1111111111111111 IIIIII IIIII 11111 1111111111 11111 111111111111111 1111111111 1111111111 11111111
`US 20070012328Al
`
`c19) United States
`c12) Patent Application Publication
`Winterson et al.
`
`c10) Pub. No.: US 2007 /0012328 Al
`Jan. 18, 2007
`(43) Pub. Date:
`
`(54) TOBACCO POUCH PRODUCT
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Warren D. Winterson, Chester, VA
`(US); Timothy D. Cochran, Richmond,
`VA (US); Tommy C. Holland,
`Midlothian, VA (US); Karen M.
`Torrence, Chester, VA (US); Steve
`Rinehart, Chesterfield, VA (US); G.
`Robert Scott, Midlothian, VA (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`BUCHANAN, INGERSOLL & ROONEY PC
`POST OFFICE BOX 1404
`ALEXANDRIA, VA 22313-1404 (US)
`
`(73) Assignee: PHILIP MORRIS USA INC.
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`11/412,842
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Apr. 28, 2006
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/675,900, filed on Apr.
`29, 2005.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`A24F 47100
`(2006.01)
`(52) U.S. Cl. .............................................................. 131/347
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A pouched tobacco product includes a lined pouch material
`of a web and a water-soluble liner adjacent the web and a
`tobacco component contained within the lined pouch mate(cid:173)
`rial. The water-soluble liner is interposed between the web
`and the tobacco component. The liner preferably reduces
`staining of the web by the tobacco component. Additionally,
`the liner may include a flavorant.
`
`100
`
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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 18, 2007 Sheet 1 of 6
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`US 2007/0012328 Al
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`75
`
`110
`
`FIG. 1
`
`FIG. 2
`
`100
`
`FIG. 3
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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 18, 2007 Sheet 2 of 6
`
`US 2007/0012328 Al
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`130
`
`120
`
`110
`
`FIG. 4
`
`130
`
`220
`
`225
`
`110
`
`FIG. 5
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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 18, 2007 Sheet 3 of 6
`
`US 2007/0012328 Al
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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 18, 2007 Sheet 4 of 6
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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 18, 2007 Sheet 5 of 6
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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 18, 2007 Sheet 6 of 6
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`US 2007/0012328 Al
`
`Jan. 18, 2007
`
`1
`
`TOBACCO POUCH PRODUCT
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0001] Pouched tobacco products offer an individual por(cid:173)
`tion of tobacco that is to be placed under the upper lip. A
`problem with commercially available pouched tobacco
`products is that moisture emitted from the tobacco material
`may carry tobacco and tobacco additives that stain or
`discolor the pouch containing the tobacco material.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`[0002] Provided is a pouched tobacco product comprising
`a lined pouch material and a tobacco component contained
`within the lined pouch material. The lined pouch material
`comprises a web and a water-soluble liner adjacent the web.
`The water-soluble liner is interposed between the web and
`the tobacco component.
`
`[0003] Also provided is a method of making a pouched
`tobacco product comprising disposing a liner along a web
`and enclosing a tobacco component with the web and liner
`such that the liner is interposed between the tobacco com(cid:173)
`ponent and the web.
`
`[0004] Also provided is a lined pouch material of a
`pouched tobacco product comprising a web and a film or
`layer of liner adjacent the web. The film or layer optionally
`comprises a water-soluble flavorant.
`
`[0005] Also provided is a pouched tobacco product com(cid:173)
`prising a lined pouch material and a tobacco component
`contained within the lined pouch material. The lined pouch
`material comprises a web and a liner adjacent the web. The
`liner is interposed between the web and the tobacco com(cid:173)
`ponent. The pouched tobacco product comprises a longitu(cid:173)
`dinal seam essentially free of the liner, the longitudinal seam
`constructed from overlapping longitudinal edge portions of
`the web, which are essentially in web-to-web contact with
`one another.
`
`[0006] Also provided is a pouched tobacco product com(cid:173)
`prising a lined pouch material and a tobacco component
`contained within the lined pouch material. The lined pouch
`material comprises a web and a liner adjacent the web. The
`liner is interposed between the web and the tobacco com(cid:173)
`ponent. The pouched tobacco product comprises at least one
`transverse seam essentially free of the liner, the at least one
`transverse seam constructed from overlapping transverse
`portions of the web, which are essentially in web-to-web
`contact with one another.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
`FIGURES
`[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a pouched tobacco product.
