Oral nicotine products with chewable carrier elements

Abstract

The chewable oral nicotine products (10)(20)(30)(40)(50)(60)(70) comprise a chewable wooden carrier element (3) formed at least in part from wood or fiberboard containing wood fibers, and a substrate layer (2)(5) supported on the wooden carrier element, the substrate layer (2)(5) comprising nicotine.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to chewable oral nicotine products comprising chewable wooden carrier elements and methods for making such oral nicotine products. [Background technology]

[0002] Smokeless oral tobacco products, such as snus and snuff, are well known in the art and have provided an oral alternative to traditional smoking products for many years. More recently, a new class of "modern" oral nicotine products has emerged that typically provide a tobacco-free source of nicotine. Oral nicotine products provide an alternative source of nicotine to e-cigarettes and aerosol generators that deliver aerosolized nicotine through heating of a nicotine source. One of the most common types of oral nicotine products is the tobacco-free nicotine pouch, which provides a nicotine powder composition inside a small sealed pouch. During use, the nicotine pouch is placed between the consumer's lips and gums so that nicotine can be delivered into the body through the oral mucosal tissue. EP-A-1617823 discloses an oral pouch product containing a composition material that includes a bioactive agent, such as nicotine, ionically bound to an ionizable carbohydrate. The pouch is adapted to provide rapid transmucosal delivery of nicotine in the consumer's mouth.

[0003] Oral nicotine products in the form of lozenges, chewable tablets, and chewing gum are also known. For example, WO-A-2017 / 182084 discloses an oral dosage form comprising nicotine-loaded cation exchange resin particles, which may be a chewing gum, tablet, or lozenge.

[0004] It would be desirable to provide a form of oral nicotine product that effectively delivers nicotine but provides a novel consumer experience. It would be further desirable to provide such a form of oral nicotine product that can contribute to improved oral health and hygiene of the consumer, and in particular improved dental health of the consumer. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention relates to a chewable oral nicotine product. The oral nicotine product may comprise a chewable wooden carrier element. The chewable wooden carrier element may be formed of at least a portion of wood or a fibreboard containing wood fibres. The oral nicotine product may further comprise a substrate layer support on the wooden carrier element. The substrate layer may comprise nicotine.

[0006] According to the present invention there is provided a chewable oral nicotine product comprising a chewable wooden carrier element formed at least in part from wood or a fibreboard comprising wood fibres, and a substrate layer supported on the wooden carrier element, the substrate layer comprising nicotine.

[0007] The term "chewable" is used herein to refer to a product or element that can be chewed in the consumer's mouth without dissolving or breaking down. A "chewable wooden carrier element" is a structural element of an oral nicotine product that is sufficiently rigid to provide a solid product and support a substrate layer, but becomes pliable or chewy upon contact with saliva when chewed in the consumer's mouth. As the wooden carrier element is chewed, the substrate layer containing nicotine is released into the consumer's mouth.

[0008] A wooden carrier element is a fibrous element that may be formed using one or more pieces of wood. The term "wood" is used herein to refer to material obtained directly from the trunks and branches of trees. For the purposes of the present invention, this term excludes materials derived from wood materials.

[0009] Alternatively, the wooden carrier element may be formed using one or more pieces of fiberboard that contain wood fibers. The term "fiberboard" refers to a type of engineered wood material formed from wood fibers that are compressed together with adhesives or resins to form a rigid board. Wood fibers are obtained directly from wood materials and contain lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose. For purposes of the present invention, the term "wood fiber" is not intended to cover cellulose fibers that are derived from wood through any form of chemical treatment or decomposition.

[0010] The wooden carrier element of the oral nicotine product of the present invention provides a convenient and simple means of delivering a natural and inert substrate layer to the consumer. The wooden carrier element also provides a novel texture, allowing the consumer to chew the oral nicotine product to release the nicotine, rather than simply inserting and holding the oral nicotine product between the lips and gums. Thus, the oral nicotine product provides a unique experience to the consumer. This can be achieved while still providing a rapid delivery of nicotine to the consumer.

[0011] In addition, the fibrous nature of the wooden carrier element means that chewing it can provide oral health benefits to the consumer. In particular, chewing on the wooden carrier element can provide improved oral health and hygiene, and the wooden carrier can effectively abrasively clean the teeth during chewing. The type of wood fiber used can be selected to further enhance the benefits of chewing on the wooden carrier element. For example, as discussed below, certain types of wood and wood fibers, such as Salvadora Persica, are known for their dental benefits.

