bagged products

Abstract

A bag-shaped product for oral use comprises a saliva-permeable bag and a filling material contained within the bag. The bag comprises a first nonwoven fabric for enclosing the filling material and a second nonwoven fabric surrounding the first nonwoven fabric. One or more openings are provided in the second nonwoven fabric, through which the first nonwoven fabric is exposed.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to a bag-like product for oral use, comprising a saliva-permeable bag and a filling material contained within the bag. [Background technology]

[0002] Oral pouch products such as those disclosed herein may be tobacco-free or substantially tobacco-free, as well as tobacco products. Such products are provided in the form of pouches containing a filling material and are sized and constructed to be accepted in the user's oral cavity, such as between the user's gums and upper lip.

[0003] Various nonwoven materials are widely used to form bags used to enclose filling materials, thereby creating pouch-type products for oral use. The filling materials may include nicotine and flavorings.

[0004] It is known that a large portion of the flavoring or nicotine contained in the filling material does not reach the consumer. Therefore, the release of flavoring and / or nicotine is suppressed.

[0005] WO2021 / 116884A1 discloses an oral pouch product in the form of a porous pouch defining a cavity containing a composition adapted for oral use, wherein the porous pouch is formed from a fleece material comprising two or more layers, the two or more layers being in direct contact with each other.

[0006] U.S. Patent Application No. 2014 / 026912(A1) discloses fleece for smokeless cigarette pouches, the fleece being formed with an opening. Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing the fleece. The method includes a water flow entanglement step in which an opening is formed in the fleece. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] WO2021 / 116884A1 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent Application No. 2014 / 026912(A1) [Patent Document 3] WO2012 / 069505 [Non-patent literature]

[0008] [Non-Patent Document 1] “Handbook of Nonwovens” by S. Russell, published by Woodhead Publ. Ltd., 2007 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide an attractive mouthfeel and sufficient sealing properties of the bag, while enabling a large and / or rapid release of compounds contained in the filler material during use.

[0010] A further objective of the present invention is to provide an appealing mouthfeel while enabling sufficient sealing strength for the bag. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In addition to these objectives, other objectives that would be obvious to those skilled in the art who have studied this specification are achieved by pouch-like products for oral use, as described in the appended claims.

[0012] This disclosure is directed to a pouch product for oral use, comprising a saliva-permeable pouch and a filling material contained within the pouch. The pouch comprises a first nonwoven fabric for enclosing the filling material and a second nonwoven fabric surrounding the first nonwoven fabric. One or more openings are provided in the second nonwoven fabric, through which the first nonwoven fabric is exposed.

[0013] It is known that a large portion of the flavoring or nicotine contained in the filler material remains in the bag material, i.e., the nonwoven fabric that encapsulates the filler material, during use. Therefore, much of the nicotine and flavoring does not reach the user. This disclosure is based on the remarkable discovery that a combination of two different nonwoven fabrics, namely the first and second nonwoven fabrics, in combination with one or more openings in the second nonwoven fabric, provides a large and / or rapid release of compounds contained in the filler material during use, while also providing an attractive mouthfeel and sufficient sealing properties of the bag. It has also been found that this combination of two different nonwoven fabrics provides an attractive mouthfeel while enabling sufficient sealing strength of the bag.

[0014] In this specification, the term “sachet product for oral use” refers to a portion of a smokeless composition containing a saliva extractable material and packaged in a saliva-permeable pouch material. Sachet products for oral use are not intended to be swallowed.

[0015] In this specification, the term “encircling” includes the bonding of the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric over a portion of their surface. The second nonwoven fabric having one or more openings or forming a seal together with the first nonwoven fabric is also interpreted as encircling the first nonwoven fabric.

[0016] As used herein, the term "filling material" refers to the material inside the bag of the sachet product as disclosed herein. The filling material can be a filling material predominantly composed of tobacco material or can be a filling material based on non-tobacco materials such as particles of cellulose, starch, silica, plant fibers other than tobacco fibers, synthetic fibers, etc. The filling material can include components such as salts (e.g., sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, and combinations thereof), pH adjusters (e.g., sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, or sodium bicarbonate), flavors, sweeteners, colorants, humectants (e.g., polypropylene glycol or glycerol), antioxidants, preservatives (e.g., potassium sorbate), binders, tobacco materials, and non-tobacco materials. Filling materials such as plant materials, cellulose, and starch can exist in the form of particles or as a combination of particles and fibers. For example, the filling material can contain particles or can consist of particles. The particles can have an average particle size of up to 2 mm. The particles are preferably particles or granules of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). The filling material may further contain active ingredients such as nicotine.