`
`[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a pouched tobacco product hav(cid:173)
`ing seams as described in further detail below.
`
`[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an
`embodiment of a pouched tobacco product including a liner.
`
`[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates a magnified cross-sectional view
`of an embodiment of a pouched tobacco product including
`a liner.
`
`[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates a magnified cross-sectional view
`of an embodiment of a pouched tobacco product including
`a multilayered liner.
`
`[0012] FIG. 6a is a planar view of a lined pouch material
`in an unfolded condition, wherein a liner has been continu(cid:173)
`ously applied to a web.
`
`[0013] FIG. 6b is a perspective view of the lined pouch
`material of FIG. 6a in a condition of being rolled into a
`tubular formation.
`
`[0014] FIG. 7a illustrates an embodiment wherein liner
`has been intermittently applied to a web.
`
`[0015] FIG. 7b illustrates formation of pouched tobacco
`products from the lined web of FIG. 7a.
`
`[0016] FIG. 8 illustrates exemplary equipment for forma(cid:173)
`tion of pouched tobacco products.
`
`[0017] FIG. 9 illustrates exemplary equipment for produc(cid:173)
`tion of a laminated lined pouch material.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a pouched tobacco product 100,
`while FIG. 2 illustrates a pouched tobacco product having a
`longitudinal seam 74 and transverse seams 75, 75' as
`described in further detail below. With reference to FIG. 3,
`a pouched tobacco product 100 has a liner 120 disposed
`between a portion of tobacco material 110 and a web 130.
`The liner 120 reduces the tendency of the tobacco material
`110 to discolor (stain) the web 130 and/or it releases flavor
`during use of the pouched tobacco product. The liner 120
`reduces staining of the web 130 by reducing the opportunity
`for moisture from the tobacco material or its additives to
`reach the web 130 prior to use. It also allows the moisture
`content and other constituents of the tobacco material 110 to
`be maintained in its original (fresh) condition until use.
`Additionally, or alternatively, as mentioned above, the liner
`120 can be provided to flavor the pouched tobacco product
`by including flavorants within the liner 120.
`
`1. Tobacco Material
`
`[0019] Exemplary tobacco materials 110 can be made of
`cut or ground tobacco and can include flavor additives
`and/or humectants. Examples of suitable types of tobacco
`materials that may be used include, but are not limited to,
`flue-cured tobacco, Burley tobacco, Maryland tobacco, Ori(cid:173)
`ental tobacco, rare tobacco, specialty tobacco, reconstituted
`tobacco, blends thereof and the like. Preferably, the tobacco
`material 110 is pasteurized. In the alternative, the tobacco
`material 110 may be fermented.
`
`[0020] The tobacco material 110 may be provided in any
`suitable form, including shreds and/or particles of tobacco
`lamina, processed tobacco materials, such as volume
`expanded or puffed tobacco, or ground tobacco, processed
`tobacco stems, such as cut-rolled or cut-puffed stems, recon(cid:173)
`stituted tobacco materials, blends thereof, and the like.
`Genetically modified tobacco may also be used.
`
`[0021] Additionally, as mentioned above, the tobacco
`material can also include a supplemental amount of veg(cid:173)
`etable or plant fibers or particles such as particles or shreds
`of lettuce, cotton, flax, beet fiber, cellulosic fibers, blends
`thereof and the like.
`
`[0022] Suitable flavors and aromas include, but are not
`limited to, any natural or synthetic flavor or aroma, such as
`tobacco, smoke, menthol, mint (such as peppermint and
`spearmint), chocolate, licorice, citrus and other fruit flavors,
`
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`
`2
`
`gamma octalactone, vanillin, ethyl vanillin, breath freshener
`flavors, spice flavors such as cinnamon, methyl salicylate,
`linalool, bergamot oil, geranium oil, lemon oil, and ginger
`oil. Other suitable flavors and aromas may include flavor
`compounds selected from the group consisting of an acid, an
`alcohol, an ester, an aldehyde, a ketone, a pyrazine, combi(cid:173)
`nations or blends thereof and the like. Suitable flavor com(cid:173)
`pounds may be selected, for example, from the group
`consisting of phenylacetic acid, solanone, megastig(cid:173)
`matrienone, 2-heptanone, benzylalcohol, cis-3-hexenyl
`acetate, valeric acid, valeric aldehyde, ester, terpene, ses(cid:173)
`quiterpene, nootkatone, maltol, damascenone, pyrazine, lac(cid:173)
`tone, anethole, iso-valeric acid, combinations thereof and
`the like.
