Asymmetrically shaped oral product

Abstract

An oral product includes a first portion and a second portion, where the first portion has a generally outwardly curved shape relative to a major plane of the oral product and the second portion has a generally flat shape that is parallel with the major plane of the oral product. The first portion may include a first composition. The first composition may include an active ingredient. The second portion may include a second composition that is different from the first composition.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 728,884, filed on Dec. 6, 2024. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUNDField

[0002] The present disclosure relates to oral products, and more specifically to asymmetrically shaped oral products, and to methods of using and forming the same.Description of Related Art

[0003] Oral nicotine products are available in a variety of formats, including, for example, gums, sprays, lozenges, dissolvable tablets, non-dissolvable chews, films, gels, capsules, sticks (for example, coated wooden dowels and / or singular dissolvable sticks), and pouches (for example, containing fibers or granules). Oral products may have selected nicotine levels to create familiar experiences for adult tobacco consumers.SUMMARY

[0004] At least one example embodiment relates to an example oral product.

[0005] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may have a generally outwardly curved shape relative to a major plane of the oral product. The second portion may have a generally flat shape that is parallel with the major plane of the oral product. The first portion may include a first composition. The first composition may include an active ingredient. The second portion may include a second composition that is different from the first composition.

[0006] In at least one example embodiment, the active ingredient may be a first active ingredient. The first composition may include a first amount of the first active ingredient. The second composition may include a second amount of a second active ingredient. The second amount may be less than the first amount.

[0007] In at least one example embodiment, the second composition may be free the active ingredient.

[0008] In at least one example embodiment, the second composition may include a flavorant, an antioxidant, a surfactant, a lubricant, a plasticizer, a fiber, a viscosity-modifier, a permeation enhancer, an absorbent, a filler, a sweetener, a colorant, a taste masking agent, or any combination thereof.

[0009] In at least one example embodiment, the second composition may include sugar, pentaglycerine, tris(hydroxymethyl) aminoethane, erythritol, pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, arabitol, xylitol, ribitol, mannitol, sorbitol, dulcitol, myo-inositol, isomalt, lactitol, maltitol, dianhydro mannitol, or any combination thereof.

[0010] In at least one example embodiment, the first composition may further include a flavorant, an antioxidant, a surfactant, a lubricant, a plasticizer, a fiber, a viscosity-modifier, a permeation enhancer, an absorbent, a filler, a sweetener, a colorant, a taste masking agent, or any combination thereof.

[0011] In at least one example embodiment, the flavorant may include menthol, peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen, cinnamon, chocolate, vanillin, licorice, clove, anise, sandalwood, geranium, rose, vanilla, lemon, cassia, fennel, ginger, ethylacetate, isoamylacetate, propylisobutyrate, isobutyrate, ethylbutyrate, ethylvalerate, benzylformate, limonene, cymene, pinene, linalool, geraniol, citronellol, citral, orange, coriander, borneol, fruit extract, coffee, tea, cacao, mint, terpene, or any combination thereof.

[0012] In at least one example embodiment, the terpene may include 8-myrcene, 8-caryophyllene, d-limonene, linalool, pulegone, 1,8-conele, α-pipene, α-perpineol, termineol-4-ol, p-cymene, or any combination thereof.

[0013] In at least one example embodiment, the first composition may further include a polymeric material.

[0014] In at least one example embodiment, the polymeric material may include pectin, gelatin, sodium alginate, maltodextrin, pullulan, xanthan, gum acacia, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, sodium carboxy methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, Kollicoat IR, Soluplus®, or any combination thereof.

[0015] In at least one example embodiment, the active ingredient may include a nicotine source, the nicotine source including nicotine, nicotine salt, nicotine solution, encapsulated nicotine, or any combination thereof.

[0016] In at least one example embodiment, the first portion may include a body having the generally outwardly curved shape and a coating disposed on the body. The body may include the second composition, and the coating may include the first composition.

[0017] In at least one example embodiment, the coating may cover greater than or equal to about 5% of a total exposed surface area of the body.

[0018] In at least one example embodiment, the coating may be a continuous coating.

[0019] In at least one example embodiment, the coating may be a non-continuous coating.

[0020] In at least one example embodiment, the coating may include one or more patterns.

[0021] In at least one example embodiment, the coating may be adhered to the body using an adhesive.

[0022] In at least one example embodiment, an overall shape of the oral product may be oval, circular, rectangular, or triangular.

[0023] At least one example embodiment relates to an example oral product.

[0024] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a body having a first portion and a second portion and a coating disposed on the first portion of the body. The first portion may have a generally outwardly curved shape relative to a major plane of the oral product. The second portion may have a generally flat shape that is parallel with the major plane of the oral product. The coating may include an active ingredient.

[0025] In at least one example embodiment, the active ingredient may be a first active ingredient. The coating may include a first amount of the first active ingredient. The body may include a second amount of a second active ingredient. The second amount may be less than the first amount.

[0026] In at least one example embodiment, the body may be free of the active ingredient.

[0027] In at least one example embodiment, the active ingredient may include nicotine, nicotine salts, nicotine solutions, encapsulated nicotine, or any combination thereof.

[0028] In at least one example embodiment, the coating may be a non-continuous coating.

[0029] In at least one example embodiment, the coating may be a continuous coating.

[0030] In at least one example embodiment, the coating may cover greater than or equal to about 5% of a total exposed surface area of the first portion of the body.

[0031] In at least one example embodiment, the body may include a flavorant, an antioxidant, a surfactant, a lubricant, a plasticizer, a fiber, a viscosity-modifier, a permeation enhancer, an absorbent, a filler, a sweetener, a colorant, a taste masking agent, or any combination thereof.

[0032] In at least one example embodiment, the flavorant may include menthol, peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen, cinnamon, chocolate, vanillin, licorice, clove, anise, sandalwood, geranium, rose, vanilla, lemon, cassia, fennel, ginger, ethylacetate, isoamylacetate, propylisobutyrate, isobutyrate, ethylbutyrate, ethylvalerate, benzylformate, limonene, cymene, pinene, linalool, geraniol, citronellol, citral, orange, coriander, borneol, fruit extract, coffee, tea, cacao, mint, terpene, or any combination thereof.

[0033] In at least one example embodiment, the terpene may include 8-myrcene, 8-caryophyllene, d-limonene, linalool, pulegone, 1,8-conele, α-pipene, α-perpineol, termineol-4-ol, p-cymene, or any combination thereof.

[0034] In at least one example embodiment, the body may include sugar, pentaglycerine, tris(hydroxymethyl) aminoethane, erythritol, pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, arabitol, xylitol, ribitol, mannitol, sorbitol, dulcitol, myo-inositol, isomalt, lactitol, maltitol, dianhydro mannitol, or any combination thereof.

[0035] In at least one example embodiment, the body may include a polymeric material.

[0036] In at least one example embodiment, the polymeric material may include pectin, gelatin, sodium alginate, maltodextrin, pullulan, xanthan, gum acacia, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, sodium carboxy methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, Kollicoat IR, Soluplus®, or any combination thereof.

[0037] In at least one example embodiment, the first portion may include a first composition, and the second portion may include a second composition that is different than the first composition.

[0038] In at least one example embodiment, the coating may include a first amount of the active ingredient, the first composition may include a second amount of the active ingredient, and the second composition may include a third amount of the active ingredient.

[0039] In at least one example embodiment, the third amount of the active ingredient may be less than the second amount of the active ingredient, and the second amount of the active ingredient may be less than the first amount of the active ingredient.

[0040] At least one example embodiment relates to an oral product.

[0041] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a first portion having a first shape relative to a major plane of the oral product, a second portion having a second shape relative to the major plane of the oral product, and a film at least partially coating one of the first portion and the second portion. The film may include an active ingredient, and the other of the first portion and the second portion may be free of the film.

[0042] In at least one example embodiment, the first shape may be different than the second shape.

[0043] In at least one example embodiment, the active ingredient may include nicotine, nicotine salts, nicotine solutions, encapsulated nicotine, or any combination thereof.

[0044] In at least one example embodiment, the film may be adhered to the body using an adhesive.

[0045] In at least one example embodiment, the film may define a continuous coating.

[0046] In at least one example embodiment, the film may define a non-continuous coating.

[0047] In at least one example embodiment, the film may cover greater than or equal to about 5% of a total exposed surface area of the one of the first portion and the second portion.

[0048] In at least one example embodiment, at least one of the first portion and the second portion may include a flavorant, an antioxidant, a surfactant, a lubricant, a plasticizer, a fiber, a viscosity-modifier, a permeation enhancer, an absorbent, a filler, a sweetener, a colorant, a taste masking agent, or any combination thereof.

[0049] In at least one example embodiment, the flavorant may include menthol, peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen, cinnamon, chocolate, vanillin, licorice, clove, anise, sandalwood, geranium, rose, vanilla, lemon, cassia, fennel, ginger, ethylacetate, isoamylacetate, propylisobutyrate, isobutyrate, ethylbutyrate, ethylvalerate, benzylformate, limonene, cymene, pinene, linalool, geraniol, citronellol, citral, orange, coriander, borneol, fruit extract, coffee, tea, cacao, mint, terpene, or any combination thereof.

[0050] In at least one example embodiment, the terpene may include 8-myrcene, 8-caryophyllene, d-limonene, linalool, pulegone, 1,8-conele, α-pipene, α-perpineol, termineol-4-01, p-cymene, or any combination thereof.

[0051] In at least one example embodiment, at least one of the first portion and the second portion may include sugar, pentaglycerine, tris(hydroxymethyl) aminoethane, erythritol, pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, arabitol, xylitol, ribitol, mannitol, sorbitol, dulcitol, myo-inositol, isomalt, lactitol, maltitol, dianhydro mannitol, or any combination thereof.

[0052] In at least one example embodiment, at least one of the first portion and the second portion may include a polymeric material.

[0053] In at least one example embodiment, the polymeric material may include pectin, gelatin, sodium alginate, maltodextrin, pullulan, xanthan, gum acacia, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, sodium carboxy methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, Kollicoat IR, Soluplus®, or any combination thereof.

[0054] In at least one example embodiment, the first portion may include a first composition, and the second portion may include a second composition that is different than the first composition.

[0055] In at least one example embodiment, the coating may include a first amount of the active ingredient, the first composition may include a second amount of the active ingredient, and the second composition may include a third amount of the active ingredient.

[0056] In at least one example embodiment, the third amount of the active ingredient may be less than the second amount of the active ingredient, and the second amount of the active ingredient may be less than the first amount of the active ingredient.

[0057] At least one example embodiment relates to an example oral product.

[0058] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a first portion having a generally outwardly curved shape relative to a major plane of the oral product and a second portion having a generally flat shape that is parallel with the major plane of the oral product. The first portion may include a first composition. The first composition may include an active ingredient. The second portion may include a second composition that is different from the first composition.

[0059] In at least one example embodiment, the active ingredient may be a first active ingredient, and the first composition may include a first amount of the first active ingredient and the second composition may include a second amount of a second active ingredient. The second amount may be less than the first amount.

[0060] In at least one example embodiment, the second composition may be free of the active ingredient.

[0061] In at least one example embodiment, the second composition may include a flavorant, an antioxidant, a surfactant, a lubricant, a plasticizer, a fiber, a viscosity-modifier, a permeation enhancer, an absorbent, a filler, a sweetener, a colorant, a taste masking agent, or any combination thereof.

[0062] In at least one example embodiment, the second composition may include sugar, pentaglycerine, tris(hydroxymethyl) aminoethane, erythritol, pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, arabitol, xylitol, ribitol, mannitol, sorbitol, dulcitol, myo-inositol, isomalt, lactitol, maltitol, dianhydro mannitol, or any combination thereof.

[0063] In at least one example embodiment, the first composition may further include a polymeric material. The polymeric material may include pectin, gelatin, sodium alginate, maltodextrin, pullulan, xanthan, gum acacia, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, sodium carboxy methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, Kollicoat IR, Soluplus®, or any combination thereof.

[0064] In at least one example embodiment, the active ingredient may include a nicotine source. The nicotine source may include nicotine, nicotine salt, nicotine solution, encapsulated nicotine, or any combination thereof.

[0065] In at least one example embodiment, the first portion may include a body and a coating disposed on the body and covering greater than or equal to about 5% of a total exposed surface area of the body. The body may have the generally outwardly curved shape. The coating including the first composition. The body may include the second composition.

[0066] In at least one example embodiment, the coating may be adhered to the body using an adhesive.

[0067] At least one example embodiment relates to an example oral product.

[0068] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a body having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may have a generally outwardly curved shape relative to a major plane of the oral product. The second portion may have a generally flat shape that is parallel with the major plane of the oral product. The oral product may further include a coating disposed on the first portion of the body. The coating may cover greater than or equal to about 5% of a total exposed surface area of the first portion of the body. The coating may include an active ingredient.

[0069] In at least one example embodiment, the active ingredient may be a first active ingredient, the coating may include a first amount of the first active ingredient, and the body may include a second amount of a second active ingredient. The second amount may be less than the first amount.

[0070] In at least one example embodiment, the body may be free of the active ingredient.

[0071] In at least one example embodiment, the coating may include a first amount of the active ingredient, the first portion may include a first composition, the first composition may include a second amount of the active ingredient, and the second portion may include a second composition that is different than the first composition. The second composition may include a third amount of the active ingredient.

[0072] In at least one example embodiment, the third amount of the active ingredient may be less than the second amount of the active ingredient. The second amount of the active ingredient may be less than the first amount of the active ingredient.

[0073] At least one example embodiment relates to an example oral product.

[0074] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a first portion having a first shape relative to a major plane of the oral product, a second portion having a second shape relative to the major plane of the oral product, and a film at least partially coating one of the first portion and the second portion. The film may cover greater than or equal to about 5% of a total exposed surface area of the one of the first portion and the second portion.

[0075] The coating may include an active ingredient and the other of the first portion and the second portion may be free of the film.

[0076] In at least one example embodiment, the first shape may be different than the second shape.

[0077] In at least one example embodiment, the film may be adhered to the one of the first portion and the second portion using an adhesive.

[0078] In at least one example embodiment, at least one of the first portion and the second portion may include (a) a flavorant, an antioxidant, a surfactant, a lubricant, a plasticizer, a fiber, a viscosity-modifier, a permeation enhancer, an absorbent, a filler, a sweetener, a colorant, a taste masking agent, or any combination thereof, (b) sugar, pentaglycerine, tris(hydroxymethyl) aminoethane, erythritol, pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, arabitol, xylitol, ribitol, mannitol, sorbitol, dulcitol, myo-inositol, isomalt, lactitol, maltitol, dianhydro mannitol, or any combination thereof, (c) a polymeric material, the polymeric material including pectin, gelatin, sodium alginate, maltodextrin, pullulan, xanthan, gum acacia, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, sodium carboxy methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, Kollicoat IR, Soluplus®, or any combination thereof, or (d) any combination of (a)-(c).