[0017] The sachet product disclosed herein has an opening in the second non-woven fabric, and the opening can be formed by removing a portion of the second non-woven fabric. For example, any conventional method such as punching, perforating, cutting, waterjet, or laser can be used to remove a portion of the second non-woven fabric, thereby providing an opening in the second non-woven fabric. Thus, the opening in the second non-woven fabric can be made from a pre-manufactured non-woven fabric. Thus, the openings disclosed herein refer to openings such as slits resulting from the process of water flow interlacing in the non-woven fabric.

[0018] The bag-shaped products disclosed in this specification may have only one opening. Alternatively, the bag-shaped products disclosed in this specification may have several openings. Further, the opening can be positioned anywhere in the bag. Preferably, there is no opening in the longitudinal seal of the bag. Further, the opening can have any desired shape, such as circular, oval, square, rectangular, and star-shaped.

[0019] The bag-shaped products disclosed in this specification have an opening, and one or more openings have an opening area of at least 3 mm ,

[0022] and preferably have an opening area in the range of 10 mm 2 to 60 mm 2 such as in the range of 20 mm 2 to 40 mm 2 such as in the range of 3 mm 2 to 80 mm 2 That is, only one of the one or more openings has an opening area of at least 3 mm 2 and preferably has an opening area in the range of 10 mm 2 to 60 mm 2 such as in the range of 20 mm 2 to 40 mm 2 such as in the range of 3 mm 2 to 80 mm 2 and may have an opening area in the range.

[0020] The opening disclosed in this specification is at most 70% of the total surface area of the bag's surface, and preferably can have a total area in the range of 20 - 50% of the total surface area of the bag's surface. The total area of the openings is, in this specification, an estimate of the area of all the openings combined. The opening disclosed in this specification may be present in the seal. Preferably, there is no opening in the longitudinal seal of the bag.

[0021] Thus, the total area of the openings can include several smaller openings, or fewer and larger openings, or combinations thereof.

[0022] The bag-like products disclosed herein comprise a first nonwoven fabric, which may contain or consist of thermoplastic polymer fibers. Thermoplastic polymer fibers are generally transparent, and therefore, openings in the second nonwoven fabric form windows in the bags disclosed herein, through which the first nonwoven fabric can be exposed, thus making the filling material visible. Furthermore, thermoplastic polymer fibers are resistant to soiling, and therefore the first nonwoven fabric is not stained by the filling material. Moreover, the first nonwoven fabric acts to some extent as a barrier between the filling material and the second nonwoven fabric, so that the second nonwoven fabric is not exposed to stains or is exposed to light stains. Thus, the bags do not change color significantly during storage and remain relatively clean and stain-free.

[0023] Typically, thermoplastic polymer fibers contained in nonwoven fabrics used in bags for oral products are melted by heat, contributing to the formation of a seal. Furthermore, thermoplastic polymer fibers have high resistance, thereby preventing the seal formed in the bag from being adversely affected, or destroyed, by strong fragrances or liquids present in the filling material. Therefore, the sealing strength of the bag-like products disclosed herein is not significantly affected by the filling material.

[0024] The thermoplastic polymer fibers in the first nonwoven fabric described herein may be selected from the group consisting of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polylactic acid (PLA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), and any combination thereof. These thermoplastic polymer fibers have been shown to contribute not only to excellent nicotine and flavor release but also to the attractive appearance of the product. Furthermore, because the thermoplastic polymer fibers themselves are soft, the portion of the first nonwoven fabric containing the thermoplastic polymer that comes into contact with the user's mouth contributes to the product's pleasant mouthfeel. Preferably, the thermoplastic polymer fibers in the first nonwoven fabric described herein are polypropylene.

[0025] The bag-like products disclosed herein comprise a first nonwoven fabric, the basis weight of the first nonwoven fabric may be in the range of 8 gsm to 27 gsm, such as in the range of 8 gsm to 20 gsm, or in the range of 8 gsm to 15 gsm. Such a basis weight has the effect of achieving excellent nicotine extraction from the filling material to the user. Furthermore, this has the effect of making the first nonwoven fabric highly transparent (low opacity), which further means that the filling material can be seen through the first nonwoven fabric. Thus, in attractive bag-like products in which the first nonwoven fabric can be exposed, the filling material becomes visible and can be seen when viewed through the first nonwoven fabric.

[0026] The bag-like products disclosed herein comprise a first nonwoven fabric, the first nonwoven fabric may be spunbonded. Such spunbonded nonwoven fabrics are known to provide highly transparent nonwoven fabrics, i.e., nonwoven fabrics with low opacity. Specifically, nonwoven fabrics obtained from spunbonded polypropylene are known to have high transparency.

[0027] The pouch-like products disclosed herein comprise a second nonwoven fabric, the second nonwoven fabric may contain or consist of cellulosic fibers, such as regenerated cellulose fibers like viscose fibers, or lyocell fibers like viscose fibers. It is well known that oral pouch-like products containing or consisting of cellulosic fibers, such as regenerated cellulose fibers like viscose fibers, or lyocell fibers like viscose fibers, produce soft and comfortable pouch-like products with improved sensory properties for the user. However, it has been found that the delivery of nicotine and flavorings may be limited because the flavoring portion or the majority of the nicotine remains in the pouch material during use and is not extracted.