`
`[0023] Humectants can also be added to the tobacco
`material 110 to help maintain the moisture levels in the
`pouched tobacco product. Examples ofhumectants that can
`be used with the tobacco material include glycerol and
`propylene glycol. It is noted that the humectants can also be
`provided for a preservative effect, as the water activity of the
`product can be decreased with inclusion of a humectant, thus
`reducing opportunity for growth of micro-organisms. Addi(cid:173)
`tionally, humectants can be used to provide a higher mois(cid:173)
`ture feel to a drier tobacco component.
`
`2. Lined Pouch Material: Web
`
`the pouched tobacco product 100
`[0024] Preferably,
`includes lined pouched material comprising a web 130 and
`a liner 120. Preferably, the web 130 is constructed from
`cellulose fiber such as tea bag material. Alternative web
`materials may also be desired for use with the liners 120.
`Alternative web materials preferably have a neutral or
`pleasant taste or aroma. Preferably, the web material is
`selected to have desired properties of stain resistance, water
`permeability and/or porosity, and/or water insolubility. To
`promote heat-sealability the web may include fibers or
`coating of polypropylene or other heat-sealable material.
`
`[0025] Additionally, the materials used for the web mate(cid:173)
`rials can be provided with predetermined levels for basis
`weight and/or wet strength in order to reduce occurrence of
`breakage of the web during manufacturing operations, stor(cid:173)
`age and use. For example, webs can be provided with a basis
`weight of about 5 to about 25 g/m2
`, such as 5-10, 10-15,
`15-20, or 20-25 grams/meters2 (g/m2
`) depending upon the
`final usage requirements, and/or a wet tensile cross-direction
`(CD) strength of about 15 to about 75 Nim, such as 15-30,
`30-45, 45-60, or 60-75 Newtons/meter (Nim) depending
`upon the final usage requirements, which can be sufficient
`for maintaining the webs therein. One exemplary web is a
`tea bag material with a basis weight of about 16.5 g/m2 with
`a wet tensile CD strength of 68 Nim.
`
`[0026]
`In an embodiment, a water permeable, water-in(cid:173)
`soluble, porous, stain-resistant polymer membrane can be
`used as the web in order to allow flavor from a liner 120
`and/or from the tobacco material 110 to permeate through
`the web 130.
`
`It is also noted that the thickness of the web 130
`[0027]
`can be varied to achieve desired levels of solubility through
`the web 130. Similarly, the thickness of the liner 120 can be
`varied to achieve desired levels of solubility through the
`liner 120.
`
`3. Lined Pouch Material: Liner Material
`[0028] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, according to an
`embodiment, a liner 120 is provided in a pouched tobacco
`product 100 in between the tobacco material 110 and the
`web 130. As used herein the terms "liner" and "liner
`material" include one or more material sheets, layers or
`coatings, which can be used to carry flavorants (flavor
`enhancers) and/or reduce transfer of moisture from the
`tobacco component 110 to the web material 130, and/or
`reduce staining of the web material 130.
`In the embodiments, the liner 120 is incorporated
`[0029]
`as a separate sheet, layer or coating on the inside of the web
`130 facing the tobacco material. As such, the liner 120 can
`be a thin film sheet, layer or coating of only a few microns
`in thickness or can be a thicker sheet, layer or coating up to
`about 1 centimeter in thickness.
`[0030] Preferably, the liner 120 is dissolved upon place(cid:173)
`ment of the pouched tobacco product into the mouth
`although in some embodiments the liner 120 only partially
`dissolves. Preferably, the pouched tobacco product 100
`provides an immediate and continued oral sensorial enjoy(cid:173)
`ment of tobacco by a consumer of the pouched tobacco
`product 110.
`[0031] Preferably, the liner 120 is not soluble in tobacco
`additives of the tobacco material 110 so that the additives
`may be added to the tobacco material without causing the
`liner 120 to be dissolved. By such arrangement the effec(cid:173)
`tiveness of the liner 120 against staining of the web is
`maintained.