[0079] In at least one example embodiment, the first portion may include a first composition, and the second portion may include a second composition that is different than the first composition.

[0080] In at least one example embodiment, the coating may include a first amount of the active ingredient, the first composition may include a second amount of the active ingredient, and the second composition may include a third amount of the active ingredient.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0081] The various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodiments herein may become more apparent upon review of the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are merely provided for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the claims. The accompanying drawings are not to be considered as drawn to scale unless explicitly noted. For purposes of clarity, various dimensions of the drawings may have been exaggerated.

[0082] FIG. 1 is a top-down perspective view of an example oral product in accordance with at least one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] FIG. 2 is a bottom-up perspective view of the example oral product of FIG. 1 in accordance with at least one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0084] FIG. 3 is a cross-section of the example oral product of FIG. 1 in accordance with at least one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0085] FIG. 4 is atop-down perspective view of another example oral product in accordance with at least one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] FIG. 5 is a bottom-up perspective view of the example oral product of FIG. 4 in accordance with at least one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0087] FIG. 6 is a cross-section of the example oral product of FIG. 4 in accordance with at least one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0088] FIG. 7 is atop-down perspective view of another example oral product in accordance with at least one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0089] FIG. 8 is a bottom-up perspective view of the example oral product of FIG. 7 in accordance with at least one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] FIG. 9 is a cross-section of the example oral product of FIG. 7 in accordance with at least one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0091] FIG. 10 is a top-down perspective view of another example oral product in accordance with at least one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092] FIG. 11 is a bottom-up perspective view of the example oral product of FIG. 10 in accordance with at least one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] FIG. 12 is a cross-section of the example oral product of FIG. 10 in accordance with at least one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0094] FIG. 13 is a top-down perspective view of another example oral product in accordance with at least one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0095] FIG. 14 is a bottom-up perspective view of the example oral product of FIG. 10 in accordance with at least one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] FIG. 15 is a cross-section of the example oral product of FIG. 10 in accordance with at least one example embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0097] Some detailed example embodiments are disclosed herein. However, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for the purposes of describing example embodiments. Example embodiments may, however, be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to only the example embodiments set forth herein.

[0098] Accordingly, while example embodiments are capable of various modifications and alternative forms, example embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit example embodiments to the particular forms disclosed, but to the contrary, example embodiments are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of example embodiments. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description of the figures.

[0099] It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,”“connected to,”“coupled to,” or “covering” another element or layer, it may be directly on, connected to, coupled to, or covering the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,”“directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the specification. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0100] It should be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of example embodiments.

[0101] Spatially relative terms (e.g., “beneath,”“below,”“lower,”“above,”“upper,” and the like) may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It should be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” may encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0102] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a,”“an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,”“including,”“comprises,” and / or “comprising,” specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, and / or elements, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or groups thereof.

[0103] When the terms “about” or “substantially” are used in this specification in connection with a numerical value, it is intended that the associated numerical value includes a manufacturing or operational tolerance (e.g., ±10%) around the stated numerical value. Moreover, when the terms “generally” or “substantially” are used in connection with geometric shapes, it is intended that precision of the geometric shape is not required but that latitude for the shape is within the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, regardless of whether numerical values or shapes are modified as “about,”“generally,” or “substantially,” it will be understood that these values and shapes should be construed as including a manufacturing or operational tolerance (e.g., ±10%) around the stated numerical values or shapes.

[0104] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, including those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0105] The present application generally relates to oral products, and more specifically to asymmetrically shaped oral products, and to methods of using and forming the same.

[0106] The oral product may include an active ingredient intended for delivery through buccal membrane. In at least one example embodiment, the active ingredient may include a tobacco extract, a tobacco-derived nicotine extract, synthetic nicotine, cannabis, or any combination thereof.

[0107] The oral product may be an oral tobacco product, an oral non-tobacco product, an oral cannabis product, or any combination thereof. For example, in at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a tobacco extract, such as a tobacco-derived nicotine extract and / or synthetic nicotine. The oral product may include the tobacco-derived nicotine extract and / or synthetic nicotine alone or in combination with a carrier. The carrier may be a non-tobacco material (e.g., microcrystalline cellulose) or a tobacco material (e.g., tobacco fibers having reduced or eliminated nicotine content, which may be referred to as “exhausted tobacco plant tissue or fibers”). In at least one example embodiment, the exhausted tobacco plant tissue or fibers can be treated to remove at least 25% (e.g., at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, or at least 95%) of the nicotine. The tobacco plant tissue may be, for example, washed with water or another solvent to remove the nicotine.

[0108] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include, additionally, or alternatively, nicotine or a nicotine derivative. For example, the oral product may include a complex of nicotine or a salt of nicotine. The complex of nicotine may include, for example, nicotine polacrilex. The salt of nicotine may include, for example, nitrate, monotartrate, bitartrate, bitartrate dihydrate, salicylate, sulfate or bisulfate, phosphate or acid phosphate, acetate, lactate, succinate, maleate, fumarate, gluconate, saccharate, benzoate, methanesulfonate, hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, or any combination thereof.

[0109] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the nicotine, the nicotine derivative, or the combination of the nicotine and the nicotine derivative in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.1 milligram (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 milligram, greater than or equal to about 2 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 4 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 6 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 8 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 10 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 12 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 14 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 16 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 18 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 20 milligrams, or greater than or equal to about 22 milligrams). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the nicotine, the nicotine derivative, or the combination of the nicotine and the nicotine derivative in an amount less than or equal to about 24 milligrams (e.g., less than or equal to about 22 milligrams, less than or equal to about 20 milligrams, less than or equal to about 18 milligrams, less than or equal to about 16 milligrams, less than or equal to about 14 milligrams, less than or equal to about 12 milligrams, less than or equal to about 10 milligrams, less than or equal to about 8 milligrams, less than or equal to about 6 milligrams, less than or equal to about 4 milligrams, less than or equal to about 2 milligrams, or less than or equal to about 1 milligram).

[0110] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the nicotine, the nicotine derivative, or the combination of the nicotine and the nicotine derivative in an amount ranging from about 0.1 milligram to about 24 milligrams (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.1 to less than or equal to about 14 milligrams or greater than or equal to about 3 milligrams to less than or equal to about 8 milligrams).

[0111] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include, additionally, or alternatively, cannabis, such as cannabis plant tissue and / or cannabis extracts. The cannabis material may include, for example, leaf and / or flower material from one or more species of cannabis plants and / or extracts from the one or more species of cannabis plants. The one or more species of cannabis plants may include Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and / or Cannabis ruderalis. In at least one example embodiment, the cannabis may be in the form of fibers. In at least one example embodiment, the cannabis may include a cannabinoid, a terpene, and / or a flavonoid. In at least one example embodiment, the cannabis material may be a cannabis-derived cannabis material, such as a cannabis-derived cannabinoid, a cannabis-derived terpene, and / or a cannabis-derived flavonoid.

[0112] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include, additionally, or alternatively, one or more compounds or elements or components such as a mouth-stable polymer, a mouth-soluble polymer, a sweetener, an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a focusing agent, a plasticizer, mouth-soluble fibers, an alkaloid, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a nutraceutical, a coloring agent, an amino acid, a sensate or chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a surfactant, a food-grade emulsifier, a pH modifier (or pH adjustor), a botanical, a tooth-whitening agent, a therapeutic agent, a processing aid, a stearate, a wax, a stabilizer, a disintegrating agent, a lubricant, a preservative, a filler, a flavorant, flavor masking agents, a bitterness receptor site blocker, a receptor site enhancers, a carrier, an oil, a base polymer, a masking agent, one or more additives, an effervescent, a permeation enhancer, a buccal-adhesive polymer, a saliva-absorbing polymer, a viscosity-modifier, a absorbent, a taste masking agent, or any combination thereof.

[0113] As used herein, “mouth-soluble” means that the polymer experiences significant disintegration when exposed to saliva within an oral cavity of an adult consumer over a period of about four hours. In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-soluble polymer disintegrates when exposed to saliva having a normal human body temperature (i.e., 98.6° F.) for a period of less than or equal to about an hour (e.g., less than or equal to about 30 minutes, less than or equal to about 15 minutes, less than or equal to about 10 minutes, or less than or equal to about 5 minutes).

[0114] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product maybe free of a mouth soluble polymer. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a mouth soluble polymer. The mouth-soluble polymer may include, for example, a cellulosic polymer, a natural polymer, a seaweed-derived polymer, a microbial-derived polymer, an extract, an exudate, a synthetic polymer, or any combination thereof. Other useful mouth-soluble polymers are known in the art, for example, see Krochta et al., Food Technology (1997) at 51:61-74; Glicksman Food Hydrocolloids CRC 1982; Krochta Edible Coatings and Films to Improve Food Quality Technomic 1994; Industrial Gums Academic 1993; and / or Nussinovitch Water-Soluble Polymer Applications in Foods Blackwell Science 2003, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0115] In at least one example embodiment, the cellulosic polymer may include, for example, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), hydroxypropyl (HPC), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), methyl cellulose (MC), or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the natural polymer may include, for example, a starch, a modified starch, konjac, collagen, inulin, soy protein, whey protein, casein, wheat gluten, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the seaweed-derived polymer may include, for example, a carrageenan, an alginate, or a combination of a carrageenan and an alginate. In at least one example embodiment, the carrageenan may include, for example, kappa carrageenan, iota carrageenan, lambda carrageenan, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the alginate may include, for example, propylene glycol alginate. In at least one example embodiment, the microbial-derived polymer may include, for example, xanthan, dextran, pullulan, curdlan, gellan, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the extract may include, for example, locust bean gum, guar gum, tara gum, gum tragacanth, pectin (e.g., low methoxy and amidated), agar, zein, karaya, gelatin, psyllium seed, chitin, chitosan, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the exudate may include, for example, gum acacia (arabic), shellac, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the synthetic polymer may include, for example, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, or any combination thereof.

[0116] As used herein, “mouth stable” means that the polymer does not appreciably dissolve or disintegrate when exposed to saliva at the normal human body temperature (e.g., 98.6° F.) over a period of about one hour. In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-stable polymer may include a biodegradable polymer that is configured to break down over a period of days, weeks, months, or years but does not appreciably break down when held in an oral cavity and exposed to saliva for a period of about one hour. In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-stable polymer may be stable within an oral cavity and exposed to saliva at the normal human body temperature for a period of greater than or equal to about 2 hours (e.g., greater than or equal to about 6 hours, greater than or equal to about 12 hours, greater than or equal to about 1 day, or greater than or equal to about 2 days). Accordingly, an oral product including a mouth-stable polymer according to at least one example embodiment is configured to remain intact when placed in an adult consumer's mouth. After a period of time, the mouth-stable polymer and any other mouth-stable elements may be removed from the adult consumer's mouth and discarded.

[0117] The mouth-stable polymer may be biocompatible and biostable. The mouth-stable polymer may generally be recognized as safe and in compliance with applicable food-contact regulations by an appropriate regulatory agency (e.g., the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)). In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-stable polymer may have a flexural modulus of greater than or equal to about 5 MPa (e.g., greater than or equal to about 10 MPa) when tested according to ASTM Testing Method D790 or ISO 178 at 23° C.

[0118] In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-stable polymer may include, for example, a polyurethane, a silicone, a polyester, a polyacrylate, a polyethylene, a polypropylene, a polyetheramide, a polystyrene, a polyvinyl alcohol, a polyvinyl acetate, a polyvinyl chloride, a polybutyl acetate, a butyl rubber, poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) (SEBS), poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene) (SBS), poly(styrene-isoprene-styrene) (SIS), any copolymer thereof, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-stable polymer may include a food-grade or medical-grade polymer, such as medical-grade polyurethane.

[0119] In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-stable polymer may include a thermoplastic polymer. The thermoplastic polymer may include a thermoplastic elastomer. In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-stable polymer may include a thermoplastic elastomer meeting the requirements of the FDA-modified ISO 10993, Part 1 “Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices” tests with human tissue contact time of 30 days or less. In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-stable polymer may have a shore Hardness of 50D or softer, a melt flow index of about 3 g / 10 min at 200° C. / 10 kg, a tensile strength of greater than or equal to about 10 MPa (using ISO 37), and / or an ultimate elongation of less than about 100% (using ISO 37).

[0120] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of a sweetener. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a sweetener. The sweetener may include, for example, a synthetic sweetener, a natural sweetener, or a combination of a synthetic sweetener and a natural sweetener. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include an encapsulated sweetener.

[0121] The natural sweetener may include, for example, a sugar such as monosaccharide, a disaccharide, a polysaccharide, or any combination thereof. The natural sweetener may include, for example, sucrose, honey, a mixture of low-molecular-weight sugars excluding sucrose, glucose (i.e., grape sugar, corn sugar, dextrose), molasses, corn sweetener, glucose syrup (i.e., corn syrup), fructose (i.e., fruit sugar), lactose (i.e., milk sugar), maltose (i.e., malt sugar, maltobiose), sorghum syrup, fruit juice concentrate, or any combination thereof.

[0122] In at least one example embodiment, the sweetener may include a sugar alcohol. The sugar alcohol may include, for example, ethylene glycol, glycerol, erythritol, threitol, arabitol, xylitol, ribitol, mannitol, sorbitol, galactitol, fucitol, iditol, inositol, volemitol, isomalt, maltitol, lactitol, maltotriitol, maltotetraitol, polyglycitol, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the sweetener may include a non-nutritive sweetener. The non-nutritive sweetener may include, for example, stevia, saccharin, aspartame, sucralose, acesulfame potassium, or any combination thereof.

[0123] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the sweetener in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 15 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 20 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 25 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 30 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 35 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the sweetener in an amount less than or equal to about 40 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 35 weight percent, less than or equal to about 30 weight percent, less than or equal to about 25 weight percent, less than or equal to about 20 weight percent, less than or equal to about 15 weight percent, less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, less than or equal to about 5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 1 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the sweetener in an amount ranging from about 0.01 weight percent to about 40 weight percent.

[0124] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of an energizing agent. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include an energizing agent. The energizing agent may include, for example, caffeine, taurine, citicoline, glucaronalactone, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, guarana, or any combination thereof. The caffeine may include, for example, synthetic caffeine, natural caffeine, or a combination of synthetic caffeine and natural caffeine.

[0125] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the energizing agent (for example, the caffeine) in amount greater than or equal to about 10 milligrams (e.g., greater than or equal to about 25 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 50 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 75 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 100 milligrams, or greater than or equal to about 150 milligrams). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the energizing agent (for example, the caffeine) in an amount less than or equal to about 200 milligrams (e.g., less than or equal to about 150 milligrams, less than or equal to about 100 milligrams, less than or equal to about 75 milligrams, less than or equal to about 50 milligrams, or less than or equal to about 25 milligrams). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the energizing agent (for example, the caffeine) in amount greater than or equal to about 10 milligrams to less than or equal to about 200 milligrams.