[0028] Bags made from nonwoven fabrics consisting solely of thermoplastic polymer fibers generally form a hard, sharp seal that is unpleasant to the mouth. Furthermore, the thermoplastic polymer fiber nonwoven fabric disclosed herein as the first nonwoven fabric is cumbersome and thin, making it difficult to pass through bagging machines. However, it has been found that adding a second nonwoven fabric containing or consisting of cellulose fibers to the first nonwoven fabric containing or consisting of thermoplastic polymer fibers creates a more stable structure that is easier to handle in bagging machines. Moreover, having the first nonwoven fabric surrounded by the second nonwoven fabric containing or consisting of cellulose fibers results in a much more pleasant mouthfeel for the bag's seal.

[0029] Therefore, by combining a first nonwoven fabric containing thermoplastic polymer fibers, which have beneficial release properties for compounds in the filler material, with a second nonwoven fabric containing cellulosic fibers, it is possible to provide sufficient sealing strength when using a nonwoven fabric containing cellulosic fibers.

[0030] The first and second nonwoven fabrics are manufactured separately, then brought into contact with each other, and then passed through a bag-making machine. Openings in the second nonwoven fabric can be punched out in the already manufactured nonwoven fabric. The first and second nonwoven fabrics are brought into contact with each other and can be joined by sealing alone. The filling material inflates the bag so that the two nonwoven fabrics can be brought into direct contact with each other substantially throughout the entire bag. Furthermore, the two nonwoven fabrics can be joined together substantially throughout the entire bag. Any method can be used to join the two nonwoven fabrics substantially across the respective surfaces of their entirety, such as heat sealing, adhesives, or punch needles.

[0031] The bag-like product disclosed herein comprises a second nonwoven fabric, the second nonwoven fabric being subject to water flow entanglement. Furthermore, the second nonwoven fabric disclosed herein may be wet or dry.

[0032] The bag-like products disclosed herein comprise a second nonwoven fabric, which may not contain binders such as heat binders, chemical binders such as binder fibers, adhesives, and chemicals that bond the nonwoven fabrics. When the first nonwoven fabric contains or consists of thermoplastic polymer fibers, the second nonwoven fabric does not need to be sealable on its own. Therefore, when the second nonwoven fabric disclosed herein is combined with the first nonwoven fabric, it does not need to contain a binder to bond the nonwoven fabrics in order to achieve bag sealing. Thus, the configuration comprising the first and second nonwoven fabrics disclosed herein can produce a sealed bag without the addition of a binder.

[0033] Alternatively, the second nonwoven fabric may contain a binder that chemically adheres the nonwoven fabrics, preferably a vinyl acrylate binder. These binders are soft.

[0034] The bag material, used in bag-shaped products for oral use and also called packaging material, may be a dry-bonded nonwoven fabric comprising viscose rayon fibers, i.e., regenerated cellulose, and a polymer that acts as a binder in the nonwoven material and contributes to sealing the bag during manufacturing, although other types of nonwoven materials may be used.

[0035] Nonwoven fabrics are fabrics that are neither woven nor knitted. Generally, the methods for manufacturing nonwoven materials are technically known. Further information on nonwovens can be found in "Handbook of Nonwovens," by S. Russell, published by Woodhead Publ. Ltd. in 2007.

[0036] The properties of nonwoven fabrics depend, for example, on the fibers used, the methods used for web production, and the methods used for web bonding.

[0037] Based on the type of fiber used, nonwoven fabrics can be classified as either short-fiber nonwoven fabrics or long-fiber nonwoven fabrics.

[0038] Considering the web production method used, nonwoven fabrics can be classified as wet-laid nonwovens, dry-laid nonwovens, spun-laid nonwovens, or melt-blown nonwovens.

[0039] The long-fiber nonwoven fabric may have a spun web or a meltblown web.

[0040] Short fiber nonwoven fabrics may include dry webs or wet webs.

[0041] Dry-laid webs can be carded or air-laid. When carded, the manufacturing process can result in the fibers being substantially oriented in the carding direction. Dry-laid nonwovens can include parallel-laid, cross-laid, or random-laid webs. Parallel-laid and cross-laid webs typically contain two or more overlapping web layers that are usually carded, while random-laid webs typically contain a single web layer that can be air-laid.

[0042] Several methods can be used to bond fibers together in a web, also known as web solidification. Different types of bonding methods can be classified into mechanical bonding, such as needle punching, stitch bonding, and water entanglement; chemical bonding, such as saturation bonding, spray bonding, foam bonding, powder bonding, and printing bonding; and thermal bonding, such as high-temperature calendering, through-air thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding, and radiant thermal bonding. Two or more bonding methods may be used to solidify the nonwoven fabric.