`[0032] The liner 120 can also be made semi water-soluble
`in order to provide a slower rate of dissolution of the liner
`120 when placed in a mouth, if desired. For example, the
`liner 120 itself can be used to augment or be the carrier of
`a flavorant or flavor enhancer, wherein the liner 120 can
`provide rapid flavor release (i.e., high water solubility) or a
`time sustained flavor release (i.e., low water solubility
`compared to the rapid flavor release liner). The liner 120 can
`also include both highly soluble flavor ingredients and less
`soluble flavor ingredients. Thus, by using a liner 120 with
`predetermined level water solubility, a pouched tobacco
`product can be provided with rapid or time sustained flavor
`release and minimum staining of the web.
`[0033] While the liner 120 can be used in an unflavored
`state, a flavorant can be incorporated in the liner 120, as
`mentioned above. When a flavorant is incorporated into the
`liner 120, the liner 120 can be chosen to provide rapid flavor
`release (i.e., immediate or a few seconds) or provide a long
`lasting, time-release flavor (i.e., prolonged up to several
`minutes and having the property of retarded or gradual
`dissolution in water to produce a sustained effect), as men(cid:173)
`tioned above or both.
`[0034]
`In order to provide a rapid flavor release, a highly
`water-soluble liner can be used. By employing a highly
`water-soluble material in a pouched tobacco product, saliva
`can rapidly dissolve the liner 120 and rapidly release the
`flavor therein, thus providing flavor and a mouth feel at
`lower moisture levels similar to higher moisture content
`pouched tobacco products. Additionally, other materials can
`be used to retard the rapid dissolution of the liner 120. For
`example, additives, such as com zein, can be added to a
`glucan liner to adjust (i.e., reduce) the water solubility of the
`glucan and thus retard or slow the dissolution speed of the
`glucan in water.
`
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`
`3
`
`[0035] While any water-soluble material, such as cellulo(cid:173)
`sic materials, gums, polymers, starches, proteins, and com(cid:173)
`binations thereof can be used, preferably the liner 120 is
`made of glucans because of their high water solubility, rapid
`dissolution, and pleasing mouth feel.
`
`with an immediate initial taste perception (i.e., a high water
`solubility level), while the inner liner 225 (adjacent the
`tobacco material 110) can be formulated to be moisture
`resistant (i.e., have a lower water solubility level than the
`outer liner 220).
`
`[0036] Examples of glucans include, without limitation,
`pullulan and elsinan.
`
`[0037] Examples of cellulosic materials include, without
`limitation, carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, ethyl
`cellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose,
`hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose,
`hydroxymethylpropyl cellulose, and combinations thereof.
`
`[0038] Examples of water-soluble gums include, without
`limitation, gum arabic, xanthan gum, tragacanth, acacia,
`carageenan, guar gum, locust bean gum, pectin, alginates,
`and combinations thereof.
`
`[0039] Examples of other polymers include, without limi(cid:173)
`tation, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylic acid, polyvinyl pyr(cid:173)
`rolidone, poly(meth)acrylate, poly(meth)copolymers, dex(cid:173)
`trin, dextran, chitin, chitosin, polydextrose, fructose, and
`combinations thereof.
`
`[0040] Examples of starches include, without limitation,
`tapioca, rice, corn, potato, wheat, and combinations thereof.
`
`[0041] Examples of proteins include gelatin, zein, gluten,
`soy protein, soy protein isolate, whey protein, whey protein
`isolate, casein, levin, collagen, and combinations thereof.
`
`If a longer flavor release by the liner 120 is desired,
`[0042]
`a liner other than the rapidly dissolving liners discussed
`above may be selected. Or in the alternative, a thicker layer
`of liner can be used to extend the length of time for full
`dissolution of the liner and the associated release of fla(cid:173)
`vorants. Or, as another alternative, longer organic chain
`materials or other agents can be added to the rapidly
`dissolving liners discussed above to lower solubility. Thus,
`the water solubility of the liner 120 can be increased or
`decreased and can provide control over the moisture content
`in the tobacco material 110 in the pouched tobacco product
`100 by reducing the amount of moisture loss or evaporation
`from the tobacco material 110 in comparison to a pouched
`tobacco product without a liner.
`
`[0043] For example, a highly water-soluble liner, such as
`a polysaccharide, can be provided with menthol flavor
`therein, wherein the flavor can be rapidly released from the
`liner upon contact of the liner with water or saliva. Thus, in
`addition to reducing staining of the web 130, the liner 120
`can also enhance and/or supplement the flavor of the tobacco
`in the pouched tobacco product 100.
`
`[0044] Alternatively, a multilayered liner can be provided
`between a tobacco material 110 and a web 130. By providing
`a multilayered liner, the functionality of the liner can be
`enhanced compared to that of a single layer liner. For
`example, more than one level of water solubility can be used
`within the various layers of the multilayered liner if desired.