[0126] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the energizing agent (for example, the caffeine) in amount greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent (e.g. greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the energizing agent (for example, the caffeine) in amount less than or equal to about 5 weight percent (e.g. less than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the energizing agent (for example, the caffeine) in amount ranging from about 0.1 weight percent to about 5 weight percent.

[0127] As used herein, “soothing agents” are those selected to provide a soothing sensation to the throat and / or oral cavity of an adult consumer. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of a soothing agent. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a soothing agent. The soothing agent may include, for example, chamomile, lavender, jasmine, theanine, melatonin, or any combination thereof.

[0128] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the soothing agent in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the soothing agent in an amount less than or equal to about 5 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the soothing agent in an amount ranging from about 0.1 weight percent to about 5 weight percent.

[0129] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of a focusing agent. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a focusing agent. The focusing agent may include, for example, Ginkgo biloba.

[0130] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the focusing agent in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.2 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 15 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 20 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 25 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 30 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 35 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the focusing agent in an amount less than or equal to about 40 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 35 weight percent, less than or equal to about 30 weight percent, less than or equal to about 25 weight percent, less than or equal to about 20 weight percent, less than or equal to about 15 weight percent, less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, less than or equal to about 5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 1 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the focusing agent in an amount ranging from about 0.2 weight percent to about 40 weight percent.

[0131] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of a plasticizer. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a plasticizer. The plasticizer may include, for example, a triglyceride (e.g., long, medium, and / or short chain), triacetin, propylene glycol, glycerin, vegetable oil, a phthalate, an ester of a polycarboxylic acid with a linear or branched aliphatic alcohol of moderate chain length, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the plasticizer may be present in addition to triglycerides and / or other oils in the liquid mixture.

[0132] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the plasticizer in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 15 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 20 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 25 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 30 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the plasticizer in an amount less than or equal to about 35 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 30 weight percent, less than or equal to about 25 weight percent, less than or equal to about 20 weight percent, less than or equal to about 15 weight percent, less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, less than or equal to about 5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 1 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the plasticizer in an amount ranging from about 0.5 weight percent to about 35 weight percent.

[0133] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product maybe free of a mouth-soluble fiber. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a mouth-soluble fiber. In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-soluble fibers include maltodextrin, psyllium, starch, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-soluble fibers include soluble dietary fibers. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include partially soluble fibers, such as sugar beet fibers.

[0134] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the mouth-soluble fiber in an amount greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 15 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 20 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 25 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 30 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 35 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 40 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 45 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 50 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 55 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 60 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 65 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 70 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 75 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 80 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 85 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the mouth-soluble fiber in an amount less than or equal to about 90 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 85 weight percent, less than or equal to about 80 weight percent, less than or equal to about 75 weight percent, less than or equal to about 70 weight percent, less than or equal to about 65 weight percent, less than or equal to about 60 weight percent, less than or equal to about 55 weight percent, less than or equal to about 50 weight percent, less than or equal to about 45 weight percent, less than or equal to about 40 weight percent, less than or equal to about 35 weight percent, less than or equal to about 30 weight percent, less than or equal to about 25 weight percent, less than or equal to about 20 weight percent, less than or equal to about 15 weight percent, less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 5 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the mouth-soluble fiber in an amount ranging from about 1 weight percent to about 90 weight percent.

[0135] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of minerals in addition to any that may be present due to the inclusion, for example, of fruits and / or vegetables. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include minerals in addition to any that may be present due to the inclusion, for example, of fruits and / or vegetables. The minerals may include, for example, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, iodine, selenium, potassium, copper, manganese, molybdenum, chromium, and any combination thereof.

[0136] The amount of minerals incorporated into the oral product for adult human consumption can vary according to the type of mineral and the intended adult consumer. The amount of minerals may be formulated to include an amount less than or equal to the recommendations of the United States Department of Agriculture Recommended Daily Allowances.

[0137] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the mineral in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 12 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 14 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 16 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 18 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 20 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 22 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 24 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 26 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 28 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the mineral in an amount less than or equal to about 30 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 28 weight percent, less than or equal to about 26 weight percent, less than or equal to about 24 weight percent, less than or equal to about 22 weight percent, less than or equal to about 20 weight percent, less than or equal to about 18 weight percent, less than or equal to about 16 weight percent, less than or equal to about 14 weight percent, less than or equal to about 12 weight percent, less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 2 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the mineral in an amount ranging from about 0.1 weight percent to about 30 weight percent.

[0138] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of vitamins in addition to any that may be present due to the inclusion, for example, of fruits and / or vegetables. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include one or more vitamins in addition to any that may be present due to the inclusion, for example, of fruits and / or vegetables. The one or more additional vitamins may include, for example, vitamin A (retinol), vitamin D (cholecalciferol), vitamin E group, vitamin K group (phylloquinones and menaquinones), thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin, niacinamide, pyridoxine (vitamin B6 group), folic acid, choline, inositol, vitamin B12 (cobalamins), PABA (para aminobezoic acid), biotin, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), and any combination thereof.

[0139] The amount of vitamins may be chosen so as to provide an amount less than or equal to the recommendations of the United States Department of Agriculture Recommended Daily Allowances.

[0140] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the vitamin in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 12 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 14 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 16 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 18 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 20 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 22 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 24 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 26 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 28 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the vitamin in an amount less than or equal to about 30 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 28 weight percent, less than or equal to about 26 weight percent, less than or equal to about 24 weight percent, less than or equal to about 22 weight percent, less than or equal to about 20 weight percent, less than or equal to about 18 weight percent, less than or equal to about 16 weight percent, less than or equal to about 14 weight percent, less than or equal to about 12 weight percent, less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 2 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the vitamin in an amount ranging from about 0.1 weight percent to about 30 weight percent.

[0141] As used herein, the term “nutraceuticals” refers to any ingredient in foods that has a beneficial effect on human health. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of nutraceuticals. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a nutraceutical. The nutraceutical may include, for example, particular compounds and / or compositions isolated from natural food sources and / or genetically modified food sources. The nutraceutical may include, for example, phytonutrients derived from natural plants and / or genetically engineered plants.

[0142] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the nutraceutical in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the nutraceutical in an amount less than or equal to about 5 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, less than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the nutraceutical in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 5 weight percent.

[0143] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product maybe free of a coloring agent. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a coloring agent. The coloring agent may include a natural colorant, an artificial colorant, or any combination thereof.

[0144] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the coloring agent in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 7 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 9 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 11 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 12 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 13 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 14 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the coloring agent in an amount less than or equal to about 15 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 14 weight percent, less than or equal to about 13 weight percent, less than or equal to about 12 weight percent, less than or equal to about 11 weight percent, less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, less than or equal to about 9 weight percent, less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, less than or equal to about 5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the coloring agent in an amount ranging from about 0.1 weight percent to about 15 weight percent.

[0145] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of a sensate or chemesthesis agent. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a sensate or chemesthesis agent. The sensate or chemesthesis agent may include any soothing, cooling, and / or warming agent. In at least one example embodiment, the sensate or chemesthesis agent may include, for example, mint, menthol, cinnamon, pepper, jambu, capsaicin, pipeline, alpha-hydroxy-sanshool, (8)-gingerole, menthol, menthyl lactate, WS-3 (N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide), WS-23 (2-isopropyl N,2,3-trimethylbutyramide), Evercool 180™ (available from Givaudan SA),or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the sensate or chemesthesis agent may include, for example, capsaicin, pipeline, alpha-hydroxy-sanshool, (8)-gingerole, or any combination thereof, which are selected to provide a warm, tingling or burning sensation. In at least one example embodiment, the sensate or chemesthesis agent may include, for example, menthol, menthyl lactate, WS-3 (N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide), WS-23 (2-isopropyl N,2,3-trimethylbutyramide), Evercool 180™ (available from Givaudan SA), or any combination thereof, which are selected to provide a cooling sensation.

[0146] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the sensate or chemesthesis agent in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 12 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 14 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 16 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 18 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the sensate or chemesthesis agent in an amount less than or equal to about 20 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 18 weight percent, less than or equal to about 16 weight percent, less than or equal to about 14 weight percent, less than or equal to about 12 weight percent, less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the sensate or chemesthesis agent in an amount ranging from about 0.1 weight percent to about 20 weight percent.

[0147] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of an amino acid. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include an amino acid. The amino acid may include, for example, the eight essential amino acids that cannot be biosynthetically produced in humans, including valine, leucine, isoleucine, lysine, threonine, tryptophan, methionine, phenylalanine, or any combination thereof. The amino acid may include, for example, non-essential amino acids, such as alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, histidine, proline, serine, tyrosine, and any combination thereof.

[0148] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the amino acid in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the amino acid in an amount less than or equal to about 5 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, less than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the amino acid in an amount ranging from about 0.1 weight percent to about 5 weight percent.

[0149] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of an antioxidant. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include an antioxidant. The antioxidant may include, for example, tocopherol derivative, ascorbic acid, an ascorbic acid derivative (e.g., ascorbyl palmitate, sodium ascorbate), tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), vitamin C, vitamin B, magnesium, calcium, or any combination thereof.

[0150] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the antioxidant in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 7 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the antioxidant in an amount less than or equal to about 7.5 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, less than or equal to about 5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the antioxidant in an amount ranging from about 0.1 weight percent to about 7.5 weight percent.

[0151] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of a surfactant. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a surfactant. The surfactant may include, for example, sodium lauryl sulfate, Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 80, Tween 20, Tween 80, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), benzalkonium chloride, sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan monopalmitate, sorbitan monostearate, sorbitan tristearate, sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan trioleate, Pluronic F68, Pluronic F127, polyethylene glycol 400, polyethylene glycol 600, polyethylene glycol 1000, polyethylene glycol 1500, polyethylene glycol 4000, polyethylene glycol 6000, sodium cholate, sodium deoxycholate, sodium taurocholate, sodium taurodeoxycholate, bile salts, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (DOSS), remophor EL, Cremophor RH40, Labrasol, Lauroglycol FCC, glycerol monostearate, glyceryl behenate, glyceryl palmitostearate, glyceryl monooleate, glyceryl monostearate, glyceryl tristearate, PEG-8 caprylic / capric glycerides, PEG-30 dipolyhydroxystearate, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, caprylocaproyl macrogolglycerides, caprylyl / Capryl glucoside, decyl glucoside, tetraoleate sorbitan, tetraoleate sorbitol, tetraoleate mannitol, tetraoleate sucrose, tetraoleate polyglyceryl, ethoxylated castor oil, oleic acid, caprylic / capric triglyceride, medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), isopropyl myristate, polyglyceryl oleate, polyglyceryl-10 laurate, propylene glycol laurate, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, sodium oleate, sodium stearate, sodium palmitate, sodium cocoate, sodium caprylate, sodium laurate, sodium myristate, sodium caprate, sodium octanoate, sodium linoleate, sodium ricinoleate, oleoyl polyoxyl-6 glycerides, stearoyl polyoxyl-6 glycerides, oleic acid polyoxyl-6 glycerides, linoleic acid polyoxyl-6 glycerides, linolenic acid polyoxyl-6 glycerides, palmitic acid polyoxyl-6 glycerides, glycereth cocoate, glycereth laurate, glycereth stearate, glyceryl stearate, glyceryl oleate, glyceryl laurate, glycereth palmitostearate, glycereth-26, glyceryl caprylate / caprate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide, isostearyl alcohol, sodium stearyl fumarate, sodium stearyl lactate, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (DSS), sulfobetaine surfactants, phospholipids, poloxamine surfactants, poloxamers, lecithin, sodium docusate, slliphor RH40, vitamin E TPGS, or any combination thereof.

[0152] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the surfactant in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 7 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 9 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the surfactant in an amount less than or equal to about 10 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 9 weight percent, less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, less than or equal to about 5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the surfactant in an amount ranging from about 0.1 weight percent to about 10 weight percent.

[0153] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of a pH modifier. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a pH modifier. The pH modifier may include, for example, ammonium carbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium hydroxide, or any combination thereof.

[0154] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the pH modifier in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.05 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the pH modifier in an amount less than or equal to about 2 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, less than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent, less than or equal to about 0.05 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the pH modifier in an amount ranging from about 0.01 weight percent to 2 weight percent.

[0155] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of a wax. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a wax. The wax may include, for example, paraffin, microcrystalline wax, or both paraffin and microcrystalline wax.

[0156] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the wax in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.05 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 7 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 9 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the wax in an amount less than or equal to about 10 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 9 weight percent, less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, less than or equal to about 5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 0.05 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the wax in an amount ranging from about 0.01 weight percent to about 10 weight percent.

[0157] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of a lubricant. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a lubricant. The lubricant may include, for example, magnesium stearate, calcium stearate, zinc stearate, sodium stearyl fumarate, stearic acid, polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), talc, silicon dioxide, colloidal silicon dioxide, hydrogenated vegetable oil, glyceryl monostearate, glyceryl behenate, glyceryl palmitostearate, glyceryl stearate, PEG-4000, PEG-6000, PEG-8000, hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium benzoate, sodium chloride, lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, crospovidone, croscarmellose sodium, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), ethyl cellulose, cetyl alcohol, or any combination thereof.

[0158] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the lubricant in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.05 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 7 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the lubricant in an amount less than or equal to about 7.5 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, less than or equal to about 5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 0.05 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the lubricant in an amount ranging from about 0.01 weight percent to about 7.5 weight percent.

[0159] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of a filler. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a filler. The filler may be configured to alter a texture or pliability of the oral product. The filler may include mouth-soluble elements, mouth-insoluble elements, or both mouth-soluble and mouth-insoluble elements. Mouth-soluble elements may be configured to dissolve or disintegrate when in an adult consumer's mouth so as to render the oral product more pliable. The filler may include, for example, dicalcium phosphate, calcium sulfate, a clay, silica, glass particles, glyceryl palmitostearate, sodium stearyl fumarate, talc, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, certain other compounds or elements or components, including, for example, mouth-soluble fibers, sweeteners, minerals, as described, may be classified as fillers. For example, in at least one example embodiment, cellulosic materials may be present in the oral product as fillers in addition to or as an alternative to being carriers for the liquid mixture.

[0160] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the filler in an amount less than or equal to 20 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to 15 weight percent, less than or equal to 10 weight percent, less than or equal to 9 weight percent, less than or equal to 8 weight percent, less than or equal to 7 weight percent, less than or equal to 6 weight percent, less than or equal to 5 weight percent, less than or equal to 4 weight percent, less than or equal to 3 weight percent, less than or equal to 2 weight percent, or less than or equal to 1 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the filler in an amount greater than or equal to about 0 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the filler in an amount ranging from about 0 weight percent to about 8 weight percent.