[0043] In chemical bonding, a binder, also called an adhesive chemical or glue, is combined with the fibers. This type of nonwoven fabric is generally called chemically bonded or adhesive-bonded nonwoven fabric.

[0044] Regenerated fibers, also known as semi-synthetic fibers, are typically cellulose-regenerated fibers called reconstituted cellulose fibers, such as rayon. The regenerated cellulose used in the manufacture of rayon fibers is usually derived from wood pulp, but regenerated cellulose derived from other sources, such as bamboo, may also be used.

[0045] Viscose rayon short fibers can be formed by extruding a viscose solution, i.e., a solution of xanthogenic cellulose, through a spinneret. As the viscose exits the spinneret, it enters a bath of mineral acid such as sulfuric acid, resulting in fiber formation. These fibers are then cut to the desired length, thereby forming short fibers.

[0046] Lyocell is a form of rayon made from dissolved pulp, specifically bleached wood pulp.

[0047] The pouch products disclosed herein include a filler material, which may include smoke-free non-tobacco materials such as nicotine-containing smoke-free non-tobacco materials. The pouch products containing smoke-free non-tobacco materials may further contain trace amounts of tobacco, such as less than 0.05 wt%. The filler material containing smoke-free non-tobacco materials may further contain flavoring compounds. Alternatively, the pouch products containing smoke-free non-tobacco materials may further contain tobacco in the range of 5 wt% to 10 wt%, i.e., low-tobacco products.

[0048] A pouch-type, smokeless, low-tobacco product for oral use may contain additional nicotine, i.e., nicotine in addition to the nicotine in tobacco. Alternatively, this low-tobacco product may not contain additional nicotine, and the nicotine is provided solely by the tobacco in the product.

[0049] Tobacco, non-tobacco, or low-tobacco products in pouch form for oral use, as disclosed herein, may include non-tobacco plant materials and / or other types of fillers. Examples of non-tobacco plant materials include plant fibers selected from the group consisting of corn fiber, oat fiber, tomato fiber, barley fiber, rye fiber, apple fiber, sugar beet fiber, potato fiber, corn fiber, buckwheat fiber, cocoa fiber, bamboo fiber, citrus fiber, and any combination thereof. Processed fibers such as microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) fibers and synthetic polymer fibers may also be used. Fillers such as plant materials, cellulose, and starch may exist in the form of particles or as a combination of particles and fibers. For example, a filler may include or consist of microcrystalline cellulose particles.

[0050] The pouch-type non-tobacco products for oral use disclosed herein may contain an active ingredient such as nicotine, that is, they may be pouch-type nicotine-containing products for oral use. Alternatively, the pouch-type non-tobacco products for oral use may not contain nicotine, that is, they may be pouch-type nicotine-free smoke-free products for oral use.

[0051] In nicotine-containing tobacco-free or low-tobacco content compositions, nicotine may be synthetic nicotine and / or nicotine derived from the tobacco plant. Furthermore, nicotine may exist in the form of nicotine groups or nicotine salts, such as nicotine hydrochloride, nicotine dihydrochloride, nicotine monotartrate, nicotine bitartrate, nicotine bitartrate dihydrate, nicotine sulfate, nicotine zinc chloride monohydrate, nicotine salicylate, nicotine benzoate, nicotine polarilex, or combinations thereof.

[0052] Nicotine salts may be free, meaning they are mixed with other components of the product without being chemically combined with them. Alternatively, nicotine salts may be chemically combined with one or more components of the product. For example, nicotine salts may be combined with alginate particles or cellulose.

[0053] The oral, smokeless products in pouch form disclosed herein may contain active ingredients such as cannabinoids. The cannabinoids considered for the oral, smokeless products disclosed herein may be one or more of the following: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabinol (CBN), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabivarin (CBV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabiclomevalin (CBCV), cannabigerovalin (CBGV), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM), cannabiersoin (CBE), and cannabicitran (CBT).

[0054] Caffeine is also a well-known stimulant that can be used as an active agent in the oral smokeless products disclosed herein. Further active agents that can be used in the oral smokeless products disclosed herein include ginseng, taurine, and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). The oral smokeless products may also include combinations of active agents.

[0055] The bag-like products disclosed herein include a filling material, which may include a smokeless tobacco material.

[0056] The addition of a small amount of tobacco to a pouch-type non-tobacco product for oral use provides a pouch-type smokeless low-tobacco snuff product for oral use. Therefore, in addition to a small amount of tobacco, the product includes non-tobacco plant materials as described herein, and / or filling materials such as MCC as described herein. The composition of a pouch-type smokeless low-tobacco snuff product for oral use may be identical to the composition of a pouch-type smokeless non-tobacco product for oral use, except for the presence of a small amount of tobacco.