[0012] The oral nicotine products of the present invention comprise a wooden carrier element having disposed thereon one or more substrate layers, the substrate layers comprising nicotine, preferably in combination with one or more additional components to provide a desired consistency.

[0013] Nicotine may be provided in any suitable form. The substrate layer preferably comprises one or more nicotine salts. For example, the substrate layer may comprise one or more nicotine salts selected from the list consisting of nicotine lactate, nicotine citrate, nicotine pyruvate, nicotine monotartrate, nicotine bitartrate, nicotine bitartrate dihydrate, nicotine benzoate, nicotine pectinate, nicotine alginate, nicotine sulfate, nicotine hydrochloride, and nicotine salicylate. The substrate layer preferably comprises nicotine lactate or nicotine benzoate.

[0014] Alternatively, the substrate layer may comprise liquid nicotine, nicotine gel, stabilized nicotine, or nicotine base.

[0015] Preferably, the substrate layer comprises at least about 0.5 weight percent nicotine on a dry weight basis, more preferably at least about 1 weight percent nicotine, and more preferably at least about 1.5 weight percent nicotine.

[0016] Preferably, the substrate layer comprises about 10 weight percent or less of nicotine on a dry weight basis, more preferably about 8 weight percent or less of nicotine, more preferably about 6 weight percent or less of nicotine. For example, the substrate layer may comprise about 0.5 weight percent to about 10 weight percent, or about 1 weight percent to about 8 weight percent, or about 1.5 weight percent to about 6 weight percent of nicotine on a dry weight basis.

[0017] Each individual oral nicotine product preferably contains from about 0.4 mg to about 1.5 mg of nicotine, more preferably from about 0.6 mg to about 1 mg of nicotine. The amount of nicotine in the product can vary depending on the strength desired.

[0018] Preferably, the substrate layer comprises 0 percent by weight tobacco. Preferably, the substrate layer is tobacco-free. Preferably, the chewable oral nicotine product comprises 0 percent by weight tobacco. Preferably, the chewable oral nicotine product is tobacco-free.

[0019] As the chewing proceeds, nicotine is preferably delivered from the oral nicotine product into the consumer's mouth over about 10 to about 30 minutes, more preferably about 12 to about 20 minutes, such that delivery of nicotine is sustained for a period of 30 minutes or less as the consumer continues to chew the oral nicotine product.

[0020] Preferably, the substrate layer further comprises one or more gum binders. The one or more gum binders are preferably water soluble. The inclusion of a gum binder in the substrate layer of the oral nicotine product of the present invention may advantageously provide an improved level of elasticity and texture to optimize the chewiness of the oral nicotine product.

[0021] Suitable gum binders will be known to those skilled in the art and include, but are not limited to, natural gums such as gum arabic, xanthan gum, gellan gum, and combinations thereof.

[0022] The substrate layer may comprise a conventional gum base or chewing gum formulation to which nicotine may be added. Suitable gum base or chewing gum formulations may be known to those skilled in the art.

[0023] The substrate layer may include a gum base formed with one or more biocompatible particulate polymers. The biocompatible particulate polymers may be derived, for example, from algae, corn, or vegetables. For example, the gum base may include, on a dry weight basis, from about 0.25 weight percent to about 18 weight percent of the one or more biocompatible particulate polymers, or from about 0.3 weight percent to about 11 weight percent of the one or more biocompatible polymers.

[0024] In certain embodiments of the present invention, as described in more detail below, the substrate layer forms the outer layer of the oral nicotine product. Thus, the substrate layer effectively coats the wooden carrier element. In such embodiments, the substrate layer preferably further comprises a coating compound. Suitable coating compounds are known to those skilled in the art and are described below with respect to the optional outer coating layer.

[0025] The substrate layer may additionally include one or more additives, such as flavoring agents, sweeteners, colorants, or combinations thereof.

[0026] Any particulate material included in the substrate layer preferably has a particle size of from about 200 microns to about 1200 microns, more preferably from about 500 microns to about 900 microns, to ensure that the particles do not adversely affect the texture of the substrate layer.