[0161] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of a flavorant. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a flavorant. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include an encapsulated flavorant. The flavorant may be natural or artificial. The flavorant may include, for example, a fruit flavorant (e.g., bergamot, berry, cherry, lemon, and / or orange), a liquor or liqueur flavorant (e.g., bourbon, cognac, scotch, whiskey, and / or DRAMBUIE brand liqueur), a mint flavorant (e.g., Japanese mint, menthol, peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen, and / or mint oils from a species of the genus Mentha), a floral flavorant (e.g., geranium, lavender, and / or rose), a spice, an herb, or another botanical or botanical-derived flavorant (e.g., anise, Apium graveolens, caraway, cardamom, cascarilla, cassia, cinnamon, chamomile, clove, cocoa, coffee, coriander, fennel, ginger, jasmine, licorice, nutmeg, pimenta, sage, sandalwood vanilla, and / or ylang-ylang), honey essence, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the flavorant may include bergamot, berry, cherry, lemon, orange, bourbon, cognac, scotch, whiskey, anise, Apium graveolens, caraway, cardamom, cascarilla, cassia, cinnamon, chamomile, clove, coffee, coriander, fennel, ginger, jasmine, licorice, nutmeg, pimenta, sage, sandalwood vanilla, ylang-ylang, honey essence, or any combination thereof.

[0162] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the flavorant in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.05 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 12 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 14 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 16 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 18 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the flavorant in an amount less than or equal to about 20 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 18 weight percent, less than or equal to about 16 weight percent, less than or equal to about 14 weight percent, less than or equal to about 12 weight percent, less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 0.05 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the flavorant in an amount ranging from about 0.01 weight percent to about 20 weight percent.

[0163] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of a carrier. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a carrier. The carrier may include a liquid carrier. The liquid carrier may include, for example, water, propylene, glycol, glycerin, ethanol, or any combination thereof.

[0164] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the carrier in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 12 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 14 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 16 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 18 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the carrier in an amount less than or equal to about 20 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 18 weight percent, less than or equal to about 16 weight percent, less than or equal to about 14 weight percent, less than or equal to about 12 weight percent, less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the carrier in an amount ranging from about 0.1 weight percent to about 20 weight percent.

[0165] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of an oil. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include an oil. The oil may include, for example, a triglyceride, triacetin, a flavor oil, or any combination thereof. The flavor oil may be or may include a flavorant.

[0166] An amount of oil may be selected to achieved a desired texture and / or softness. For example, the softness of the oral product may be increased as an amount of the oil in the oral product increases.

[0167] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include oil in an amount greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 9 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 11 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 12 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 13 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 15 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include oil in an amount less than or equal to about 20 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 15 weight percent, less than or equal to about 14 weight percent, less than or equal to about 13 weight percent, less than or equal to about 12 weight percent, less than or equal to about 11 weight percent, less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 8 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the oil in an amount ranging from about 8 weight percent to about 16 weight percent (e.g., about 10 weight percent to about 14 weight percent, about 11 weight percent to about 13 weight percent, or about 12 weight percent).

[0168] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of abase polymer. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a base polymer. The gum base polymer may include a single polymer or a combination of polymers. In at least one example embodiment, the base polymer may include a resin, an elastomer, or a combination of a resin and an elastomer. The resin may include, for example, polyvinyl acetate (PVA), glycerol esters of gum, terpene resins, or any combination thereof. The elastomer may include, for example, Couma macrocarpa, loquat, tunu, jelutong, chicle, styrene butadiene rubber, butyl rubber, polyisobutylene, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the base polymer may include a natural latex, a vegetable gum (e.g., chicle), a spruce gum, a mastic gum, or any combination thereof.

[0169] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the base polymer an amount greater than or equal to about 30 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 35 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 40 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 45 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 50 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 55 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the base polymer in an amount less than or equal to about 60 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 55 weight percent, less than or equal to about 50 weight percent, less than or equal to about 45 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 40 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the base polymer in an amount ranging from about 35 weight percent to about 55 weight percent (e.g., about 40 weight percent to about 50 weight percent, about 43 weight percent to about 47 weight percent, about 44 weight percent to about 46 weight percent, or about 45 weight percent).

[0170] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of an effervescent. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include an effervescent. The effervescent may include, for example, carbon dioxide, which may be embedded, for example, in a flavorant.

[0171] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the effervescent in an amount greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 7 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 9 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the effervescent in an amount less than or equal to about 10 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 9 weight percent, less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, less than or equal to about 5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 2 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the effervescent in an amount ranging from about 1 weight percent to about 10 weight percent.

[0172] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of a permeation enhancer. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a permeation enhancer. The permeation enhancer may include, for example, sodium caprate, sodium myristate, sorbitan laurate, palmitoyl carnitine, sorbitan laurate, lauroyl choline, sucrose palmitate, sodium fusidate, sodium taurodihydrofusidate, sodium deoxycholate, sodium glycodeoxycholate, sodium glycocholate, sodium taurocholate, medium chain glycerides, monohexanoin, phospholipids, sodium methoxysalicylate, salicylic acid, aspirin, cyclodextrins, menthol, benzalkonium chloride, azone, phenothiazines, soybean derivative glucosides, alpha-acid derivatives, zonula occluden toxin, nitric acid donors, poly-l-arginines, citicholine, sodium carboxymethylcellulose and its derivatives, polycarbophil and its derivatives, chitosan and its derivatives, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, glyceryl monolaurate, Brij-35, sodium lauryl sulfate, glyceryl monolaurate, polysorbate-80, lysophosphatidylcholine, polyethyleneglycol-8-laurate, laurenth-9, EDTA, disodium EDTA, or any combination thereof.

[0173] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the permeation enhancer in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 7 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 9 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the permeation enhancer in an amount less than or equal to about 10 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 9 weight percent, less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, less than or equal to about 5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the permeation enhancer in an amount ranging from about 0.1 weight percent to about 10 weight percent.

[0174] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of a buccal-adhesive polymer. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a buccal-adhesive polymer. The buccal-adhesive polymer may include, for example, carbopol, chitosan, sodium alginate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), poly(acrylic acid), polyethylene glycol (PEG), xanthan gum, gellan gum, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP), eudragit, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na-CMC), poly(acrylic acid-co-methyl methacrylate), poly(acrylic acid-co-ethylhexyl acrylate), poly(acrylic acid-co-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(glycolic acid) (PGA), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), polyethylene oxide (PEO), poloxamers (pluronics), carrageenan, polyethyleneimine (PEI), glycerol monostearate (GMS), poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA), poly(isobutylcyanoacrylate) (PIBCA), poly(ethylene glycol diacrylate) (PEGDA), poly(2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate) (PHPMA), poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm), poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc), poly(ortho esters), poly(sebacic anhydride) (PSA), poly(methyl vinyl ether-co-maleic acid) (PVM / MA), poly(vinyl alcohol-co-vinyl acetate) (PVA / PVAc), poly(acrylic acid-co-vinyl alcohol) (PAA / PVA), poly(acrylic acid-co-itaconic acid) (PAA / IA), poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP), poly(ethylene glycol diacetate) (PEGDAc), poly(acrylamide), poly(caprolactone) (PCL), poly(ethyl acrylate), poly(isopropyl acrylamide), poly(ethylene oxide-co-propylene oxide) (PEO / PPO), poly(vinylpyrrolidone-co-vinyl acetate) (PVP / VA), poly(vinyl alcohol-co-ethylene) (PVA / PE), poly(ethylene glycol-co-propylene glycol) (PEG / PPG), poly(ethyl methacrylate), poly(vinyl acetate-co-crotonic acid) (PVAc / CA), poly(2-ethylhexyl acrylate) (PEHA), poly(propylene glycol) (PPG), poly(vinyl acetate-co-vinyl chloride) (PVAc / PVC), poly(acrylic acid-co-maleic acid) (PAA / MA), poly(vinylpyrrolidone-co-vinyl acetate-co-crotonic acid) (PVP / VA / CA), poly(caprolactam-co-ethylene oxide) (PCL / PEO), poly(ethylene glycol-co-vinyl alcohol) (PEG / PVA), poly(acrylic acid-co-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PAA / HEMA), poly(2-ethylhexyl acrylate-co-methyl methacrylate) (PEHA / MMA), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), Poly(ethylene glycol diacrylate-co-methyl methacrylate) (PEGDA / MMA), poly(ethylene glycol-co-butylene glycol) (PEG / BG), poly(isobutylene-co-maleic anhydride) (PIMA), Poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (PE / VA), poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate-co-maleic anhydride) (PE / VA / MA), poly(ethylene oxide-co-terephthalate) (PEO / PT), poly(vinyl acetate-co-ethylene) (PVAc / PE), poly(ethylene glycol-co-vinyl acetate) (PEG / VA), poly(isobutyl methacrylate) (PBMA), poly(2-hydroxyethyl acrylate) (PHEA), poly(vinyl alcohol-co-2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PVA / EOX), poly(acrylic acid-co-N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PAA / NVP), poly(caprolactone-co-glycolide) (PCL / GA), poly(vinyl acetate-co-ethylene oxide) (PVAc / EO), poly(methacrylic acid-co-ethyl acrylate) (MAA / EA), poly(ethylene glycol-co-epsilon-caprolactone) (PEG / PCL), poly(ethyl acrylate-co-methacrylic acid) (EA / MAA), poly(vinyl acetate-co-2-ethylhexyl acrylate) (PVAc / EHA), poly(ethylene glycol diacetate-co-glyceryl monostearate) (PEGDA / GMS), poly(vinyl acetate-co-N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVAc / NVP), poly(methacrylic acid-co-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (MAA / HEMA), poly(caprolactone-co-ethylene oxide) (PCL / EO), or any combination thereof.

[0175] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the buccal-adhesive polymer in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 7 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 9 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the buccal-adhesive polymer in an amount less than or equal to about 10 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 9 weight percent, less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, less than or equal to about 5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the buccal-adhesive polymer in an amount ranging from about 0.1 weight percent to about 10 weight percent.

[0176] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of a saliva-absorbing polymer. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a saliva-absorbing polymer. The saliva-absorbing polymer may include, for example, polyacrylic acid, sodium polyacrylate, cellulose and its derivatives, or any combination thereof.

[0177] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the saliva-absorbing polymer in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 7 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 9 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 11 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 12 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 13 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 14 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the saliva-absorbing polymer in an amount less than or equal to about 15 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 14 weight percent, less than or equal to about 13 weight percent, less than or equal to about 12 weight percent, less than or equal to about 11 weight percent, less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, less than or equal to about 9 weight percent, less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, less than or equal to about 5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 1 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the saliva-absorbing polymer in an amount ranging from about 0.5 weight percent to about 15 weight percent.

[0178] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of a viscosity-modifier. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a viscosity-modifier. The viscosity-modifier may include, for example, hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na-CMC), xanthan gum, guar gum, carrageenan, acacia gum, tragacanth gum, pectin, sodium alginate, gellan gum, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), carbopol, sodium starch glycolate (SSG), croscarmellose sodium, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinyl acetate (PVA), poloxamers (Pluronics), sodium hyaluronate, locust bean gum, tricalcium phosphate, silica, bentonite, magnesium aluminum silicate, stearic acid, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), hydroxypropyl guar gum, polyacrylic acid (PAA), methyl methacrylate (MMA) copolymers, sodium polyacrylate, polyvinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate copolymer (PVP-VA), sodium alginate, gelatin, sodium carboxymethylcellulose-polyethylene oxide graft copolymer (CMC-PEO), sodium starch octenylsuccinate (SSOS), alginic acid, polydextrose, cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP), polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA), ethylcellulose acetate (ECA), hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), polyacrylamide-co-acrylic acid (PAM / AA), poly(acrylic acid-co-methyl methacrylate) (PAA / MMA), poly(vinyl acetate-co-crotonic acid) (PVAc / CA), poly(vinyl acetate-co-vinyl alcohol) (PVAc / PVA), poly(vinyl acetate-co-vinyl laurate) (PVAc / VL), hydroxypropyl starch, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, sodium carboxymethyl starch (CMS), polyvinyl acetate phthalate (PVAP), poly(acrylic acid-co-maleic acid) (PAA / MA), hydroxyethyl starch (HES), sodium polyacrylate-acrylamide copolymer, carrageenan-grafted acrylic acid, pectin-chitosan conjugate, or any combination thereof.

[0179] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the viscosity-modifier in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.05 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 7 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 9 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the viscosity-modifier in an amount less than or equal to about 10 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 9 weight percent, less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, less than or equal to about 5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 1 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the viscosity-modifier in an amount ranging from about 0.05 weight percent to about 10 weight percent.

[0180] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of an absorbent. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include an absorbent. The absorbent may include, for example, silica gel, bentonite, zeolites, montmorillonite, talc, calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, microcrystalline cellulose, starch, crosslinked polymers (e.g., crosslinked PVP), activated carbon, kaolin, attapulgite, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium trisilicate, porous silica, pectin, guar gum, acacia gum, sodium alginate, carrageenan, chitosan, cyclodextrins, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sponge, polyacrylate superabsorbents, polyethylene oxide (PEO), sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na-CMC), crosslinked polyacrylic acid (PAA), crosslinked polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), crosslinked polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), calcium alginate, crosslinked dextran, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) beads, polyurethane foam, sodium polyacrylate, polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogel, chitosan-polyvinyl alcohol blend, cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP), gelatin, hydrogel-based systems (e.g., polyacrylamide hydrogels), crosslinked alginate, polyvinyl acetate phthalate (PVAP), poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm), poly(acrylic acid-co-methyl methacrylate) (PAA / MMA), polyvinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate copolymer (PVP-VA), polyethylene glycol-co-vinyl acetate (PEG / VA), poly(acrylic acid-co-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PAA / HEMA), polyvinyl acetate-co-ethylene (PVAc / PE), or any combination thereof.

[0181] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the absorbent in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 7 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 9 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 11 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 12 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 13 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 14 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the absorbent in an amount less than or equal to about 15 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 14 weight percent, less than or equal to about 13 weight percent, less than or equal to about 12 weight percent, less than or equal to about 11 weight percent, less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, less than or equal to about 9 weight percent, less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, less than or equal to about 5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 1 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the absorbent in an amount ranging from about 0.5 weight percent to about 15 weight percent.