[0057] The filling material containing the smokeless tobacco material may further contain a flavoring compound.

[0058] The term “Fragrance” is used herein to refer to substances used to influence the aroma and / or taste of an oral pouch product, including essential oils, single fragrance compounds, blended flavorings, and extracts.

[0059] The pouch products disclosed herein include a filler material, which may contain nicotine. Furthermore, the pouches disclosed herein may be configured to allow extraction of nicotine from 35% to 90%, such as 50% to 80%, or 45% to 90% of the nicotine initially present in the filler material, during 30 minutes of use. Surprisingly, it has been found that the extraction of nicotine from the filler material enclosed in the pouch products disclosed herein can be significantly increased compared to the extraction of nicotine from conventional pouch products. This is further demonstrated in Example 1. Thus, it is found that the pouch products disclosed herein enhance the release of nicotine from the filler material, thereby improving the consumer experience. Furthermore, the suggested binding of nicotine and / or flavorings in the pouch material will reduce the amount that needs to be added.

[0060] The bag-like products disclosed herein include a filler material, which may contain a fragrance compound. Furthermore, the bag-like products disclosed herein may be configured to allow extraction of 10% to 45% of the fragrance compound, such as 10% to 30% of the fragrance compound initially present in the filler material, during a 30-minute period of use.

[0061] It was surprisingly found that the extraction of fragrance compounds from the filling material enclosed in the bag-like products disclosed herein could be significantly increased compared to the extraction of fragrance compounds from conventional bag-like products. This is further demonstrated in Example 1.

[0062] The filling material may further include one or more of the following: water, salt (e.g., sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, and combinations thereof), pH adjusters, flavoring agents, cooling agents, heating agents, sweeteners, coloring agents, humectants (e.g., propylene glycol or glycerol), antioxidants, preservatives (e.g., potassium sorbate), binders, and disintegrants.

[0063] Non-tobacco pouches or low-tobacco pouches for oral use may be dry, semi-dry, or wet. Generally, dry non-tobacco pouches or low-tobacco pouches for oral use have a moisture content of less than 10 wt%, while wet non-tobacco pouches or low-tobacco pouches for oral use have a moisture content of more than 40 wt%. Semi-dry non-tobacco pouches or low-tobacco pouches for oral use have a moisture content between 10 wt% and 40 wt%.

[0064] Pouch-type non-tobacco products or pouch-type low-tobacco products for oral use may be flavored by mixing flavorings with the ingredients of the smokeless non-tobacco product or the smokeless snuff product during manufacturing. Alternatively, flavorings may be added to the smokeless non-tobacco product or smokeless snuff product after the product has been manufactured. For example, the flavorings may be added to at least one inner surface of the container for the product, so that the flavorings are imparted to the product when the container is closed. In a further example, the flavorings may be sprayed directly onto the smokeless non-tobacco product or smokeless low-tobacco snuff product.

[0065] The bag-like products disclosed herein comprise a first nonwoven fabric, which may have opacities ranging from 15 to 30, such as 15 to 20, or 15 to 25, on a Yc / 2° spectral sensitivity measured with a ColorFlex EZ according to ASTM E1164. Nonwoven fabrics comprising spunbonded thermoplastic fibers and having a face weight in the range of 8 gsm to 27 gsm contribute to lower opacity. Opacity values ​​between 15 and 30 on a Yc / 2° spectral sensitivity contribute to desirable opacity. This is further demonstrated in Example 2.

[0066] The bag-like products disclosed herein may have two opposing end seals, the sealing strength of the end seals may be 0.1 N / mm or more, in the range of 0.3 N / mm to 0.7 N / mm, in the range of 0.35 N / mm to 0.7 N / mm, in the range of 0.43 N / mm to 0.7 N / mm, etc., according to the sealing strength method ASTM F88 measured at 10 mm / min.

[0067] The sealing strength should be sufficient to maintain the integrity of the bag-like product without being rigid or stiff in a way that could impair the consumer's experience during product use. If the second nonwoven fabric does not contain a binder to bond the nonwovens, welding only the second nonwoven fabric is not possible. Furthermore, welding only the first nonwoven fabric would create a rigid and hard seal. However, it has been surprisingly found that when the first and second nonwoven fabrics are welded together, forming a bag in which the second nonwoven fabric surrounds the first nonwoven fabric, a seal with excellent sealing strength is achieved. Therefore, with the help of the first nonwoven fabric, it is possible to weld the second nonwoven fabric, which would otherwise be unweldable. Moreover, the resulting seal is soft and has a pleasant mouthfeel for the user.

[0068] The sealing of pouches for oral use can be carried out, for example, using heat or ultrasonic energy. In this case, it is desirable that the pouch material contains a component such as a thermoplastic polymer, which reacts to heat or ultrasonic energy to contribute to the sealing of the pouch. This component may be a binder as mentioned above, or it may form short or long fibers.

