS OF MAKING AND USING SAME
`
`one abrasive surface suitable for cleaning the surface of a
`human tongue in an oral cavity.
`
`REFERENCE TO EARLIER FILED
`APPLICATION
`
`[0001] The present application claims the bene?t under 35
`U.S.C. § 119(e) of Provisional US. Patent Application Ser.
`No. 60/650,785, ?led Feb. 7, 2005; Which is hereby incor
`porated by reference in its entirety.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0002] The present invention relates to confectionery
`products having breath freshening attributes, particularly
`pressed tablets, and methods of producing and using such
`confectionery products. More particularly, the invention
`relates to pressed tablets having an abrasive surface that is
`suitable for scrubbing the top surface of the human tongue.
`
`[0003] The existence of bad breath has long been a serious
`problem. Mouth odor is embarrassing at the least, and may
`diminish personal interactions. The reasons for its occur
`rence have not been fully understood, and there have been
`many attempts to overcome its effects. Plaque formed on the
`tongue is believed to be a major contributor to bad breath.
`
`[0004] Various devices and products have been devised for
`cleansing the mouth and freshening the breath, notably the
`toothbrush, dental ?oss, mouthWash, aromatic candies, and
`toothpick. HoWever, each of these has disadvantages.
`[0005] Breath-freshening candies have the disadvantage
`of merely masking the odor, and not actually removing or
`breaking doWn odor-causing particles. Most of the consumer
`mass-marketed breath-freshener products (gums, mints,
`rinses, pastes, and strips) do not eliminate the source of bad
`breath, they just mask breath problems. Other products, and
`mechanical scrubbing devices, have also been proposed.
`[0006] Even With these many products there is still room
`for improvement. Compared to boiled hard candy products,
`pressed mints have loWer costs for ingredients (at least for
`sugarless products), loWer energy and labor costs, loWer
`capital costs and loWer setup costs. Pressed products are
`more closely associated With breath freshening in the minds
`of consumers in at least some markets. The slightly rough
`texture of compressed products provides better traction
`against the roof of the mouth than the smoother surface of
`a boiled candy. Life Saver® pressed mints are not sold as a
`breath-freshening product, and the mints cannot be used to
`scrape the tongue because surface lettering on the mints is
`not high enough to provide suf?cient tongue cleaning before
`the lettering is eroded. Thus there is still a need for a product
`Which can be used to discretely scrub the tongue and reduce
`or remove tongue plaque, yet still be enjoyed as a confec
`tionery. Therefore, the need exists for a product and method
`of freshening breath that is safe, portable, discrete and
`effective.
`
`BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0009] Some embodiments have a smooth surface on one
`side and an abrasive surface on the other side. The smooth
`surface can be held against the roof of the mouth While the
`tongue scrubs across the abrasive surface. The term “abra
`sive” means that the surface is effective, either immediately
`When placed in the mouth or after starting to be dissolved,
`to remove odor causing deposits on the tongue. Of course
`the abrasive surface may also be suitable to clean other soft
`oral surfaces, such as the inside of the cheek. The term
`“smoot ” means that the surface, even after being partially
`dissolved, does not cause irritation against the gums or roof
`of the mouth. Exemplary pressed tablets retain their shape in
`the mouth and sloWly dissolve. These products are primarily
`consumed by sucking, and Will generally shatter if bitten
`suf?ciently hard.
`[0010] Embodiments of the invention provide a confec
`tionery product that can be placed in the mouth and dis
`cretely used to scrub the tongue and remove particles of food
`and bacteria. The domed shape of some embodiments ?ts
`into the roof of the mouth, or a concave shape can be used
`to form a vacuum, to hold the confectionery product in place
`While the tongue is scrubbed across its loWer surface. The
`top surface may be smooth so as to not cause irritation in the
`mouth. The confectionery products have an advantage that
`they may be completely consumed. These and other advan
`tages of the preferred embodiments of the invention Will be
`best understood in light of the attached draWings.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0011] FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective vieW of a ?rst
`embodiment of a confectionery product of the present inven
`tion.
`
`[0012] FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional vieW taken along line
`1A-1A of FIG. 1.