`The multilayered liner can include two, three, four, or more
`layers depending upon the properties desired from the liner.
`
`[0045] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, a liner can be
`provided as two layers, i.e., an outer liner 220 and an inner
`liner 225, between a tobacco material 110 and a web 130.
`The outer liner 220 (adjacent the web 130) can be provided
`
`[0046] The outer liner 220 can include highly water(cid:173)
`soluble liners such that saliva can dissolve the outer liner
`220 similar to the exemplary single liners 120 as mentioned
`above. As such, examples of the outer liner include polysac(cid:173)
`charides, such as pectin.
`
`[0047] The inner liner 225, on the other hand, can include
`moisture resistant material that can be both permeable to
`water and/or air, as well as water-insoluble so that moisture
`resistance can be maintained even during use. Examples of
`materials that can be used for the inner liner 225 include any
`porous, water-insoluble webs, sheets or liners that can be
`made of perforated layers or loosely bound fibers or non(cid:173)
`woven sheets of waxes, polymers, shellac, corn zein, cellu(cid:173)
`losic materials, and/or combinations thereof.
`
`[0048] Exemplary waxes include camauba wax, candelilla
`wax, rice-bran wax, and/or waxes of paraffin and/or poly(cid:173)
`ethylene, wherein wax coatings can provide excellent mois(cid:173)
`ture liners.
`
`[0049] Exemplary polymers include polyvinyl acetate
`(PVA), and/or polysaccharides, such as caramelized sugar,
`which have water-insoluble, or time-release or slowly water
`soluble properties (i.e., having the property of retarded or
`gradual dissolution in water to produce a sustained effect).
`
`[0050] By using a combination of liners, the moisture
`content of the tobacco material itself can be controlled by the
`inner liner resisting release of the moisture from the tobacco
`material 110, while flavor can be released from the outer
`liner 220. Additionally, the inner liner 225 can also be
`dissolvable and flavored, such that a two-stage flavor release
`can be provided, wherein the outer liner 220 can release
`flavor as a first stage before the inner liner 225 dissolves,
`which in tum releases a second stage of flavor, thus a
`two-stage flavor release can be attained if desired.
`
`[0051] The liner can be disposed along the web by any
`suitable technique. For example, a strip of liner material can
`be fed along with a strip of web material and the strips can
`optionally be engaged with each other by pressing the strips
`together, use of adhesive or tackiness of the liner material.
`Alternatively the liner material can be coated on the web. In
`the case of multiple coatings, each coating, which may be
`the same or different liner, of a multilayered liner is pref(cid:173)
`erably dried before application of subsequent coatings. For
`example, multiple coatings (e.g., 5 coatings) may be applied
`by gravure printing (see further description, below) to pro(cid:173)
`vide a total coating weight effective to achieve non-staining
`and/or flavor delivery goals such as 10 to 200 mg, 20 to 100
`mg, for example, 45 mg/pouched tobacco product. Each
`coating layer is preferably dried before application of a
`subsequent coating layer. In order to add flexibility and
`maintain and protect moisture levels in the pouched tobacco
`product, one or more humectants, such as, for example,
`propylene glycol, can be incorporated into the coated web
`liner material.
`
`[0052] Preferably, drying of a coated liner is performed by
`gentle drying, for example, air drying at a low temperature
`(e.g., slightly above ambient, preferably up to about 150° F.,
`
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`
`4
`
`more preferably 100-150° F.) and at a lower speed and
`longer resident time than would be used with higher tem(cid:173)
`perature drying (e.g., 300-350° F.).
`
`[0053]
`In another embodiment, flavor compounds can be
`incorporated into the tobacco material 110 and/or the web
`material 130, as well as the liner 120 to insure a consistent
`flavor release. For example, a tobacco material with menthol
`flavoring therein can be incorporated into a pouched tobacco
`product 100 with additional tobacco flavoring in the liner
`120 for a stronger tobacco flavor in combination with a
`menthol flavor.
`
`[0054]
`In another embodiment, the moisture resistance
`(i.e., the water solubility) of the liner 120 can be adjusted as
`a function of the moisture content of the tobacco material
`110 in order to provide a desired moisture level in the
`pouched tobacco product 100. For example, the liner 120
`can include humectants to allow a tobacco material in a
`pouched tobacco product to maintain a predetermined mois(cid:173)
`ture content of the tobacco between about 5% to about 65%.