[0069] Alternatively or supplementary, sealing may be carried out using glue or adhesive. Further alternative or supplementary, sealing may be carried out by mechanical edge embossing, with or without heat.

[0070] In other embodiments, the present invention relates to a user container comprising a bag-like product as disclosed herein.

[0071] The user container typically comprises 10 to 30 pouches for oral use, such as 20 to 25 pouches. The pouches may be arranged randomly or in a pattern in the user container, as described, for example, in WO2012 / 069505. The user containers disclosed herein are consumer packaging having a shape and size adapted for convenient carrying of the packaging in a pocket or handbag and can be used to package any known type of pouch for oral use. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0072] [Figure 1a] This is a top view of an embodiment of a bag-shaped product disclosed herein. [Figure 1b] This is a bottom view of an embodiment of a bag-shaped product disclosed herein. [Figure 1c] This is a cross-sectional view of embodiments of the first and second nonwoven fabrics in contact with each other. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0073] It should be understood that the drawings are schematic and that individual features and components are not necessarily depicted to the same scale.

[0074] Figure 1a schematically shows a top view of a pouch product for oral use disclosed herein. The pouch product 101 shown in Figure 1a has a rectangle with a maximum length L0 extending in the longitudinal direction and a maximum width W0 extending in the width direction, thereby the maximum length L0 being greater than the maximum width W0. The pouch product shown in Figure 1a comprises a filling material 102 and a saliva-permeable pouch that encloses the filling material. The pouch is made of two nonwoven fabrics, namely a first nonwoven fabric 103 and a second nonwoven fabric 104, which are located in contact with each other and enclose the filling material 102 together.

[0075] The second nonwoven fabric 104 surrounds the first nonwoven fabric 103. The second nonwoven fabric 104 is provided with one or more openings 105 through which the first nonwoven fabric 103 is exposed. The openings 105 in the second nonwoven fabric 104 are created by removing a portion of the second nonwoven fabric 104 before bringing the first nonwoven fabric 103 and the second nonwoven fabric 104 into contact with each other. In this embodiment of the present invention, the openings are circular.

[0076] The bag-shaped product 101 shown in Figure 1a has two long edges 107a, 107b and two short edges 109a, 109b. The bag-shaped product 101 shown in Figure 1a also has an extension in the height direction which is perpendicular to the length and width directions, although this is not visible in this viewpoint.

[0077] The rear side of the bag-like product 101 shown in Figure 1b is provided with at least one seal 110 extending in the longitudinal direction. Typically, there is a single seal 110 extending in the longitudinal direction, as shown in Figure 1b. This seal is often called a longitudinal seal, because when manufacturing the bag-like product as shown in Figures 1a and 1b, this seal is made along the direction of progression of the web that forms the bag. The longitudinal seal is often positioned away from the long edges 107a, 107b. Thereafter, it is often preferred that the longitudinal seal be positioned along or near the longitudinal centerline, as shown in Figure 1b. The longitudinal seal 110 can be made by any method known to those skilled in the art, such as by using heat welding and / or ultrasonic sealing.

[0078] Furthermore, the bag-like product 101, as shown in Figures 1a and 1b, comprises two seals 111a, 111b extending in the width direction. The two seals 111a, 111b seal two short edges 109a, 109b, and thus form an edge seal. The seals 111a, 111b are often referred to as transverse edge seals because, when manufacturing the bag-like product 101 as shown in Figures 1a and 1b, these edge seals are made transversely to the direction of progression of the web forming the bag. The transverse edge seals 111a, 111b can be made by any method known to those skilled in the art, such as using heat welding and / or ultrasonic sealing. Since the transverse edge seals 111a and 111b are made after the longitudinal seal 110, that is, downstream of the longitudinal seal 110 in the manufacturing equipment, the longitudinal seal 110 is included in the transverse edge seals 111a and 111b, meaning that the longitudinal seal 110 forms part of the transverse edge seals 111a and 111b, for example, the longitudinal seal 110 is welded to the transverse edge seals 111a and 111b.

[0079] Figure 1c provides a schematic diagram of the first nonwoven fabric 103 in contact with the second nonwoven fabric 104, with the second nonwoven fabric 104 having an opening 105. The first nonwoven fabric 103 can come into contact with the filler material 102. Only the first nonwoven fabric 103 is in contact with the filler material 102, while the second nonwoven fabric 104 surrounds the first nonwoven fabric 103.

[0080] (Examples) (Example 1) The examples illustrate the release of nicotine and fragrance contained in the filling material through a nonwoven fabric that can act as the first nonwoven fabric according to the present invention.

[0081] The release of flavorings and nicotine from two types of bag materials containing filling materials including granular microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), nicotine, and flavorings was investigated.