[0027] The substrate layer preferably has an average thickness of at least about 1 millimeter, more preferably at least about 1.5 millimeters, more preferably at least about 2 millimeters, more preferably at least about 2.5 millimeters. The substrate layer may have an average thickness of up to 3.5 millimeters.

[0028] The oral nicotine products of the present invention preferably comprise at least about 35 weight percent of the substrate layer on a dry weight basis, more preferably at least 45 weight percent of the substrate layer. The oral nicotine products may comprise up to about 50 weight percent of the substrate layer on a dry weight basis, more preferably up to about 55 weight percent of the substrate layer.

[0029] As defined above, the wooden carrier element of the oral nicotine product according to the invention is formed of one or more pieces of wood or fibreboard made of wood fibres. In some preferred embodiments, the wooden carrier element is formed of a single piece of wood or fibreboard. In other preferred embodiments, the wooden carrier element is formed of two or more pieces of wood or fibreboard, for example when a layered structure with a substrate layer is provided.

[0030] The wooden carrier element may be formed from wood or wood fibre from any suitable tree or plant. Suitable trees and plants include, but are not limited to, Salvadora Persica, Catharanthus roseus (Catharanthus roseus), Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice), Calatola Costaricensis, Rhododendron tomentosum, Olea Europea.

[0031] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the wooden carrier element is formed of wood or wood fibers derived from Salvadora Persica, also known as the "toothbrush tree." Salvadora Persica is a small evergreen shrub or tree with soft, whitish-yellow wood native to the Middle East, Africa, and India. In certain parts of the world, sticks from Salvadora Persica are commonly used as chewing sticks for oral hygiene.

[0032] The use of Salvadora Persica wood or wood fibers to form the wooden carrier element of the oral nicotine product of the present invention is particularly advantageous due to the known oral health benefits provided by this material. Salvadora Persica contains many active ingredients that have been shown to promote dental hygiene and dental health. These include alkaloids that have antibacterial effects, calcium, chloride, fluoride, sulfur, vitamin C, resins that form a protective layer on the enamel to reduce the chance of caries, silica, which is a natural abrasive that can remove stains from the teeth, tannins, and essential oils. Overall, Salvadora Persica is widely recognized to be effective in fighting tooth decay, provide protection against tartar and plaque, eliminate bad breath, and provide gum protection.

[0033] Thus, by using a wooden carrier element comprising Salvadora Persica in the oral nicotine products of the present invention, it is possible to provide consumers with an effective delivery of nicotine in combination with a variety of oral health and oral hygiene benefits.

[0034] As an alternative, or in addition to using Salvadora Persica wood or wood fibers to form the wooden carrier element of the oral nicotine product of the present invention, the wooden carrier element may be impregnated with one or more active compounds derived from Salvadora Persica. Such active compounds from Salvadora Persic may also be incorporated into the substrate layer, if desired.

[0035] Alternatively, or additionally, the wooden carrier element may be impregnated with one or more additives, such as suitable additives that provide dental benefits to the consumer. For example, in certain preferred embodiments of the present invention, the wooden carrier element is impregnated with xylitol, natural calcium, phosphate minerals, fluoride, coconut oil monolaurin, or combinations thereof. These additives may contribute to reducing plaque buildup and caries, and may provide antibiotic properties.

[0036] The wooden carrier element preferably has an average thickness of at least about 2 millimeters, more preferably at least about 2.5 millimeters, more preferably at least about 3 millimeters. The thickness of the wooden carrier element may be up to about 4 millimeters, or up to about 6 millimeters.

[0037] The oral nicotine products of the present invention preferably contain at least about 35 weight percent of the wood carrier element on a dry weight basis, and more preferably contain at least 40 weight percent of the wood carrier element. The oral nicotine products may contain up to about 55 weight percent of the wood carrier element on a dry weight basis, and more preferably contain up to about 45 weight percent of the wood carrier element.

[0038] In an oral nicotine product according to the invention, the substrate layer is supported or carried on a wooden carrier element. The oral nicotine product may take a number of different forms in which the substrate layer and the wooden carrier element are combined in different ways.

[0039] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, a substrate layer is disposed over at least a portion of an outer surface of a wooden carrier element. Thus, in such embodiments, the wooden carrier element provides the core portion of the oral nicotine product, and the substrate layer is provided over some or all of the outer surface.