`
`[0055]
`In another embodiment, the water activity of the
`component(s) of the tobacco material 110 can be matched,
`wherein the water activity (aw) represents the ratio of the
`water vapor pressure of the component to the water vapor
`pressure of pure water under the same conditions and it is
`expressed as a fraction. Thus, by matching the water activi(cid:173)
`ties of the web material 130, the flavor compounds, and the
`tobacco material 110, the moisture transfer between the web
`material 130, flavor compounds, and the tobacco material
`110 can be limited. Therefore, by matching or adjusting the
`water activities, the liner 120 can be used to provide flavor
`release alone, wherein staining of a web can be reduced
`without requiring further measure.
`
`[0056] Exemplary liners 120 include food grade materials,
`such as polysaccharides including pullulan, protein films, or
`synthetic polymers, including those listed above. It is noted,
`however, that any liner that is biocompatible and reduces
`staining of the web can be used. Films that can be used for
`the liner include films manufactured by MonoSol, LLC of
`Portage, Ind. as set forth in International Publication Num(cid:173)
`bers WO 2004/009445 and WO 2004/052335, hereby incor(cid:173)
`porated by reference in their entireties.
`
`[0057]
`In order to facilitate coating of the liner on the web,
`the liner may be in the form of a slurry. Alternatively or
`additionally, liner material (e.g., slurry of material used to
`form a liner) may be applied to the web during manufacture
`of the web. Encapsulated flavorants may be incorporated
`into the liner to prolong flavor release from the liner.
`
`In an embodiment, the liner 120 is coated onto the
`[0058]
`web 130 prior to assembly of the pouched tobacco product
`100 by a suitable coating process, such as, for example, kiss
`coating, slot coating, spraying or gravure printing. Coating
`of the liner 120 on the web material 130 allows for enhanced
`control and maintenance of the desired level of translucency
`of the web. Alternatively, the color of the pouched tobacco
`product may be controlled by inclusion of appropriate color
`additives into the liner 120 such as whiteners or the like.
`Thus, through appropriate selection of additives for the liner
`120, the opaqueness, whiteness, and/or color of the pouched
`tobacco product may be controlled.
`
`[0059] Kiss coating involves applying a coating to a
`surface using rotating rollers. Fluid flow in a nip between
`
`adjacent rollers and the relative speeds of the rollers control
`the coating thickness. In reverse-roll coating, an applicator
`roller preferably rotates against a ribbon of web 130 and a
`slurry of liner material is preferably established at the nip
`between the two rollers.
`
`[0060] Slot coating can be used with slurries having a
`wide range of viscosities. In slot coating, slurry of liner
`material is directed through a slot die to provide a single
`layer application to a ribbon of the web 130 moving relative
`to the die. Slurry of liner material is fed into the die by a
`metering device such as, for example, a positive displace(cid:173)
`ment pump. Coating thickness is dependent on speed of the
`web and flow rate of the slurry.
`
`[0061] Gravure printing gives thin, accurate coatings and
`is capable of high speed application. In gravure printing, a
`roller with an engraved pattern rotates in a reservoir con(cid:173)
`taining slurry of liner material. Slurry of liner material is
`collected in the engraved pattern and excess surface slurry of
`liner material is removed from the roller by a doctor blade.
`Slurry ofliner material is transferred from the roller onto the
`ribbon of web 130.
`[0062] The liner 120 may comprise optional components
`including, but not limited to, additional flavorants, sweet(cid:173)
`eners, fragrances, coloring agents, filling agents, thickening
`agents, plasticizers, surfactants, stabilizing agents, antioxi(cid:173)
`dants, preservatives, brighteners and the like.
`
`[0063] Exemplary additional natural and artificial fla(cid:173)
`vorants include, but are not limited to, peppermint, spear(cid:173)
`mint, wintergreen, menthol, cinnamon, chocolate, vanillin,
`licorice, clove, anise, sandalwood, geranium, rose oil,
`vanilla, lemon oil, cassia, fennel, ginger, ethylacetate,
`isoamylacetate, propylisobutyrate, isobutylbutyrate, ethyl(cid:173)
`butyrate, ethylvalerate, benzylformate, limonene, cymene,
`pinene, linalool, geraniol, citronellol, citral, orange oil,
`coriander oil, borneol, fruit extract, and the like. Particularly
`preferred additional flavor and aroma agents are essential
`oils and/or essences of coffee, tea, cacao, and mint.
