Oral products and methods of forming the same

Abstract

Methods for forming an oral product include depositing a solution onto or near one or more surfaces of a substrate by a gravure printing process to form one or more layers that define at least a portion of the oral product. The solution includes an active ingredient, a flavorant, or a combination of the active ingredient and the flavorant.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 771,160, filed on Mar. 13, 2025, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference thereto.BACKGROUNDField

[0002] The present disclosure relates to 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 some example embodiments relate to a method for forming an oral product.

[0005] In at least one example embodiment, the method includes depositing a solution onto or near one or more surfaces of a substrate by a gravure printing process to form one or more layers that define at least a portion of the oral product.

[0006] In at least one example embodiment, the solution includes an active ingredient, a flavorant, or a combination of the active ingredient and the flavorant.

[0007] In at least one example embodiment, the active ingredient may include a terpene, a cannabinoid, nicotine, an alkaloid, or any combination thereof.

[0008] In at least one example embodiment, the solution may further include an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0009] In at least one example embodiment, the solution may further include a carrier.

[0010] In at least one example embodiment, the carrier may include a carbohydrate.

[0011] In at least one example embodiment, the carbohydrate may include starches, saccharides, or a combination of starches and saccharides.

[0012] In at least one example embodiment, the saccharides may include monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, or any combination thereof.

[0013] In at least one example embodiment, the polysaccharides may include guar gum, locust bean gum, gum arabic, konjac gum, carrageenan gum, alginates, agar, gellan gum, pullulan, xanthan gum, cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, mannans, galactomannans, xyloglucans, glucomannans, arabinoxylans, β-glucan, arabinogalactan, pectins, fructans, chitin, or any combination thereof.

[0014] In at least one example embodiment, the substrate may include paper.

[0015] In at least one example embodiment, the substrate may be fully dissolvable in an aqueous solution.

[0016] In at least one example embodiment, the substrate may not be fully dissolvable in an aqueous solution.

[0017] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include an oral pouch product and the substrate may be incorporated into or may define an oral pouch product.

[0018] In at least one example embodiment, the flavorant may be a first flavorant and the oral pouch product may encase a second flavorant. The first and second flavorants may be the same or different.

[0019] In at least one example embodiment, the active ingredient may be a first active ingredient and the oral pouch product may encase a second active ingredient. The first and second active ingredients may be the same or different.

[0020] In at least one example embodiment, at least one of the first and second active ingredients may include a terpene, a cannabinoid, nicotine, an alkaloid, or any combination thereof.

[0021] In at least one example embodiment, the depositing may include contacting the solution to the one or more surfaces of the substrate to form a first layer.

[0022] In at least one example embodiment, the first layer may be a continuous layer.

[0023] In at least one example embodiment, the first layer may be a discontinuous layer that includes one or more patterns.

[0024] In at least one example embodiment, the solution may be a first solution and the gravure printing process may be a first gravure printing process, and the method may further include depositing a second solution onto or near the first layer using a second gravure printing process. The first and second gravure printing processes may be the same or different. The second solution may be the same or different from the first solution.

[0025] In at least one example embodiment, the depositing of the second solution may include contacting the second solution onto or near the first layer to form a second layer.

[0026] In at least one example embodiment, the second layer may be a continuous layer.

[0027] In at least one example embodiment, the second layer may be a discontinuous layer.

[0028] In at least one example embodiment, the first solution may include the active ingredient and the second solution may include the flavorant.

[0029] In at least one example embodiment, the first solution may include the flavorant and the second solution may include the active ingredient.

[0030] In at least one example embodiment, the first solution may include the active ingredient and the flavorant, and the second solution may include an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0031] In at least one example embodiment, the first solution may include the active ingredient, and the second solution may include an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0032] In at least one example embodiment, the first solution may include the flavorant, and the second solution may include an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0033] In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include applying the solution to a gravure roller and the depositing may include contacting the substrate with the gravure roller.

[0034] In at least one example embodiment, the solution may be a first solution and the gravure roller may be a first gravure roller, and the method may further include applying a second solution to a second gravure roller and contacting the substrate including the first solution with the second gravure roller. The second solution may be the same or different from the first solution.

[0035] In at least one example embodiment, the second solution includes an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0036] In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include cutting the substrate to a desired shape and size for the oral product.

[0037] In at least one example embodiment, the cutting may occur prior to the depositing.

[0038] In at least one example embodiment, the cutting may occur after the depositing.

[0039] In at least one example embodiment, the cutting may occur concurrent with the depositing.

[0040] In at least one example embodiment, the substrate may define one or more cavities, and the method may further include filling the one or more cavities.

[0041] In at least one example embodiment, the filling of the one or more cavities may occur prior to the depositing.

[0042] In at least one example embodiment, the filling of the one or more cavities may occur after the depositing.

[0043] In at least one example embodiment, the filling of the one or more cavities may occur concurrent with the depositing.

[0044] In at least one example embodiment, the filling of the one or more cavities may occur prior to the cutting.

[0045] In at least one example embodiment, the filling of the one or more cavities may occur after the cutting.

[0046] In at least one example embodiment, the filling of the one or more cavities may occur concurrent with the cutting.

[0047] In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include forming the one or more cavities.

[0048] In at least one example embodiment, the forming of the one or more cavities may occur prior to the depositing.

[0049] In at least one example embodiment, the forming of the one or more cavities may occur after the depositing.

[0050] In at least one example embodiment, the forming of the one or more cavities may occur concurrent with the depositing.

[0051] In at least one example embodiment, the forming of the one or more cavities may include folding the substrate.

[0052] In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include sealing one or more edges to close at least a portion of the oral product.

[0053] In at least one example embodiment, the sealing of the one or more edges may occur prior to the cutting.

[0054] In at least one example embodiment, the sealing of the one or more edges may occur after the cutting.

[0055] In at least one example embodiment, the sealing of the one or more edges may occur concurrent with the cutting.

[0056] In at least one example embodiment, the one or more surfaces may include a first surface and an opposing second surface, the depositing may be a first depositing on the first surface of the substrate to form a first layer, the solution may be a first solution, and the method may further include depositing a second solution onto the second surface of the substrate to form a second layer. The second solution may be the same as or different from the first solution.

[0057] In at least one example embodiment, the first solution may include the active ingredient and the second solution may include the flavorant.

[0058] In at least one example embodiment, the first solution may include the flavorant and the second solution may include the active ingredient.

[0059] In at least one example embodiment, the first solution may include the active ingredient and the flavorant, and the second solution may include an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0060] In at least one example embodiment, the first solution may include the active ingredient, and the second solution may include an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0061] In at least one example embodiment, the first solution may include the flavorant, and the second solution may include an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0062] In at least one example embodiment, the first solution may include the active ingredient, and the second solution may include a filler.

[0063] At least some example embodiments relate to another example method for forming an oral product.

[0064] In at least one example embodiment, the method may include depositing a solution onto or near one or more surfaces of a substrate by a gravure printing process to form one or more layers that define at least a portion of the oral product. The solution may include an active ingredient, a flavorant, or a combination of the active ingredient and the flavorant.

[0065] In at least one example embodiment, the active ingredient may include a terpene, a cannabinoid, nicotine, an alkaloid, or any combination thereof, and the solution may further include an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0066] In at least one example embodiment, the solution may further include a carrier. The carrier may include a carbohydrate, the carbohydrate including guar gum, locust bean gum, gum arabic, konjac gum, carrageenan gum, alginates, agar, gellan gum, pullulan, xanthan gum, cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, mannans, galactomannans, xyloglucans, glucomannans, arabinoxylans, β-glucan, arabinogalactan, pectins, fructans, chitin, or any combination thereof.

[0067] In at least one example embodiment, substrate may include paper.

[0068] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include an oral pouch product and the substrate is incorporated into or defines the oral pouch product.

[0069] In at least one example embodiment, the flavorant may be a first flavorant, and the oral pouch product may encase a second flavorant. The first and second flavorants may be the same or different.

[0070] In at least one example embodiment, the active ingredient may be a first active ingredient, and the oral pouch product may encase a second active ingredient. The first and second active ingredients may be the same or different.

[0071] In at least one example embodiment, the depositing may include contacting the solution to the one or more surfaces of the substrate to form a first layer.

[0072] In at least one example embodiment, the solution may be a first solution, the gravure printing process may be a first gravure printing process, and the method may further include depositing a second solution onto or near the first layer using a second gravure printing process. The first and second gravure printing processes may be the same or different. The second solution may be the same or different from the first solution.

[0073] In at least one example embodiment, the depositing of the second solution may include contacting the second solution onto or near the first layer to form a second layer.

[0074] In at least one example embodiment, the first solution may include the active ingredient, and the second solution may include the flavorant.

[0075] In at least one example embodiment, the first solution may include the flavorant, and the second solution may include the active ingredient.

[0076] In at least one example embodiment, the first solution may include at least one of the active ingredient and the flavorant, and the second solution may include an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0077] In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include applying the solution to a gravure roller, and the depositing may include contacting the substrate with the gravure roller.

[0078] In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include cutting the substrate to a desired shape and size for the oral product.

[0079] In at least one example embodiment, the substrate may define one or more cavities, and the method may further include filling the one or more cavities.

[0080] In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include forming the one or more cavities.

[0081] In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include sealing one or more edges to close at least a portion of the oral product.

[0082] In at least one example embodiment, the one or more surfaces may include a first surface and an opposing second surface, the depositing may be a first depositing on the first surface of the substrate to form a first layer, the solution may be a first solution, and the method may further include depositing a second solution onto the second surface of the substrate to form a second layer. The second solution may be the same as or different from the first solution.

[0083] In at least one example embodiment, the first solution may include at least one of the active ingredient and the flavorant, and the second solution may include an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0084] 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.

[0085] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an example oral pouch product in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

[0086] FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the oral pouch product taken along line I-I of FIG. 1A in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

[0087] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of another example oral pouch product in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

[0088] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the oral pouch product along line II-II of FIG. 2A in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

[0089] FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the oral pouch product along line III-III of FIG. 2A in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

[0090] FIG. 3A is a side view of another example oral pouch product in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

[0091] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view along line VIII-VIII of the oral pouch product of FIG. 3A in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

[0092] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for preparing an oral product in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

[0093] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating another example method for preparing an oral product in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

[0094] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating another example method for preparing an oral product in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

[0095] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating another example method for preparing an oral product in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

[0096] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for preparing an oral pouch product (including, for example, the oral pouch product illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B and / or the oral pouch product illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C and / or the oral pouch product illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B) in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

[0097] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example apparatus for use preparing an oral product (including, for example, the oral pouch product illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B and / or the oral pouch product illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C and / or the oral pouch product illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B) in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

[0098] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating another example apparatus for use preparing an oral product (including, for example, the oral pouch product illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B and / or the oral pouch product illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C and / or the oral pouch product illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B) in accordance with at least one example embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0099] Some detailed example embodiments are disclosed herein. However, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] The present application generally relates to oral products and to methods of using and forming the same.

[0108] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include an active ingredient intended for delivery through the buccal membrane. The active ingredient may include, for example, a tobacco extract, a tobacco-derived nicotine extract, synthetic nicotine, cannabis, or any combination thereof.

[0109] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be an oral tobacco product, an oral non-tobacco product, an oral cannabis product, or any combination thereof. For example, 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.

[0110] 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, levulinate, citrate, methanesulfonate, hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, or any combination thereof.

[0111] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the nicotine 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 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). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the nicotine in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.1 milligram to less than or equal 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).

[0112] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the nicotine derivative or nicotine salt in an amount greater than or equal to about 20 milligrams (e.g., greater than or equal to about 22 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 24 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 26 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 28 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 30 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 32 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 34 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 36 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 38 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 40 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 42 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 44 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 46 milligrams, or greater than or equal to about 48 milligrams). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the nicotine derivative or nicotine salt in an amount less than or equal to about 50 milligrams (e.g., less than or equal to about 48 milligrams, less than or equal to about 46 milligrams, less than or equal to about 44 milligrams, less than or equal to about 42 milligrams, less than or equal to about 40 milligrams, less than or equal to about 38 milligrams, less than or equal to about 36 milligrams, less than or equal to about 34 milligrams, less than or equal to about 32 milligrams, less than or equal to about 30 milligrams, less than or equal to about 28 milligrams, less than or equal to about 26 milligrams, or less than or equal to about 24 milligrams). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the nicotine derivative or nicotine salt in an amount greater than or equal to about 20 milligrams to less than or equal to about 50 milligrams (e.g., greater than or equal to about 22 milligrams to less than or equal to about 48 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 24 milligrams to less than or equal to about 46 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 26 milligrams to less than or equal to about 44 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 28 milligrams to less than or equal to about 42 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 30 milligrams to less than or equal to about 40 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 32 milligrams to less than or equal to about 38 milligrams, or greater than or equal to about 34 milligrams to less than or equal to about 36 milligrams).

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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, 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.

[0115] 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).

[0116] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be 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, an EUDRAGIT® 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.

[0117] 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. In at least one example embodiment, the EUDRAGIT® polymer may include, for example, poly(butyl methacrylate, (2-dimentyl aminoethyl) methacrylate, methyl methacrylate), poly(methacrylic acid, methyl methacrylate), poly(methacrylic acid, ethyl acrylate), poly(ethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, 2-trimethylammonioehtyl methacrylate chloride), poly(ethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate), or any combination thereof.

[0118] 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 be 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 is 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.

[0119] 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 has 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.

[0120] 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 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.

[0121] 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 has 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).

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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 greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent to less than or equal to about 40 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 38 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent to less than or equal to about 36 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent to less than or equal to about 34 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent to less than or equal to about 32 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent to less than or equal to about 30 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 12 weight percent to less than or equal to about 28 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 14 weight percent to less than or equal to about 26 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 16 weight percent to less than or equal to about 24 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 18 weight percent to less than or equal to about 22 weight percent).

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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 an amount greater than or equal to about 10 milligrams to less than or equal to about 200 milligrams (e.g., greater than or equal to about 20 milligrams to less than or equal to about 180 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 30 milligrams to less than or equal to about 170 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 40 milligrams to less than or equal to about 160 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 50 milligrams to less than or equal to about 150 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 60 milligrams to less than or equal to about 140 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 70 milligrams to less than or equal to about 130 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 80 milligrams to less than or equal to about 120 milligrams, or greater than or equal to about 90 milligrams to less than or equal to about 110 milligrams).

[0128] 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 greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 5 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent to less than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent to less than or equal to about 3.5 weight percent).

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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 greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 5 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent to less than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent to less than or equal to about 3.5 weight percent).

[0131] 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.

[0132] 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 greater than or equal to about 0.2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 40 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 38 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent to less than or equal to about 36 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent to less than or equal to about 34 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent to less than or equal to about 32 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent to less than or equal to about 30 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 12 weight percent to less than or equal to about 28 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 14 weight percent to less than or equal to about 26 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 16 weight percent to less than or equal to about 24 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 18 weight percent to less than or equal to about 22 weight percent).

[0133] 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, 1,3-propandediol, 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.

[0134] 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 greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent to less than or equal to about 35 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 33 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent to less than or equal to about 31 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent to less than or equal to about 29 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent to less than or equal to about 27 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent to less than or equal to about 25 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 12 weight percent to less than or equal to about 23 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 14 weight percent to less than or equal to about 22 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 16 weight percent to less than or equal to about 20 weight percent).

[0135] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be 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 may include maltodextrin, psyllium, starch, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-soluble fibers may include soluble dietary fibers. In at least one example embodiment oral product may include partially soluble fibers, such as sugar beet fibers.

[0136] 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 greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 90 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent to less than or equal to about 85 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent to less than or equal to about 80 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 15 weight percent to less than or equal to about 75 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 20 weight percent to less than or equal to about 70 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 25 weight percent to less than or equal to about 65 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 30 weight percent to less than or equal to about 60 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 35 weight percent to less than or equal to about 55 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 40 weight percent to less than or equal to about 50 weight percent).

[0137] 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.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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 greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 30 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 28 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent to less than or equal to about 26 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent to less than or equal to about 24 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent to less than or equal to about 22 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent to less than or equal to about 20 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 12 weight percent to less than or equal to about 18 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 14 weight percent to less than or equal to about 16 weight percent).

[0140] 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.

[0141] 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. 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 greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 30 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 28 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent to less than or equal to about 26 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent to less than or equal to about 24 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent to less than or equal to about 22 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent to less than or equal to about 20 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 12 weight percent to less than or equal to about 18 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 14 weight percent to less than or equal to about 16 weight percent).

[0142] 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.

[0143] 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 (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent to less than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent to less than or equal to about 3.5 weight percent).

[0144] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be 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.

[0145] 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 greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 15 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 14 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 13 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent to less than or equal to about 12 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent to less than or equal to about 11 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent to less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent to less than or equal to about 9 weight percent).

[0146] 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.

[0147] 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 greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 20 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 18 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent to less than or equal to about 16 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent to less than or equal to about 14 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent to less than or equal to about 12 weight percent).

[0148] 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.

[0149] 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 greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 5 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent to less than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent to less than or equal to about 3.5 weight percent).

[0150] 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.

[0151] 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 greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 7.5 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent to less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 6.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent to less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 5.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2.5 weight percent to less than or equal to about 5 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent to less than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent).

[0152] 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.

[0153] 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 greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 10 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 9 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent to less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent to less than or equal to about 6 weight percent).

[0154] 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, tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, or any combination thereof.

[0155] 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 greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent to less than or equal to about 2 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.05 weight percent to less than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent).

[0156] 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.

[0157] 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 greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent to less than or equal to about 10 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 9 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent to less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent to less than or equal to about 6 weight percent).

[0158] 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.

[0159] 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 greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent to less than or equal to about 7.5 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent to less than or equal to about 5 weight percent).

[0160] 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.

[0161] 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 greater than about 0 weight percent to less than or equal to about 8 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent to less than or equal to about 5 weight percent).

[0162] 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.

[0163] 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 greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent to less than or equal to about 20 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 18 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent to less than or equal to about 16 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent to less than or equal to about 14 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent to less than or equal to about 12 weight percent).

[0164] 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.