`
`[0013] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective vieW of a second
`embodiment of a confectionery product of the present inven
`tion.
`
`[0014] FIG. 3 is a top perspective vieW of a third embodi
`ment of a confectionery product of the present invention.
`
`[0015] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective vieW of a fourth
`embodiment of a confectionery product of the present inven
`tion.
`
`[0016] FIG. 5 is a top perspective vieW of a ?fth embodi
`ment of a confectionery product of the present invention.
`
`[0017] FIG. 6 is a top perspective vieW of a sixth embodi
`ment of a confectionery product of the present invention.
`
`[0018] FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective vieW of the con
`fectionery product of FIG. 6.
`
`[0019] FIG. 8 is a top perspective vieW of a seventh
`embodiment of a confectionery product of the present inven
`tion.
`
`[0007] Confectionery products have been invented that
`can be discretely used to scrub the tongue, thereby providing
`breath freshening and other oral health bene?ts.
`
`[0020] FIG. 9 is a top perspective vieW of an eighth
`embodiment of a confectionery product of the present inven
`tion.
`
`[0008] In a ?rst aspect, the invention is a pressed tablet
`made from a compressible composition and having at least
`
`[0021] FIG. 10 is a top vieW of a ninth embodiment of a
`confectionery product of the present invention.
`
`

`
`US 2006/0193909 A1
`
`Aug. 31, 2006
`
`[0022] FIG. 11 is a side elevational vieW of the confec
`tionery product of FIG. 10.
`
`[0023] FIG. 12 is a side elevational vieW of a tenth
`embodiment of a confectionery product of the present inven
`tion.
`
`[0024] FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective vieW of an elev
`enth embodiment of a confectionery product of the present
`invention.
`
`[0025] FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective vieW of a twelfth
`embodiment of a confectionery product of the present inven
`tion.
`
`[0026] FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective vieW of a thir
`teenth embodiment of a confectionery product of the present
`invention.
`
`[0027] FIG. 16 is a side elevational vieW of the product of
`FIG. 15
`
`[0028] FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective vieW of a four
`teenth embodiment of a confectionery product of the present
`invention.
`
`[0029] FIG. 18 is a top plan vieW of the product of FIG.
`17.
`
`[0030] FIG. 19 is a bottom perspective vieW of a ?fteenth
`embodiment of a confectionery product of the present inven
`tion.
`
`[0031] FIG. 19A is a cross-sectional vieW taken along line
`19A-19A of FIG. 19.
`
`[0032] FIG. 20 is a side elevational vieW of the product of
`FIG. 19.
`
`[0033] FIG. 21 is a bottom perspective vieW of a sixteenth
`embodiment of a confectionery product of the present inven
`tion.
`[0034]
`FIG. 22 is a side elevational vieW of the product of
`FIG. 21.
`
`[0035] FIG. 23 is a bottom perspective vieW of a seven
`teenth embodiment of a confectionery product of the present
`invention.
`[0036]
`FIG. 24 is a side elevational vieW of the product of
`FIG. 23.
`
`[0037] FIG. 25 is a bottom perspective vieW of an eigh
`teenth embodiment of a confectionery product of the present
`invention.
`
`[0038] FIG. 26 is a side elevational vieW of the product of
`FIG. 25.
`
`[0039] FIG. 27 is a bottom perspective vieW of a nine
`teenth embodiment of a confectionery product of the present
`invention.
`
`[0040] FIG. 28 is a bottom plan vieW of the product of
`FIG. 27.
`
`[0041] FIG. 29 is a bottom plan vieW of a tWentieth
`embodiment of a confectionery product of the present inven
`tion.
`
`[0042] FIG. 30 is a bottom perspective vieW of the prod
`uct of FIG. 29.
`
`[0043] FIG. 31 is a bottom perspective vieW of a tWenty
`?rst embodiment of a confectionery product of the present
`invention.
`[0044]
`FIG. 32 is a side elevational vieW of the product of
`FIG. 31.
`
`[0045] FIG. 33 is a bottom perspective vieW of a tWenty
`second embodiment of a confectionery product of the
`present invention.
`[0046]
`FIG. 34 is a side elevational vieW of the product of
`FIG. 33.