`
`[0064] The liner 120 may optionally comprise both natural
`and artificial sweeteners. Preferred sweeteners include water
`soluble sweeteners such as monosaccharides, disaccharides
`and polysaccharides ( e.g., xylose, ribose, sucrose, maltose,
`fructose, glucose, maltose, mannose ). In addition, or in the
`alternative to sweeteners, the liner 120 may comprise sour(cid:173)
`ing agents such as acetic acid, adipic acid, citric acid, lactic
`acid, malic acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid, and mixtures
`thereof. The liner 120 may also include pigments (e.g.,
`coloring agents).
`
`[0065] Filling agents may be incorporated in the liner 120.
`Exemplary filling agents include, but are not limited to,
`cellulose, titanium oxide, magnesium silicate ( e.g., talc),
`aluminum silicate, magnesium carbonate, calcium carbonate
`( e.g., limestone), calcium phosphate, calcium sulfate, zinc
`oxide, aluminum oxide, and mixtures thereof. Other carbon(cid:173)
`ate and phosphate salts can be added.
`
`[0066] Starches and/or cellulose ethers can also be incor(cid:173)
`porated in the liner 120, wherein the starches and/or cellu(cid:173)
`lose ethers can act as thickening agents or binding agents.
`Additionally, polymers, such as polyvinyl pyrrolidone and
`polyvinyl alcohol, and gums, such as xanthan gum, gum
`Arabic and acacia gum, can be used as thickening agents.
`Generally, the stiffness of a liner 120 can be increased and
`
`RJRV EX 1016
`Page 11
`
`

`

`US 2007/0012328 Al
`
`Jan. 18, 2007
`
`5
`
`the dissolution rate (i.e., dissolution upon exposure to mois(cid:173)
`ture) can be decreased by increasing the average molecular
`weight of polymers that form the liner 120. Thus, by adding
`thickening agents the modulus (i.e., stiffness) of the liner
`120 can be increased, while the propensity toward curling or
`bending of a liner 120 during or after drying (e.g., during
`storage) can be decreased.
`
`[0067] Plasticizing agents can also be used to control the
`stiffness of the liner 120, as well as the viscosity of the
`polymer melt from which a liner 120 is formed. Exemplary
`plasticizing agents include monoacetin; diacetin; triacetin;
`glycols, such as polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol;
`polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerin and sorbitol; mineral
`oils; vegetable oils; and glycerol and glycerol esters, such as
`glycerol triacetate.
`
`[0068] Surfactants can also be incorporated in the liner
`120. Suitable surfactants include, but are not limited to,
`mono and diglycerides of fatty acids, lactylates, pluronic
`acid, polyoxyethylene sorbitol esters, latanol, and sodium
`lauryl sulfate.
`
`[0069] Stabilizing agents can also be incorporated in the
`liner 120. Exemplary stabilizing agents are gums, such as
`guar gum, xanthan gum, locust bean gum, and carrageenan.
`
`[0070] Exemplary liners 120 can also optionally comprise
`antioxidants and/or preservatives. Exemplary antioxidants
`include, but are not limited to, ascorbic acid, vitamin E and
`sodium pyrosulfate. Exemplary preservatives include, but
`are not limited to, acetic acid, benzoic acid, citric acid, lactic
`acid, malic acid, sorbic acid and tartaric acid.
`
`[0071] The liners 120 can be translucent or substantially
`opaque.
`
`4. Product Components and Manufacture of Product
`
`[0072] Referring to FIG. 6a, a liner 61 (an equivalent to
`liner 120) can be continuously applied to a ribbon of web
`120. The liner 61 is preferably centered on the web 60,
`leaving longitudinal edge portions 62, 62' essentially free of
`liner.
`
`[0073] FIG. 7a illustrates an embodiment wherein a liner
`71 (an equivalent to liner 120) has been intermittently
`applied to a web. Intermittent application of liner at spaced
`apart regions 71, 71', 71" along the web establish longitu(cid:173)
`dinal edge portions 62, 62' and transverse zones 79 along the
`web that are essentially free of liner 71. Referring now also
`to FIG. 2, the longitudinal edge portions 62, 62' and trans(cid:173)
`verse zones 79 are used to form the sealed seams 74, 75 and
`75' of the product 100. The arrangement avoids sealing of a
`region that contains line