[0040] In such an embodiment, the substrate layer may be provided over the entire outer surface of the wooden carrier element. In this case, the substrate layer encases the wooden carrier element and forms an entire layer around the wooden carrier element. The substrate layer may form the outer layer of the oral nicotine product, such that no additional layers are provided over the substrate layer. Alternatively, the oral nicotine product may further comprise an outer coating layer on the substrate layer, which encapsulates both the wooden carrier element and the substrate layer. The outer coating layer is described in more detail below.

[0041] When the substrate layer provides the outer layer of the oral nicotine product, the substrate layer may further comprise one or more coating compounds. Providing one or more coating compounds within the substrate layer may advantageously improve the textural properties of the substrate layer or its appearance on the exterior of the oral nicotine product. Suitable coating compounds for inclusion in the substrate layer are known to those skilled in the art, but include sugars and sugar alcohols.

[0042] Alternatively, the substrate layer may be provided only on a portion of the outer surface of the wooden carrier element such that the wooden carrier element is exposed on a portion of the surface of the oral nicotine product. This arrangement may be used to provide a distinctive appearance to the oral nicotine product.

[0043] The wooden carrier may optionally include a grooved surface including a plurality of grooves on its outer surface, and the substrate layer is disposed on the grooved surface such that the substrate layer extends into the plurality of grooves. The substrate layer may be disposed only within the grooves such that the wooden carrier element remains exposed in the areas between the grooves. Alternatively, the substrate layer may cover the entire grooved surface of the wooden carrier element.

[0044] The grooved surface may advantageously increase the contact surface area between the wooden carrier element and the substrate layer, thereby improving adhesion between the two components of the oral nicotine product. Furthermore, it has been found that the portions of the substrate layer that are disposed within the grooves may remain disposed within the wooden carrier element for a longer period, thereby providing a longer lasting consumer experience.

[0045] In an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention, the oral nicotine product comprises a layered structure having a substrate layer provided between opposing portions of a wooden carrier element. Thus, in such an embodiment, the oral nicotine product provides a sandwich-type structure, in which the substrate layer is sandwiched between an upper layer and a lower layer of a wooden carrier element. An oral nicotine product having this arrangement may optionally further comprise an outer coating layer. Alternatively, the outer surfaces of the upper and lower layers of the wooden carrier element may provide the outer surface of the oral nicotine product.

[0046] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the wooden carrier element of the oral nicotine product comprises one or more internal channels and the substrate layer is provided within the one or more internal channels. Preferably, the wooden carrier element comprises a single central channel within which the substrate layer is provided. In this arrangement, the substrate layer forms a core region of the oral nicotine product around which the wooden carrier element is provided. Preferably, the wooden carrier element extends entirely around the substrate layer. An oral nicotine product having this arrangement may optionally further comprise an outer coating layer. Alternatively, the outer surface of the wooden carrier element may provide the outer surface of the oral nicotine product.

[0047] As mentioned above, in some embodiments of the present invention, the oral nicotine product may comprise an outer coating layer covering and encapsulating the wooden carrier element and the substrate layer. Depending on the arrangement of the wooden carrier element and substrate layer, the outer coating layer may be provided on the substrate layer, or on the outer surface of the wooden carrier element, or both.

[0048] The outer coating layer may be used as a barrier layer to provide protection for the underlying substrate layer and the wooden carrier element. For example, the outer coating layer may protect the underlying components from environmental moisture or gas. It may also minimize the risk of loss of active compounds from the oral nicotine product. The outer coating layer may additionally be used to provide a desirable texture to the exterior of the oral nicotine product. For example, the outer coating layer may provide a hard, smooth, non-sticky surface so that consumers can handle the oral nicotine product more conveniently. Providing a non-sticky surface may also improve the handling and storage of the oral nicotine product.

[0049] The outer coating layer is typically relatively brittle and crackable so as to provide the consumer with the unique experience associated with chewing an oral nicotine product.

[0050] Suitable edible coating compounds for forming the outer coating layer may be known to those skilled in the art, such as coating compounds used in chewing gum products. The outer coating layer may include, for example, one or more sugars, sugar alcohols (such as xylitol, sorbitol, or mannitol), gums (such as gum arabic), or combinations thereof. The outer coating layer may additionally include one or more additives, such as flavorants, sweeteners, colorants, or combinations thereof.