[0082] Two different types of bag materials were used to enclose the filling material. * A standard bag material (hereinafter referred to as STAND) comprising a nonwoven fabric with a surface weight area of ​​29 gsm, the nonwoven fabric containing viscose and a binder. * Nonwoven fabric made of polyethylene and polypropylene having a surface weight area of ​​8 to 20 gsm (hereinafter referred to as PE / PP).

[0083] Each bag containing the filling material, i.e., two research products, was manufactured according to conventional methods. Thus, each of the two flavored products contained 6 mg of nicotine and 8.12 mg of flavoring, weighed 0.4 g, and was sealed in either STAND or PE / PP bag material.

[0084] Twenty subjects were repeatedly given one dose each of two research products in a predetermined, randomly assigned order. On each study day, subjects were given the research products with 30 minutes of use followed by a 30-minute interval between the two research products.

[0085] After use, the samples were collected and placed in a freezer (-20°C) before analysis. The amounts of nicotine and flavoring were then measured. Regarding the flavoring, the amount of methyl salicylate was measured as a flavoring indicator.

[0086] In this study, methods were employed to evaluate both nicotine and flavoring in the form of the indicator methyl salicylate from the same bag, investigating the differences in the extracted amount (mg / bag) and extraction percentage (%) of nicotine and methyl salicylate through two different bag materials (STAND and PE / PP).

[0087] As a standard, unused samples of the STAND sample and each PE / PP sample, i.e., samples that had not been exposed to the mouth of a consumer, were used.

[0088] All bags were cut in half. 400 μL of 2-propanol was added to the reference sample and left to stand at room temperature (20-22°C) for 5 minutes. Then, 2 mL of tap water was added to all samples, i.e., both reference samples and samples from the study, and the samples were then vibrated at 360 rpm (revolutions per minute) for 5 minutes at room temperature. 10 mL of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) and 100 μL of standards (n-decanol as a standard in the analysis of fragrances, and quinoline as a standard in the analysis of nicotine) were then added, and the samples were vibrated at 360 rpm for 60 minutes at 50°C. 400 μL of this extract was used for the analysis of fragrances (methyl salicylate) using GC-MS. 500 μL of 12 M NaOH was added to the remaining sample, and the mixture was vibrated at 360 rpm for 15 minutes at room temperature, and left standing for 60 minutes before nicotine analysis using GC-MS.

[0089] The following GC-MC instruments and parameters were used: A GC / MS system featuring an Agilent 7890A GC, 7693A autosampler, and 5975C MS. Column: Agilent Innowax, 60m x 0.25mm inner diameter and 0.25μm film thickness. Liner: Divided. 850 μl with inactivated glass wool.

[0090] GC parameters: syringe Carrier gas: Helium Carrier gas flow: 1 ml / min (constant flow rate) Method of injection: Split injection Split flow: 100ml / min Injection volume: 1μl Injector temperature: 225℃ Wash bottle: A = water, B = acetone

[0091] Temperature Program GC Initial temperature 100℃ Initial time: 0.3 minutes Speed ​​1 7℃ / min Temperature 1 150℃ 10 minutes Speed ​​2 20℃ / min Temperature 2 240℃ Time 2 3 minutes Equilibrium time: 0.25 minutes Execution time: 14.94 minutes

[0092] MS-Parameters: Mode: Scan (15-250 AMU) Solvent delay: 5 minutes EMV mode gain coefficient (0.80) Adjustment Automatic adjustment

[0093] Differences in the extracted amounts and proportions of flavoring (methyl salicylate) and nicotine were analyzed using Wilcoxon's signed-rank test (Statistica, StatSoft).

[0094] The basis for calculating the extracted quantities and percentages was calculated using the measured average flavor (methyl salicylate) and nicotine concentrations of the reference bag, along with the measured weight of the unused bag and the measured contents of the tested bag after use.

[0095] In addition to the mean and standard deviation (SD), the median, minimum, and maximum (minimum-maximum) contents of the flavoring (methyl salicylate) and nicotine, as well as the bag weight of 10 unused standard bags, are summarized and presented in Table 1.

[0096] [Table 1]

[0097] The amount and percentage of nicotine extracted after 30 minutes of use are summarized and presented in Table 2. Twenty pouches were measured, and the mean and median values ​​are presented in the table.

[0098] [Table 2]

[0099] The amount of nicotine extracted from PE / PP was found to be considerably higher compared to STAND (p<0.05). Furthermore, the proportion of nicotine extracted from PE / PP was found to be considerably higher compared to STAND (p<0.05).

[0100] The amount and percentage of fragrance extracted in the form of methyl salicylate from the indicator after 30 minutes of use are summarized and presented in Table 3. Twenty bags were measured, and the mean and median values ​​are presented in the table. For unknown reasons, the STAND containing more methyl salicylate compared to PE / PP affected the comparison of extracted amounts, but not the percentage of extracted methyl salicylate.