`
`[0047] FIG. 35 is a bottom perspective vieW of a tWenty
`third embodiment of a confectionery product of the present
`invention.
`[0048]
`FIG. 36 is a side elevational vieW of the product of
`FIG. 35.
`
`[0049] FIG. 37 is a bottom perspective vieW of a tWenty
`fourth embodiment of a confectionery product of the present
`invention.
`[0050]
`FIG. 38 is a side elevational vieW of the product of
`FIG. 37.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`AND THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`[0051] The present invention Will noW be further
`described. In the following passages, different aspects of the
`invention are de?ned in more detail. Each aspect so de?ned
`may be combined With any other aspect or aspects unless
`clearly indicated to the contrary. In particular, any feature
`indicated as being preferred or advantageous may be com
`bined With any other feature or features indicated as being
`preferred or advantageous.
`
`[0052] There are several presently disclosed embodiments
`of the invention. Each of the embodiments is common in that
`they comprise confectionery products that include an abra
`sive surface. Some of the products are made With layers, and
`made of separate confectionery compositions. The abrasive
`surface may be provided by abrasive particles, also referred
`to as inclusions, in the confectionery, or may be provided by
`a formed, uneven surface, or may have both abrasive inclu
`sions and a formed, uneven surface. The formed surface may
`be molded using a compression die. When the abrasive
`surface is a formed, uneven surface, the piece Will typically
`have projections or grooves Which expose a de?ned convex
`angle of not more than 135 degrees. Alternatively, if the
`piece comprises inclusions to provide the abrasive surface,
`the inclusions Will typically be hard particles of at least 100
`microns, preferably at least 200 microns, and most prefer
`ably at least 400 microns in siZe, and Which are less soluble
`than the surrounding matrix. The inclusions may be present
`on the surface to begin With, or may be exposed as the
`product is dissolved in the mouth to produce a perceivably
`rough surface.
`
`[0053] In each instance the abrasive surface is suitable for
`scrubbing the top surface of the tongue Within the oral
`cavity. The abrasive surface may be provided at least in part
`by surface features having at least one scraping edge. The at
`least one scraping edge may be located on a protrusion on
`the abrasive surface. For example, the scraping edge may be
`
`

`
`US 2006/0193909 A1
`
`Aug. 31, 2006
`
`formed by an acute angle on the protrusion. The scraping
`edge may also be formed on the edge of a groove in the
`abrasive surface. For example, the abrasive surface is pro
`vided at least in part by surface features comprising either or
`both projections and grooves, the projections having a
`height of at least 0.015 inches and the grooves having a
`depth of at least 0.008 inches. More preferably the surface
`features Will comprise projections having a height of at least
`0.018 inches and/or grooves having a depth of at least 0.009
`inches. Most preferably the height of the projections Will be
`at least 0.020 inches and/or the depth of the grooves at least
`0.010 inches.
`
`[0054] Alternatively the at least one abrasive surface may
`be provided by abrasive particles in the compressible com
`position. The abrasive particles may either be incorporated
`into the compressible composition or located on the abrasive
`surface of the tablet. Of course the abrasive particles may be
`embedded in a surface layer making up the abrasive surface
`of the tablet.
`
`[0055] A ?rst embodiment is shoWn in FIG. 1. A confec
`tionery product in the form of a pressed tablet 10 has a
`generally cylindrical shape With tWo layers, a top layer 12
`and a bottom layer 14. The tablet 10 has a ?rst side, formed
`by a generally domed shape top of the ?rst layer, and a
`second side 16 generally opposite to the ?rst side. The height
`of the tablet 10 is less than the diameter of the cylindrical
`shape. The second side 16, forming one of the ends of the
`cylinder, comprises an abrasive surface that is suitable for
`scrubbing the top surface of the tongue Within the oral
`cavity. In the embodiment of tablet 10, the second side 16 is
`generally planer With a plurality of raised portions thereon.
`In this embodiment, the abrasive surface comprises a
`formed, uneven surface having a Washboard shape With
`ridges 18. The ridges 18 extend aWay from surface 16 in a
`triangular fashion, as shoWn in FIG. 1A. The ridges 18
`de?ne projections Which expose a convex angle 19. The
`angle 19 of the sides of the triangle is less than 135 degrees.