[0051] Preferably, the outer coating layer has a thickness of at most about 1 millimeter, more preferably at most about 0.5 millimeters, more preferably at most about 0.3 millimeters.

[0052] The outer coating layer is typically applied to the combined wood carrier element and substrate layer in the form of a coating syrup using known coating techniques, and the coating syrup is then dried to harden.

[0053] The oral nicotine product of the present invention may be formed in any suitable shape. Preferably, the oral nicotine product is in the form of a rounded tablet, or a flattened rectangular or lozenge shaped.

[0054] The dimensions of the oral nicotine product are preferably adapted so that the oral nicotine product is suitable for placement in the consumer's mouth.

[0055] The oral nicotine product preferably has a length of at least about 15 mm, more preferably at least about 20 mm, the length corresponding to the longest dimension of the oral nicotine product. The oral nicotine product preferably has a length of up to about 35 mm, more preferably up to about 30 mm. Thus, the length of the oral nicotine product may be from about 15 mm to about 35 mm, or from about 20 mm to about 30 mm.

[0056] Preferably, the oral nicotine product has a width of at least about 8 millimeters, more preferably at least about 10 millimeters. Preferably, the oral nicotine product has a width of up to about 20 millimeters, more preferably up to about 15 millimeters. Thus, the width of the oral nicotine product may be from about 8 millimeters to about 20 millimeters, or from about 10 millimeters to about 15 millimeters.

[0057] Preferably, the oral nicotine product has a thickness of at least about 4 millimeters, more preferably at least about 5 millimeters. Preferably, the oral nicotine product has a thickness of at most about 10 millimeters, more preferably at most about 8 millimeters. Thus, the thickness of the oral nicotine product may be from about 4 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, or from about 5 millimeters to about 8 millimeters.

[0058] The following provides a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples, any one or more of the features of which may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein. EXAMPLES