[0165] 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 greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 20 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 18 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent to less than or equal to about 16 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent to less than or equal to about 14 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent to less than or equal to about 12 weight percent).

[0166] 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.

[0167] 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. 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 greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent to less than or equal to about 16 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent to less than or equal to about 14 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 11 weight percent to less than or equal to about 13 weight percent, or about 12 weight percent).

[0168] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of a base polymer. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a base polymer. The 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, 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 greater than or equal to about 35 weight percent to less than or equal to about 55 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 40 weight percent to less than or equal to about 50 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 43 weight percent to less than or equal to about 47 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 44 weight percent to less than or equal 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 greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 10 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 9 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent to less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent to less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent to less than or equal to about 6 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 greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 10 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 9 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent to less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent to less than or equal to about 6 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 greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 10 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 9 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent to less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent to less than or equal to about 6 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 greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent to less than or equal to about 15 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 14 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 13 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent to less than or equal to about 12 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent to less than or equal to about 11 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent to less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 7 weight percent to less than or equal to about 9 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 ay 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 greater than or equal to about 0.05 weight percent to less than or equal to about 10 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 9 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent to less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent to less than or equal to about 6 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 greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent to less than or equal to about 15 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 14 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 13 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent to less than or equal to about 12 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent to less than or equal to about 11 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent to less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent to less than or equal to about 9 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 7 weight percent to less than or equal to about 8 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., β-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. 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 greater than or equal to about 5 percent by weight to less than or equal 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).

[0185] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product is 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 oral product is a dry oral product having 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 oral product is a dry oral product having a moisture content ranging from greater than or equal to about 5 percent by weight to less than or equal to about 10 percent by weight (e.g., greater than or equal to about 6 percent by weight to less than or equal to about 9 percent by weight).

[0186] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product has 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 oral product has a medium moisture content 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 has a medium moisture content, such as a moisture content ranging from greater than or equal to about 20 percent by weight to less than or equal to about 35 percent by weight (e.g., greater than or equal to about 21 percent by weight to less than or equal to about 34 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 22 percent by weight to less than or equal to about 33 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 23 percent by weight to less than or equal to about 32 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 24 percent by weight to less than or equal to about 31 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 23 percent by weight to less than or equal to about 30 percent by weight, or greater than or equal to about 24 percent by weight to less than or equal to about 28 percent by weight).

[0187] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product is 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 oral product is a wet oral product having 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 oral product is a wet oral product having a moisture content ranging from greater than or equal to about 40 percent by weight to less than or equal to about 55 percent by weight (e.g., greater than or equal to about 41 percent by weight to less than or equal to about 54 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 42 percent by weight to less than or equal to about 53 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 43 percent by weight to less than or equal to about 52 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 44 percent by weight to less than or equal to about 51 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 45 percent by weight to less than or equal to about 50 percent by weight, or greater than or equal to about 46 percent by weight to less than or equal to about 49 percent by weight).

[0188] The oral product may be in the form, for example, of shaped material (e.g., plugs or twists), tablets, lozenges, gums, 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).

[0189] 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.

[0190] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may have dimensions ranging from about 1 millimeter to about 25 millimeters (e.g., about 1 millimeter to about 10 millimeters, about 1 millimeter to about 5 millimeters, about 5 millimeters to about 25 millimeters, about 5 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, about 10 millimeters to about 15 millimeters, about 15 millimeters to about 20 millimeters, or about 20 millimeters 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).

[0191] 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 less than or equal to about 1 gram 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).

[0192] 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.

[0193] 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.

[0194] 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® (polyvinyl caprolactam-polyvinyl acetate-polyethylene glycol graft co-polymer), or any combination thereof.

[0195] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include one or more coatings. The one or more coatings may include any of the described materials. Each of the one or more coatings may include the same or different compositions and structure. For example, in at least one example embodiment, one of the one or more coatings may include a mouth-soluble polymer. In at least one example embodiment, one of the one or more coatings may include a nicotine or a nicotine derivative. In at least one example embodiment, one of the one or more coatings 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.

[0196] Each of the one or more coatings may partially or fully surround a body of the oral product. In at least one example embodiment, each of the one or more coatings may cover greater than or equal to about 5% of a total surface area of the body (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%).

[0197] In at least one example embodiment, each of the one or more coatings 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 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 may have an average thickness greater than or equal to about 0.1 micrometers to less than or equal to about 2.5 millimeters (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.5 micrometers to less than or equal to about 2 millimeters or greater than or equal to about 1 micrometers to less than or equal to about 1.5 millimeters).

[0198] 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® (polyvinyl caprolactam-polyvinyl acetate-polyethylene glycol graft co-polymer), or any combination thereof.

[0199] 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.

[0200] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an example oral pouch product 100. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the oral pouch product 100 taken along line I-I of FIG. 1A.

[0201] The oral pouch product 100 may include a pouch wrapper 102 that at least partially defines a cavity 106 and a filling material 104 disposed in the cavity 106. In at least one example embodiment, the filling material 104 may substantially fill the cavity 106 of the oral pouch product 100. In other example embodiments, the filling material 104 may only partially fill the cavity 106 of the oral pouch product 100. The filling material 104 may include any of the materials and / or compositions detailed above. For example, in at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product 100 may be an oral tobacco product, an oral non-tobacco product, an oral cannabis product, or any combination thereof and may in various example embodiments include further include one or more elements such as a mouth-stable polymer, a mouth-soluble polymer, a sweetener (e.g., a synthetic sweetener, a natural sweetener, or a combination the synthetic sweetener and the natural sweetener), an energizing agent, a focusing agent (e.g., gingko biloba), a plasticizer, mouth-soluble or partially-soluble fibers (e.g., sugar beet fibers), an alkaloid, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a nutraceutical, a coloring agent, an amino acid, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food-grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a botanical (e.g., green tea), a tooth-whitening agent (e.g., sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP)), a therapeutic agent, a processing aid, a stearate (e.g., magnesium, potassium, or a combination of magnesium and potassium), a wax (e.g., glycerol monostearate, propylene glycol monostearate, an acetylated monoglyceride, or any combination thereof), a stabilizer (e.g., ascorbic acid, monosterol citrate, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), or any combination thereof), a lubricant (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)), a disintegrating agent, a lubricant, a preservative (e.g., sodium benzoate), a filler, a flavorant, an effervescent (e.g., carbon dioxide embedded in a flavorant or a filling material), flavor masking agents, a bitterness receptor site blocker, a receptor site enhancers, nutraceuticals, other additives, or any combination thereof. The oral pouch product 100 may include multiple additional elements. Additionally, a single element may belong to more than one of the categories above.

[0202] The oral pouch product 100 may be an oral pouch product having, for example only, a generally rectangular shape, a ravioli or pillow shape, an oblong shape, or any other suitable shape. Various shapes may be utilized so long as the shapes fit comfortably and discreetly in an adult consumer's mouth. In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product 100 is substantially free of oral cavity irritant, which, as used herein, means that the shape, configuration, and position of the oral pouch product 100 do not irritate oral tissues (e.g., gums) via sharp edges and the like. Furthermore, “substantial” and “substantially free” as used in connection with oral cavity irritant means that the shape, configuration, and position of the oral pouch product 100 does not irritate oral tissues (e.g., gums) in a time frame or period having the same order of magnitude as a typical length of time during which the oral pouch product 100 may be enjoyed by an adult consumer. Generally, sharp corners are avoided as sharp corners may lead to oral discomfort.

[0203] The oral pouch product 100 may be sized and configured to fit comfortably in an adult consumer's mouth, such as between the cheek and gum. The size of the oral pouch product 100 may be selected based on desired length of placement in an adult consumer's mouth. For example, a larger pouch including a larger amount of filling material may provide for longer placement. In other instances, the oral pouch product 100 may be a mini pouch.

[0204] In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product 100 may have a major dimension greater than or equal to about 0.20 inch (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.25 inch, greater than or equal to about 0.75 inch, greater than or equal to about 1 inch, or greater than or equal to about 1.5 inch). In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product 100 may have a major dimension less than or equal to about 2.0 inches (e.g., less than or equal to about 1.5 inches, less than or equal to about 1 inches, less than or equal to about 0.75 inches, or less than or equal to about 0.25 inches). In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product 100 may have a major dimension greater than or equal to about 0.20 inch to less than or equal to about 2.0 inches (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.25 inch to less than or equal to about 1.75 inches or greater than or equal to about 0.75 inch to less than or equal to about 1.5 inch).

[0205] In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product 100 may have a transverse dimension greater than or equal to about 0.25 (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.5 inch, greater than or equal to about 0.75 inch, or greater than or equal to about 1 inch). In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product 100 may have a transverse dimension less than or equal to about 1.5 inches (e.g., less than or equal to about 1 inches, less than or equal to about 0.75 inch, or less than or equal to about 0.5 inch). In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product 100 may have a transverse dimension greater than or equal to about 0.25 to less than or equal to about 1.5 inches (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.50 inch to less than or equal to about 1.25 inches or greater than or equal to about 0.75 inch to less than or equal to about 1.0 inch).

[0206] In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product 100 may weigh greater than or equal to about 0.25 gram (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.3 gram, greater than or equal to about 0.4 gram, greater than or equal to about 0.5 gram, or greater than or equal to about 0.75 gram). In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product 100 may weigh less than or equal to about 2.0 grams (e.g., less than or equal to about 1.8 grams, less than or equal to about 1.5 grams, less than or equal to about 1.25 grams, or less than or equal to about 1.0 gram). In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product 100 may weigh greater than or equal to about 0.25 gram to less than or equal to about 2.0 grams (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.3 gram to less than or equal to about 1.8 grams, greater than or equal to about 0.4 gram to less than or equal to about 1.5 grams, greater than or equal to about 0.5 gram to less than or equal to about 1.25 grams, or greater than or equal to about 0.75 gram to less than or equal to about 1.0 gram).

[0207] In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product 100 may be placed in an adult consumer's mouth for greater than or equal about 1 (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 minute, greater than or equal to about 5 minutes, greater than or equal to about 10 minutes, or greater than or equal to about 20 minutes). In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product 100 may be placed in an adult consumer's mouth for less than or equal to about 3 hours (e.g., less than or equal to about 2 hours, less than or equal to about 90 minutes, less than or equal to about 60 minutes, or less than or equal to about 40 minutes). In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product 100 may be placed in an adult consumer's mouth for greater than or equal about 1 minute to less than or equal to about 3 hours (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 minute to less than or equal to about 2 hours, greater than or equal to about 5 minutes to less than or equal to about 90 minutes, greater than or equal to about 10 minutes to less than or equal to about 60 minutes, or greater than or equal to about 20 minutes to less than or equal to about 40 minutes). In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product 100 may be discarded after a single placement in an adult consumer's mouth.

[0208] In at least one example embodiment, the pouch wrapper 102 may include an outer web 108. The outer web 108 may be formed from a material that is generally recognized as safe (“GRAS”) for use and / or contact with food. The material may be stain resistant, water permeable, porous, or any combination thereof. The outer web 108 can be formed of a permeable material or a semi-permeable material, such that, for example, saliva, water, or both saliva and water can pass through the outer web 108 and into the inner cavity 106 defined by the pouch wrapper 102. Flavors and juices formed by mixing saliva and / or water with the filling material 104 contained within the oral pouch product 100 can be drawn out of the oral pouch product 100 through the outer web 108. The outer web 108 has a desired (or alternatively, predetermined) level for basis weight and / or wet strength to reduce occurrence of breakage of the pouch wrapper 102 during manufacturing operations, storage, and placement in an adult consumer's mouth.

[0209] In at least one example embodiment, the outer web 108 may have an average thickness greater than or equal to about 0.05 millimeters (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.075 millimeters, greater than or equal to about 0.1 millimeters, greater than or equal to about 0.125 millimeters, greater than or equal to about 0.15 millimeters, greater than or equal to about 0.175 millimeters, greater than or equal to about 0.2 millimeters, or greater than or equal to about 0.225 millimeters). In at least one example embodiment, the outer web 108 may have an average thickness less than or equal to about 0.25 millimeters (e.g., less than or equal to about 0.225 millimeters, less than or equal to about 0.2 millimeters, less than or equal to about 0.175 millimeters, less than or equal to about 0.15 millimeters, less than or equal to about 0.125 millimeters, less than or equal to about 0.1 millimeters, or less than or equal to about 0.075 millimeters). In at least one example embodiment, the outer web 108 may have an average thickness greater than or equal to about 0.05 millimeters to less than or equal to about 0.25 millimeters (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.075 millimeters to less than or equal to about 0.1 millimeters or greater than or equal to about 0.1 millimeters to less than or equal to about 0.2 millimeters).

[0210] In at least one example embodiment, the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may include a woven material, a non-woven material, or a combination of the woven material and the non-woven material. In at least one example embodiment, the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may include a polymer. The polymer may include synthetic polymers, natural polymers, or a combination of synthetic polymers and natural polymers. In at least one example embodiment, the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may include a mesh material. The mesh material may be formed of spun or melt-blown fibers, such as polyurethane fibers, as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,448,669, 10,463,070, and 9,414,624, the entire disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto. In at least one example embodiment, the mesh material may be at least partially elastomeric.

[0211] In at least one example embodiment, the mesh material may have a basis weight of greater than or equal to about 10 grams per square meter (e.g., greater than or equal to about 15 grams per square meter, greater than or equal to about 20 grams per square meter, greater than or equal to about 25 grams per square meter, greater than or equal to about 30 grams per square meter, greater than or equal to about 35 grams per square meter, greater than or equal to about 40 grams per square meter, or greater than or equal to about 45 grams per square meter). In at least one example embodiment, the mesh material may have a basis weight of less than or equal to about 50 grams per square meter (e.g., less than or equal to about 45 grams per square meter, less than or equal to about 40 grams per square meter, less than or equal to about 35 grams per square meter, less than or equal to about 30 grams per square meter, less than or equal to about 25 grams per square meter, less than or equal to about 20 grams per square meter, or less than or equal to about 15 grams per square meter). In at least one example embodiment, the mesh material may have a basis weight of greater than or equal to about 10 grams per square meter to less than or equal to about 50 grams per square meter (e.g., greater than or equal to about 20 grams per square meter to less than or equal to about 30 grams per square meter).

[0212] In at least one example embodiment, the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may include paper. For example, the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may be formed of a cellulose fiber material, such as tea bag material or other materials typically used to form snus pouches. In at least one example embodiment, the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may include a tea bag material having a basis weight of about 16.5 grams per square meter with a wet tensile CD strength of 68 N / m. In at least one example embodiment, the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may be formed of a paper having a wet MD tensile strength of greater than or equal to about 45 N / mm (e.g., greater than or equal to about 46 N / mm, greater than or equal to about 47 N / mm, greater than or equal to about 48 N / mm, greater than or equal to about 49 N / mm, greater than or equal to about 50 N / mm, or greater than or equal to about 51 N / mm). In at least one example embodiment, the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may be formed of a paper having a wet MD tensile strength of less than or equal to about 52 N / mm (e.g., less than or equal to about 51 N / mm, less than or equal to about 50 N / mm, less than or equal to about 49 N / mm, less than or equal to about 48 N / mm, less than or equal to about 47 N / mm, or less than or equal to about 46 N / mm). In at least one example embodiment, the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may be formed of a paper having a wet MD tensile strength of greater than or equal to about 45 N / mm to less than or equal to about 52 N / mm (e.g., greater than or equal to about 46 N / mm to less than or equal to about 51 N / mm, greater than or equal to about 47 N / mm to less than or equal to about 50 N / mm, or greater than or equal to about 48 N / mm to less than or equal to about 49 N / mm).

[0213] In at least one example embodiment, the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may include hydrophobic paper or material. The hydrophobic paper may be non-woven material and may include any hydrophobic materials. The hydrophobic materials may be synthetic materials, semi-synthetic materials, or a combination of synthetic materials and semi-synthetic materials. In other example embodiments, the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may be treated such that the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 has one or more hydrophobic surfaces. For example, in at least one example embodiment, the hydrophobic paper may be formed from, or coated with, petroleum-based materials. The petroleum-based materials may include polyester, polyethylene, polyurethane, polypropylene, or any combination thereof.

[0214] In at least one example embodiment, the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may include a hydrophilic paper or material. For example, the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may include a cellulosic material, viscose, rayon, lyocell, modal fibers, or any combination thereof.

[0215] In at least one example embodiment, the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may be free of an added coloring agent. In at least one example embodiment, the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may be white due to a natural color of a polymer used to form the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108. However, in other example embodiments, the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may be colored to indicate a flavor of the filling material 104 contained therein. The color of the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may be selected to identify contents thereof. For example, a green pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may be used to identify an oral pouch product 100 including a mint flavorant and / or menthol, a red pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may be used to identify an oral pouch product 100 including cinnamon, a brown pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may be used to identify an oral pouch product 100 including tobacco.

[0216] In at least one example embodiment, the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may have a neutral or pleasant taste and / or aroma. In at least one example embodiment, the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may be impregnated and / or coated with at least one flavorant, at least one cannabis material, at least one tobacco material, at least one binder, at least one sensate or chemesthesis agent, at least one functional ingredient, at least one salivation inducing ingredient, or any combination thereof, for example, to enhance a flavor of the filling material 104 contained within the oral pouch product 100. For example, in at least one example embodiment, a substantially continuous coating including the at least one flavorant and / or the at least one cannabis material and / or at least one tobacco material and / or the at least one binder and / or the at least one sensate or chemesthesis agent may be coated on outer (exterior facing) surfaces of the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108. In at least one example embodiment, the coating may be formed on only a portion of the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108, such as only along the seams or only on one side of the oral pouch product 100. The coating can provide an initial flavor burst upon placement of the oral pouch product 100 in an oral cavity, while the inner filling material 104 provides a later flavor release to prolong flavor release during placement in an adult consumer's mouth.

[0217] In at least one example embodiment, a flavorant (such as those introduced above) may be coated on and / or impregnated in the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108. In at least one example embodiment, the flavorant may be coated on and / or impregnated in the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent based on the weight of the oral pouch product 100 (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 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 flavorant may be coated on and / or impregnated in the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 in an amount ranging less than or equal to about 5 weight percent based on the weight of the oral pouch product 100 (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 flavorant may be coated on and / or impregnated in the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent to less than or equal to about 5 weight percent based on the weight of the oral pouch product 100 (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent to less than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent to less than or equal to about 3.5 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 3 weight percent).