`In addition, the abrasive surface is provided by abrasive
`inclusions 15 in the composition of the confectionery mak
`ing up the second layer 14.
`[0056] The ?rst layer 12 providing the domed surface is
`made from a ?rst composition that is different than a second
`composition making layer 14 providing the abrasive surface
`16. Both compositions may be confectionery materials.
`They may differ in many respects, or they may differ only in
`the fact that the second composition has abrasive inclusions
`15 mixed into it. The ?rst and second compositions may be
`different in color from one another. For example, the ?rst
`composition making top layer 12 may be generally White,
`While the second composition making the second layer 14
`may be generally blue.
`
`[0057] The ?rst side comprises a non-abrasive, smooth
`surface. In this embodiment, the dome shape of the top layer
`12 is generally shaped to ?t the contour of an oral cavity. The
`interface betWeen the ?rst and second layers is generally
`parallel to the abrasive surface 16.
`
`[0058] FIG. 2 shoWs another embodiment of the inven
`tion, pressed tablet 20, With a ?rst layer 22 made of a ?rst
`composition providing a non-abrasive surface and a second
`layer 24 made of a second composition. The second com
`position provides an abrasive surface 26 generally opposite
`to the domed upper surface on top layer 22. In this embodi
`
`ment, in addition to the abrasive inclusions 25, the abrasive
`surface 26 is unevenly formed With a multitude of small,
`round protrusions 28.
`
`[0059] FIG. 3 shoWs a pressed tablet 30 again made With
`tWo distinct layers, top layer 32 and bottom layer 34. The
`tablet 30 is different than the tablets 10 and 20 in that the tWo
`layers are not the same diameter. In this case, the diameter
`of the second layer 34 is larger than the diameter of the ?rst
`layer 32. Abrasive inclusions 35 provide an abrasive surface
`on the second layer.
`
`[0060] The tablet 40 shoWn in FIG. 4 again has tWo layers
`42 and 44 made of different compositions. While the top
`layer 42 provides a domed top surface, the abrasive surface
`46 in this embodiment is provided solely by the abrasive
`inclusions 45.
`
`[0061] FIG. 5 shoWs a tablet 50 With a bottom layer 54
`that comprises abrasive inclusions 55 providing an abrasive
`surface on the bottom of the tablet 50. In this embodiment,
`the top layer 52 has a smooth surface, but instead of being
`domed the surface is generally ?at, With a beveled comer 53
`on the end opposite the abrasive surface.
`
`[0062] The embodiment of FIG. 6 shoWs a tWo-part
`pressed tablet 60. In this embodiment, the ?rst part 62 is
`made by compressing a ?rst compressible material. There
`after a second part 64 is made from a second compressible
`material different than the ?rst compressible material. As
`seen from the bottom vieW of FIG. 7, the second part 64 has
`an exposed surface 66 on the bottom of candy piece 60.
`Abrasive inclusions 65 in the second composition provide
`the second part 64 With an abrasive surface that is suitable
`for scrubbing the top surface of the tongue. The composition
`of ?rst part 62 may also be colored differently than the
`second part.
`
`[0063] Pressed tablet 70 shoWn in FIG. 8 does not have
`distinct layers, and may be formed all of one composition.
`The composition comprises abrasive inclusions 75 to pro
`vide an abrasive surface opposite the generally domed top
`surface on the tablet. The abrasive inclusions in this embodi
`ment comprise solid matrices of carbohydrates, solid matri
`ces of polyols, extruded carbohydrates or extruded polyols,
`and also carry a ?avor.
`
`[0064] Pressed tablet 80 shoWn in FIG. 9 is also made
`With only a single composition. Rather than having a domed
`top surface, the top surface 82 of tablet 80 is concave in
`shape. The opposite, bottom surface 86 is generally planer
`and has a formed, uneven surface 86 made up of ridges 88
`in a Washboard pattern. It is believed that a person can suck
`on the tablet 80 in such a Way that a partial vacuum can be
`formed betWeen the concave surface 82 and the roof of their
`mouth. This vacuum Will then help to hold the tablet 80 in
`place While the tongue is scrubbed across the abrasive
`surface 86. The tablet 80 may be oblong rather than round
`to help ?t against the palate.