[0059] The following provides a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples, any one or more of the features of which may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0060] Example 1. 1. A chewable oral nicotine product comprising: a chewable wooden carrier element formed at least in part of wood or a fiberboard containing wood fibers; and a substrate layer supported on the wooden carrier element, the substrate layer comprising nicotine. Example 2. A chewable oral nicotine product according to example 1, wherein the substrate layer comprises one or more nicotine salts. Example 3. A chewable oral nicotine product according to example 2, wherein the substrate layer comprises nicotine lactate or nicotine benzoate. Example 4. A chewable oral nicotine product according to any of Examples 1-3, wherein the substrate layer comprises at least about 0.5 weight percent nicotine on a dry weight basis. Example 5. A chewable oral nicotine product according to any of Examples 1-4, wherein upon chewing, nicotine is delivered from the oral nicotine product into the consumer's mouth in about 10 minutes to about 30 minutes. Example 6. A chewable oral nicotine product according to any of Examples 1-5, wherein the substrate layer further comprises one or more gum binders. Example 7. A chewable oral nicotine product according to example 6, wherein the one or more gum binders are water soluble. Example 8. A chewable oral nicotine product according to any of Examples 1-7, wherein the substrate layer further comprises one or more additives. Example 9. A chewable oral nicotine product according to any of Examples 1-8, wherein the substrate layer has an average thickness of at least about 1 millimeter. Example 10. A chewable oral nicotine product according to any of Examples 1-9, wherein the oral nicotine product comprises at least about 35 weight percent of the substrate layer on a dry weight basis. Example 11. A chewable oral nicotine product according to any of Examples 1-10, wherein the wooden carrier element is formed from a single piece of wood or fiberboard. Example 12. A chewable oral nicotine product according to any of Examples 1-11, wherein the wooden carrier element is formed from wood fibres derived from Salvadora Persica. Example 13. A chewable oral nicotine product according to any of Examples 1-12, wherein the wooden carrier element is impregnated with one or more additives. Example 14. A chewable oral nicotine product according to Example 13, wherein the wooden carrier element is impregnated with xylitol. Example 15. A chewable oral nicotine product according to Example 13, wherein the wooden carrier element is infused with one or more active compounds derived from Salvadora Persica. Example 16. A chewable oral nicotine product according to any of Examples 1-15, wherein the wooden carrier element has an average thickness of at least about 2 millimeters. Example 17. A chewable oral nicotine product according to any of Examples 1-16, wherein the oral nicotine product comprises at least about 35 weight percent of a wood carrier element. Example 18. A chewable oral nicotine product according to any of Examples 1-17, wherein the substrate layer is disposed on at least a portion of an outer surface of the wooden carrier element. Example 19. A chewable oral nicotine product according to Example 18, wherein the substrate layer is provided on the entire outer surface of the wooden carrier element. Example 20. A chewable oral nicotine product according to Example 18 or 19, further comprising an outer coating layer on the substrate layer. Example 21. 19. A chewable oral nicotine product according to example 18 or 19, wherein the substrate layer further comprises a coating compound. Example 22. 22. A chewable oral nicotine product according to example 21, wherein the coating compound comprises at least one sugar or sugar alcohol. Example 23. A chewable oral nicotine product according to any of Examples 1-22, wherein the wooden carrier layer comprises a grooved surface including a plurality of grooves, and the substrate layer is disposed on the grooved surface such that the substrate layer extends into the plurality of grooves. Example 24. A chewable oral nicotine product according to any of Examples 1-17, wherein the oral nicotine product comprises a layered structure having a substrate layer provided between opposing portions of a wooden carrier element. Example 25. The chewable oral nicotine product according to Example 24, wherein the oral nicotine product further comprises an outer coating layer. Example 26. A chewable oral nicotine product according to any of Examples 1-17, wherein the wooden carrier element comprises one or more internal channels, and the substrate layer is provided within the one or more internal channels. Example 27. A chewable oral nicotine product according to Example 26, wherein the wooden carrier element comprises a single central channel within which the substrate layer is provided. Example 28. The chewable oral nicotine product according to Example 27, wherein the oral nicotine product further comprises an outer coating layer. Example 29. A chewable oral nicotine product according to any of Examples 1-28, further comprising an outer coating layer encapsulating the wooden carrier element and the substrate layer. Example 30. 30. A chewable oral nicotine product according to example 29, wherein the outer coating layer comprises at least one sugar or sugar alcohol. Example 31. A chewable oral nicotine product according to Examples 29 or 30, wherein the outer coating layer has a thickness of up to about 1 millimeter. Example 32. A chewable oral nicotine product according to any of Examples 1-31, wherein the oral nicotine product has a length of at least about 15 millimeters. Example 33. A chewable oral nicotine product according to any of Examples 1-32, wherein the oral nicotine product has a length of at least about 8 millimeters. Example 34. A chewable oral nicotine product according to any of Examples 1-33, wherein the oral nicotine product has a thickness of at least about 4 millimeters. Example 35. A chewable oral nicotine product according to any of Examples 1-34, wherein the oral nicotine product is in the form of a lozenge.

[0061] Specific embodiments will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0062] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an oral nicotine product according to a first embodiment of the invention. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an oral nicotine product according to a second embodiment of the invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an oral nicotine product according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of an oral nicotine product according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an oral nicotine product according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an oral nicotine product according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an oral nicotine product according to a seventh embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0063] Each of the oral nicotine products shown in Figures 1-6 comprises a substrate layer 2 and a wooden carrier element 3. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1, 2, 4, and 6, an outer coating layer 1 is also provided. The oral nicotine products are in the form of a lozenge having an approximately stadium-shaped cross-section and providing rounded ends. Each of the oral nicotine products has a length of 20 millimeters, a width of 10 millimeters, and a thickness of 5 millimeters.

[0064] In all of the oral nicotine products shown in Figures 1-6, the wooden carrier element 3 may be formed of a fiberboard material comprising wood fibres derived from Salvatora Persica. The substrate layer 2 comprises nicotine in combination with a gum base. The coating layer 1 comprises one or more sugar alcohols. Thus, the embodiments shown in Figures 1-6 differ only in the way in which the substrate layer 2, wooden carrier element 3 and outer coating layer 1 (if present) are arranged relative to one another.

[0065] In the oral nicotine product 10 shown in Figure 1, a wooden carrier element 3 is at the center of the product and forms a core region. A substrate layer 2 is provided over the entire outer surface of the wooden carrier element 3. An outer coating layer 1 is provided over the substrate layer 2 and completely encapsulates the substrate layer 2 and the wooden carrier element 3.