[0218] In at least one example embodiment, at least one cannabis or tobacco material may be coated on and / or impregnated in the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108. The at least one cannabis or tobacco material may include, for example only, a ground cannabis or tobacco material, cannabis or tobacco plant fibers, and / or any extract thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the at least one cannabis or tobacco material may be coated on and / or impregnated in the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent based on the weight of oral pouch product 100 (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 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 at least one cannabis or tobacco material may be coated on and / or impregnated in the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 in an amount less than or equal to about 5 weight percent based on the weight of oral pouch product 100 (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 at least one cannabis or tobacco material may be coated on and / or impregnated in the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent to amount less than or equal to about 5 weight percent based on the weight of oral pouch product 100 (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent to amount less than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to amount less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent to amount less than or equal to about 3.5 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to amount less than or equal to about 3 weight percent).

[0219] In at least one example embodiment, a binder may be coated on and / or impregnated in the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108. The binder may include a food grade adhesive, gum, or other binder. For example, the binder may include sodium alginate, sugar, agar, guar gum, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the binder may be coated on and / or impregnated in the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent based on the weight of oral pouch product 100 (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 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 binder may be coated on and / or impregnated in the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 in an amount less than or equal to about 5 weight percent based on the weight of oral pouch product 100 (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 binder may be coated on and / or impregnated in the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent to amount less than or equal to about 5 weight percent based on the weight of oral pouch product 100 (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent to amount less than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to amount less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent to amount less than or equal to about 3.5 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to amount less than or equal to about 3 weight percent).

[0220] In at least one example embodiment, the sensate or chemesthesis agent (such as those described below in the discussion of the filling material 104) may be coated on and / or impregnated in the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108. In at least one example embodiment, the sensate or chemesthesis agent may be coated on and / or impregnated in the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent based on the weight of oral pouch product 100 (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 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 sensate or chemesthesis agent may be coated on and / or impregnated in the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 in an amount less than or equal to about 5 weight percent based on the weight of oral pouch product 100 (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 sensate or chemesthesis agent may be coated on and / or impregnated in the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent to amount less than or equal to about 5 weight percent based on the weight of oral pouch product 100 (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent to amount less than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to amount less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent to amount less than or equal to about 3.5 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to amount less than or equal to about 3 weight percent).

[0221] In at least one example embodiment, the functional ingredient may be coated on and / or impregnated in the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108. The functional ingredient may include, for example, an antioxidant, a soothing agent, an energizing agent, an effervescent, or any combination thereof, such as those described below in the discussion of the filling material 104. In at least one example embodiment, the functional ingredient may be coated on and / or impregnated in the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent based on the weight of oral pouch product 100 (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 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 functional ingredient may be coated on and / or impregnated in the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 in an amount less than or equal to about 5 weight percent based on the weight of oral pouch product 100 (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 functional ingredient may be coated on and / or impregnated in the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 in an amount ranging from greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent to amount less than or equal to about 5 weight percent based on the weight of oral pouch product 100 (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent to amount less than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to amount less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent to amount less than or equal to about 3.5 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to amount less than or equal to about 3 weight percent).

[0222] In at least one example embodiment, the filling material 104 may include a dry mixture and a liquid mixture, where at least a portion of the liquid mixture may be absorbed on the dry mixture. In at least one example embodiment, all of the liquid mixture may be absorbed on the dry mixture.

[0223] The liquid mixture may include, for example, an oil and an active pharmaceutical ingredient. The oil may include, for example, triglycerides, diglycerides, monoglycerides, triacetin, triolein, trilinolein, vegetable oil, partially-hydrogenated oils, or any combination thereof. The triglyceride may include, for example, long-chain triglycerides, medium chain triglycerides, short chain triglycerides, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the filling material 104 may include the oil 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 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, or greater than or equal to about 45 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the filling material 104 may include the oil in an amount less than or equal to about 50 weight percent (e.g., 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, or less than or equal to about 1 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the filling material 104 may include the oil in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent to less than or equal to about 50 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent to less than or equal to about 50 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent to less than or equal to about 25 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 15 weight percent to less than or equal to about 25 weight percent).

[0224] In at least one example embodiment, the filling material 104 may be free of water. In at least one example embodiment, the filling material 104 may include water. In at least one example embodiment, no water is intentionally added to the liquid mixture. However, a small amount of water may come into contact with the liquid mixture via other elements in the oral pouch product 100. In at least one example embodiment, the low water content may slow down nicotine degradation and oxidation compared to oral pouch products having higher water content. In at least one example embodiment, the filling material 104 may include water in amount less than or equal to about 5 weight percent (e.g., 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, less than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 0.25 weight percent).

[0225] By including a higher level of oil, the oral pouch product 100 may maintain a relatively moist mouth feel, while maintaining low water content and a water activity level below about 0.7, which can aid in preventing and / or reducing microbial growth and increasing stability of nicotine in the oral pouch product 100. Further, when the wrapper 102 is hydrophobic, since the inner filling material may predominately include oils instead of water, the flavors from the filling material 104 may more readily pass through the pouch wrapper 102 than where a hydrophilic pouch wrapper is used.

[0226] In at least one example embodiment, a weight ratio of the dry mixture to the liquid mixture may be greater than or equal to about 60:40 (e.g., greater than or equal to about 65:35, greater than or equal to about 70:30, greater than or equal to about 75:25, greater than or equal to about 80:20, greater than or equal to about 85:15, greater than or equal to about 90:10, or greater than or equal to about 95:5).

[0227] The dry mixture may include, for example, an insoluble material or carrier, such as a cellulosic material. In at least one example embodiment, the insoluble material may include, for example, a cellulosic material. In at least one example embodiment, the cellulosic material may include or be derived from sugar beets, wood pulp, cotton, bran, citrus pulp, grass (e.g., switch grass), willow, poplar, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the cellulosic material may be a treated cellulosic material, such as microcrystalline cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the insoluble material may include, for example, water-insoluble fibers. The water-insoluble fibers may include, for example, polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene, polyurethane, or any combination thereof.

[0228] In at least one example embodiment, the filling material 104 may include the insoluble material in an amount greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent (e.g., 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, or greater than or equal to about 75 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the filling material 104 may include the insoluble material 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, or less than or equal to about 15 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the filling material 104 may include the insoluble material in an amount greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent to less than or equal to about 80 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent to less than or equal to about 70 weight percent or greater than or equal to about 30 weight percent to less than or equal to about 60 weight percent).

[0229] In at least one example embodiment, the insoluble material may have a particle size of greater than or equal to about 50 micrometers (e.g., greater than or equal to about 100 micrometers, greater than or equal to about 150 micrometers, greater than or equal to about 200 micrometers, greater than or equal to about 250 micrometers, greater than or equal to about 300 micrometers, greater than or equal to about 350 micrometers, greater than or equal to about 400 micrometers, or greater than or equal to about 450 micrometers). In at least one example embodiment, the insoluble material may have a particle size of less than or equal to about 500 micrometers (e.g., less than or equal to about 450 micrometers, less than or equal to about 400 micrometers, less than or equal to about 350 micrometers, less than or equal to about 300 micrometers, less than or equal to about 250 micrometers, less than or equal to about 200 micrometers, less than or equal to about 150 micrometers, or less than or equal to about 100 micrometers). In at least one example embodiment, the insoluble material may have a particle size of greater than or equal to about 50 micrometers to less than or equal to about 500 micrometers (e.g., greater than or equal to about 100 micrometers to less than or equal to about 450 micrometers, greater than or equal to about 150 micrometers to less than or equal to about 400 micrometers, greater than or equal to about 200 micrometers to less than or equal to about 350 micrometers, or greater than or equal to about 250 micrometers to less than or equal to about 300 micrometers).

[0230] The dry mixture may include, for example, a water-soluble filler. In at least one example embodiment, the water-soluble filler may include, for example, a sweetener, maltodextrin, psyllium, starch, polysaccharides, a salt, a synthetic polymer, dietary fibers, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the filling material 104 may include the water-soluble filler in an amount greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent (e.g., 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, or greater than or equal to about 45 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the filling material 104 may include the water-soluble filler in an amount less than or equal to about 50 weight percent (e.g., 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, or less than or equal to about 15 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the filling material 104 may include the water-soluble filler in an amount greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent to less than or equal to about 50 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 15 weight percent to less than or equal to about 45 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 20 weight percent to less than or equal to about 40 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 25 weight percent to less than or equal to about 35 weight percent).

[0231] The materials disposed in the cavity 106 and defining the filling material 104 may be provided in the form of a plurality of capsules, microcapsules, beads of various sizes, or any combination thereof. The capsules, microcapsules, and / or beads may have a size that is determined by the desired size of the final product (e.g., oral pouch product 100). For example, in at least one example embodiment, the capsules, microcapsules, and / or beads may range in size from greater than or equal to about 0.1 millimeters to less than or equal to about 8 millimeters depending on the ingredients contained therein.

[0232] In at least one example embodiment, the capsules, microcapsules, and / or beads may include an outer shell and an inner core, where varying the thickness of the outer shells of the capsules, microcapsules, and / or beads may allow for ingredients contained in the capsules, microcapsules, and / or beads to be released at varying rates to prolong the flavor and / or functional experience of the oral pouch product 100. In at least one example embodiment, the shells may have averages thicknesses ranging from greater than or equal to about 0.1 millimeters to less than or equal to about 7 millimeters, depending on the size of the capsules, microcapsules, and / or beads and a desired dissolution rate. The capsules, microcapsules, and / or beads having the thinnest shells may dissolve first to release the enclosed flavors and functional ingredients, while capsules, microcapsules, and / or beads having thicker shells may dissolve at a slower rate to provide continued flavor and functional ingredients.

[0233] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of another example oral pouch product 200. FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the oral pouch product 200 along line II-II of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the oral pouch product 200 along line III-III of FIG. 2A.

[0234] The oral pouch product 200 illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C having a pouch wrapper 202 and that at least partially defines a cavity 210 and a filling material 212 disposed in the cavity 210 is the same as the oral pouch product 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B except that the pouch wrapper 202 may include one or more seals or seams, including longitudinal seal 204 and fin seals 206.

[0235] Each fin seal 206 may be formed by bringing together an inner surface of the outer web 208 of the pouch wrapper 202 and another section of the inner surface of the outer web 208 in a superposed relation to form one of the fin seal. The longitudinal seal 204 may extend between the fin seals 206. In at least one example embodiment, the longitudinal seal 204 may include overlapping edge portions of an outer web 208 that are sealed together. In at least one example embodiment, the seals 204, 206 may have a dimension of less than or equal to about 1 millimeter. The sealing function can be accomplished by a food grade adhesive or by mutually sealing the overlapping edge portions, using thermal or sonic techniques.

[0236] In at least one example embodiment, opposing layers of an outer web 208, the longitudinal seal 204, and the fin seals 206 may define the cavity 210 therebetween. In at least one example embodiment, the filling material 212 may substantially fill the cavity 210 of the oral pouch product 200. In other example embodiments, the filling material 212 may only partially fill the cavity 210 of the oral pouch product 200.

[0237] Although not illustrated, it should be appreciated that, in various other example embodiments, integrated fin and longitudinal seals may be used, as would be recognized by the skilled artisan. By overlapping a fin seal, the oral pouch product 200 may be made more comfortable for insertion in the adult consumer's mouth because there are no loose, unsealed edges that may stick out and snag the consumer's mouth during enjoyment. In addition, integrated fin and longitudinal seals may be stronger to reduce and / or prevent breakage during manufacture, packaging, shipment, placement, and / or use of the oral pouch product 200.

[0238] FIG. 3A is a side view of another example oral pouch product 300. FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view along line VIII-VIII of the oral pouch product 300 of FIG. 3A.

[0239] The oral pouch product 300 illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B having a pouch wrapper 304 that at least partially defines a cavity 306 and a filling material 308 disposed in the cavity 306 is the same as the oral pouch product 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B except that the oral pouch product 300 has a single seam or seal 302 along a pouch wrapper 304.

[0240] The pouch wrapper 304 can be sealed along the seam or seal 302 to define an inner cavity 306 that may be configured to contain or hold the filling material 308. The single seam or seal 302 can be formed by bringing together an inner surface of an outer web 310 of the pouch wrapper 304 and another section of the inner surface of the outer web 310 in a superposed relation. The sealing function can be accomplished by a food grade adhesive or by mutual sealing the adjacent portions, using thermal or sonic techniques. In at least one example embodiment, as illustrated, the oral pouch product 300 may have a half-moon shape. Although not illustrated, it should be appreciated that, in various other example embodiments, the pouch oral pouch product 300 may have a D-shape, boomerang, crescent, or other shape.

[0241] The present disclosure provides methods for forming oral products. For example, FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example method 400 for preparing an oral product (including, for example, the oral pouch product 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B and / or the oral pouch product 200 illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C and / or the oral pouch product 300 illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B)

[0242] In at least one example embodiment, the method 400 may include depositing S440 a solution onto or near one or more surfaces of a substrate. In at least one example embodiment, the solution is deposited S440 to form one or more layers that define at least a portion of the oral product. The one or more layers may be individually and also collectively continuous or discontinuous. The discontinuous layers may include one or more patterns. In each instance, the solution may be deposited S440 using a gravure printing process. For example, in at least one example embodiment, the method 400 may further include applying S430 the solution to a gravure roller and the depositing S440 may include contacting the substrate with the gravure roller.

[0243] In at least one example embodiment, the substrate may be fully dissolvable in an aqueous solution. In at least one example embodiment, the substrate may not be fully dissolvable in an aqueous solution. In at least one example embodiment, the substrate may include paper, a web material, or a combination of the paper and the web material. The paper may include, for example, natural materials. The natural materials may include, for example, rayon, silk, cotton, polyester, cellulosic material, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the cellulosic material may include hydroxypropyl cellulose. In at least one example embodiment, the cellulosic material may include reconstituted cellulosic materials. The web material may include, for example, synthetic polymers. The synthetic polymers may include, for example, polypropylene, low density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyurethane, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, styrene, ethyl vinyl acetate, or any combination thereof.

[0244] In at least one example embodiment, the substrate may be removable from the one or more layers that define at least a portion of the oral product. Although not illustrated, it should be appreciated that, in various example embodiments, the method 400 may include removing the one or more layers that define the at least a portion of the oral product from the substrate and forming the oral product. In at least one example embodiment, the one or more layers that define the at least a portion of the oral product may be stored on the substrate for future use in forming the oral product. In other example embodiments, the one or more layers that define the at least a portion of the oral product may be first removed from the substrate and subsequently stored for future use in forming the oral product.

[0245] In at least one example embodiment, the solution may include an active ingredient, a flavorant, or a combination of the active ingredient and the flavorant. The active ingredient may include those detailed above and / or a terpene, a cannabinoid, nicotine, an alkaloid, or any combination thereof. The flavorant may include those detailed above. In at least one example embodiment, the solution may include, additionally, or alternatively, a functional ingredient. The function ingredient may include, for example, an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof. The energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, and a teeth whitening agent may include those detailed above. In at least one example embodiment, the solution may include a filler, as detailed above.

[0246] In at least one example embodiment, the solution may further include a carrier. The carrier may include a carbohydrate. The carbohydrate may include starches, saccharides, or a combination of starches and saccharides. The saccharides may include, for example, monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, or any combination thereof. The polysaccharides may include, for example, guar gum, locust bean gum, gum arabic, konjac gum, carrageenan gum, alginates, agar, gellan gum, pullulan, xanthan gum, cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, mannans, galactomannans, xyloglucans, glucomannans, arabinoxylans, β-glucan, arabinogalactan, pectins, fructans, chitin, or any combination thereof.

[0247] In at least one example embodiment, the method 400 may further include obtaining S420 the solution. In at least one example embodiment, the method 400 may further include preparing S410 the solution. The preparing S410 of the solution may include contacting the active ingredient, the flavorant, or the combination of the active ingredient and the flavorant to a solvent. In at least one example embodiment, the solvent may include a hydrophilic solvent. The hydrophilic solvent may include, for example, water, ethanol, or a combination of water and ethanol. In at least one example embodiment, the solvent may include a hydrophobic solvent. The hydrophobic solvent may include, for example, heptane, hexane, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the preparing S410 of the solution may further include contacting the carrier to the solvent.

[0248] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating another example method 500 for preparing an oral product (including, for example, the oral pouch product 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B and / or the oral pouch product 200 illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C and / or the oral pouch product 300 illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B).

[0249] The method 500 illustrated in FIG. 5, including depositing S540 a solution onto or near one or more surfaces of a substrate to form one or more layers that define at least a portion of the oral product and optionally applying S530 the solution to a gravure roller and / or optionally obtaining S520 the solution and / or optionally preparing S510 the solution, is the same as the method 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 except that the method 500 may further include removing S550 the one or more layers from the one or more surfaces of the substrate.

[0250] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating another example method 600 for preparing an oral product (including, for example, the oral pouch product 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B and / or the oral pouch product 200 illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C and / or the oral pouch product 300 illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B).

[0251] The method 600 illustrated in FIG. 6, including depositing S640 a solution onto or near one or more surfaces of a substrate to form one or more layers that define at least a portion of the oral product and optionally applying S630 the solution to a gravure roller and / or optionally obtaining S620 the solution and / or optionally preparing S610 the solution, is the same as the method 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 except that the method 600 may further include cutting S650 the substrate including the one or more layers to a desired shape and size for the oral product. Although illustrated as occurring after the depositing S640, it should be appreciated that, in various example embodiment, the cutting S650 may occur before the depositing S640.

[0252] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating another example method 700 for preparing an oral product (including, for example, the oral pouch product 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B and / or the oral pouch product 200 illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C and / or the oral pouch product 300 illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B).

[0253] The method 700 illustrated in FIG. 7, including depositing S740 a first solution onto or near one or more first surfaces of a substrate to form one or more first layers that define at least a portion of the oral product and optionally applying S730 the first solution to a gravure roller and / or optionally obtaining S720 the first solution and / or optionally preparing S710 the first solution, is the same as the method 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 except that the method 700 may further include depositing S780 a second solution onto or near the one or more second surfaces of the substrate and / or depositing S780 the second solution onto or near one or more first layers as formed by depositing S740 the first solution.