[0182] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of a taste masking agent. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a taste masking agent. The taste masking agent may include, for example, sucrose, fructose, sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol, maltitol, stevia, aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame potassium, menthol, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, anise oil, cinnamon oil, clove oil, vanilla extract, citrus flavors (e.g., orange, lemon), fruit flavors (e.g., strawberry, cherry), lipid-based taste-masking coatings, cyclodextrins (e.g., p-cyclodextrin), gelatin, pectin, arabic gum, sodium alginate, chitosan, eudragit polymers, miracle fruit (synsepalum dulcificum) extract, Gymnema sylvestre extract, L-glutamine, zinc salts, magnesium salts, tannins, monosodium glutamate (MSG), guanidine hydrochloride, lecithin, sucrose fatty acid esters, sodium lauryl sulfate, carrageenan, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), acacia gum, cellulose derivatives, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na-CMC), polyethylene glycol (PEG), ethylcellulose, or any combination thereof.

[0183] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the taste masking agent in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.05 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 7 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 9 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the taste masking agent in an amount less than or equal to about 10 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 9 weight percent, less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, less than or equal to about 5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 1 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the taste masking agent in an amount ranging from about 0.05 weight percent to about 10 weight percent.

[0184] The oral product may have various ranges of moisture.

[0185] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may have a moisture content greater than or equal to 5 percent by weight (e.g., greater than or equal to 10 percent by weight, greater than or equal to 15 percent by weight, greater than or equal to 20 percent by weight, greater than or equal to 25 percent by weight, greater than or equal to 30 percent by weight, greater than or equal to 35 percent by weight, greater than or equal to 40 percent by weight, greater than or equal to 45 percent by weight, or greater than or equal to 50 percent by weight). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may have a moisture content less than or equal to about 55 percent by weight (e.g. less than or equal to about 50 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 45 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 40 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 35 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 30 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 25 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 20 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 15 percent by weight, or less than or equal to about 10 percent by weight). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may have a moisture content ranging from about 5 percent by weight to about 55 percent by weight (e.g., greater than or equal to about 5 percent by weight to less than or equal to about 10 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 20 percent by weight to less than or equal to about 35 percent by weight, or greater than or equal to about 40 percent by weight to less than or equal to about 55 percent by weight).

[0186] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be a dry oral product having a moisture content greater than or equal to about 5 percent by weight (e.g., greater than or equal to about 6 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 7 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 8 percent by weight, or greater than or equal to about 9 percent by weight). In at least one example embodiment, the dry oral product may have a moisture content less than or equal to about 9 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 8 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 7 percent by weight, or less than or equal to about 6 percent by weight). In at least one example embodiment, the dry oral product may have a moisture content ranging from about 5 percent by weight to about 10 percent by weight.

[0187] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may have a medium moisture content greater than or equal to about 20 percent by weight (e.g., greater than or equal to about 21 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 22 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 23 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 24 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 25 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 26 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 27 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 28 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 29 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 30 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 31 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 32 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 33 percent by weight, or greater than or equal to about 34 percent by weight). In at least one example embodiment, the medium moisture content may be less than or equal to about 35 percent by weight (e.g., less than or equal to about 34 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 33 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 32 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 31 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 30 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 29 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 28 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 27 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 26 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 25 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 24 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 23 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 22 percent by weight, or less than or equal to about 21 percent by weight). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may have a medium moisture content ranging from about 20 percent to about 35 percent by weight.

[0188] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be a wet oral product having a moisture content greater than or equal to about 40 percent by weight (e.g., greater than or equal to about 41 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 42 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 43 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 44 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 45 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 46 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 47 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 48 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 49 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 50 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 51 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 52 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 53 percent by weight, or greater than or equal to about 54 percent by weight). In at least one example embodiment, the wet oral product may have a moisture content less than or equal to about 55 percent by weight (e.g., less than or equal to about 54 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 53 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 52 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 51 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 50 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 49 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 48 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 47 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 46 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 45 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 44 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 43 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 42 percent by weight, or less than or equal to about 41 percent by weight). In at least one example embodiment, the wet oral product may have a moisture content ranging from about 40 percent by weight to about 55 percent by weight.

[0189] The oral product may be in the form, for example, of shaped material (e.g., plugs or twists), tablets, lozenges, or any combination thereof.

[0190] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be a lozenge. In at least one example embodiment, the lozenge may be a lozenge as described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,351,936 as issued May 31, 2016 and titled NICOTINE LOZENGE and / or U.S. Pub. No. 2022 / 0312825 as filed Apr. 6, 2021 and titled ORAL POUCH PRODUCT, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0191] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be a dissolvable tablet. The dissolvable tablet may be a dissolvable tablet as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 11,771,127 as issued Oct. 3, 2023 and titled CHEWABLE DISSOLVABLE NICOTINE TABLET and / or U.S. Pat. No. 9,930,909 as issued Apr. 3, 2018 and titled ORAL PRODUCT and / or U.S. Pat. No. 8,469,036 as issued Jun. 25, 2013 and titled TOBACCO COMPOSITIONS, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0192] The oral product may be manufactured to have a variety of different sizes and / or shapes and / or configurations. The oral product may be sized and / or shaped and / or configured to be wholly received in an oral cavity of an adult consumer. The oral product may have, for example, an overall general oval shape, an overall general rounded shield shape, an overall general flat shield shape, an overall general elliptical shape, an overall general elongated elliptical shape, an overall general semi-circular shape, an overall general square shape, an overall general rounded-edge square shape, an overall general rectangular shape, an overall general elongated rectangular shape, an overall general rounded-edge rectangular shape, an overall general football shape, an overall general boomerang shape, an overall general teardrop shape, an overall general comma shape, an overall general bowtie shape, an overall general peanut shape, or any combination thereof. The oral product may have, for example, an overall general oval-shaped cross section, an overall general rectangular cross section, an overall general elongated rectangular cross section, an overall general lens or football shaped cross section, an overall general boomerang-shaped cross section, an overall general shield-shaped cross section, or any combination thereof. In each instance, for example, as further detailed below, the size and / or shape and / or configuration of the oral product may be selected to promote desired positioning of the oral product within the oral cavity and / or packaging. The size and / or shape and / or configuration of the oral product may include no sharp points or portions.

[0193] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may have dimensions ranging from about 1 millimeter to about 25 millimeters (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 millimeter to less than or equal to about 10 millimeters, greater than or equal to about 1 millimeter to less than or equal to about 5 millimeters, greater than or equal to about 5 millimeters to less than or equal to about 25 millimeters, greater than or equal to about 5 millimeters to less than or equal to about 10 millimeters, greater than or equal to about 10 millimeters to less than or equal to about 15 millimeters, greater than or equal to about 15 millimeters to less than or equal to about 20 millimeters, or greater than or equal to about 20 millimeters to less than or equal to about 25 millimeters). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product has a first dimension (e.g., smallest dimension or thickness) ranging from about 1 millimeter to about 10 millimeters (e.g., about 2.5 millimeters). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product has a largest dimension (e.g., diameter, height, or width) ranging from about 5 millimeters to about 25 millimeters (e.g., about 12 millimeters).

[0194] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may have a weight ranging from about 1 gram to about 10 grams (e.g., greater than or equal to 1 gram to less than or equal to about 9 grams, greater than or equal to about 1 gram to less than or equal to about 8 grams, greater than or equal to about 1 gram to less than or equal to about 7 grams, greater than or equal to about 1 gram to less than or equal to about 6 grams, greater than or equal to about 1 gram to less than or equal to about 5 grams, greater than or equal to about 1 gram to less than or equal to about 4 grams, greater than or equal to about 1 gram to less than or equal to about 3 grams greater than or equal to about 1 gram to less than or equal to about 2 grams, greater than or equal to about 2 grams to less than or equal to about 9 grams, greater than or equal to about 2 grams to less than or equal to about 8 grams, greater than or equal to about 2 grams to less than or equal to about 7 grams, greater than or equal to about 2 grams to less than or equal to about 6 grams, greater than or equal to about 2 grams to less than or equal to about 5 grams, greater than or equal to about 2 grams to less than or equal to about 4 grams, greater than or equal to about 2 grams to less than or equal to about 3 grams, greater than or equal to about 3 grams to less than or equal to about 9 grams, greater than or equal to about 3 grams to less than or equal to about 8 grams, greater than or equal to about 3 grams to less than or equal to about 7 grams, greater than or equal to about 3 grams to less than or equal to about 6 grams, greater than or equal to about 3 grams to less than or equal to about 5 grams, greater than or equal to about 3 grams to less than or equal to about 4 grams, greater than or equal to about 4 grams to less than or equal to about 9 grams, greater than or equal to about 4 grams to less than or equal to about 8 grams, greater than or equal to about 4 grams to less than or equal to about 7 grams, greater than or equal to about 4 grams to less than or equal to about 6 grams, greater than or equal to about 4 grams to less than or equal to about 5 grams, greater than or equal to about 5 grams to less than or equal to about 9 grams, greater than or equal to about 5 grams to less than or equal to about 8 grams, greater than or equal to about 5 grams to less than or equal to about 7 grams, greater than or equal to about 5 grams to less than or equal to about 6 grams, greater than or equal to about 6 grams to less than or equal to about 9 grams, greater than or equal to about 6 grams to less than or equal to about 8 grams, greater than or equal to about 6 grams to less than or equal to about 7 grams, greater than or equal to about 7 grams to less than or equal to about 9 grams, greater than or equal to about 7 grams to less than or equal to about 8 grams, or greater than or equal to about 8 grams to less than or equal to about 9 grams).

[0195] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a uniform unitary structure. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include two or more continuous or distinct layers. The two or more layers may be separable or inseparable. Each of the two or more layers may have the same or different compositions. For example, in at least one example embodiment, the two or more layers may have different flavors, different amounts of active ingredients (e.g., nicotine or nicotine derivative including no nicotine or nicotine derivative), textures, softnesses, different release relates, or any combination thereof.

[0196] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include two or more distinct portions or regions and / or one or more distinct patterns. For example, in at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include one or more first layers and one or more second layers disposed around or between or on the one or more first layers.

[0197] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include one or more binders adhering the one or more first layers and the one or more second layers and / or other layers. In at least one example embodiment, the one or more binders may include film-forming binders. The film-forming binders may include, for example, pectin, gelatin, sodium alginate, maltodextrin, pullulan, xanthan, gum acacia, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, sodium carboxy methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, Kollicoat IR, SOLUPLUS®, starch, modified starch, or any combination thereof.

[0198] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include one or more coatings or films. The one or more coatings or films may include any of the described materials. Each of the one or more coatings or films may include the same or different compositions and structure. For example, in at least one example embodiment, one of the one or more coatings or films may include a mouth-soluble polymer. In at least one example embodiment, one of the one or more coatings or films may include a nicotine or a nicotine derivative. In at least one example embodiment, one of the one or more coatings or films may include a flavorant, a sweetener, or any combination thereof. The weight percentages described herein refer to an uncoated oral product or a body of a coated oral product.

[0199] Each of the one or more coatings or films may partially or fully surround a body of the oral product.

[0200] In at least one example embodiment, each of the one or more coatings or films may cover greater than or equal to about 5% (e.g., greater than or equal to about 10%, greater than or equal to about 15%, greater than or equal to about 20%, greater than or equal to about 25%, greater than or equal to about 30%, greater than or equal to about 35%, greater than or equal to about 40%, greater than or equal to about 45%, greater than or equal to about 50%, greater than or equal to about 55%, greater than or equal to about 60%, greater than or equal to about 65%, greater than or equal to about 70%, greater than or equal to about 75%, greater than or equal to about 80%, greater than or equal to about 85%, greater than or equal to about 90%, greater than or equal to about 95%, greater than or equal to about 98%, greater than or equal to about 99%, greater than or equal to about 99.5%) of a total surface area of the body.

[0201] In at least one example embodiment, each of the one or more coatings or films may have an average thickness greater than or equal to about 0.1 micrometers (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.001 millimeters, greater than or equal to about 0.01 millimeters, greater than or equal to about 0.1 millimeters, greater than or equal to about 0.5 millimeters, greater than or equal to about 1 millimeters, greater than or equal to about 1.5 millimeters, or greater than or equal to about 2 millimeters). In at least one example embodiment, each of the one or more coatings or films may have an average thickness less than or equal to about 2.5 millimeters (e.g., less than or equal to about 2,500 micrometers, less than or equal to about 2,000 micrometers, less than or equal to about 1,500 micrometers, less than or equal to about 1,000 micrometers, less than or equal to about 500 micrometers, less than or equal to about 100 micrometers, less than or equal to about 10 micrometers, or less than or equal to about 1 micrometer). In at least one example embodiment, each of the one or more coatings or films may have an average thickness ranging from about 0.1 micrometers to about 2.5 millimeters.

[0202] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include one or more binders adhering the one or more coatings to the one or more regions or surfaces of the oral product. In at least one example embodiment, the one or more binders may include film-forming binders. The film-forming binders may include, for example, pectin, gelatin, sodium alginate, maltodextrin, pullulan, xanthan, gum acacia, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, sodium carboxy methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, Kollicoat IR, Soluplus®, or any combination thereof.

[0203] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a functional and / or decorative indicia. The indicia may include, for example, a trademark, a product name, an image, a flavor indicator, a decoration, a date, a product identifier, a manufacturer identifier, a lot number, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the indicia are embossed or debossed on an exterior surface of the oral product. In at least one example embodiment, the indicia are in the form of a dissolvable film on the exterior surface of the oral product.

[0204] As mentioned above, the size and / or shape and / or configuration of the oral product may be selected to promote desired positioning of the oral product within an oral cavity of an adult consumer.

[0205] FIG. 1 is a top-down perspective view of an example oral product 100; FIG. 2 is a bottom-up perspective view of the oral product 100; and FIG. 3 is a cross-section of the oral product 100.

[0206] The oral product 100 has a first side (or portion) 110 and a second side (or portion) 120. As illustrated, the first side 110 may generally oppose the second side 120. The oral product 100 is configured to promote desired orientation of the oral product 100 in an oral cavity of an adult consumer. For example, as illustrated, the first side 110 may have a generally (outwardly) curved shape (relative to a major plane 102 of the oral product 100) and the second side 120 may have an overall straight (or flat) shape. In at least one example embodiment, the major plane 102 may be defined by an interface between the first side 110 and the second side 120 of the oral product 100. The generally (outwardly) curved shaped of the first side 110 of the oral product 100 may be comfortably oriented against the check of an adult consumer for buccal adsorption, while the straight shape of the second side 120 of the oral product 100 may be generally uncomfortable when orientated against the check of the adult consumer and rather is more comfortably oriented against the gum of the adult consumer.