`
`[0065] The embodiment shoWn in FIGS. 10 and 11 com
`prises a pressed mint 90 having a center 97 that is a different
`confectionery composition than the confectionery composi
`tion making up the top layer 92 and bottom layer 94. Further,
`if desired, these tWo layers may be the same material, and
`not distinct layers. The composition of the outer shell
`includes abrasive inclusions 95 and thus provides an abra
`sive surface, Whereas the material making the center 97 may
`
`

`
`US 2006/0193909 A1
`
`Aug. 31, 2006
`
`be colored blue or some other color, and include mint
`?avoring and other breath freshening ingredients.
`
`[0066] The tablet 100 shoWn in FIG. 12 has the same
`general shape as pressed mint 90, but is made of tWo layers
`as in the earlier embodiments. The ?rst layer 102 may
`include breath freshening ingredients, While the second layer
`104 includes abrasive inclusions 105 that provide an abra
`sive surface.
`
`[0067] The tablet 110 in FIG. 13 has a generally triangular
`shape and three layers. The bottom layer 114, and optionally
`the top layer 112 as shoWn in FIG. 13, includes abrasive
`inclusions 115, While the middle layer 117 contains a breath
`freshening ingredient and is a different color than layers 112
`and 114. Thus, While the top and bottom layer confectionery
`compositions are both different than the composition of the
`middle layer confectionery, at least the bottom layer is of a
`confectionery composition that comprises an abrasive sur
`face suitable for scrubbing the top surface of the tongue.
`
`[0068] FIG. 14 shoWs an embodiment of a pressed tablet
`120. The tablet has a top layer 122 made of a ?rst confec
`tionery material and a bottom layer 124 made of a second
`confectionery material. The second confectionery material
`comprises abrasive inclusions 125, and is formed With an
`uneven surface 126. In this embodiment, the ridges 128 form
`a grid pattern. The abrasive surface is generally planer
`except for the features making it abrasive.
`
`[0069] Another embodiment of a pressed tablet 130 is
`shoWn in FIGS. 15 and 16. The tablet 130 has an abrasive
`bottom surface 134 comprising a plurality of individual
`bumps 136 protruding from the abrasive surface. The bumps
`136 have a plurality of different siZes. The bumps 136 are
`shoWn as generally circular, but they could be of other
`shapes. The top surface 132 does not include bumps. The
`bottom half of the product includes abrasive inclusions 135.
`The top surface 132 is generally concave While the bottom
`surface 134 is generally convex. The bumps 136 and inclu
`sions 135 provide the bottom surface of the pressed tablet
`130 With an abrasive surface suitable for cleaning the
`surface of a human tongue in an oral cavity.
`
`[0070] Tablet 140, shoWn in FIGS. 17 and 18, is elliptical
`in its major cross-section. The outer surface of the shape
`includes a groove 141 that resembles the joint on the cover
`of a baseball. The abrasive surface on the bottom of tablet
`140 is provided by bumps 145 extending from the loWer
`hemispherical portion of the shape, as Well as abrasive
`inclusions 143 in the material used to form the bottom half
`of the tablet, and to a small extent the grooves 141. The top
`surface 142 may include bumps and the grooves 141 as
`shoWn, or may be smooth.
`
`[0071] Pressed tablet 150 shoWn in FIGS. 19 and 20 also
`has a bottom surface 154 With grooves 156. The grooves 156
`are Wavy, and extend generally parallel to each other across
`the bottom Width of the tablet. As best seen in FIG. 19A, the
`grooves 156 intersect With the bottom surface 154 to expose
`a de?ned convex angle 159 of not more than 135 degrees.
`The tablet 150 is generally teardrop shaped. The bottom
`surface 154 also includes abrasive inclusions 155. HoWever,
`the top surface 152 of the tablet 150 is generally smooth.