[0254] The second solution may be the same as or different from the first solution. In at least one example embodiment, the first solution may include the active ingredient and the second solution may include the flavorant. In at least one example embodiment, the first solution may include the flavorant and the second solution may include the active ingredient. In at least one example embodiment, the first solution may include the active ingredient in a first amount and the second solution may include the active ingredient in a second amount that is different form the first amount. In at least one example embodiment, the first solution may include the flavorant in a first amount and the second solution may include the flavorant in a second amount that is different form the first amount.

[0255] In at least one example embodiment, the second solution is deposited S780 to form one or more second layers that define at least a portion of the oral product. The one or more second layers may be individually and also collectively continuous or discontinuous. The discontinuous layers may include one or more patterns. In at least one example embodiment, the one or more (second) surfaces of the substrate may be onto or near the one or more first layers defined by the first solution. For example, in at least one example embodiment, the second solution may be deposited S780 between one or more areas of the first solution. In other example embodiments, the second solution may be deposited S780 on the one or more areas of the first solution forming, for example, a multi-layered system. In still other example embodiments, the second solution may be deposited S780 between one or more areas of the first solution and also S780 on the one or more areas of the first solution.

[0256] In each instance, the second solution may be deposited S780 using a gravure printing process. For example, in at least one example embodiment, the method 700 may further include applying S770 the second solution to a second gravure roller and the depositing S748 may include contacting the substrate or the one or more first layers with the second gravure roller. The second gravure roller may be the same as or different from the first gravure roller.

[0257] In at least one example embodiment, the method 700 may further include obtaining S760 the second solution. In at least one example embodiment, the method 700 may further include preparing S750 the second solution. The preparing S710 of the second solution may include contacting the active ingredient, the flavorant, or the combination of the active ingredient and the flavorant to a solvent. In at least one example embodiment, the solvent may include a hydrophilic solvent. The hydrophilic solvent may include, for example, water, ethanol, or a combination of water and ethanol. In at least one example embodiment, the solvent may include a hydrophobic solvent. The hydrophobic solvent may include, for example, heptane, hexane, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the preparing S750 of the second solution may further include contacting the carrier to the solvent.

[0258] Although the depositing S780 of the second solution is illustrated after the depositing S740 of the first solution it should be appreciated that, in various embodiments, the depositing S740 of the first solution and the depositing S780 of the second solution may occur concurrently or subsequently. Similarly, in various embodiments, the obtaining of the preparing of the second solution S750 and / or the obtaining S760 of the second solution and / or the applying of the second solution S770 may occur concurrently with or subsequently to the preparing S710 of the first solution and / or the obtaining of the first solution S720 and / or the applying of the first solution to the first gravure roller S730.

[0259] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example method 800 for preparing an oral pouch product (including, for example, the oral pouch product illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B and / or the oral pouch product illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C and / or the oral pouch product illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B).

[0260] The method 800 illustrated in FIG. 8, including depositing S840 a solution onto or near one or more surfaces of a substrate to form one or more layers that define at least a portion of the oral product and optionally applying S830 the solution to a gravure roller and / or optionally obtaining S820 the solution and / or optionally preparing S810 the solution, is the same as the method 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 except that the method 800 may further include cutting S850 the substrate including the one or more layers to a desired shape and size for the oral product, filling S860 the substrate piece with a filling material (such as detailed above), and sealing S870 one or more edges of the substrate piece to form the oral pouch product. Although cutting S8520 is detailed here, it should be appreciated that, in various other example embodiment, the cutting S850 may be another shaping event, such as folding or wrapping. The folding or wrapping may be an alternative or addition to the cutting S850. Although the cutting S850 is illustrated as occurring after the depositing S840, it should be appreciated that, in various other example embodiments, the cutting S850 may occur before the depositing S840, and further still, in certain example embodiments, the cutting S850 may occur concurrent with the depositing S840. Although the filling S860 is illustrated as occurring after the depositing S840 and the cutting S850, it should be appreciated that, in various other example, the filling S860 may occur before the depositing S840 and / or the cutting S850, and further still, in certain example embodiments, the filling S860 may occur concurrent with the depositing S840 and / or the cutting S850. That is, in at least one example embodiment, the depositing S840 may occur before the filing S860. In other example embodiments, the depositing S840 may occur after the filling S860 bur before the cutting S850. Although the sealing S870 is illustrated as a signal step, it should be appreciated that, in various other example embodiments, the sealing S870 of the one or more edges of the substrate piece may include two or more steps and that the individual steps may occur before, concurrent with, or after the filling S860 of the substrate piece and / or the cutting S850 and / or the depositing S840.

[0261] The present disclosure provides apparatuses, for example, gravure printers, for forming oral products like those detailed above. The apparatuses may each include one or more parts or components or portions (for example, cylinders) configured to receive, hold, and dispose one or more compositions (including, for example, the first composition and / or the second composition and / or other compositions). The apparatus may also include one or more controllers configured to execute one or more programs or acts for one or more of the one or more parts or components or portions.

[0262] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example apparatus 900 for use preparing an oral product (including, for example, the oral pouch product illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B and / or the oral pouch product illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C and / or the oral pouch product illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B).

[0263] In at least one example embodiment, the apparatus 900 may include a part or component or portion 910 configured to receive or hold or dispose one or more compositions (including, for example, the first composition and / or the second composition and / or other compositions as detailed above). In at least one example embodiment, the apparatus 900 may include a controller 920 that may be configured to execute one or more programs or acts using the part or component or portion 910. As illustrated by line 930, the controller 920 may be in electrical communicating with the part or component or portion 910. In at least one example embodiment, the controller 920 may be configured to cause the one or more compositions to be deposited (concurrently or subsequently) (including, for example, the depositing S440 of the solution as illustrated in FIG. 4 and / or the depositing S540 of the solution as illustrated in FIG. 5 and / or the depositing S640 of the solution as illustrated in FIG. 6 and / or the depositing S740 of the first solution as illustrated in FIG. 7 and / or the depositing S780 of the second solution as illustrated in FIG. 7 and / or the depositing of the solution as illustrated in FIG. 8). In at least one example embodiment, the controller 920 may include processing

[0264] circuitry such as hardware including logic circuits, a hardware / software combination such as a processor executing software, or a combination thereof. The processing circuitry more specifically may include, but is not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a System-on-Chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. Although the controller 920 is illustrated as a single controller it should be appreciated that, in various other example embodiments, the controller 920 may include two or more controllers configured independently or together to execute one or more programs or acts using the part or component or portion 910. Although the part or component or portion 910 is illustrated as a single part or component or portion it should be appreciated that, in various example embodiments, the part or component or portion 910 may include two or more part or component or portion configured independently or together to receive or hold or dispose the one or more compositions.

[0265] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating another example apparatus 1000 for use preparing an oral product (including, for example, the oral pouch product illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B and / or the oral pouch product illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C and / or the oral pouch product illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B) in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

[0266] In at least one example embodiment, the apparatus 1000 may include a first part or component or portion 1010 configured to receive or hold or dispose one or more compositions (including, for example, the first composition and / or the second composition and / or other compositions as detailed above) and a second part or component or portion 1020 configured to receive or hold or dispose one or more compositions (including, for example, the first composition and / or the second composition and / or other compositions). In at least one example embodiment, the first part or component or portion 1010 may be configured to hold a first composition, while the second part or component or portion 1020 may be configured to hold a second composition that is the same as or different from the first composition.

[0267] In at least one example embodiment, the apparatus 1000 may include a first controller 1050 that may be configured to execute one or more programs or acts using the first part or component or portion 1010. For example, the first controller 1050 may be configured to cause the one or more compositions to be disposed (concurrently or subsequently) (including, for example, the depositing S440 of the solution as illustrated in FIG. 4 and / or the depositing S540 of the solution as illustrated in FIG. 5 and / or the depositing S640 of the solution as illustrated in FIG. 6 and / or the depositing S740 of the first solution as illustrated in FIG. 7 and / or the depositing S780 of the second solution as illustrated in FIG. 7 and / or the depositing of the solution as illustrated in FIG. 8). In at least one example embodiment, the first controller 1050 may be configured to cause a first composition to be deposited using (or from) the first part or component or portion 1010. As illustrated by line 1030, the controller 1050 may be in electrical communicating with the first part or component or portion 1010.

[0268] In at least one example embodiment, the apparatus 1000 may include a second controller 1060 that may be configured to execute one or more programs or acts using the second part or component or portion 1020. For example, the second controller 1060 may be configured to cause the one or more compositions to be disposed (concurrently or subsequently) (including, for example, the depositing S440 of the solution as illustrated in FIG. 4 and / or the depositing S540 of the solution as illustrated in FIG. 5 and / or the depositing S640 of the solution as illustrated in FIG. 6 and / or the depositing S740 of the first solution as illustrated in FIG. 7 and / or the depositing S780 of the second solution as illustrated in FIG. 7 and / or the depositing of the solution as illustrated in FIG. 8). In at least one example embodiment, the second controller 1060 may be configured to cause a second composition to be deposited using (or from) the second part or component or portion 1020. As illustrated by line 1040, the controller 1060 may be in electrical communicating with the first part or component or portion 1020.

[0269] Although not illustrated, it should be appreciated that, in various other example embodiments, the first controller 1050 may work with the second controller 1060 to execute one or more programs or acts using the second part or component or portion 1020. For example, in at least one example embodiment, the first controller 1050 may be in electrical communication with the second controller 1060 and / or the second part or component or portion 1020.

[0270] Although not illustrated, it should be appreciated that, in various other example embodiments, the second controller 1060 may work with the first controller 1050 to execute one or more programs or acts using the first part or component or portion 1010. For example, in at least one example embodiment, the second controller 1050 may be in electrical communication with the first controller 1060 and / or the first part or component or portion 1010.

[0271] In at least one example embodiment, the first controller 1050 may include processing circuitry such as hardware including logic circuits, a hardware / software combination such as a processor executing software, or a combination thereof. The processing circuitry more specifically may include, but is not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a System-on-Chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.

[0272] In at least one example embodiment, the second controller 1060 may include processing circuitry such as hardware including logic circuits, a hardware / software combination such as a processor executing software, or a combination thereof. The processing circuitry more specifically may include, but is not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a System-on-Chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.

[0273] Although only the first controller 1050 is illustrated as a single component it should be appreciated that, in various other example embodiments, the first controller 1050 may include two or more controllers configured independently or together to execute (alone or with the second controller 1060) one or more programs or acts using the first part or component or portion 1010 and / or the second part or component or portion 1020.

[0274] Although only the second controller 1060 is illustrated as a single component it should be appreciated that, in various other example embodiments, the second controller 1060 may include two or more controllers configured independently or together to execute (alone or with the first controller 1050) one or more programs or acts using the first part or component or portion 1010 and / or the second part or component or portion 1020.

[0275] Although the first part or component or portion 1010 is illustrated as a single part or component or portion it should be appreciated that, in various other example embodiments, the first part or component or portion 1010 may include two or more part or component or portion configured independently or together to receive or hold or dispose the one or more compositions.

[0276] Although the second part or component or portion 1020 is illustrated as a single part or component or portion it should be appreciated that, in various example embodiments, the second part or component or portion 1020 may include two or more part or component or portion configured independently or together to receive or hold or dispose the one or more compositions.

[0277] 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.

[0278] 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.

[0279] Illustrative Embodiment 1. A method for forming an oral product, the method comprising: depositing a solution onto or near one or more surfaces of a substrate by a gravure printing process to form one or more layers that define at least a portion of the oral product, the solution including an active ingredient, a flavorant, or a combination of the active ingredient and the flavorant.

[0280] Illustrative Embodiment 2. The method of illustrative embodiment 1, wherein the active ingredient includes a terpene, a cannabinoid, nicotine, an alkaloid, or any combination thereof.

[0281] Illustrative Embodiment 3. The method of any of illustrative embodiments of 1 and 2, wherein the solution further includes an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0282] Illustrative Embodiment 4. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 1-4, wherein the solution further includes a carrier.

[0283] Illustrative Embodiment 5. The method of illustrative embodiment 4, wherein the carrier includes a carbohydrate.

[0284] Illustrative Embodiment 6. The method of illustrative embodiment 5, wherein the carbohydrate includes starches, saccharides, or a combination of starches and saccharides.

[0285] Illustrative Embodiment 7. The method of illustrative embodiment 6, wherein the saccharides include monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, or any combination thereof.

[0286] Illustrative Embodiment 8. The method of illustrative embodiment 7, wherein the polysaccharides include guar gum, locust bean gum, gum arabic, konjac gum, carrageenan gum, alginates, agar, gellan gum, pullulan, xanthan gum, cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, mannans, galactomannans, xyloglucans, glucomannans, arabinoxylans, β-glucan, arabinogalactan, pectins, fructans, chitin, or any combination thereof.

[0287] Illustrative Embodiment 9. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 1-8, wherein the substrate includes paper.

[0288] Illustrative Embodiment 10. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 1-8, wherein the substrate is fully dissolvable in an aqueous solution.

[0289] Illustrative Embodiment 11. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 1-8, wherein the substrate is not fully dissolvable in an aqueous solution.

[0290] Illustrative Embodiment 12. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 1-11, wherein the oral product includes an oral pouch product and the substrate is incorporated into or defines the oral pouch product.

[0291] Illustrative Embodiment 13. The method of illustrative embodiment 12, wherein the flavorant is a first flavorant and the oral pouch product encases a second flavorant, the first and second flavorants being the same or different.

[0292] Illustrative Embodiment 14. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 12 and 13, wherein the active ingredient is a first active ingredient and the oral pouch product encases a second active ingredient, the first and second active ingredients being the same or different.

[0293] Illustrative Embodiment 15. The method of illustrative embodiment 14, wherein at least one of the first and second active ingredients includes a terpene, a cannabinoid, nicotine, an alkaloid, or any combination thereof.

[0294] Illustrative Embodiment 16. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 1-15, wherein the depositing includes contacting the solution to the one or more surfaces of the substrate to form a first layer.

[0295] Illustrative Embodiment 17. The method of illustrative embodiment 16, wherein the first layer is a continuous layer.

[0296] Illustrative Embodiment 18. The method of illustrative embodiment 16, wherein the first layer is a discontinuous layer including one or more patterns.

[0297] Illustrative Embodiment 19. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 16-18, wherein the solution is a first solution and the gravure printing process is a first gravure printing process, and the method further includes depositing a second solution onto or near the first layer using a second gravure printing process, the first and second gravure printing processes being the same or different, the second solution being the same or different from the first solution.

[0298] Illustrative Embodiment 20. The method of illustrative embodiment 19, wherein the depositing of the second solution includes contacting the second solution onto or near the first layer to form a second layer.

[0299] Illustrative Embodiment 21. The method of illustrative embodiment 20, wherein the second layer is a continuous layer.

[0300] Illustrative Embodiment 22. The method of illustrative embodiment 20, wherein the second layer is a discontinuous layer.

[0301] Illustrative Embodiment 23. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 20-22, wherein the first solution includes the active ingredient and the second solution includes the flavorant.

[0302] Illustrative Embodiment 24. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 20-22, wherein the first solution includes the flavorant and the second solution includes the active ingredient.

[0303] Illustrative Embodiment 25. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 20-22, wherein the first solution includes the active ingredient and the flavorant, and the second solution includes an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0304] Illustrative Embodiment 26. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 20-22, wherein the first solution includes the active ingredient, and the second solution includes an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0305] Illustrative Embodiment 27. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 20-22, wherein the first solution includes the flavorant, and the second solution includes an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0306] Illustrative Embodiment 28. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 1-27, wherein the method further comprises: applying the solution to a gravure roller, the depositing including contacting the substrate with the gravure roller.

[0307] Illustrative Embodiment 29. The method of illustrative embodiment 28, wherein the solution is a first solution and the gravure roller is a first gravure roller, and the method further comprises: applying a second solution to a second gravure roller, the second solution being the same or different from the first solution; and contacting the substrate including the first solution with the second gravure roller.

[0308] Illustrative Embodiment 30. The method of illustrative embodiment 29, wherein the second solution includes an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0309] Illustrative Embodiment 31. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 1-30, wherein the method further comprises: cutting the substrate to a desired shape and size for the oral product.

[0310] Illustrative Embodiment 32. The method of illustrative embodiment 31, wherein the cutting occurs prior to the depositing.

[0311] Illustrative Embodiment 33. The method of illustrative embodiment 31, wherein the cutting occurs after the depositing.

[0312] Illustrative Embodiment 34. The method of illustrative embodiment 31, wherein the cutting occurs concurrent with the depositing.

[0313] Illustrative Embodiment 35. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 31-34, wherein the substrate defines one or more cavities, and the method further comprises: filling the one or more cavities.

[0314] Illustrative Embodiment 36. The method of illustrative embodiment 35, wherein the filling of the one or more cavities occurs prior to the depositing.

[0315] Illustrative Embodiment 37. The method of illustrative embodiment 35, wherein the filling of the one or more cavities occurs after the depositing.

[0316] Illustrative Embodiment 38. The method of illustrative embodiment 35, wherein the filling of the one or more cavities occurs concurrent with the depositing.

[0317] Illustrative Embodiment 39. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 35-38, wherein the filling of the one or more cavities occurs prior to the cutting.

[0318] Illustrative Embodiment 40. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 35-38, wherein the filling of the one or more cavities occurs after the cutting.

[0319] Illustrative Embodiment 41. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 35-38, wherein the filling of the one or more cavities occurs concurrent with the cutting.

[0320] Illustrative Embodiment 42. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 35-41, wherein the method further comprises: forming the one or more cavities.

[0321] Illustrative Embodiment 43. The method of illustrative embodiment 42, wherein the forming of the one or more cavities occurs prior to the depositing.

[0322] Illustrative Embodiment 44. The method of illustrative embodiment 42, wherein the forming of the one or more cavities occurs after the depositing.

[0323] Illustrative Embodiment 45. The method of illustrative embodiment 42, wherein the forming of the one or more cavities occurs concurrent with the depositing.

[0324] Illustrative Embodiment 46. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 42-45, wherein the forming of the one or more cavities includes folding the substrate.

[0325] Illustrative Embodiment 47. The method of illustrative embodiments 35-46, wherein the method further comprises: sealing one or more edges to close at least a portion of the oral product.