[0101] [Table 3]

[0102] Despite containing smaller amounts of methyl salicylate, the median extracted amount of methyl salicylate tended to be higher for PE / PP compared to STAND. Furthermore, the extracted percentage of fragrance (methyl salicylate) was considerably higher for PE / PP compared to STAND.

[0103] (Example 2) This example demonstrates that a first nonwoven fabric (A) comprising PP with a face weight of 8 gsm produces lower opacity compared to a standard material (STD) comprising viscose and a binder, with a face weight of 29 gsm.

[0104] Opacity was measured using ColorFlex EZ at a spectral sensitivity of Yc / 2°.

[0105] The measured opacity at the spectral sensitivity of Yc / 2° is shown in Table 4.

[0106] [Table 4]

[0107] The opacity in the spectral sensitivity of Yc / 2° was found to be considerably lower for A than for STD.

[0108] (Example 3) The example shows the improved sealing strength of the bag according to the present invention (INV) compared to a conventional bag (CONV).

[0109] In the INV sample, which consisted of two nonwoven fabrics, the first nonwoven fabric was PP with a surface weight of 8 gsm, and the second nonwoven fabric was viscose.

[0110] For the CONV sample, a heat-bonded nonwoven fabric of viscose and binder with a surface weight of 29 gsm was used.

[0111] Preparation for thermal sealing and determination of sealing strength were carried out according to the standard method ASTM F2029 and measured at 30 mm / min. Sealing was achieved in both INV and CONV samples using RDM laboratory thermal sealer and nonwoven fabric, and welded in a welding machine for 0.21 seconds. Sealing strength was determined by an Instron force transducer.

[0112] The measured sealing strengths are shown in Table 5.

[0113] [Table 5]

[0114] It was found that the sealing strength of INV was considerably higher than that of CONV. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 101 Bag-shaped products 102 Filling material 103 First nonwoven fabric 104 Second nonwoven fabric 105 Aperture 107a, 107b Long margin 109a, 109b Short margin 110 Longitudinal sealing 111a, 111b Transverse edge sealing L0 Maximum length W0 maximum width

Claims

1. A pouch-shaped product for oral use, The bag-shaped product comprises a saliva-permeable bag and a filling material contained in the saliva-permeable bag, wherein the saliva-permeable bag comprises a first nonwoven fabric for enclosing the filling material and a second nonwoven fabric surrounding the first nonwoven fabric, and one or more openings are provided in the second nonwoven fabric, through which the first nonwoven fabric is exposed.

2. The bag-like product according to claim 1, wherein the opening is formed by removing a portion of the second nonwoven fabric.

3. The one or more openings are at least 3 mm 2 The opening area is preferably 10 mm 2 From 60mm 2 Up to 20mm 2 From 40mm 2 Up to 3mm 2 From 80mm 2 A bag-shaped product according to claim 1 or 2, having an opening area in the range of up to [a certain value].

4. The bag-shaped product according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first nonwoven fabric contains thermoplastic polymer fibers or is composed of thermoplastic polymer fibers.

5. The bag-like product according to claim 4, wherein the thermoplastic polymer fiber is selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene, polylactic acid, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene succinate, and any combination thereof.

6. The bag-shaped product according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the basis weight of the first nonwoven fabric is in the range of 8 gsm to 27 gsm.

7. The bag-like product according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first nonwoven fabric is spunbonded.

8. The bag-shaped product according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second nonwoven fabric contains or is composed of cellulosic fibers, such as regenerated cellulose fibers like viscose fibers, or lyocell fibers like viscose fibers.

9. The bag-like product according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second nonwoven fabric is entangled by a water flow.

10. The bag-like product according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second nonwoven fabric is free of binders such as heat binders, chemical binders, binder fibers, adhesives, or chemicals that bond the nonwoven fabrics.

11. The bag-shaped product according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the filling material comprises a smoke-free non-tobacco material such as a nicotine-containing smoke-free non-tobacco material, and the filling material preferably further comprises a flavoring compound.

12. The bag-shaped product according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the filling material comprises a smokeless tobacco material, and preferably the filling material further comprises a flavoring compound.

13. The bag-shaped product according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the filling material contains nicotine, and the saliva-permeable bag is configured to allow extraction of 35% to 90% of the nicotine initially present in the filling material during 30 minutes of use.

14. The bag-like product according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first nonwoven fabric has an opacity ranging from 15 to 30 on a spectral sensitivity of Yc / 2° as measured by the ASTM E1164 method.

15. The bag-like product according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the saliva-permeable bag comprises two opposing end seals, and the sealing strength of the end seals is 0.1 N / mm or greater, such as being in the range of 0.3 N / mm to 0.7 N / mm, when measured according to the sealing strength method disclosed herein.

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