[0207] The generally (outwardly) curved shape of the first side 110 of the oral product 100 may be curved away from the major plane 102 of the oral product 100. For example, in at least one example embodiment, as illustrated, the first side 110 may have a general dome shape, where the periphery 104 of the first side 110 nearer to or adjacent to the major plane 102 is angled inwards and away from the major plane 102 of the oral product 100 and towards a center portion or region or point 106 of the dome shape. In at least one example embodiment, the angle of the periphery 104 may be less than or equal to about 70 degrees (e.g., less than or equal to about 65 degrees, less than or equal to about 60 degrees, less than or equal to about 55 degrees, less than or equal to about 50 degrees, less than or equal to about 45 degrees, less than or equal to about 40 degrees, less than or equal to about 35 degrees, less than or equal to about 30 degrees). In at least one example embodiment, the center portion or region or point of the dome shape may include at least one portion or part that is substantially parallel with the major plane 102. In at least one example embodiment, less than or equal to about 30% (e.g., less than or equal to about 25%, less than or equal to about 20%, less than or equal to about 15%, less than or equal to about 10%, less than or equal to about 9%, less than or equal to about 8%, less than or equal to about 7%, less than or equal to about 6%, less than or equal to about 5%, less than or equal to about 4%, less than or equal to about 3%, less than or equal to about 2%, or less than or equal to about 1%) of the first side 110 of the oral product 100 may be substantially parallel with the major plane 102.

[0208] In at least one example embodiment, the center portion or region or point 106 of the dome shape may be greater than or equal to about 20% (e.g., greater than or equal to about 25%, greater than or equal to about 30%, greater than or equal to about 35%, greater than or equal to about 40%, greater than or equal to about 45%, greater than or equal to about 50%, greater than or equal to about 55%, greater than or equal to about 60%, greater than or equal to about 65%, greater than or equal to about 70%, greater than or equal to about 75%, greater than or equal to about 80%, greater than or equal to about 85%, greater than or equal to about 90%, or greater than or equal to about 95%) of a total height of the oral product 100 above the major plane 102.

[0209] In at least one example embodiment, the straight shape of the second side 120 may be form a surface that is generally substantially parallel with the major plane 102. For example, in at least one example embodiment, as illustrated, a periphery 122 of the second side 120 nearer to or adjacent to the major plane 102 extends substantially perpendicularly (e.g., about 90 degrees) from the major plane 102 and towards a center portion or region or point 124 of the second side 120 that is substantially flat and parallel with the major plane 102. In at least one example embodiment, greater than or equal to about 50% (e.g., greater than or equal to about 55%, greater than or equal to about 60%, greater than or equal to about 65%, greater than or equal to about 70%, greater than or equal to about 75%, greater than or equal to about 80%, greater than or equal to about 85%, greater than or equal to about 90%, or greater than or equal to about 95%) of the second side 120 of the oral product 100 may be substantially parallel with the major plane 102.

[0210] In at least one example embodiment, as introduced above, the first side 110 and / or the second side 120 may include (or may be defined by) an active material (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, nicotine, or any combination thereof), a mouth-stable polymer, a mouth-soluble polymer, a sweetener, an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a focusing agent, a plasticizer, mouth-soluble fibers, an alkaloid, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a nutraceutical, a coloring agent, an amino acid, a sensate or chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food-grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a botanical, a tooth-whitening agent, a therapeutic agent, a processing aid, a stearate, a wax, a stabilizer, a disintegrating agent, a lubricant, a preservative, a filler, a flavorant, flavor masking agents, a bitterness receptor site blocker, a receptor site enhancers, a carrier, an oil, a base polymer, a masking agent, one or more additives, an effervescent, or any combination thereof.

[0211] In at least one example embodiment, the first side 110 and / or the second side 120 may include (or may be defined by) a functional component, a lozenge-forming ingredient, a flavorant, an auxiliary ingredient, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the functional component may include, for example, nicotine sources, flavorants, permeation enhancers, buccal-adhesive polymers, saliva-absorbing polymer, some psychologically effective ingredients, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the lozenge-forming ingredients include, for example, sugar, pentaglycerine, tris(hydroxymethyl) aminoethane, erythritol, pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, arabitol, xylitol, ribitol, mannitol, sorbitol, dulcitol, myo-inositol, isomalt, lactitol, maltitol, dianhydro mannitol, or any combination thereof.

[0212] The first side 110 may have the same or different composition as the second side 120. In at least one example embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the first and second sides 110, 120 may be similarly defined (i.e., have the same general composition).

[0213] FIG. 4 is a top-down perspective view of another example oral product 200; FIG. 5 is a bottom-up perspective view of the oral product 200; and FIG. 6 is a cross-section of the oral product 200.

[0214] The oral product 200 is generally the same as the oral product 100 detailed in the instance of FIGS. 1-3. However, as illustrated, a first side 210 of the oral product 200 having a generally (outwardly) curved shape (relative to a major plane 202 of the oral product 200) may include (or may be defined by) a first composition and a second side 220 of the oral product 200 having an overall straight (or flat) shape may include (or may be defined by) a second composition that is different from the first composition.

[0215] In at least one example embodiment, the first composition may include ingredients (or components) to be delivered to the adult consumer primarily (or principally) via buccal adsorption, and the second composition may include ingredients (or components) to be delivered to the adult consumer primarily (or principally) via contact saliva dissolution and digested gradually.

[0216] For example, the first composition may include components that can have possible negative sensorial effects when ingested, such as throat burning and / or hiccups. Delivery of such components through the buccal mucosa can minimize or eliminate possible negative sensorial effects of ingestion. Further, absorption through the buccal mucosa may enter the systemic circulation directly, bypassing gastrointestinal enzymatic degradation and the hepatic first-pass effect, providing more immediate, and also more efficient, delivery of some components.

[0217] In at least one example embodiment, the first composition may include, for example, one or more first functional components, such as nicotine sources, caffeine, L-Theanine, Ashwagandha, other Cognitive and Nootropic agents, flavorants, permeation enhancers, buccal-adhesive polymers, saliva-absorbing polymer, some psychologically effective ingredients, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the second composition is free of one or more of the first functional components. In at least one example embodiment, the second composition may include second amounts of the one or more first functional components, where the second amounts are different from than the first amounts included in the first composition. In at least one example embodiment, the second composition may include second amounts of the one or more first functional components, where the second amounts are less than the first amounts included in the first composition. In at least one example embodiment, the second composition may include one or more second functional components, such as flavorants, lubricants, colorants, binders, diluents, pH modifiers, or any combination thereof.

[0218] In at least one example embodiment, the first composition may include a polymeric member and a nicotine source.

[0219] In at least one example embodiment, the first composition may include the nicotine source in an amount greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 15 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 20 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 25 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 30 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 35 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 40 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 45 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 50 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 55 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 60 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 65 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 70 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 75 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 80 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 85 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 90 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 95 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the first composition may include the nicotine source in an amount less than 100 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 95 weight percent, less than or equal to about 90 weight percent, less than or equal to about 85 weight percent, less than or equal to about 80 weight percent, less than or equal to about 75 weight percent, less than or equal to about 70 weight percent, less than or equal to about 65 weight percent, less than or equal to about 60 weight percent, less than or equal to about 55 weight percent, less than or equal to about 50 weight percent, less than or equal to about 45 weight percent, less than or equal to about 40 weight percent, less than or equal to about 35 weight percent, less than or equal to about 30 weight percent, less than or equal to about 25 weight percent, less than or equal to about 20 weight percent, less than or equal to about 15 weight percent, less than or equal to about 10 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the first composition may include the nicotine source in an amount greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent to less than 100 weight percent.

[0220] In at least one example embodiment, the nicotine source of the first side 110 may have a release rate when contacted with a buccal membrane of an adult consumer of greater than or equal to about 0.001 milligrams / minute. In at least one example embodiment, the nicotine source of the first side 110 may have a release rate when contacted with a buccal membrane of an adult consumer of less than or equal to about 20 milligrams / minute. In at least one example embodiment, the nicotine source of the first side 110 may have a release rate when contacted with a buccal membrane of an adult consumer of greater than or equal to about 0.001 milligrams / minute to less than or equal to about 20 mg / minute.

[0221] In at least one example embodiment, the nicotine source may include nicotine, nicotine salt, nicotine solution, encapsulated nicotine, or any combination thereof.

[0222] In at least one example embodiment, the first composition may include the polymeric member in an amount greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 15 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 20 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 25 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 30 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 35 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 40 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 45 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 50 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 55 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 60 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 65 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 70 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 75 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the first composition may include the polymeric member in an amount less than or equal to about 80 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 75 weight percent, less than or equal to about 70 weight percent, less than or equal to about 65 weight percent, less than or equal to about 60 weight percent, less than or equal to about 55 weight percent, less than or equal to about 50 weight percent, less than or equal to about 45 weight percent, less than or equal to about 40 weight percent, less than or equal to about 35 weight percent, less than or equal to about 30 weight percent, less than or equal to about 25 weight percent, less than or equal to about 20 weight percent, less than or equal to about 15 weight percent, less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, less than or equal to about 5 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the first composition may include the polymeric member in an amount greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 80 weight percent.

[0223] In at least one example embodiment, the polymeric member may include, for example, pectin, gelatin, sodium alginate, maltodextrin, pullulan, xanthan, gum acacia, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, sodium carboxy methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, Kollicoat IR, Soluplus®, or any combination thereof.

[0224] In at least one example embodiment, the first composition may further include a flavorant, an antioxidant, a surfactant, a lubricant, a plasticizer, a fiber, a viscosity-modifier, a permeation enhancer, an absorbent, a filler, a sweetener, a coloring agent (also referred to as a colorant), a taste masking agent, or any combination thereof, such as introduced above.

[0225] In at least one example embodiment, the first composition may further include a flavorant and an auxiliary ingredient (or component).

[0226] In at least one example embodiment, the flavorant may include, for example, menthol, peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen, cinnamon, chocolate, vanillin, licorice, clove, anise, sandalwood, geranium, rose, vanilla, lemon, cassia, fennel, ginger, ethylacetate, isoamylacetate, propylisobutyrate, isobutyrate, ethylbutyrate, ethylvalerate, benzylformate, limonene, cymene, pinene, linalool, geraniol, citronellol, citral, orange, coriander, borneol, fruit extract, coffee, tea, cacao, mint, terpene(s), or any combination thereof. The terpene may include 8-myrcene, 8-caryophyllene, d-limonene, linalool, pulegone, 1,8-conele, α-pipene, α-perpineol, termineol-4-ol, p-cymene, or any combination thereof.

[0227] In at least one example embodiment, the auxiliary ingredient may include, for example, an antioxidant, a surfactant, a lubricant, a plasticizer, a fiber, a viscosity-modifier, a permeation enhancer, an absorbent, a filler, a sweetener, a coloring agent (also referred to as a colorant), a taste masking agent, or any combination thereof.

[0228] In at least one example embodiment, the first composition may further include a lozenge-forming ingredient. In at least one example embodiment, the lozenge-forming ingredient may include, for example, sugar, pentaglycerine, tris(hydroxymethyl) aminoethane, erythritol, pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, arabitol, xylitol, ribitol, mannitol, sorbitol, dulcitol, myo-inositol, isomalt, lactitol, maltitol, dianhydro mannitol, or any combination thereof.

[0229] In at least one example embodiment, the second composition may include, as introduced above, a mouth-stable polymer, a mouth-soluble polymer, a sweetener, an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a focusing agent, a plasticizer, mouth-soluble fibers, an alkaloid, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a nutraceutical, a coloring agent, an amino acid, a sensate or chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food-grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a botanical, a tooth-whitening agent, a therapeutic agent, a processing aid, a stearate, a wax, a stabilizer, a disintegrating agent, a lubricant, a preservative, a filler, a flavorant, flavor masking agents, a bitterness receptor site blocker, a receptor site enhancers, a carrier, an oil, a base polymer, a masking agent, one or more additives, an effervescent, or any combination thereof and may be free of a nicotine source, including, for example, nicotine, nicotine salt, nicotine solution, encapsulated nicotine, or any combination thereof.

[0230] FIG. 7 is a top-down perspective view of another example oral product 300; FIG. 8 is a bottom-up perspective view of the oral product 300; and FIG. 9 is a cross-section of the oral product 300.

[0231] The oral product 300 is generally the same as the oral product 100 detailed in the instances of FIGS. 1-3 and / or the oral product 200 detailed in FIGS. 4-6. However, as illustrated, a coating 330 may be disposed on an exposed surface of the first side 310 of the oral product 300 having a generally (outwardly) curved shape (relative to a major plane 302 of the oral product 300). The oral product 300 has a second side 320 having an overall straight (or flat) shape that opposes the first side 310.

[0232] In at least one example embodiment, the coating 330 may include, for example, the first composition. The coating 230 may include the first composition in addition to, or instead of, the first side 310.

[0233] In at least one example embodiment, the coating 330 may cover greater than or equal to about 5% (e.g., greater than or equal to about 10%, greater than or equal to about 15%, greater than or equal to about 20%, greater than or equal to about 25%, greater than or equal to about 30%, greater than or equal to about 35%, greater than or equal to about 40%, greater than or equal to about 45%, greater than or equal to about 50%, greater than or equal to about 55%, greater than or equal to about 60%, greater than or equal to about 65%, greater than or equal to about 70%, greater than or equal to about 75%, greater than or equal to about 80%, greater than or equal to about 85%, greater than or equal to about 90%, greater than or equal to about 91%, greater than or equal to about 92%, greater than or equal to about 93%, greater than or equal to about 94%, greater than or equal to about 95%, greater than or equal to about 96%, greater than or equal to about 97%, greater than or equal to about 98%, or greater than or equal to about 99%) of total surface area of the first side 310. In at least one example embodiment, the coating 330 may cover less than or equal to about 100% (e.g., less than or equal to about 95%, less than or equal to about 90%, less than or equal to about 85%, less than or equal to about 80%, less than or equal to about 75%, less than or equal to about 70%, less than or equal to about 65%, less than or equal to about 60%, less than or equal to about 55%, less than or equal to about 50%, less than or equal to about 45%, less than or equal to about 40%, less than or equal to about 35%, less than or equal to about 30%, less than or equal to about 25%, less than or equal to about 20%, less than or equal to about 15%, or less than or equal to about 10%) of total surface area of the first side 310. In at least one example embodiment, the coating 330 may cover greater than or equal to about 10% to less than or equal to about 100% of total surface area of the first side 310.

[0234] In at least one example embodiment, as illustrated, the coating 330 may be a substantially continuous coating. Although not illustrated, it should be appreciated that, in at least one example embodiment, the coating 330 may include (or may be defined by) one or more non-continuous portions. For example, in at least one example embodiment, the coating 330 may include (or may be defined by) one or more patterns.

[0235] In at least one example embodiment, as illustrated, the coating 330 may include (or may be defined by) a single layer. Although not illustrated, it should be appreciated that, in at least one example embodiment, the coating 330 may include (or may be defined by) two or more layers or one or more non-continuous portions including (or being defined by) one or more layers.

[0236] In at least one example embodiment, the coating 330 may be sprayed or coated onto the first side 310 of the oral product 300.