[0326] Illustrative Embodiment 48. The method of illustrative embodiment 47, wherein the sealing of the one or more edges occurs prior to the cutting.

[0327] Illustrative Embodiment 49. The method of illustrative embodiment 47, wherein the sealing of the one or more edges occurs after the cutting.

[0328] Illustrative Embodiment 50. The method of illustrative embodiment 47, wherein the sealing of the one or more edges occurs concurrent with the cutting.

[0329] Illustrative Embodiment 51. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 46-50, wherein the method further comprises: folding one or more of the cut substrate pieces to form one or more cavities.

[0330] Illustrative Embodiment 52. The method of illustrative embodiments 1-51, wherein the one or more surfaces include a first surface and an opposing second surface, the depositing is a first depositing on the first surface of the substrate to form a first layer, the solution is a first solution, and the method further comprises: depositing a second solution onto the second surface of the substrate to form a second layer, the second solution being the same as or different from the first solution.

[0331] Illustrative Embodiment 53. The method of illustrative embodiment 52, wherein the first solution includes the active ingredient and the second solution includes the flavorant.

[0332] Illustrative Embodiment 54. The method of illustrative embodiment 52, wherein the first solution includes the flavorant and the second solution includes the active ingredient.

[0333] Illustrative Embodiment 55. The method of illustrative embodiment 52, wherein the first solution includes the active ingredient and the flavorant, and the second solution includes an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0334] Illustrative Embodiment 56. The method of illustrative embodiment 52, wherein the first solution includes the active ingredient, and the second solution includes an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0335] Illustrative Embodiment 57. The method of illustrative embodiment 52, wherein the first solution includes the flavorant, and the second solution includes an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0336] Illustrative Embodiment 58. The method of illustrative embodiment 52, wherein the first solution includes the active ingredient, and the second solution includes a filler.

[0337] Illustrative Embodiment 59. A method for forming an oral product, the method comprising: depositing a solution onto or near one or more surfaces of a substrate by a gravure printing process to form one or more layers that define at least a portion of the oral product, the solution including an active ingredient, a flavorant, or a combination of the active ingredient and the flavorant.

[0338] Illustrative Embodiment 60. The method of illustrative embodiment 59, wherein the active ingredient includes a terpene, a cannabinoid, nicotine, an alkaloid, or any combination thereof, and the solution further includes an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0339] Illustrative Embodiment 61. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 59 and 60, wherein the solution further includes a carrier, the carrier including a carbohydrate, the carbohydrate including guar gum, locust bean gum, gum arabic, konjac gum, carrageenan gum, alginates, agar, gellan gum, pullulan, xanthan gum, cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, mannans, galactomannans, xyloglucans, glucomannans, arabinoxylans, β-glucan, arabinogalactan, pectins, fructans, chitin, or any combination thereof.

[0340] Illustrative Embodiment 62. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 59-61, wherein the substrate includes paper.

[0341] Illustrative Embodiment 63. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 59-62, wherein the oral product includes an oral pouch product and the substrate is incorporated into or defines the oral pouch product.

[0342] Illustrative Embodiment 64. The method of illustrative embodiment 63, wherein the flavorant is a first flavorant and the oral pouch product encases a second flavorant, the first and second flavorants being the same or different.

[0343] Illustrative Embodiment 65. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 63 and 64, wherein the active ingredient is a first active ingredient and the oral pouch product encases a second active ingredient, the first and second active ingredients being the same or different.

[0344] Illustrative Embodiment 66. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 59-65, wherein the depositing includes contacting the solution to the one or more surfaces of the substrate to form a first layer.

[0345] Illustrative Embodiment 67. The method of illustrative embodiment 66, wherein the solution is a first solution and the gravure printing process is a first gravure printing process, and the method further includes depositing a second solution onto or near the first layer using a second gravure printing process, the first and second gravure printing processes being the same or different, the second solution being the same or different from the first solution.

[0346] Illustrative Embodiment 68. The method of illustrative embodiment 67, wherein the depositing of the second solution includes contacting the second solution onto or near the first layer to form a second layer.

[0347] Illustrative Embodiment 69. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 67 and 68, wherein the first solution includes the active ingredient and the second solution includes the flavorant.

[0348] Illustrative Embodiment 70. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 67-69, wherein the first solution includes the flavorant and the second solution includes the active ingredient.

[0349] Illustrative Embodiment 71. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 67-70, wherein the first solution includes at least one of the active ingredient and the flavorant, and the second solution includes an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0350] Illustrative Embodiment 72. The method of any of illustrative embodiment 59-71, wherein the method further comprises: applying the solution to a gravure roller, the depositing including contacting the substrate with the gravure roller.

[0351] Illustrative Embodiment 73. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 59-72, wherein the method further comprises: cutting the substrate to a desired shape and size for the oral product.

[0352] Illustrative Embodiment 74. The method of illustrative embodiment 73, wherein the substrate defines one or more cavities, and the method further comprises: filling the one or more cavities.

[0353] Illustrative Embodiment 75. The method of illustrative embodiment 74, wherein the method further comprises: forming the one or more cavities.

[0354] Illustrative Embodiment 76. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 74 and 75, wherein the method further comprises: sealing one or more edges to close at least a portion of the oral product.

[0355] Illustrative Embodiment 77. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 59-76, wherein the one or more surfaces include a first surface and an opposing second surface, the depositing is a first depositing on the first surface of the substrate to form a first layer, the solution is a first solution, and the method further comprises: depositing a second solution onto the second surface of the substrate to form a second layer, the second solution being the same as or different from the first solution.

[0356] Illustrative Embodiment 78. The method of illustrative embodiment 77, wherein the first solution includes at least one of the active ingredient and the flavorant, and the second solution includes an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

Examples

embodiment 3

[0281]Illustrative The method of any of illustrative embodiments of 1 and 2, wherein the solution further includes an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0282]Illustrative Embodiment 4. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 1-4, wherein the solution further includes a carrier.

[0283]Illustrative Embodiment 5. The method of illustrative embodiment 4, wherein the carrier includes a carbohydrate.

[0284]Illustrative Embodiment 6. The method of illustrative embodiment 5, wherein the carbohydrate includes starches, saccharides, or a combination of starches and saccharides.

[0285]Illustrative Embodiment 7. The method of illustrative embodiment 6, wherein the saccharides include monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, or any combinat...

embodiment 14

[0292]Illustrative The method of any of illustrative embodiments 12 and 13, wherein the active ingredient is a first active ingredient and the oral pouch product encases a second active ingredient, the first and second active ingredients being the same or different.

[0293]Illustrative Embodiment 15. The method of illustrative embodiment 14, wherein at least one of the first and second active ingredients includes a terpene, a cannabinoid, nicotine, an alkaloid, or any combination thereof.

[0294]Illustrative Embodiment 16. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 1-15, wherein the depositing includes contacting the solution to the one or more surfaces of the substrate to form a first layer.

[0295]Illustrative Embodiment 17. The method of illustrative embodiment 16, wherein the first layer is a continuous layer.

[0296]Illustrative Embodiment 18. The method of illustrative embodiment 16, wherein the first layer is a discontinuous layer including one or more patterns.

[0297]Illustrative...

embodiment 61

[0339]Illustrative The method of any of illustrative embodiments 59 and 60, wherein the solution further includes a carrier, the carrier including a carbohydrate, the carbohydrate including guar gum, locust bean gum, gum arabic, konjac gum, carrageenan gum, alginates, agar, gellan gum, pullulan, xanthan gum, cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, mannans, galactomannans, xyloglucans, glucomannans, arabinoxylans, β-glucan, arabinogalactan, pectins, fructans, chitin, or any combination thereof.

[0340]Illustrative Embodiment 62. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 59-61, wherein the substrate includes paper.

[0341]Illustrative Embodiment 63. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 59-62, wherein the oral product includes an oral pouch product and the substrate is incorporated into or defines the oral pouch product.

[0342]Illustrative Embodiment 64. The method of illustrative embodiment 63, wherein the flavorant is a first flavorant and the oral pouch product ...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 771,160, filed on Mar. 13, 2025, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference thereto.BACKGROUNDField

[0002] The present disclosure relates to 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 some example embodiments relate to a method for forming an oral product.

[0005] In at least one example embodiment, the method includes depositing a solution onto or near one or more surfaces of a substrate by a gravure printing process to form one or more layers that define at least a portion of the oral product.

[0006] In at least one example embodiment, the solution includes an active ingredient, a flavorant, or a combination of the active ingredient and the flavorant.

[0007] In at least one example embodiment, the active ingredient may include a terpene, a cannabinoid, nicotine, an alkaloid, or any combination thereof.

[0008] In at least one example embodiment, the solution may further include an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0009] In at least one example embodiment, the solution may further include a carrier.

[0010] In at least one example embodiment, the carrier may include a carbohydrate.

[0011] In at least one example embodiment, the carbohydrate may include starches, saccharides, or a combination of starches and saccharides.

[0012] In at least one example embodiment, the saccharides may include monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, or any combination thereof.

[0013] In at least one example embodiment, the polysaccharides may include guar gum, locust bean gum, gum arabic, konjac gum, carrageenan gum, alginates, agar, gellan gum, pullulan, xanthan gum, cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, mannans, galactomannans, xyloglucans, glucomannans, arabinoxylans, β-glucan, arabinogalactan, pectins, fructans, chitin, or any combination thereof.

[0014] In at least one example embodiment, the substrate may include paper.

[0015] In at least one example embodiment, the substrate may be fully dissolvable in an aqueous solution.

[0016] In at least one example embodiment, the substrate may not be fully dissolvable in an aqueous solution.

[0017] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include an oral pouch product and the substrate may be incorporated into or may define an oral pouch product.

[0018] In at least one example embodiment, the flavorant may be a first flavorant and the oral pouch product may encase a second flavorant. The first and second flavorants may be the same or different.

[0019] In at least one example embodiment, the active ingredient may be a first active ingredient and the oral pouch product may encase a second active ingredient. The first and second active ingredients may be the same or different.

[0020] In at least one example embodiment, at least one of the first and second active ingredients may include a terpene, a cannabinoid, nicotine, an alkaloid, or any combination thereof.

[0021] In at least one example embodiment, the depositing may include contacting the solution to the one or more surfaces of the substrate to form a first layer.

[0022] In at least one example embodiment, the first layer may be a continuous layer.

[0023] In at least one example embodiment, the first layer may be a discontinuous layer that includes one or more patterns.

[0024] In at least one example embodiment, the solution may be a first solution and the gravure printing process may be a first gravure printing process, and the method may further include depositing a second solution onto or near the first layer using a second gravure printing process. The first and second gravure printing processes may be the same or different. The second solution may be the same or different from the first solution.

[0025] In at least one example embodiment, the depositing of the second solution may include contacting the second solution onto or near the first layer to form a second layer.

[0026] In at least one example embodiment, the second layer may be a continuous layer.

[0027] In at least one example embodiment, the second layer may be a discontinuous layer.

[0028] In at least one example embodiment, the first solution may include the active ingredient and the second solution may include the flavorant.

[0029] In at least one example embodiment, the first solution may include the flavorant and the second solution may include the active ingredient.

[0030] In at least one example embodiment, the first solution may include the active ingredient and the flavorant, and the second solution may include an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0031] In at least one example embodiment, the first solution may include the active ingredient, and the second solution may include an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0032] In at least one example embodiment, the first solution may include the flavorant, and the second solution may include an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0033] In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include applying the solution to a gravure roller and the depositing may include contacting the substrate with the gravure roller.

[0034] In at least one example embodiment, the solution may be a first solution and the gravure roller may be a first gravure roller, and the method may further include applying a second solution to a second gravure roller and contacting the substrate including the first solution with the second gravure roller. The second solution may be the same or different from the first solution.

[0035] In at least one example embodiment, the second solution includes an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0036] In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include cutting the substrate to a desired shape and size for the oral product.

[0037] In at least one example embodiment, the cutting may occur prior to the depositing.

[0038] In at least one example embodiment, the cutting may occur after the depositing.

[0039] In at least one example embodiment, the cutting may occur concurrent with the depositing.

[0040] In at least one example embodiment, the substrate may define one or more cavities, and the method may further include filling the one or more cavities.

[0041] In at least one example embodiment, the filling of the one or more cavities may occur prior to the depositing.

[0042] In at least one example embodiment, the filling of the one or more cavities may occur after the depositing.

[0043] In at least one example embodiment, the filling of the one or more cavities may occur concurrent with the depositing.

[0044] In at least one example embodiment, the filling of the one or more cavities may occur prior to the cutting.

[0045] In at least one example embodiment, the filling of the one or more cavities may occur after the cutting.

[0046] In at least one example embodiment, the filling of the one or more cavities may occur concurrent with the cutting.

[0047] In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include forming the one or more cavities.

[0048] In at least one example embodiment, the forming of the one or more cavities may occur prior to the depositing.

[0049] In at least one example embodiment, the forming of the one or more cavities may occur after the depositing.

[0050] In at least one example embodiment, the forming of the one or more cavities may occur concurrent with the depositing.

[0051] In at least one example embodiment, the forming of the one or more cavities may include folding the substrate.

[0052] In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include sealing one or more edges to close at least a portion of the oral product.

[0053] In at least one example embodiment, the sealing of the one or more edges may occur prior to the cutting.

[0054] In at least one example embodiment, the sealing of the one or more edges may occur after the cutting.

[0055] In at least one example embodiment, the sealing of the one or more edges may occur concurrent with the cutting.

[0056] In at least one example embodiment, the one or more surfaces may include a first surface and an opposing second surface, the depositing may be a first depositing on the first surface of the substrate to form a first layer, the solution may be a first solution, and the method may further include depositing a second solution onto the second surface of the substrate to form a second layer. The second solution may be the same as or different from the first solution.

[0057] In at least one example embodiment, the first solution may include the active ingredient and the second solution may include the flavorant.

[0058] In at least one example embodiment, the first solution may include the flavorant and the second solution may include the active ingredient.

[0059] In at least one example embodiment, the first solution may include the active ingredient and the flavorant, and the second solution may include an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0060] In at least one example embodiment, the first solution may include the active ingredient, and the second solution may include an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0061] In at least one example embodiment, the first solution may include the flavorant, and the second solution may include an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0062] In at least one example embodiment, the first solution may include the active ingredient, and the second solution may include a filler.

[0063] At least some example embodiments relate to another example method for forming an oral product.

[0064] In at least one example embodiment, the method may include depositing a solution onto or near one or more surfaces of a substrate by a gravure printing process to form one or more layers that define at least a portion of the oral product. The solution may include an active ingredient, a flavorant, or a combination of the active ingredient and the flavorant.

[0065] In at least one example embodiment, the active ingredient may include a terpene, a cannabinoid, nicotine, an alkaloid, or any combination thereof, and the solution may further include an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0066] In at least one example embodiment, the solution may further include a carrier. The carrier may include a carbohydrate, the carbohydrate including guar gum, locust bean gum, gum arabic, konjac gum, carrageenan gum, alginates, agar, gellan gum, pullulan, xanthan gum, cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, mannans, galactomannans, xyloglucans, glucomannans, arabinoxylans, β-glucan, arabinogalactan, pectins, fructans, chitin, or any combination thereof.

[0067] In at least one example embodiment, substrate may include paper.

[0068] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include an oral pouch product and the substrate is incorporated into or defines the oral pouch product.

[0069] In at least one example embodiment, the flavorant may be a first flavorant, and the oral pouch product may encase a second flavorant. The first and second flavorants may be the same or different.

[0070] In at least one example embodiment, the active ingredient may be a first active ingredient, and the oral pouch product may encase a second active ingredient. The first and second active ingredients may be the same or different.

[0071] In at least one example embodiment, the depositing may include contacting the solution to the one or more surfaces of the substrate to form a first layer.

[0072] In at least one example embodiment, the solution may be a first solution, the gravure printing process may be a first gravure printing process, and the method may further include depositing a second solution onto or near the first layer using a second gravure printing process. The first and second gravure printing processes may be the same or different. The second solution may be the same or different from the first solution.

[0073] In at least one example embodiment, the depositing of the second solution may include contacting the second solution onto or near the first layer to form a second layer.

[0074] In at least one example embodiment, the first solution may include the active ingredient, and the second solution may include the flavorant.

[0075] In at least one example embodiment, the first solution may include the flavorant, and the second solution may include the active ingredient.

[0076] In at least one example embodiment, the first solution may include at least one of the active ingredient and the flavorant, and the second solution may include an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0077] In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include applying the solution to a gravure roller, and the depositing may include contacting the substrate with the gravure roller.

[0078] In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include cutting the substrate to a desired shape and size for the oral product.

[0079] In at least one example embodiment, the substrate may define one or more cavities, and the method may further include filling the one or more cavities.

[0080] In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include forming the one or more cavities.

[0081] In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include sealing one or more edges to close at least a portion of the oral product.

[0082] In at least one example embodiment, the one or more surfaces may include a first surface and an opposing second surface, the depositing may be a first depositing on the first surface of the substrate to form a first layer, the solution may be a first solution, and the method may further include depositing a second solution onto the second surface of the substrate to form a second layer. The second solution may be the same as or different from the first solution.

[0083] In at least one example embodiment, the first solution may include at least one of the active ingredient and the flavorant, and the second solution may include an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0084] 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.

[0085] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an example oral pouch product in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

[0086] FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the oral pouch product taken along line I-I of FIG. 1A in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

[0087] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of another example oral pouch product in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

[0088] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the oral pouch product along line II-II of FIG. 2A in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

[0089] FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the oral pouch product along line III-III of FIG. 2A in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

[0090] FIG. 3A is a side view of another example oral pouch product in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

[0091] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view along line VIII-VIII of the oral pouch product of FIG. 3A in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

[0092] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for preparing an oral product in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

[0093] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating another example method for preparing an oral product in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

[0094] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating another example method for preparing an oral product in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

[0095] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating another example method for preparing an oral product in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

[0096] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for preparing an oral pouch product (including, for example, the oral pouch product illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B and / or the oral pouch product illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C and / or the oral pouch product illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B) in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

[0097] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example apparatus for use preparing an oral product (including, for example, the oral pouch product illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B and / or the oral pouch product illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C and / or the oral pouch product illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B) in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

[0098] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating another example apparatus for use preparing an oral product (including, for example, the oral pouch product illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B and / or the oral pouch product illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C and / or the oral pouch product illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B) in accordance with at least one example embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0099] Some detailed example embodiments are disclosed herein. However, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] The present application generally relates to oral products and to methods of using and forming the same.