`
`[0072] FIGS. 21 and 22 shoW a generally keystone
`shaped pressed tablet 160. While the top surface 162 is
`generally smooth, the bottom surface 164 has a plurality of
`
`grooves 166 running across the Width of the keystone. In this
`product, the grooves 166 separate humps 167. The humps
`167 and abrasive inclusions 165 provide an abrasive surface
`to the product. The product may be made of tWo different
`materials, With the top surface 162 being made of one
`material that does not contain abrasive inclusions, and the
`humps 167 being made of another material that does contain
`the abrasive inclusions 165. The humps 169 on the ends may
`be larger than the humps 167 in the middle portion of tablet
`160.
`
`[0073] In the pressed tablet 170 shoWn in FIGS. 23 and
`24, the abrasive surface is provided by a plurality of gen
`erally parallel ridges 176 extending generally perpendicular
`from the bottom side 174 of the tablet 170. The abrasive
`bottom surface 174 is generally concave except for the
`features making it abrasive. The top surface 172 is generally
`smooth. The ridges 176 each have a generally straight outer
`surface, but in an alternate embodiment (not shoWn) the
`ridges could extend further and have a generally arcuate
`outer surface. The plurality of ridges comprises at least three
`ridges, more preferably ?ve ridges. In the embodiment shoW,
`all of the ridges have the same height, but in an alternate
`embodiment, the ridges toWard the middle of the group of
`ridges could extend outWardly of the ridges on the sides of
`the group. The tablet 170 may be made With tWo layers; the
`bottom layer 171 forming the ridges 176 and bottom surface
`174 may contain abrasive inclusions 175, While the top layer
`173 is made Without the inclusions.
`
`[0074] As shoWn in FIGS. 25 and 26, another pressed
`tablet 180 is generally circular in shape in plan vieW. The
`abrasive bottom surface 184 comprises a plurality of gen
`erally circular bumps 186 and a plurality of curved protru
`sions 188. TWo grooves 183 are also formed in the bottom
`surface 184. The bumps 186, protrusions 188 and grooves
`183 all contribute to providing the bottom of the tablet With
`an abrasive surface. The top surface 180 may have bumps
`and protrusions, as shoWn, or the top of tablet may be
`smooth.
`
`[0075] The tablet 190 shoWn in FIGS. 27 and 28 is
`generally triangular in plan vieW. The shape includes three
`orbs 191, one at each apex of the triangle. The bottom
`abrasive surface 194 is provided by inclusions used to make
`the loWer half of the tablet. The inclusions in the bottom
`surface 192 betWeen the orbs, and particularly in the orbs,
`provide a surface suitable for scrubbing the tongue.
`
`[0076] As shoWn in FIGS. 29 and 30, the tablet 200 is
`also generally circular in shape in plan vieW. The tablet 200
`has an open center 201. The tablet comprises a shape
`depicting a plurality of concentric rings 203. The rings 203
`themselves and inclusions 206 contained in the material
`making up the bottom half of the tablet provide the bottom
`surface 204 of the tablet 200 With an abrasive surface. The
`upper surface may be smooth or may express the concentric
`ring shape.
`[0077] The shape of the tablet 210 shoWn in FIGS. 31 and
`32 is generally a ?gure eight in plan vieW. The shape
`includes ridges 216 extending outWardly from the perimeter
`of the ends of the ?gure eight. The ridges extend from the
`top, around the sides, and onto the bottom or each lobe of the
`?gure eight. The ridges 216 and abrasive inclusions 215 in
`the material making up the bottom half of the tablet provide
`the abrasive surface.
`
`

`
`US 2006/0193909 A1
`
`Aug. 31, 2006
`
`[0078] FIGS. 33 and 34 show another pressed tablet 220
`of the present invention, having a generally oval shape.
`While the top surface 222 is generally convex, the bottom
`surface 224 is generally concave. In this embodiment, the
`tablet has a smooth top surface 222 generally opposite to the
`abrasive bottom surface 224. The abrasive surface 224
`includes a plurality of grooves 226 formed in a toroidal
`member 223 forming the bulk of the bottom surface. The
`grooves 226 extend radially across the toroidal member 223.
`The grooves may have a depth of at least 0.008 inches. The
`edges of the grooves each form a scraping edge. The
`composition of Which the bottom surface is made also
`includes abrasive inclusions 225, Which cooperate along
`With the grooves 226 to provide the abrasive surface.