[0237] In at least one example embodiment, the coating 300 may have an average thickness greater than or equal to about 0.1 micrometers (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.001 millimeters, greater than or equal to about 0.01 millimeters, greater than or equal to about 0.1 millimeters, greater than or equal to about 0.5 millimeters, greater than or equal to about 1 millimeters, greater than or equal to about 1.5 millimeters, or greater than or equal to about 2 millimeters). In at least one example embodiment, the coating 300 may have an average thickness less than or equal to about 2.5 millimeters (e.g., less than or equal to about 2,500 micrometers, less than or equal to about 2,000 micrometers, less than or equal to about 1,500 micrometers, less than or equal to about 1,000 micrometers, less than or equal to about 500 micrometers, less than or equal to about 100 micrometers, less than or equal to about 10 micrometers, or less than or equal to about 1 micrometer). In at least one example embodiment, the coating 300 may have an average thickness greater than or equal to about 0.1 micrometers to less than or equal to about 2.5 millimeters.

[0238] Although not illustrated, it should be appreciated that, in at least one example embodiment, the coating 330 may be adhered to the first side 310 of the oral product using an adhesive. The adhesive may be a food-grade adhesive.

[0239] Although not illustrated, it should be appreciated that, in at least one example embodiment, in addition to, or as an alternative to the coating 330, a (second) coating may be disposed on at least a portion of an exposed surface of the second side 320.

[0240] FIG. 10 is a top-down perspective view of another example oral product 400; FIG. 11 is a bottom-up perspective view of the oral product 400; and FIG. 12 is a cross-section of the oral product 400.

[0241] The oral product 400 is generally the same as the oral product 100 detailed in the instances of FIGS. 1-3 and / or the oral product 200 detailed in the instance FIGS. 4-6 and / or the oral product 300 detailed in the instance FIGS. 7-9. However, where the oral product 100 detailed in the instances of FIGS. 1-3 and / or the oral product 200 detailed in the instance FIGS. 4-6 and / or the oral product 300 detailed in the instance FIGS. 7-9 have overall general oval shapes, the oral product 400, as illustrated in FIGS. 10-12, has an overall general triangular shape and may include a first side 410 having a generally (outwardly) curved shape (relative to a major plane 402 of the oral product 400) and a second side 420 having an overall straight (or flat) shape may include (or may be defined by).

[0242] FIG. 13 is a top-down perspective view of another example oral product 500; FIG. 14 is a bottom-up perspective view of the oral product 500; and FIG. 15 is a cross-section of the oral product 500.

[0243] The oral product 500 is generally the same as the oral product 100 detailed in the instances of FIGS. 1-3 and / or the oral product 200 detailed in the instance FIGS. 4-6 and / or the oral product 300 detailed in the instance FIGS. 7-9. However, where the oral product 100 detailed in the instances of FIGS. 1-3 and / or the oral product 200 detailed in the instance FIGS. 4-6 and / or the oral product 300 detailed in the instance FIGS. 7-9 have overall general oval shapes, the oral product 500, as illustrated in FIGS. 13-15, has an overall general rounded-corner rectangular shape and includes a first side 510 having a generally (outwardly) curved shape (relative to a major plane 502 of the oral product 500) and a second side 520 having an overall straight (or flat) shape includes (or may be defined by).

[0244] Although the oral products as illustrated have general oval shapes, general triangular shapes, or general rounded-corner rectangular shapes, it should be appreciated that oral products in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure may have various overall shapes, where the different shapes have a first side (or portion) being configured (e.g., shaped) to be comfortably oriented against the check of an adult consumer for buccal adsorption, while a second side (or portion) may be uncomfortable when orientated the check of the adult consumer and is rather configured (e.g., shaped) to be comfortably oriented against the gum of the adult consumer.

[0245] The present disclosure provides various methods for preparing the oral product 100 detailed in the instances of FIGS. 1-3 and / or the oral product 200 detailed in the instance FIGS. 4-6 and / or the oral product 300 detailed in the instance FIGS. 7-9 and / or the oral product 400 detailed in the instances of FIGS. 10-12 and / or the oral product 500 detailed in the instances of FIGS. 13-15.

[0246] In at least one example embodiment, preparing the oral product 100 detailed in the instances of FIGS. 1-3 and / or the oral product 200 detailed in the instance FIGS. 4-6 and / or the oral product 300 detailed in the instance FIGS. 7-9 and / or the oral product 400 detailed in the instances of FIGS. 10-12 and / or the oral product 500 detailed in the instances of FIGS. 13-15 may include preparing one or more melts. contacting the melts with one or more molds, and cooling the melt to form the oral product. In various embodiments, the methods may further include joining one or more portions of the oral product, for example, using an adhesive when two or more molds are used. Two or more molds may be used, for example, when the oral product includes two or more regions including two compositions. In various embodiments, the methods may further include forming one or more coatings on one or more exposed portions of the oral product, where forming the one or more coatings may include, for example, spray-coating or dip-coating. The one or more coating may have the same or different compositions than the underlying molded melt or melts.

[0247] The one or more melts may include various compositions including ingredients like those introduced above. For example, in at least one example embodiment, each of the one or more melts may include an active material (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, nicotine, caffeine, or any combination thereof), a mouth-stable polymer, a mouth-soluble polymer, a sweetener, an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a focusing agent, a plasticizer, mouth-soluble fibers, an alkaloid, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a nutraceutical, a coloring agent, an amino acid, a sensate or chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food-grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a botanical, a tooth-whitening agent, a therapeutic agent, a processing aid, a stearate, a wax, a stabilizer, a disintegrating agent, a lubricant, a preservative, a filler, a flavorant, flavor masking agents, a bitterness receptor site blocker, a receptor site enhancers, a carrier, an oil, a base polymer, a masking agent, one or more additives, an effervescent, or any combination thereof.

[0248] In at least one example embodiment, preparing the oral product 100 detailed in the instances of FIGS. 1-3 and / or the oral product 200 detailed in the instance FIGS. 4-6 and / or the oral product 300 detailed in the instance FIGS. 7-9 and / or the oral product 400 detailed in the instances of FIGS. 10-12 and / or the oral product 500 detailed in the instances of FIGS. 13-15 may include granulating selected ingredients and subsequently applying one or more compression forces in succession to the granulated material. In at least one example embodiment, a first composition may be prepared by granulating a first selected combination of ingredients and a second composition may be prepared by granulating a second selected combination of ingredients that may be different than the first selected combination of ingredients. The method may then include applying a first compression force to the second composition, disposing the first composition in contact with one or more sides of the compressed second composition and applying a second compression force to the combination to form the oral product.

[0249] The selected ingredients may include those introduced above. For example, in at least one example embodiment, each of the one or more granulated compositions may include an active material (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, nicotine, caffeine, or any combination thereof), a mouth-stable polymer, a mouth-soluble polymer, a sweetener, an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a focusing agent, a plasticizer, mouth-soluble fibers, an alkaloid, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a nutraceutical, a coloring agent, an amino acid, a sensate or chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food-grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a botanical, a tooth-whitening agent, a therapeutic agent, a processing aid, a stearate, a wax, a stabilizer, a disintegrating agent, a lubricant, a preservative, a filler, a flavorant, flavor masking agents, a bitterness receptor site blocker, a receptor site enhancers, a carrier, an oil, a base polymer, a masking agent, one or more additives, an effervescent, or any combination thereof.

[0250] While some example embodiments have been disclosed herein, it should be understood that other variations may be possible. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

[0251] Although described with reference to specific examples and drawings, modifications, additions and substitutions of example embodiments may be variously made according to the description by those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the described techniques may be performed in an order different with that of the methods described, and / or elements such as the described system, architecture, devices, circuit, and the like, may be connected or combined to be different from the above-described methods, or results may be appropriately achieved by other elements or equivalents.

[0252] Illustrative embodiment 1. An oral product comprising: a first portion having a generally outwardly curved shape relative to a major plane of the oral product, the first portion including a first composition, the first composition including an active ingredient; and a second portion having a generally flat shape that is parallel with the major plane of the oral product, the second portion including a second composition that is different from the first composition.

[0253] Illustrative embodiment 2. The oral product of illustrative embodiment 1, wherein the active ingredient is a first active ingredient, and the first composition includes a first amount of the first active ingredient and the second composition includes a second amount of a second active ingredient, the second amount being less than the first amount.

[0254] Illustrative embodiment 3. The oral product of illustrative embodiment 1, wherein the second composition is free of the active ingredient.

[0255] Illustrative embodiment 4. The oral product of illustrative embodiment 3, wherein the second composition includes a flavorant, an antioxidant, a surfactant, a lubricant, a plasticizer, a fiber, a viscosity-modifier, a permeation enhancer, an absorbent, a filler, a sweetener, a colorant, a taste masking agent, or any combination thereof.

[0256] Illustrative embodiment 5. The oral product of any of illustrative embodiments 1-4, wherein the second composition includes sugar, pentaglycerine, tris(hydroxymethyl) aminoethane, erythritol, pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, arabitol, xylitol, ribitol, mannitol, sorbitol, dulcitol, myo-inositol, isomalt, lactitol, maltitol, dianhydro mannitol, or any combination thereof.

[0257] Illustrative embodiment 6. The oral product of any of illustrative embodiments 1-5, wherein the first composition further includes a flavorant, an antioxidant, a surfactant, a lubricant, a plasticizer, a fiber, a viscosity-modifier, a permeation enhancer, an absorbent, a filler, a sweetener, a colorant, a taste masking agent, or any combination thereof.

[0258] Illustrative embodiment 7. The oral product of illustrative embodiment 6, wherein the flavorant includes menthol, peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen, cinnamon, chocolate, vanillin, licorice, clove, anise, sandalwood, geranium, rose, vanilla, lemon, cassia, fennel, ginger, ethylacetate, isoamylacetate, propylisobutyrate, isobutyrate, ethylbutyrate, ethylvalerate, benzylformate, limonene, cymene, pinene, linalool, geraniol, citronellol, citral, orange, coriander, borneol, fruit extract, coffee, tea, cacao, mint, terpene, or any combination thereof.

[0259] Illustrative embodiment 8. The oral product of illustrative embodiment 7, wherein the terpene includes 8-myrcene, 8-caryophyllene, d-limonene, linalool, pulegone, 1,8-conele, α-pipene, α-perpineol, termineol-4-ol, p-cymene, or any combination thereof.

[0260] Illustrative embodiment 9. The oral product of any of illustrative embodiments 1-8, wherein the first composition further includes a polymeric material, the polymeric material including pectin, gelatin, sodium alginate, maltodextrin, pullulan, xanthan, gum acacia, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, sodium carboxy methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, Kollicoat IR, Soluplus®, or any combination thereof.

[0261] Illustrative embodiment 10. The oral product of any of illustrative embodiments 1-9, wherein the active ingredient includes a nicotine source, the nicotine source including nicotine, nicotine salt, nicotine solution, encapsulated nicotine, or any combination thereof.

[0262] Illustrative embodiment 11. The oral product of any of illustrative embodiments 1-10, wherein the first portion includes: a body having the generally outwardly curved shape, the body including the second composition; and a coating disposed on the body, the coating including the first composition.

[0263] Illustrative embodiment 12. The oral product of illustrative embodiment 11, wherein the coating covers greater than or equal to about 5% of a total exposed surface area of the body.

[0264] Illustrative embodiment 13. The oral product of any of illustrative embodiments 11 and 12, wherein the coating is a continuous coating.

[0265] Illustrative embodiment 14. The oral product of any of illustrative embodiments 11 and 12, wherein the coating is a non-continuous coating.

[0266] Illustrative embodiment 15. The oral product of any of illustrative embodiments 11-14, wherein the coating includes one or more patterns.

[0267] Illustrative embodiment 16. The oral product of any of illustrative embodiments 11-15, wherein the coating is adhered to the body using an adhesive.

[0268] Illustrative embodiment 17. The oral product of any of illustrative embodiments 1-16, wherein an overall shape of the oral product is oval, circular, rectangular, or triangular.

[0269] Illustrative embodiment 18. An oral product comprising: a body having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a generally outwardly curved shape relative to a major plane of the oral product, the second portion having a generally flat shape that is parallel with the major plane of the oral product; and a coating disposed on the first portion of the body, the coating including an active ingredient.

[0270] Illustrative embodiment 19. The oral product of illustrative embodiment 18, wherein the active ingredient is a first active ingredient, the coating includes a first amount of the first active ingredient, and the body includes a second amount of a second active ingredient, the second amount being less than the first amount.

[0271] Illustrative embodiment 20. The oral product of illustrative embodiment 18, wherein the body is free of the active ingredient.

[0272] Illustrative embodiment 21. The oral product of any of illustrative embodiments 18-20, the active ingredient includes nicotine, nicotine salts, nicotine solutions, encapsulated nicotine, or any combination thereof.

[0273] Illustrative embodiment 22. The oral product of any of illustrative embodiments 18-21, wherein the coating is a non-continuous coating.

[0274] Illustrative embodiment 23. The oral product of any of illustrative embodiments 18-21, wherein the coating is a continuous coating.

[0275] Illustrative embodiment 24. The oral product of any of illustrative embodiment 18-23, wherein the coating covers greater than or equal to about 5% of a total exposed surface area of the first portion of the body.

[0276] Illustrative embodiment 25. The oral product of any of illustrative embodiments 18-24, wherein the body includes a flavorant, an antioxidant, a surfactant, a lubricant, a plasticizer, a fiber, a viscosity-modifier, a permeation enhancer, an absorbent, a filler, a sweetener, a colorant, a taste masking agent, or any combination thereof.

[0277] Illustrative embodiment 26. The oral product of illustrative embodiment 25, wherein the flavorant includes menthol, peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen, cinnamon, chocolate, vanillin, licorice, clove, anise, sandalwood, geranium, rose, vanilla, lemon, cassia, fennel, ginger, ethylacetate, isoamylacetate, propylisobutyrate, isobutyrate, ethylbutyrate, ethylvalerate, benzylformate, limonene, cymene, pinene, linalool, geraniol, citronellol, citral, orange, coriander, borneol, fruit extract, coffee, tea, cacao, mint, terpene, or any combination thereof.

[0278] Illustrative embodiment 27. The oral product of illustrative embodiment 26, wherein the terpene includes 8-myrcene, 8-caryophyllene, d-limonene, linalool, pulegone, 1,8-conele, α-pipene, α-perpineol, termineol-4-ol, p-cymene, or any combination thereof.

[0279] Illustrative embodiment 28. The oral product of any of illustrative embodiments 23-27, wherein the body includes sugar, pentaglycerine, tris(hydroxymethyl) aminoethane, erythritol, pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, arabitol, xylitol, ribitol, mannitol, sorbitol, dulcitol, myo-inositol, isomalt, lactitol, maltitol, dianhydro mannitol, or any combination thereof.