[0108] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include an active ingredient intended for delivery through the buccal membrane. The active ingredient may include, for example, a tobacco extract, a tobacco-derived nicotine extract, synthetic nicotine, cannabis, or any combination thereof.

[0109] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be an oral tobacco product, an oral non-tobacco product, an oral cannabis product, or any combination thereof. For example, 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.

[0110] 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, levulinate, citrate, methanesulfonate, hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, or any combination thereof.

[0111] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the nicotine 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 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). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the nicotine in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.1 milligram to less than or equal 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).

[0112] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the nicotine derivative or nicotine salt in an amount greater than or equal to about 20 milligrams (e.g., greater than or equal to about 22 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 24 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 26 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 28 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 30 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 32 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 34 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 36 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 38 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 40 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 42 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 44 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 46 milligrams, or greater than or equal to about 48 milligrams). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the nicotine derivative or nicotine salt in an amount less than or equal to about 50 milligrams (e.g., less than or equal to about 48 milligrams, less than or equal to about 46 milligrams, less than or equal to about 44 milligrams, less than or equal to about 42 milligrams, less than or equal to about 40 milligrams, less than or equal to about 38 milligrams, less than or equal to about 36 milligrams, less than or equal to about 34 milligrams, less than or equal to about 32 milligrams, less than or equal to about 30 milligrams, less than or equal to about 28 milligrams, less than or equal to about 26 milligrams, or less than or equal to about 24 milligrams). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the nicotine derivative or nicotine salt in an amount greater than or equal to about 20 milligrams to less than or equal to about 50 milligrams (e.g., greater than or equal to about 22 milligrams to less than or equal to about 48 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 24 milligrams to less than or equal to about 46 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 26 milligrams to less than or equal to about 44 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 28 milligrams to less than or equal to about 42 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 30 milligrams to less than or equal to about 40 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 32 milligrams to less than or equal to about 38 milligrams, or greater than or equal to about 34 milligrams to less than or equal to about 36 milligrams).

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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, 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.

[0115] 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).

[0116] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be 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, an EUDRAGIT® 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.

[0117] 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. In at least one example embodiment, the EUDRAGIT® polymer may include, for example, poly(butyl methacrylate, (2-dimentyl aminoethyl) methacrylate, methyl methacrylate), poly(methacrylic acid, methyl methacrylate), poly(methacrylic acid, ethyl acrylate), poly(ethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, 2-trimethylammonioehtyl methacrylate chloride), poly(ethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate), or any combination thereof.

[0118] 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 be 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 is 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.

[0119] 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 has 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.

[0120] 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 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.

[0121] 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 has 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).

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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 greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent to less than or equal to about 40 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 38 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent to less than or equal to about 36 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent to less than or equal to about 34 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent to less than or equal to about 32 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent to less than or equal to about 30 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 12 weight percent to less than or equal to about 28 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 14 weight percent to less than or equal to about 26 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 16 weight percent to less than or equal to about 24 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 18 weight percent to less than or equal to about 22 weight percent).

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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 an amount greater than or equal to about 10 milligrams to less than or equal to about 200 milligrams (e.g., greater than or equal to about 20 milligrams to less than or equal to about 180 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 30 milligrams to less than or equal to about 170 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 40 milligrams to less than or equal to about 160 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 50 milligrams to less than or equal to about 150 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 60 milligrams to less than or equal to about 140 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 70 milligrams to less than or equal to about 130 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 80 milligrams to less than or equal to about 120 milligrams, or greater than or equal to about 90 milligrams to less than or equal to about 110 milligrams).

[0128] 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 greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 5 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent to less than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent to less than or equal to about 3.5 weight percent).

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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 greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 5 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent to less than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent to less than or equal to about 3.5 weight percent).

[0131] 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.

[0132] 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 greater than or equal to about 0.2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 40 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 38 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent to less than or equal to about 36 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent to less than or equal to about 34 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent to less than or equal to about 32 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent to less than or equal to about 30 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 12 weight percent to less than or equal to about 28 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 14 weight percent to less than or equal to about 26 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 16 weight percent to less than or equal to about 24 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 18 weight percent to less than or equal to about 22 weight percent).

[0133] 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, 1,3-propandediol, 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.

[0134] 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 greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent to less than or equal to about 35 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 33 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent to less than or equal to about 31 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent to less than or equal to about 29 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent to less than or equal to about 27 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent to less than or equal to about 25 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 12 weight percent to less than or equal to about 23 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 14 weight percent to less than or equal to about 22 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 16 weight percent to less than or equal to about 20 weight percent).

[0135] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be 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 may include maltodextrin, psyllium, starch, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-soluble fibers may include soluble dietary fibers. In at least one example embodiment oral product may include partially soluble fibers, such as sugar beet fibers.

[0136] 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 greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 90 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent to less than or equal to about 85 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent to less than or equal to about 80 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 15 weight percent to less than or equal to about 75 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 20 weight percent to less than or equal to about 70 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 25 weight percent to less than or equal to about 65 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 30 weight percent to less than or equal to about 60 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 35 weight percent to less than or equal to about 55 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 40 weight percent to less than or equal to about 50 weight percent).

[0137] 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.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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 greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 30 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 28 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent to less than or equal to about 26 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent to less than or equal to about 24 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent to less than or equal to about 22 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent to less than or equal to about 20 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 12 weight percent to less than or equal to about 18 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 14 weight percent to less than or equal to about 16 weight percent).

[0140] 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.

[0141] 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. 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 greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 30 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 28 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent to less than or equal to about 26 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent to less than or equal to about 24 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent to less than or equal to about 22 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent to less than or equal to about 20 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 12 weight percent to less than or equal to about 18 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 14 weight percent to less than or equal to about 16 weight percent).

[0142] 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.

[0143] 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 (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent to less than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent to less than or equal to about 3.5 weight percent).

[0144] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be 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.

[0145] 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 greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 15 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 14 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 13 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent to less than or equal to about 12 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent to less than or equal to about 11 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent to less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent to less than or equal to about 9 weight percent).

[0146] 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.

[0147] 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 greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 20 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 18 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent to less than or equal to about 16 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent to less than or equal to about 14 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent to less than or equal to about 12 weight percent).

[0148] 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.

[0149] 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 greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 5 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent to less than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent to less than or equal to about 3.5 weight percent).

[0150] 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.

[0151] 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 greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 7.5 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent to less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 6.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent to less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 5.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2.5 weight percent to less than or equal to about 5 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent to less than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent).

[0152] 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.

[0153] 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 greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 10 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 9 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent to less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent to less than or equal to about 6 weight percent).

[0154] 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, tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, or any combination thereof.

[0155] 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 greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent to less than or equal to about 2 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.05 weight percent to less than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent).

[0156] 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.

[0157] 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 greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent to less than or equal to about 10 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 9 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent to less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent to less than or equal to about 6 weight percent).

[0158] 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.

[0159] 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 greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent to less than or equal to about 7.5 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent to less than or equal to about 5 weight percent).

[0160] 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.

[0161] 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 greater than about 0 weight percent to less than or equal to about 8 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent to less than or equal to about 5 weight percent).

[0162] 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.

[0163] 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 greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent to less than or equal to about 20 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 18 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent to less than or equal to about 16 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent to less than or equal to about 14 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent to less than or equal to about 12 weight percent).

[0164] 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.

[0165] 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 greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 20 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 18 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent to less than or equal to about 16 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent to less than or equal to about 14 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent to less than or equal to about 12 weight percent).

[0166] 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.

[0167] 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. 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 greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent to less than or equal to about 16 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent to less than or equal to about 14 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 11 weight percent to less than or equal to about 13 weight percent, or about 12 weight percent).

[0168] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of a base polymer. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a base polymer. The 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, 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 greater than or equal to about 35 weight percent to less than or equal to about 55 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 40 weight percent to less than or equal to about 50 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 43 weight percent to less than or equal to about 47 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 44 weight percent to less than or equal 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 greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 10 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 9 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent to less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent to less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent to less than or equal to about 6 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 greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 10 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 9 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent to less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent to less than or equal to about 6 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 greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 10 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 9 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent to less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent to less than or equal to about 6 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 greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent to less than or equal to about 15 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 14 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 13 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent to less than or equal to about 12 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent to less than or equal to about 11 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent to less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 7 weight percent to less than or equal to about 9 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 ay 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 greater than or equal to about 0.05 weight percent to less than or equal to about 10 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 9 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent to less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent to less than or equal to about 6 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 greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent to less than or equal to about 15 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 14 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 13 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent to less than or equal to about 12 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent to less than or equal to about 11 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent to less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent to less than or equal to about 9 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 7 weight percent to less than or equal to about 8 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., β-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. 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 greater than or equal to about 5 percent by weight to less than or equal 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).

[0185] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product is 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 oral product is a dry oral product having 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 oral product is a dry oral product having a moisture content ranging from greater than or equal to about 5 percent by weight to less than or equal to about 10 percent by weight (e.g., greater than or equal to about 6 percent by weight to less than or equal to about 9 percent by weight).

[0186] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product has 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 oral product has a medium moisture content 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 has a medium moisture content, such as a moisture content ranging from greater than or equal to about 20 percent by weight to less than or equal to about 35 percent by weight (e.g., greater than or equal to about 21 percent by weight to less than or equal to about 34 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 22 percent by weight to less than or equal to about 33 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 23 percent by weight to less than or equal to about 32 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 24 percent by weight to less than or equal to about 31 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 23 percent by weight to less than or equal to about 30 percent by weight, or greater than or equal to about 24 percent by weight to less than or equal to about 28 percent by weight).

[0187] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product is 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 oral product is a wet oral product having 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 oral product is a wet oral product having a moisture content ranging from greater than or equal to about 40 percent by weight to less than or equal to about 55 percent by weight (e.g., greater than or equal to about 41 percent by weight to less than or equal to about 54 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 42 percent by weight to less than or equal to about 53 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 43 percent by weight to less than or equal to about 52 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 44 percent by weight to less than or equal to about 51 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 45 percent by weight to less than or equal to about 50 percent by weight, or greater than or equal to about 46 percent by weight to less than or equal to about 49 percent by weight).

[0188] The oral product may be in the form, for example, of shaped material (e.g., plugs or twists), tablets, lozenges, gums, 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).

[0189] 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.

[0190] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may have dimensions ranging from about 1 millimeter to about 25 millimeters (e.g., about 1 millimeter to about 10 millimeters, about 1 millimeter to about 5 millimeters, about 5 millimeters to about 25 millimeters, about 5 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, about 10 millimeters to about 15 millimeters, about 15 millimeters to about 20 millimeters, or about 20 millimeters 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).

[0191] 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 less than or equal to about 1 gram 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).

[0192] 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.

[0193] 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.

[0194] 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® (polyvinyl caprolactam-polyvinyl acetate-polyethylene glycol graft co-polymer), or any combination thereof.

[0195] In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include one or more coatings. The one or more coatings may include any of the described materials. Each of the one or more coatings may include the same or different compositions and structure. For example, in at least one example embodiment, one of the one or more coatings may include a mouth-soluble polymer. In at least one example embodiment, one of the one or more coatings may include a nicotine or a nicotine derivative. In at least one example embodiment, one of the one or more coatings 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.

[0196] Each of the one or more coatings may partially or fully surround a body of the oral product. In at least one example embodiment, each of the one or more coatings may cover greater than or equal to about 5% of a total surface area of the body (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%).

[0197] In at least one example embodiment, each of the one or more coatings 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 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 may have an average thickness greater than or equal to about 0.1 micrometers to less than or equal to about 2.5 millimeters (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.5 micrometers to less than or equal to about 2 millimeters or greater than or equal to about 1 micrometers to less than or equal to about 1.5 millimeters).

[0198] 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® (polyvinyl caprolactam-polyvinyl acetate-polyethylene glycol graft co-polymer), or any combination thereof.

[0199] 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.

[0200] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an example oral pouch product 100. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the oral pouch product 100 taken along line I-I of FIG. 1A.

[0201] The oral pouch product 100 may include a pouch wrapper 102 that at least partially defines a cavity 106 and a filling material 104 disposed in the cavity 106. In at least one example embodiment, the filling material 104 may substantially fill the cavity 106 of the oral pouch product 100. In other example embodiments, the filling material 104 may only partially fill the cavity 106 of the oral pouch product 100. The filling material 104 may include any of the materials and / or compositions detailed above. For example, in at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product 100 may be an oral tobacco product, an oral non-tobacco product, an oral cannabis product, or any combination thereof and may in various example embodiments include further include one or more elements such as a mouth-stable polymer, a mouth-soluble polymer, a sweetener (e.g., a synthetic sweetener, a natural sweetener, or a combination the synthetic sweetener and the natural sweetener), an energizing agent, a focusing agent (e.g., gingko biloba), a plasticizer, mouth-soluble or partially-soluble fibers (e.g., sugar beet fibers), an alkaloid, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a nutraceutical, a coloring agent, an amino acid, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food-grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a botanical (e.g., green tea), a tooth-whitening agent (e.g., sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP)), a therapeutic agent, a processing aid, a stearate (e.g., magnesium, potassium, or a combination of magnesium and potassium), a wax (e.g., glycerol monostearate, propylene glycol monostearate, an acetylated monoglyceride, or any combination thereof), a stabilizer (e.g., ascorbic acid, monosterol citrate, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), or any combination thereof), a lubricant (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)), a disintegrating agent, a lubricant, a preservative (e.g., sodium benzoate), a filler, a flavorant, an effervescent (e.g., carbon dioxide embedded in a flavorant or a filling material), flavor masking agents, a bitterness receptor site blocker, a receptor site enhancers, nutraceuticals, other additives, or any combination thereof. The oral pouch product 100 may include multiple additional elements. Additionally, a single element may belong to more than one of the categories above.

[0202] The oral pouch product 100 may be an oral pouch product having, for example only, a generally rectangular shape, a ravioli or pillow shape, an oblong shape, or any other suitable shape. Various shapes may be utilized so long as the shapes fit comfortably and discreetly in an adult consumer's mouth. In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product 100 is substantially free of oral cavity irritant, which, as used herein, means that the shape, configuration, and position of the oral pouch product 100 do not irritate oral tissues (e.g., gums) via sharp edges and the like. Furthermore, “substantial” and “substantially free” as used in connection with oral cavity irritant means that the shape, configuration, and position of the oral pouch product 100 does not irritate oral tissues (e.g., gums) in a time frame or period having the same order of magnitude as a typical length of time during which the oral pouch product 100 may be enjoyed by an adult consumer. Generally, sharp corners are avoided as sharp corners may lead to oral discomfort.

[0203] The oral pouch product 100 may be sized and configured to fit comfortably in an adult consumer's mouth, such as between the cheek and gum. The size of the oral pouch product 100 may be selected based on desired length of placement in an adult consumer's mouth. For example, a larger pouch including a larger amount of filling material may provide for longer placement. In other instances, the oral pouch product 100 may be a mini pouch.

[0204] In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product 100 may have a major dimension greater than or equal to about 0.20 inch (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.25 inch, greater than or equal to about 0.75 inch, greater than or equal to about 1 inch, or greater than or equal to about 1.5 inch). In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product 100 may have a major dimension less than or equal to about 2.0 inches (e.g., less than or equal to about 1.5 inches, less than or equal to about 1 inches, less than or equal to about 0.75 inches, or less than or equal to about 0.25 inches). In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product 100 may have a major dimension greater than or equal to about 0.20 inch to less than or equal to about 2.0 inches (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.25 inch to less than or equal to about 1.75 inches or greater than or equal to about 0.75 inch to less than or equal to about 1.5 inch).

[0205] In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product 100 may have a transverse dimension greater than or equal to about 0.25 (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.5 inch, greater than or equal to about 0.75 inch, or greater than or equal to about 1 inch). In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product 100 may have a transverse dimension less than or equal to about 1.5 inches (e.g., less than or equal to about 1 inches, less than or equal to about 0.75 inch, or less than or equal to about 0.5 inch). In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product 100 may have a transverse dimension greater than or equal to about 0.25 to less than or equal to about 1.5 inches (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.50 inch to less than or equal to about 1.25 inches or greater than or equal to about 0.75 inch to less than or equal to about 1.0 inch).

[0206] In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product 100 may weigh greater than or equal to about 0.25 gram (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.3 gram, greater than or equal to about 0.4 gram, greater than or equal to about 0.5 gram, or greater than or equal to about 0.75 gram). In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product 100 may weigh less than or equal to about 2.0 grams (e.g., less than or equal to about 1.8 grams, less than or equal to about 1.5 grams, less than or equal to about 1.25 grams, or less than or equal to about 1.0 gram). In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product 100 may weigh greater than or equal to about 0.25 gram to less than or equal to about 2.0 grams (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.3 gram to less than or equal to about 1.8 grams, greater than or equal to about 0.4 gram to less than or equal to about 1.5 grams, greater than or equal to about 0.5 gram to less than or equal to about 1.25 grams, or greater than or equal to about 0.75 gram to less than or equal to about 1.0 gram).

[0207] In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product 100 may be placed in an adult consumer's mouth for greater than or equal about 1 (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 minute, greater than or equal to about 5 minutes, greater than or equal to about 10 minutes, or greater than or equal to about 20 minutes). In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product 100 may be placed in an adult consumer's mouth for less than or equal to about 3 hours (e.g., less than or equal to about 2 hours, less than or equal to about 90 minutes, less than or equal to about 60 minutes, or less than or equal to about 40 minutes). In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product 100 may be placed in an adult consumer's mouth for greater than or equal about 1 minute to less than or equal to about 3 hours (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 minute to less than or equal to about 2 hours, greater than or equal to about 5 minutes to less than or equal to about 90 minutes, greater than or equal to about 10 minutes to less than or equal to about 60 minutes, or greater than or equal to about 20 minutes to less than or equal to about 40 minutes). In at least one example embodiment, the oral pouch product 100 may be discarded after a single placement in an adult consumer's mouth.