`[0079] Tablet 230 shoWn in FIGS. 35 and 36 also has
`someWhat of a ?gure eight shape. The product may be made
`of tWo different materials. At least the bottom half of the
`tablet is made of a material containing inclusions 235. The
`bottom surface also includes ridges 237 have scraping edges
`and bumps 236 formed to provide an abrasive surface. The
`top surface may have ridges and bumps as shoWn, or be
`smooth.
`[0080] The tablet 240 shoWn in FIGS. 37 and 38 is also
`generally triangular in plan vieW. The shape includes three
`orbs 241, one at each apex of the triangle. The center of the
`triangle is open. The connections 245 betWeen the orbs 241
`are not as thick as the orbs 241. The bottom abrasive surface
`244 is provided be abrasive inclusions 245 in the material.
`[0081] The product may have a piece Weight of betWeen
`about 1 and about 2 grams. The product thickness may be
`betWeen about 1/16 and about 1/2 inch, and Will preferably be
`at least about Vs inch. The smallest of the length and Width
`of the product may be betWeen about 1A and about 1 inch.
`The greatest of the length and Width of the product is
`typically less than 11/2 inches. Often the pieces Will be siZed
`so that they have no dimension greater than about 25 mm.
`For a cylindrical shaped piece With a diameter greater than
`its height, this means that the diameter Will be less than
`about 25 mm. Most frequently the pieces Will be betWeen
`about 15 and about 20 mm in their longest dimension.
`[0082] While the ?gures shoW several shapes, it is con
`templated that other shapes can be used. Further, surface
`markings may be included on the products, such as a letter
`or other indicia.
`[0083] Some confectionery composition of the present
`invention Will be sugarfree, and may contain one or more
`antibacterial agents. In addition to, or other than mint
`?avors, other ?avoring agents can be included in the con
`fectionery products. Physiological cooling agents may be
`included in the products, as Well as other ingredients that
`give a tingling sensation. In the case of products With
`multiple layers, each layer may have different ?avoring
`agents or levels
`[0084] The particle siZe of the abrasive inclusions, When
`used, should predominantly be at least 100 microns, With a
`maximum of 2000 microns (0.1-2 mm). Some abrasive
`inclusions have a particle siZe range of about 200 to 600
`microns, others are 600 to 1200 microns, and still others may
`be larger, up to 2000 microns. A preferred range is 200 to
`1000 microns. If the abrasive inclusions include a Wide
`range of particle siZes, then the foregoing ranges describe
`the particle siZes of the majority (from a Weight standpoint)
`of the particles.
`
`[0085] The abrasive inclusions may be made from a
`number of different materials, including crystalline sugars or
`polyols; solid matrices of carbohydrates, polyols or mix
`tures; or extruded carbohydrates, polyols, or mixtures;
`granular food acids; granular inorganic edible salts, such as
`calcium phosphate salts and other calcium salts including
`calcium lactate, calcium carbonate and calcium gluconate,
`silica, silicate salts and bicarbonates; and mixtures thereof.
`On the one hand, solid matrices (such as from ?uid bed
`coating or spray drying) and extruded carbohydrates or
`polyols are preferred because these inclusions may also
`contain ?avors and/or colors. When the inclusions include
`colors, the abrasive particles may have a contrasting color
`from the remainder of the compressible composition into
`Which they are added. On the other hand, some inorganic
`salts are preferred because they have dental bene?ts, such as
`tooth remineraliZation or Whitening. Further, abrasive food
`acids and bicarbonates may be combined to not only provide
`an abrasive surface, but to give an e?‘ervescent effect When
`placed in the mouth.
`[0086] US. Pat. No. 5,786,017 discloses particulate ?avor
`compositions. US. Pat. No. 6,607,771 discloses granules for
`the controlled release of volatile compounds. European
`Patent Application Publication No. EP 1 214 892 discloses
`a number of moisture and oxygen stable compositions. PCT
`Patent Publication No. WO 01/35764 discloses a spray-dried
`composition in a carbohydrate substrate. Materials disclosed
`in these references that provide an abrasive surface suitable
`for scr