[0066] Figure 2 shows an oral nicotine product 20 having a similar overall structure, but in which the outer surface of the wooden carrier layer 3 includes a series of grooves 4 into which the substrate layer 2 is disposed. The substrate layer 2 fills the grooves 4 and covers the entire outer surface of the wooden carrier element 3. As in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the outer coating layer 1 completely encapsulates the substrate layer 2 and the wooden carrier element.

[0067] The oral nicotine product 30 shown in Figure 3 has a layered arrangement including a central substrate layer 2 sandwiched between two layers of a wooden carrier element 3. The wooden carrier element 3 consists of two separate layers, an upper layer 3a and a lower layer 3b, with the substrate layer 2 sandwiched therebetween. The outer surface of the wooden carrier element 3 is exposed to provide the outer surface of the oral nicotine product 30.

[0068] The oral nicotine product 40 shown in Figure 4 has a layered arrangement of a wooden carrier element 3 and a substrate layer 2 similar to the oral nicotine product 30 of Figure 3. However, the oral nicotine product 40 further comprises an outer coating layer 1 encapsulating the substrate layer 2 and the wooden carrier element 3 layers.

[0069] In the oral nicotine product 50 shown in Figure 5, the substrate layer 2 is at the center of the product and forms the core region. The wooden carrier element 3 extends all around the substrate layer 2 such that the substrate layer is effectively contained within an inner channel of the wooden carrier element 3. The outer surface of the wooden carrier element 3 provides the outer surface of the oral nicotine product 50.

[0070] The oral nicotine product 60 shown in Figure 6 has a similar arrangement of a wooden carrier element 3 and a substrate layer 2 as the oral nicotine product 50 shown in Figure 5. However, the oral nicotine product 60 further comprises an outer coating layer 1 encapsulating the wooden carrier element 3 and the substrate layer 2.

[0071] The oral nicotine product 70 shown in Figure 7 comprises a wooden carrier element 3 as described above in relation to the embodiment shown in Figures 1-6. The wooden carrier element has a grooved outer surface similar to that of the embodiment of Figure 2. However, the oral nicotine product 70 comprises a substrate layer 5 having a different composition to the substrate layer 2 of the product shown in Figures 1-6. The substrate layer 5 comprises nicotine and a gum base, but further comprises at least one coating compound. The outer surface of the substrate layer 5 provides the outer layer of the oral nicotine product 70.

Claims

1. 1. A chewable oral nicotine product comprising: a chewable wooden carrier element formed at least in part of wood or fiberboard containing wood fibers; a substrate layer comprising nicotine supported on the wooden carrier element, wherein the wooden carrier element is a fiberboard comprising wood fibers derived from Salvadora Persica or the wooden carrier element is impregnated with one or more active compounds derived from Salvadora Persica.

2. 10. The chewable oral nicotine product of claim 1, wherein the substrate layer further comprises one or more gum binders.

3. 10. The chewable oral nicotine product of claim 1, wherein the substrate layer is disposed on at least a portion of the outer surface of the wooden carrier element.

4. 4. The chewable oral nicotine product of claim 3, wherein the substrate layer forms an outer layer of the oral nicotine product.

5. 5. The chewable oral nicotine product of claim 4, wherein the substrate layer further comprises a coating compound.

6. 6. A chewable oral nicotine product according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the wooden carrier element comprises a grooved surface comprising a plurality of grooves, and the substrate layer is disposed on the grooved surface such that the substrate layer extends into the plurality of grooves.

7. A chewable oral nicotine product according to any preceding claim, wherein the oral nicotine product comprises a layered structure with the substrate layer provided between opposing portions of the wooden carrier element.

8. A chewable oral nicotine product according to any preceding claim, wherein the wooden carrier element comprises one or more internal channels, and the substrate layer is provided within the one or more internal channels.

9. 6. The chewable oral nicotine product of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the substrate layer has a thickness of at least about 1 millimeter.

10. A chewable oral nicotine product according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an outer coating layer encapsulating the wooden carrier element and the substrate layer.

11. 11. The chewable oral nicotine product of claim 10, wherein the outer coating layer comprises at least one sugar or sugar alcohol.

12. A chewable oral nicotine product according to any preceding claim, wherein the wooden carrier element is impregnated with one or more additives.

13. 13. The chewable oral nicotine product of claim 12, wherein the wooden carrier element is impregnated with xylitol.

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