[0208] In at least one example embodiment, the pouch wrapper 102 may include an outer web 108. The outer web 108 may be formed from a material that is generally recognized as safe (“GRAS”) for use and / or contact with food. The material may be stain resistant, water permeable, porous, or any combination thereof. The outer web 108 can be formed of a permeable material or a semi-permeable material, such that, for example, saliva, water, or both saliva and water can pass through the outer web 108 and into the inner cavity 106 defined by the pouch wrapper 102. Flavors and juices formed by mixing saliva and / or water with the filling material 104 contained within the oral pouch product 100 can be drawn out of the oral pouch product 100 through the outer web 108. The outer web 108 has a desired (or alternatively, predetermined) level for basis weight and / or wet strength to reduce occurrence of breakage of the pouch wrapper 102 during manufacturing operations, storage, and placement in an adult consumer's mouth.

[0209] In at least one example embodiment, the outer web 108 may have an average thickness greater than or equal to about 0.05 millimeters (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.075 millimeters, greater than or equal to about 0.1 millimeters, greater than or equal to about 0.125 millimeters, greater than or equal to about 0.15 millimeters, greater than or equal to about 0.175 millimeters, greater than or equal to about 0.2 millimeters, or greater than or equal to about 0.225 millimeters). In at least one example embodiment, the outer web 108 may have an average thickness less than or equal to about 0.25 millimeters (e.g., less than or equal to about 0.225 millimeters, less than or equal to about 0.2 millimeters, less than or equal to about 0.175 millimeters, less than or equal to about 0.15 millimeters, less than or equal to about 0.125 millimeters, less than or equal to about 0.1 millimeters, or less than or equal to about 0.075 millimeters). In at least one example embodiment, the outer web 108 may have an average thickness greater than or equal to about 0.05 millimeters to less than or equal to about 0.25 millimeters (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.075 millimeters to less than or equal to about 0.1 millimeters or greater than or equal to about 0.1 millimeters to less than or equal to about 0.2 millimeters).

[0210] In at least one example embodiment, the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may include a woven material, a non-woven material, or a combination of the woven material and the non-woven material. In at least one example embodiment, the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may include a polymer. The polymer may include synthetic polymers, natural polymers, or a combination of synthetic polymers and natural polymers. In at least one example embodiment, the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may include a mesh material. The mesh material may be formed of spun or melt-blown fibers, such as polyurethane fibers, as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,448,669, 10,463,070, and 9,414,624, the entire disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto. In at least one example embodiment, the mesh material may be at least partially elastomeric.

[0211] In at least one example embodiment, the mesh material may have a basis weight of greater than or equal to about 10 grams per square meter (e.g., greater than or equal to about 15 grams per square meter, greater than or equal to about 20 grams per square meter, greater than or equal to about 25 grams per square meter, greater than or equal to about 30 grams per square meter, greater than or equal to about 35 grams per square meter, greater than or equal to about 40 grams per square meter, or greater than or equal to about 45 grams per square meter). In at least one example embodiment, the mesh material may have a basis weight of less than or equal to about 50 grams per square meter (e.g., less than or equal to about 45 grams per square meter, less than or equal to about 40 grams per square meter, less than or equal to about 35 grams per square meter, less than or equal to about 30 grams per square meter, less than or equal to about 25 grams per square meter, less than or equal to about 20 grams per square meter, or less than or equal to about 15 grams per square meter). In at least one example embodiment, the mesh material may have a basis weight of greater than or equal to about 10 grams per square meter to less than or equal to about 50 grams per square meter (e.g., greater than or equal to about 20 grams per square meter to less than or equal to about 30 grams per square meter).

[0212] In at least one example embodiment, the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may include paper. For example, the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may be formed of a cellulose fiber material, such as tea bag material or other materials typically used to form snus pouches. In at least one example embodiment, the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may include a tea bag material having a basis weight of about 16.5 grams per square meter with a wet tensile CD strength of 68 N / m. In at least one example embodiment, the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may be formed of a paper having a wet MD tensile strength of greater than or equal to about 45 N / mm (e.g., greater than or equal to about 46 N / mm, greater than or equal to about 47 N / mm, greater than or equal to about 48 N / mm, greater than or equal to about 49 N / mm, greater than or equal to about 50 N / mm, or greater than or equal to about 51 N / mm). In at least one example embodiment, the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may be formed of a paper having a wet MD tensile strength of less than or equal to about 52 N / mm (e.g., less than or equal to about 51 N / mm, less than or equal to about 50 N / mm, less than or equal to about 49 N / mm, less than or equal to about 48 N / mm, less than or equal to about 47 N / mm, or less than or equal to about 46 N / mm). In at least one example embodiment, the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may be formed of a paper having a wet MD tensile strength of greater than or equal to about 45 N / mm to less than or equal to about 52 N / mm (e.g., greater than or equal to about 46 N / mm to less than or equal to about 51 N / mm, greater than or equal to about 47 N / mm to less than or equal to about 50 N / mm, or greater than or equal to about 48 N / mm to less than or equal to about 49 N / mm).

[0213] In at least one example embodiment, the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may include hydrophobic paper or material. The hydrophobic paper may be non-woven material and may include any hydrophobic materials. The hydrophobic materials may be synthetic materials, semi-synthetic materials, or a combination of synthetic materials and semi-synthetic materials. In other example embodiments, the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may be treated such that the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 has one or more hydrophobic surfaces. For example, in at least one example embodiment, the hydrophobic paper may be formed from, or coated with, petroleum-based materials. The petroleum-based materials may include polyester, polyethylene, polyurethane, polypropylene, or any combination thereof.

[0214] In at least one example embodiment, the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may include a hydrophilic paper or material. For example, the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may include a cellulosic material, viscose, rayon, lyocell, modal fibers, or any combination thereof.

[0215] In at least one example embodiment, the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may be free of an added coloring agent. In at least one example embodiment, the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may be white due to a natural color of a polymer used to form the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108. However, in other example embodiments, the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may be colored to indicate a flavor of the filling material 104 contained therein. The color of the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may be selected to identify contents thereof. For example, a green pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may be used to identify an oral pouch product 100 including a mint flavorant and / or menthol, a red pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may be used to identify an oral pouch product 100 including cinnamon, a brown pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may be used to identify an oral pouch product 100 including tobacco.

[0216] In at least one example embodiment, the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may have a neutral or pleasant taste and / or aroma. In at least one example embodiment, the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 may be impregnated and / or coated with at least one flavorant, at least one cannabis material, at least one tobacco material, at least one binder, at least one sensate or chemesthesis agent, at least one functional ingredient, at least one salivation inducing ingredient, or any combination thereof, for example, to enhance a flavor of the filling material 104 contained within the oral pouch product 100. For example, in at least one example embodiment, a substantially continuous coating including the at least one flavorant and / or the at least one cannabis material and / or at least one tobacco material and / or the at least one binder and / or the at least one sensate or chemesthesis agent may be coated on outer (exterior facing) surfaces of the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108. In at least one example embodiment, the coating may be formed on only a portion of the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108, such as only along the seams or only on one side of the oral pouch product 100. The coating can provide an initial flavor burst upon placement of the oral pouch product 100 in an oral cavity, while the inner filling material 104 provides a later flavor release to prolong flavor release during placement in an adult consumer's mouth.

[0217] In at least one example embodiment, a flavorant (such as those introduced above) may be coated on and / or impregnated in the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108. In at least one example embodiment, the flavorant may be coated on and / or impregnated in the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent based on the weight of the oral pouch product 100 (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 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 flavorant may be coated on and / or impregnated in the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 in an amount ranging less than or equal to about 5 weight percent based on the weight of the oral pouch product 100 (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 flavorant may be coated on and / or impregnated in the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent to less than or equal to about 5 weight percent based on the weight of the oral pouch product 100 (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent to less than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent to less than or equal to about 3.5 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 3 weight percent).

[0218] In at least one example embodiment, at least one cannabis or tobacco material may be coated on and / or impregnated in the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108. The at least one cannabis or tobacco material may include, for example only, a ground cannabis or tobacco material, cannabis or tobacco plant fibers, and / or any extract thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the at least one cannabis or tobacco material may be coated on and / or impregnated in the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent based on the weight of oral pouch product 100 (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 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 at least one cannabis or tobacco material may be coated on and / or impregnated in the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 in an amount less than or equal to about 5 weight percent based on the weight of oral pouch product 100 (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 at least one cannabis or tobacco material may be coated on and / or impregnated in the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent to amount less than or equal to about 5 weight percent based on the weight of oral pouch product 100 (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent to amount less than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to amount less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent to amount less than or equal to about 3.5 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to amount less than or equal to about 3 weight percent).

[0219] In at least one example embodiment, a binder may be coated on and / or impregnated in the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108. The binder may include a food grade adhesive, gum, or other binder. For example, the binder may include sodium alginate, sugar, agar, guar gum, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the binder may be coated on and / or impregnated in the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent based on the weight of oral pouch product 100 (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 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 binder may be coated on and / or impregnated in the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 in an amount less than or equal to about 5 weight percent based on the weight of oral pouch product 100 (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 binder may be coated on and / or impregnated in the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent to amount less than or equal to about 5 weight percent based on the weight of oral pouch product 100 (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent to amount less than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to amount less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent to amount less than or equal to about 3.5 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to amount less than or equal to about 3 weight percent).

[0220] In at least one example embodiment, the sensate or chemesthesis agent (such as those described below in the discussion of the filling material 104) may be coated on and / or impregnated in the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108. In at least one example embodiment, the sensate or chemesthesis agent may be coated on and / or impregnated in the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent based on the weight of oral pouch product 100 (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 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 sensate or chemesthesis agent may be coated on and / or impregnated in the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 in an amount less than or equal to about 5 weight percent based on the weight of oral pouch product 100 (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 sensate or chemesthesis agent may be coated on and / or impregnated in the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent to amount less than or equal to about 5 weight percent based on the weight of oral pouch product 100 (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent to amount less than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to amount less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent to amount less than or equal to about 3.5 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to amount less than or equal to about 3 weight percent).

[0221] In at least one example embodiment, the functional ingredient may be coated on and / or impregnated in the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108. The functional ingredient may include, for example, an antioxidant, a soothing agent, an energizing agent, an effervescent, or any combination thereof, such as those described below in the discussion of the filling material 104. In at least one example embodiment, the functional ingredient may be coated on and / or impregnated in the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent based on the weight of oral pouch product 100 (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 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 functional ingredient may be coated on and / or impregnated in the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 in an amount less than or equal to about 5 weight percent based on the weight of oral pouch product 100 (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 functional ingredient may be coated on and / or impregnated in the pouch wrapper 102 and / or outer web 108 in an amount ranging from greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent to amount less than or equal to about 5 weight percent based on the weight of oral pouch product 100 (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent to amount less than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent to amount less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent to amount less than or equal to about 3.5 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to amount less than or equal to about 3 weight percent).

[0222] In at least one example embodiment, the filling material 104 may include a dry mixture and a liquid mixture, where at least a portion of the liquid mixture may be absorbed on the dry mixture. In at least one example embodiment, all of the liquid mixture may be absorbed on the dry mixture.

[0223] The liquid mixture may include, for example, an oil and an active pharmaceutical ingredient. The oil may include, for example, triglycerides, diglycerides, monoglycerides, triacetin, triolein, trilinolein, vegetable oil, partially-hydrogenated oils, or any combination thereof. The triglyceride may include, for example, long-chain triglycerides, medium chain triglycerides, short chain triglycerides, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the filling material 104 may include the oil 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 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, or greater than or equal to about 45 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the filling material 104 may include the oil in an amount less than or equal to about 50 weight percent (e.g., 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, or less than or equal to about 1 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the filling material 104 may include the oil in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent to less than or equal to about 50 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent to less than or equal to about 50 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent to less than or equal to about 25 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 15 weight percent to less than or equal to about 25 weight percent).

[0224] In at least one example embodiment, the filling material 104 may be free of water. In at least one example embodiment, the filling material 104 may include water. In at least one example embodiment, no water is intentionally added to the liquid mixture. However, a small amount of water may come into contact with the liquid mixture via other elements in the oral pouch product 100. In at least one example embodiment, the low water content may slow down nicotine degradation and oxidation compared to oral pouch products having higher water content. In at least one example embodiment, the filling material 104 may include water in amount less than or equal to about 5 weight percent (e.g., 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, less than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 0.25 weight percent).

[0225] By including a higher level of oil, the oral pouch product 100 may maintain a relatively moist mouth feel, while maintaining low water content and a water activity level below about 0.7, which can aid in preventing and / or reducing microbial growth and increasing stability of nicotine in the oral pouch product 100. Further, when the wrapper 102 is hydrophobic, since the inner filling material may predominately include oils instead of water, the flavors from the filling material 104 may more readily pass through the pouch wrapper 102 than where a hydrophilic pouch wrapper is used.

[0226] In at least one example embodiment, a weight ratio of the dry mixture to the liquid mixture may be greater than or equal to about 60:40 (e.g., greater than or equal to about 65:35, greater than or equal to about 70:30, greater than or equal to about 75:25, greater than or equal to about 80:20, greater than or equal to about 85:15, greater than or equal to about 90:10, or greater than or equal to about 95:5).

[0227] The dry mixture may include, for example, an insoluble material or carrier, such as a cellulosic material. In at least one example embodiment, the insoluble material may include, for example, a cellulosic material. In at least one example embodiment, the cellulosic material may include or be derived from sugar beets, wood pulp, cotton, bran, citrus pulp, grass (e.g., switch grass), willow, poplar, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the cellulosic material may be a treated cellulosic material, such as microcrystalline cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the insoluble material may include, for example, water-insoluble fibers. The water-insoluble fibers may include, for example, polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene, polyurethane, or any combination thereof.

[0228] In at least one example embodiment, the filling material 104 may include the insoluble material in an amount greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent (e.g., 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, or greater than or equal to about 75 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the filling material 104 may include the insoluble material 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, or less than or equal to about 15 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the filling material 104 may include the insoluble material in an amount greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent to less than or equal to about 80 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent to less than or equal to about 70 weight percent or greater than or equal to about 30 weight percent to less than or equal to about 60 weight percent).

[0229] In at least one example embodiment, the insoluble material may have a particle size of greater than or equal to about 50 micrometers (e.g., greater than or equal to about 100 micrometers, greater than or equal to about 150 micrometers, greater than or equal to about 200 micrometers, greater than or equal to about 250 micrometers, greater than or equal to about 300 micrometers, greater than or equal to about 350 micrometers, greater than or equal to about 400 micrometers, or greater than or equal to about 450 micrometers). In at least one example embodiment, the insoluble material may have a particle size of less than or equal to about 500 micrometers (e.g., less than or equal to about 450 micrometers, less than or equal to about 400 micrometers, less than or equal to about 350 micrometers, less than or equal to about 300 micrometers, less than or equal to about 250 micrometers, less than or equal to about 200 micrometers, less than or equal to about 150 micrometers, or less than or equal to about 100 micrometers). In at least one example embodiment, the insoluble material may have a particle size of greater than or equal to about 50 micrometers to less than or equal to about 500 micrometers (e.g., greater than or equal to about 100 micrometers to less than or equal to about 450 micrometers, greater than or equal to about 150 micrometers to less than or equal to about 400 micrometers, greater than or equal to about 200 micrometers to less than or equal to about 350 micrometers, or greater than or equal to about 250 micrometers to less than or equal to about 300 micrometers).

[0230] The dry mixture may include, for example, a water-soluble filler. In at least one example embodiment, the water-soluble filler may include, for example, a sweetener, maltodextrin, psyllium, starch, polysaccharides, a salt, a synthetic polymer, dietary fibers, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the filling material 104 may include the water-soluble filler in an amount greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent (e.g., 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, or greater than or equal to about 45 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the filling material 104 may include the water-soluble filler in an amount less than or equal to about 50 weight percent (e.g., 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, or less than or equal to about 15 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the filling material 104 may include the water-soluble filler in an amount greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent to less than or equal to about 50 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 15 weight percent to less than or equal to about 45 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 20 weight percent to less than or equal to about 40 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 25 weight percent to less than or equal to about 35 weight percent).

[0231] The materials disposed in the cavity 106 and defining the filling material 104 may be provided in the form of a plurality of capsules, microcapsules, beads of various sizes, or any combination thereof. The capsules, microcapsules, and / or beads may have a size that is determined by the desired size of the final product (e.g., oral pouch product 100). For example, in at least one example embodiment, the capsules, microcapsules, and / or beads may range in size from greater than or equal to about 0.1 millimeters to less than or equal to about 8 millimeters depending on the ingredients contained therein.

[0232] In at least one example embodiment, the capsules, microcapsules, and / or beads may include an outer shell and an inner core, where varying the thickness of the outer shells of the capsules, microcapsules, and / or beads may allow for ingredients contained in the capsules, microcapsules, and / or beads to be released at varying rates to prolong the flavor and / or functional experience of the oral pouch product 100. In at least one example embodiment, the shells may have averages thicknesses ranging from greater than or equal to about 0.1 millimeters to less than or equal to about 7 millimeters, depending on the size of the capsules, microcapsules, and / or beads and a desired dissolution rate. The capsules, microcapsules, and / or beads having the thinnest shells may dissolve first to release the enclosed flavors and functional ingredients, while capsules, microcapsules, and / or beads having thicker shells may dissolve at a slower rate to provide continued flavor and functional ingredients.

[0233] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of another example oral pouch product 200. FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the oral pouch product 200 along line II-II of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the oral pouch product 200 along line III-III of FIG. 2A.

[0234] The oral pouch product 200 illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C having a pouch wrapper 202 and that at least partially defines a cavity 210 and a filling material 212 disposed in the cavity 210 is the same as the oral pouch product 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B except that the pouch wrapper 202 may include one or more seals or seams, including longitudinal seal 204 and fin seals 206.

[0235] Each fin seal 206 may be formed by bringing together an inner surface of the outer web 208 of the pouch wrapper 202 and another section of the inner surface of the outer web 208 in a superposed relation to form one of the fin seal. The longitudinal seal 204 may extend between the fin seals 206. In at least one example embodiment, the longitudinal seal 204 may include overlapping edge portions of an outer web 208 that are sealed together. In at least one example embodiment, the seals 204, 206 may have a dimension of less than or equal to about 1 millimeter. The sealing function can be accomplished by a food grade adhesive or by mutually sealing the overlapping edge portions, using thermal or sonic techniques.