[0280] Illustrative embodiment 29. The oral product of any of illustrative embodiments 23-28, wherein the body includes a polymeric material, the polymeric material including pectin, gelatin, sodium alginate, maltodextrin, pullulan, xanthan, gum acacia, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, sodium carboxy methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, Kollicoat IR, Soluplus®, or any combination thereof.

[0281] Illustrative embodiment 30. The oral product of any of illustrative embodiments 23-29, wherein the first portion includes a first composition, and the second portion includes a second composition that is different than the first composition.

[0282] Illustrative embodiment 31. The oral product of illustrative embodiment 30, wherein the coating includes a first amount of the active ingredient, the first composition includes a second amount of the active ingredient, and the second composition includes a third amount of the active ingredient.

[0283] Illustrative embodiment 32. The oral product of illustrative embodiment 31, wherein the third amount of the active ingredient is less than the second amount of the active ingredient, and the second amount of the active ingredient is less than the first amount of the active ingredient.

[0284] Illustrative embodiment 33. An oral product comprising: a first portion having a first shape relative to a major plane of the oral product, a second portion having a second shape relative to the major plane of the oral product, and a film at least partially coating one of the first portion and the second portion, the film including an active ingredient and the other of the first portion and the second portion being free of the film.

[0285] Illustrative embodiment 34. The oral product of illustrative embodiment 33, wherein the first shape is different than the second shape.

[0286] Illustrative embodiment 35. The oral product of any of illustrative embodiments 33 and 34, wherein the active ingredient includes nicotine, nicotine salts, nicotine solutions, encapsulated nicotine, or any combination thereof.

[0287] Illustrative embodiment 36. The oral product of any of illustrative embodiments 33-35, wherein the film is adhered to the one of the first portion and the second portion using an adhesive.

[0288] Illustrative embodiment 37. The oral product of any of illustrative embodiments 33-36, wherein the film defines a continuous coating.

[0289] Illustrative embodiment 38. The oral product of any of illustrative embodiments 33-36, wherein the film defines a non-continuous coating.

[0290] Illustrative embodiment 39. The oral product of illustrative embodiments 33-38, wherein the film covers greater than or equal to about 5% of a total exposed surface area of the one of the first portion and the second portion.

[0291] Illustrative embodiment 40. The oral product of any of illustrative embodiments 33-39, wherein at least one of the first portion and the second portion includes a flavorant, an antioxidant, a surfactant, a lubricant, a plasticizer, a fiber, a viscosity-modifier, a permeation enhancer, an absorbent, a filler, a sweetener, a colorant, a taste masking agent, or any combination thereof.

[0292] Illustrative embodiment 41. The oral product of illustrative embodiment 40, wherein the flavorant includes menthol, peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen, cinnamon, chocolate, vanillin, licorice, clove, anise, sandalwood, geranium, rose, vanilla, lemon, cassia, fennel, ginger, ethylacetate, isoamylacetate, propylisobutyrate, isobutyrate, ethylbutyrate, ethylvalerate, benzylformate, limonene, cymene, pinene, linalool, geraniol, citronellol, citral, orange, coriander, borneol, fruit extract, coffee, tea, cacao, mint, terpene, or any combination thereof.

[0293] Illustrative embodiment 42. The oral product of illustrative embodiment 41, wherein the terpene includes 8-myrcene, 8-caryophyllene, d-limonene, linalool, pulegone, 1,8-conele, α-pipene, α-perpineol, termineol-4-ol, p-cymene, or any combination thereof.

[0294] Illustrative embodiment 43. The oral product of any of illustrative embodiments 33-42, wherein at least one of the first portion and the second portion includes sugar, pentaglycerine, tris(hydroxymethyl) aminoethane, erythritol, pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, arabitol, xylitol, ribitol, mannitol, sorbitol, dulcitol, myo-inositol, isomalt, lactitol, maltitol, dianhydro mannitol, or any combination thereof.

[0295] Illustrative embodiment 44. The oral product of any of illustrative embodiments 33-43, wherein at least one of the first portion and the second portion includes a polymeric material, the polymeric material including pectin, gelatin, sodium alginate, maltodextrin, pullulan, xanthan, gum acacia, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, sodium carboxy methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, Kollicoat IR, Soluplus®, or any combination thereof.

[0296] Illustrative embodiment 45. The oral product of any of illustrative embodiments 33-44, wherein the first portion includes a first composition, and the second portion includes a second composition that is different than the first composition.

[0297] Illustrative embodiment 46. The oral product of illustrative embodiment 45, wherein the coating includes a first amount of the active ingredient, the first composition includes a second amount of the active ingredient, and the second composition includes a third amount of the active ingredient.

[0298] Illustrative embodiment 47. The oral product of illustrative embodiment 46, wherein the third amount of the active ingredient is less than the second amount of the active ingredient, and the second amount of the active ingredient is less than the first amount of the active ingredient.

[0299] Illustrative embodiment 48. An oral product comprising: a first portion having a generally outwardly curved shape relative to a major plane of the oral product, the first portion including a first composition, the first composition including an active ingredient; and a second portion having a generally flat shape that is parallel with the major plane of the oral product, the second portion including a second composition that is different from the first composition.

[0300] Illustrative embodiment 49. The oral product of illustrative embodiment 48, wherein the active ingredient is a first active ingredient, and the first composition includes a first amount of the first active ingredient and the second composition includes a second amount of a second active ingredient, the second amount being less than the first amount.

[0301] Illustrative embodiment 50. The oral product of illustrative embodiment 48, wherein the second composition is free of the active ingredient.

[0302] Illustrative embodiment 51. The oral product of illustrative embodiment 50, wherein the second composition includes a flavorant, an antioxidant, a surfactant, a lubricant, a plasticizer, a fiber, a viscosity-modifier, a permeation enhancer, an absorbent, a filler, a sweetener, a colorant, a taste masking agent, or any combination thereof.

[0303] Illustrative embodiment 52. The oral product of illustrative embodiment 50, wherein the second composition includes sugar, pentaglycerine, tris(hydroxymethyl) aminoethane, erythritol, pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, arabitol, xylitol, ribitol, mannitol, sorbitol, dulcitol, myo-inositol, isomalt, lactitol, maltitol, dianhydro mannitol, or any combination thereof.

[0304] Illustrative embodiment 53. The oral product of illustrative embodiment 48, wherein the first composition further includes a polymeric material, the polymeric material including pectin, gelatin, sodium alginate, maltodextrin, pullulan, xanthan, gum acacia, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, sodium carboxy methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, Kollicoat IR, Soluplus®, or any combination thereof.

[0305] Illustrative embodiment 54. The oral product of illustrative embodiment 48, wherein the active ingredient includes a nicotine source, the nicotine source including nicotine, nicotine salt, nicotine solution, encapsulated nicotine, or any combination thereof.

[0306] Illustrative embodiment 55. The oral product of illustrative embodiment 48, wherein the first portion includes: a body having the generally outwardly curved shape, the body including the second composition; and a coating disposed on the body and covering greater than or equal to about 5% of a total exposed surface area of the body, the coating including the first composition.

[0307] Illustrative embodiment 56. The oral product of illustrative embodiment 55, wherein the coating is adhered to the body using an adhesive.

[0308] Illustrative embodiment 57. An oral product comprising: a body having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a generally outwardly curved shape relative to a major plane of the oral product, the second portion having a generally flat shape that is parallel with the major plane of the oral product; and a coating disposed on the first portion of the body, the coating covering greater than or equal to about 5% of a total exposed surface area of the first portion of the body, the coating including an active ingredient.

[0309] Illustrative embodiment 58. The oral product of illustrative embodiment 57, wherein the active ingredient is a first active ingredient, the coating includes a first amount of the first active ingredient, and the body includes a second amount of a second active ingredient, the second amount being less than the first amount.

[0310] Illustrative embodiment 59. The oral product of illustrative embodiment 57, wherein the body is free of the active ingredient.

[0311] Illustrative embodiment 60. The oral product of illustrative embodiment 57, wherein the coating includes a first amount of the active ingredient; the first portion includes a first composition, the first composition including a second amount of the active ingredient; and the second portion includes a second composition that is different than the first composition, the second composition including a third amount of the active ingredient.

[0312] Illustrative embodiment 61. The oral product of illustrative embodiment 60, wherein the third amount of the active ingredient is less than the second amount of the active ingredient, and the second amount of the active ingredient is less than the first amount of the active ingredient.

[0313] Illustrative embodiment 62. An oral product comprising: a first portion having a first shape relative to a major plane of the oral product, a second portion having a second shape relative to the major plane of the oral product, and a film at least partially coating one of the first portion and the second portion, the film covering greater than or equal to about 5% of a total exposed surface area of the one of the first portion and the second portion, the film including an active ingredient and the other of the first portion and the second portion being free of the film.

[0314] Illustrative embodiment 63. The oral product of illustrative embodiment 62, wherein the first shape is different than the second shape.

[0315] Illustrative embodiment 64. The oral product of illustrative embodiment 62, wherein the film is adhered to the one of the first portion and the second portion using an adhesive.

[0316] Illustrative embodiment 65. The oral product of illustrative embodiment 62, wherein at least one of the first portion and the second portion includes (a) a flavorant, an antioxidant, a surfactant, a lubricant, a plasticizer, a fiber, a viscosity-modifier, a permeation enhancer, an absorbent, a filler, a sweetener, a colorant, a taste masking agent, or any combination thereof, (b) sugar, pentaglycerine, tris(hydroxymethyl) aminoethane, erythritol, pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, arabitol, xylitol, ribitol, mannitol, sorbitol, dulcitol, myo-inositol, isomalt, lactitol, maltitol, dianhydro mannitol, or any combination thereof, (c) a polymeric material, the polymeric material including pectin, gelatin, sodium alginate, maltodextrin, pullulan, xanthan, gum acacia, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, sodium carboxy methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, Kollicoat IR, Soluplus®, or any combination thereof, or (d) any combination of (a)-(c).

[0317] Illustrative embodiment 66. The oral product of illustrative embodiment 62, wherein the first portion includes a first composition, and the second portion includes a second composition that is different than the first composition.

[0318] Illustrative embodiment 67. The oral product of illustrative embodiment 66, wherein the coating includes a first amount of the active ingredient, the first composition includes a second amount of the active ingredient, and the second composition includes a third amount of the active ingredient.

Claims

1. An oral product comprising:a first portion having a generally outwardly curved shape relative to a major plane of the oral product, the first portion including a first composition, the first composition including an active ingredient; anda second portion having a generally flat shape that is parallel with the major plane of the oral product, the second portion including a second composition that is different from the first composition.

2. The oral product of claim 1, wherein the active ingredient is a first active ingredient, and the first composition includes a first amount of the first active ingredient and the second composition includes a second amount of a second active ingredient, the second amount being less than the first amount.

3. The oral product of claim 1, wherein the second composition is free of the active ingredient.

4. The oral product of claim 3, wherein the second composition includes a flavorant, an antioxidant, a surfactant, a lubricant, a plasticizer, a fiber, a viscosity-modifier, a permeation enhancer, an absorbent, a filler, a sweetener, a colorant, a taste masking agent, or any combination thereof.

5. The oral product of claim 3, wherein the second composition includes sugar, pentaglycerine, tris(hydroxymethyl) aminoethane, erythritol, pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, arabitol, xylitol, ribitol, mannitol, sorbitol, dulcitol, myo-inositol, isomalt, lactitol, maltitol, dianhydro mannitol, or any combination thereof.

6. The oral product of claim 1, wherein the first composition further includes a polymeric material, the polymeric material including pectin, gelatin, sodium alginate, maltodextrin, pullulan, xanthan, gum acacia, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, sodium carboxy methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, Kollicoat IR, Soluplus®, or any combination thereof.

7. The oral product of claim 1, wherein the active ingredient includes a nicotine source, the nicotine source including nicotine, nicotine salt, nicotine solution, encapsulated nicotine, or any combination thereof.

8. The oral product of claim 1, wherein the first portion includes:a body having the generally outwardly curved shape, the body including the second composition; anda coating disposed on the body and covering greater than or equal to about 5% of a total exposed surface area of the body, the coating including the first composition.

9. The oral product of claim 8, wherein the coating is adhered to the body using an adhesive.

10. An oral product comprising:a body having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a generally outwardly curved shape relative to a major plane of the oral product, the second portion having a generally flat shape that is parallel with the major plane of the oral product; anda coating disposed on the first portion of the body, the coating covering greater than or equal to about 5% of a total exposed surface area of the first portion of the body, the coating including an active ingredient.

11. The oral product of claim 10, wherein the active ingredient is a first active ingredient, the coating includes a first amount of the first active ingredient, and the body includes a second amount of a second active ingredient, the second amount being less than the first amount.

12. The oral product of claim 10, wherein the body is free of the active ingredient.

13. The oral product of claim 10, whereinthe coating includes a first amount of the active ingredient;the first portion includes a first composition, the first composition including a second amount of the active ingredient; andthe second portion includes a second composition that is different than the first composition, the second composition including a third amount of the active ingredient.

14. The oral product of claim 13, wherein the third amount of the active ingredient is less than the second amount of the active ingredient, and the second amount of the active ingredient is less than the first amount of the active ingredient.

15. An oral product comprising:a first portion having a first shape relative to a major plane of the oral product,a second portion having a second shape relative to the major plane of the oral product, anda film at least partially coating one of the first portion and the second portion, the film covering greater than or equal to about 5% of a total exposed surface area of the one of the first portion and the second portion, the film including an active ingredient and the other of the first portion and the second portion being free of the film.

16. The oral product of claim 15, wherein the first shape is different than the second shape.

17. The oral product of claim 15, wherein the film is adhered to the one of the first portion and the second portion using an adhesive.

18. The oral product of claim 15, wherein at least one of the first portion and the second portion includes(a) a flavorant, an antioxidant, a surfactant, a lubricant, a plasticizer, a fiber, a viscosity-modifier, a permeation enhancer, an absorbent, a filler, a sweetener, a colorant, a taste masking agent, or any combination thereof,(b) sugar, pentaglycerine, tris(hydroxymethyl) aminoethane, erythritol, pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, arabitol, xylitol, ribitol, mannitol, sorbitol, dulcitol, myo-inositol, isomalt, lactitol, maltitol, dianhydro mannitol, or any combination thereof;(c) a polymeric material, the polymeric material including pectin, gelatin, sodium alginate, maltodextrin, pullulan, xanthan, gum acacia, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, sodium carboxy methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, Kollicoat IR, Soluplus®, or any combination thereof; or(d) any combination of (a)-(c).

19. The oral product of claim 15, wherein the first portion includes a first composition, and the second portion includes a second composition that is different than the first composition.

20. The oral product of claim 19, wherein the coating includes a first amount of the active ingredient, the first composition includes a second amount of the active ingredient, and the second composition includes a third amount of the active ingredient.

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