[0236] In at least one example embodiment, opposing layers of an outer web 208, the longitudinal seal 204, and the fin seals 206 may define the cavity 210 therebetween. In at least one example embodiment, the filling material 212 may substantially fill the cavity 210 of the oral pouch product 200. In other example embodiments, the filling material 212 may only partially fill the cavity 210 of the oral pouch product 200.

[0237] Although not illustrated, it should be appreciated that, in various other example embodiments, integrated fin and longitudinal seals may be used, as would be recognized by the skilled artisan. By overlapping a fin seal, the oral pouch product 200 may be made more comfortable for insertion in the adult consumer's mouth because there are no loose, unsealed edges that may stick out and snag the consumer's mouth during enjoyment. In addition, integrated fin and longitudinal seals may be stronger to reduce and / or prevent breakage during manufacture, packaging, shipment, placement, and / or use of the oral pouch product 200.

[0238] FIG. 3A is a side view of another example oral pouch product 300. FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view along line VIII-VIII of the oral pouch product 300 of FIG. 3A.

[0239] The oral pouch product 300 illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B having a pouch wrapper 304 that at least partially defines a cavity 306 and a filling material 308 disposed in the cavity 306 is the same as the oral pouch product 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B except that the oral pouch product 300 has a single seam or seal 302 along a pouch wrapper 304.

[0240] The pouch wrapper 304 can be sealed along the seam or seal 302 to define an inner cavity 306 that may be configured to contain or hold the filling material 308. The single seam or seal 302 can be formed by bringing together an inner surface of an outer web 310 of the pouch wrapper 304 and another section of the inner surface of the outer web 310 in a superposed relation. The sealing function can be accomplished by a food grade adhesive or by mutual sealing the adjacent portions, using thermal or sonic techniques. In at least one example embodiment, as illustrated, the oral pouch product 300 may have a half-moon shape. Although not illustrated, it should be appreciated that, in various other example embodiments, the pouch oral pouch product 300 may have a D-shape, boomerang, crescent, or other shape.

[0241] The present disclosure provides methods for forming oral products. For example, FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example method 400 for preparing an oral product (including, for example, the oral pouch product 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B and / or the oral pouch product 200 illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C and / or the oral pouch product 300 illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B)

[0242] In at least one example embodiment, the method 400 may include depositing S440 a solution onto or near one or more surfaces of a substrate. In at least one example embodiment, the solution is deposited S440 to form one or more layers that define at least a portion of the oral product. The one or more layers may be individually and also collectively continuous or discontinuous. The discontinuous layers may include one or more patterns. In each instance, the solution may be deposited S440 using a gravure printing process. For example, in at least one example embodiment, the method 400 may further include applying S430 the solution to a gravure roller and the depositing S440 may include contacting the substrate with the gravure roller.

[0243] In at least one example embodiment, the substrate may be fully dissolvable in an aqueous solution. In at least one example embodiment, the substrate may not be fully dissolvable in an aqueous solution. In at least one example embodiment, the substrate may include paper, a web material, or a combination of the paper and the web material. The paper may include, for example, natural materials. The natural materials may include, for example, rayon, silk, cotton, polyester, cellulosic material, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the cellulosic material may include hydroxypropyl cellulose. In at least one example embodiment, the cellulosic material may include reconstituted cellulosic materials. The web material may include, for example, synthetic polymers. The synthetic polymers may include, for example, polypropylene, low density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyurethane, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, styrene, ethyl vinyl acetate, or any combination thereof.

[0244] In at least one example embodiment, the substrate may be removable from the one or more layers that define at least a portion of the oral product. Although not illustrated, it should be appreciated that, in various example embodiments, the method 400 may include removing the one or more layers that define the at least a portion of the oral product from the substrate and forming the oral product. In at least one example embodiment, the one or more layers that define the at least a portion of the oral product may be stored on the substrate for future use in forming the oral product. In other example embodiments, the one or more layers that define the at least a portion of the oral product may be first removed from the substrate and subsequently stored for future use in forming the oral product.

[0245] In at least one example embodiment, the solution may include an active ingredient, a flavorant, or a combination of the active ingredient and the flavorant. The active ingredient may include those detailed above and / or a terpene, a cannabinoid, nicotine, an alkaloid, or any combination thereof. The flavorant may include those detailed above. In at least one example embodiment, the solution may include, additionally, or alternatively, a functional ingredient. The function ingredient may include, for example, an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof. The energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, and a teeth whitening agent may include those detailed above. In at least one example embodiment, the solution may include a filler, as detailed above.

[0246] In at least one example embodiment, the solution may further include a carrier. The carrier may include a carbohydrate. The carbohydrate may include starches, saccharides, or a combination of starches and saccharides. The saccharides may include, for example, monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, or any combination thereof. The polysaccharides may include, for example, guar gum, locust bean gum, gum arabic, konjac gum, carrageenan gum, alginates, agar, gellan gum, pullulan, xanthan gum, cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, mannans, galactomannans, xyloglucans, glucomannans, arabinoxylans, β-glucan, arabinogalactan, pectins, fructans, chitin, or any combination thereof.

[0247] In at least one example embodiment, the method 400 may further include obtaining S420 the solution. In at least one example embodiment, the method 400 may further include preparing S410 the solution. The preparing S410 of the solution may include contacting the active ingredient, the flavorant, or the combination of the active ingredient and the flavorant to a solvent. In at least one example embodiment, the solvent may include a hydrophilic solvent. The hydrophilic solvent may include, for example, water, ethanol, or a combination of water and ethanol. In at least one example embodiment, the solvent may include a hydrophobic solvent. The hydrophobic solvent may include, for example, heptane, hexane, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the preparing S410 of the solution may further include contacting the carrier to the solvent.

[0248] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating another example method 500 for preparing an oral product (including, for example, the oral pouch product 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B and / or the oral pouch product 200 illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C and / or the oral pouch product 300 illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B).

[0249] The method 500 illustrated in FIG. 5, including depositing S540 a solution onto or near one or more surfaces of a substrate to form one or more layers that define at least a portion of the oral product and optionally applying S530 the solution to a gravure roller and / or optionally obtaining S520 the solution and / or optionally preparing S510 the solution, is the same as the method 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 except that the method 500 may further include removing S550 the one or more layers from the one or more surfaces of the substrate.

[0250] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating another example method 600 for preparing an oral product (including, for example, the oral pouch product 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B and / or the oral pouch product 200 illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C and / or the oral pouch product 300 illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B).

[0251] The method 600 illustrated in FIG. 6, including depositing S640 a solution onto or near one or more surfaces of a substrate to form one or more layers that define at least a portion of the oral product and optionally applying S630 the solution to a gravure roller and / or optionally obtaining S620 the solution and / or optionally preparing S610 the solution, is the same as the method 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 except that the method 600 may further include cutting S650 the substrate including the one or more layers to a desired shape and size for the oral product. Although illustrated as occurring after the depositing S640, it should be appreciated that, in various example embodiment, the cutting S650 may occur before the depositing S640.

[0252] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating another example method 700 for preparing an oral product (including, for example, the oral pouch product 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B and / or the oral pouch product 200 illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C and / or the oral pouch product 300 illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B).

[0253] The method 700 illustrated in FIG. 7, including depositing S740 a first solution onto or near one or more first surfaces of a substrate to form one or more first layers that define at least a portion of the oral product and optionally applying S730 the first solution to a gravure roller and / or optionally obtaining S720 the first solution and / or optionally preparing S710 the first solution, is the same as the method 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 except that the method 700 may further include depositing S780 a second solution onto or near the one or more second surfaces of the substrate and / or depositing S780 the second solution onto or near one or more first layers as formed by depositing S740 the first solution.

[0254] The second solution may be the same as or different from the first solution. In at least one example embodiment, the first solution may include the active ingredient and the second solution may include the flavorant. In at least one example embodiment, the first solution may include the flavorant and the second solution may include the active ingredient. In at least one example embodiment, the first solution may include the active ingredient in a first amount and the second solution may include the active ingredient in a second amount that is different form the first amount. In at least one example embodiment, the first solution may include the flavorant in a first amount and the second solution may include the flavorant in a second amount that is different form the first amount.

[0255] In at least one example embodiment, the second solution is deposited S780 to form one or more second layers that define at least a portion of the oral product. The one or more second layers may be individually and also collectively continuous or discontinuous. The discontinuous layers may include one or more patterns. In at least one example embodiment, the one or more (second) surfaces of the substrate may be onto or near the one or more first layers defined by the first solution. For example, in at least one example embodiment, the second solution may be deposited S780 between one or more areas of the first solution. In other example embodiments, the second solution may be deposited S780 on the one or more areas of the first solution forming, for example, a multi-layered system. In still other example embodiments, the second solution may be deposited S780 between one or more areas of the first solution and also S780 on the one or more areas of the first solution.

[0256] In each instance, the second solution may be deposited S780 using a gravure printing process. For example, in at least one example embodiment, the method 700 may further include applying S770 the second solution to a second gravure roller and the depositing S748 may include contacting the substrate or the one or more first layers with the second gravure roller. The second gravure roller may be the same as or different from the first gravure roller.

[0257] In at least one example embodiment, the method 700 may further include obtaining S760 the second solution. In at least one example embodiment, the method 700 may further include preparing S750 the second solution. The preparing S710 of the second solution may include contacting the active ingredient, the flavorant, or the combination of the active ingredient and the flavorant to a solvent. In at least one example embodiment, the solvent may include a hydrophilic solvent. The hydrophilic solvent may include, for example, water, ethanol, or a combination of water and ethanol. In at least one example embodiment, the solvent may include a hydrophobic solvent. The hydrophobic solvent may include, for example, heptane, hexane, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the preparing S750 of the second solution may further include contacting the carrier to the solvent.

[0258] Although the depositing S780 of the second solution is illustrated after the depositing S740 of the first solution it should be appreciated that, in various embodiments, the depositing S740 of the first solution and the depositing S780 of the second solution may occur concurrently or subsequently. Similarly, in various embodiments, the obtaining of the preparing of the second solution S750 and / or the obtaining S760 of the second solution and / or the applying of the second solution S770 may occur concurrently with or subsequently to the preparing S710 of the first solution and / or the obtaining of the first solution S720 and / or the applying of the first solution to the first gravure roller S730.

[0259] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example method 800 for preparing an oral pouch product (including, for example, the oral pouch product illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B and / or the oral pouch product illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C and / or the oral pouch product illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B).

[0260] The method 800 illustrated in FIG. 8, including depositing S840 a solution onto or near one or more surfaces of a substrate to form one or more layers that define at least a portion of the oral product and optionally applying S830 the solution to a gravure roller and / or optionally obtaining S820 the solution and / or optionally preparing S810 the solution, is the same as the method 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 except that the method 800 may further include cutting S850 the substrate including the one or more layers to a desired shape and size for the oral product, filling S860 the substrate piece with a filling material (such as detailed above), and sealing S870 one or more edges of the substrate piece to form the oral pouch product. Although cutting S8520 is detailed here, it should be appreciated that, in various other example embodiment, the cutting S850 may be another shaping event, such as folding or wrapping. The folding or wrapping may be an alternative or addition to the cutting S850. Although the cutting S850 is illustrated as occurring after the depositing S840, it should be appreciated that, in various other example embodiments, the cutting S850 may occur before the depositing S840, and further still, in certain example embodiments, the cutting S850 may occur concurrent with the depositing S840. Although the filling S860 is illustrated as occurring after the depositing S840 and the cutting S850, it should be appreciated that, in various other example, the filling S860 may occur before the depositing S840 and / or the cutting S850, and further still, in certain example embodiments, the filling S860 may occur concurrent with the depositing S840 and / or the cutting S850. That is, in at least one example embodiment, the depositing S840 may occur before the filing S860. In other example embodiments, the depositing S840 may occur after the filling S860 bur before the cutting S850. Although the sealing S870 is illustrated as a signal step, it should be appreciated that, in various other example embodiments, the sealing S870 of the one or more edges of the substrate piece may include two or more steps and that the individual steps may occur before, concurrent with, or after the filling S860 of the substrate piece and / or the cutting S850 and / or the depositing S840.

[0261] The present disclosure provides apparatuses, for example, gravure printers, for forming oral products like those detailed above. The apparatuses may each include one or more parts or components or portions (for example, cylinders) configured to receive, hold, and dispose one or more compositions (including, for example, the first composition and / or the second composition and / or other compositions). The apparatus may also include one or more controllers configured to execute one or more programs or acts for one or more of the one or more parts or components or portions.

[0262] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example apparatus 900 for use preparing an oral product (including, for example, the oral pouch product illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B and / or the oral pouch product illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C and / or the oral pouch product illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B).

[0263] In at least one example embodiment, the apparatus 900 may include a part or component or portion 910 configured to receive or hold or dispose one or more compositions (including, for example, the first composition and / or the second composition and / or other compositions as detailed above). In at least one example embodiment, the apparatus 900 may include a controller 920 that may be configured to execute one or more programs or acts using the part or component or portion 910. As illustrated by line 930, the controller 920 may be in electrical communicating with the part or component or portion 910. In at least one example embodiment, the controller 920 may be configured to cause the one or more compositions to be deposited (concurrently or subsequently) (including, for example, the depositing S440 of the solution as illustrated in FIG. 4 and / or the depositing S540 of the solution as illustrated in FIG. 5 and / or the depositing S640 of the solution as illustrated in FIG. 6 and / or the depositing S740 of the first solution as illustrated in FIG. 7 and / or the depositing S780 of the second solution as illustrated in FIG. 7 and / or the depositing of the solution as illustrated in FIG. 8). In at least one example embodiment, the controller 920 may include processing

[0264] circuitry such as hardware including logic circuits, a hardware / software combination such as a processor executing software, or a combination thereof. The processing circuitry more specifically may include, but is not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a System-on-Chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. Although the controller 920 is illustrated as a single controller it should be appreciated that, in various other example embodiments, the controller 920 may include two or more controllers configured independently or together to execute one or more programs or acts using the part or component or portion 910. Although the part or component or portion 910 is illustrated as a single part or component or portion it should be appreciated that, in various example embodiments, the part or component or portion 910 may include two or more part or component or portion configured independently or together to receive or hold or dispose the one or more compositions.

[0265] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating another example apparatus 1000 for use preparing an oral product (including, for example, the oral pouch product illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B and / or the oral pouch product illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C and / or the oral pouch product illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B) in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

[0266] In at least one example embodiment, the apparatus 1000 may include a first part or component or portion 1010 configured to receive or hold or dispose one or more compositions (including, for example, the first composition and / or the second composition and / or other compositions as detailed above) and a second part or component or portion 1020 configured to receive or hold or dispose one or more compositions (including, for example, the first composition and / or the second composition and / or other compositions). In at least one example embodiment, the first part or component or portion 1010 may be configured to hold a first composition, while the second part or component or portion 1020 may be configured to hold a second composition that is the same as or different from the first composition.

[0267] In at least one example embodiment, the apparatus 1000 may include a first controller 1050 that may be configured to execute one or more programs or acts using the first part or component or portion 1010. For example, the first controller 1050 may be configured to cause the one or more compositions to be disposed (concurrently or subsequently) (including, for example, the depositing S440 of the solution as illustrated in FIG. 4 and / or the depositing S540 of the solution as illustrated in FIG. 5 and / or the depositing S640 of the solution as illustrated in FIG. 6 and / or the depositing S740 of the first solution as illustrated in FIG. 7 and / or the depositing S780 of the second solution as illustrated in FIG. 7 and / or the depositing of the solution as illustrated in FIG. 8). In at least one example embodiment, the first controller 1050 may be configured to cause a first composition to be deposited using (or from) the first part or component or portion 1010. As illustrated by line 1030, the controller 1050 may be in electrical communicating with the first part or component or portion 1010.

[0268] In at least one example embodiment, the apparatus 1000 may include a second controller 1060 that may be configured to execute one or more programs or acts using the second part or component or portion 1020. For example, the second controller 1060 may be configured to cause the one or more compositions to be disposed (concurrently or subsequently) (including, for example, the depositing S440 of the solution as illustrated in FIG. 4 and / or the depositing S540 of the solution as illustrated in FIG. 5 and / or the depositing S640 of the solution as illustrated in FIG. 6 and / or the depositing S740 of the first solution as illustrated in FIG. 7 and / or the depositing S780 of the second solution as illustrated in FIG. 7 and / or the depositing of the solution as illustrated in FIG. 8). In at least one example embodiment, the second controller 1060 may be configured to cause a second composition to be deposited using (or from) the second part or component or portion 1020. As illustrated by line 1040, the controller 1060 may be in electrical communicating with the first part or component or portion 1020.

[0269] Although not illustrated, it should be appreciated that, in various other example embodiments, the first controller 1050 may work with the second controller 1060 to execute one or more programs or acts using the second part or component or portion 1020. For example, in at least one example embodiment, the first controller 1050 may be in electrical communication with the second controller 1060 and / or the second part or component or portion 1020.

[0270] Although not illustrated, it should be appreciated that, in various other example embodiments, the second controller 1060 may work with the first controller 1050 to execute one or more programs or acts using the first part or component or portion 1010. For example, in at least one example embodiment, the second controller 1050 may be in electrical communication with the first controller 1060 and / or the first part or component or portion 1010.

[0271] In at least one example embodiment, the first controller 1050 may include processing circuitry such as hardware including logic circuits, a hardware / software combination such as a processor executing software, or a combination thereof. The processing circuitry more specifically may include, but is not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a System-on-Chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.

[0272] In at least one example embodiment, the second controller 1060 may include processing circuitry such as hardware including logic circuits, a hardware / software combination such as a processor executing software, or a combination thereof. The processing circuitry more specifically may include, but is not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a System-on-Chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.

[0273] Although only the first controller 1050 is illustrated as a single component it should be appreciated that, in various other example embodiments, the first controller 1050 may include two or more controllers configured independently or together to execute (alone or with the second controller 1060) one or more programs or acts using the first part or component or portion 1010 and / or the second part or component or portion 1020.

[0274] Although only the second controller 1060 is illustrated as a single component it should be appreciated that, in various other example embodiments, the second controller 1060 may include two or more controllers configured independently or together to execute (alone or with the first controller 1050) one or more programs or acts using the first part or component or portion 1010 and / or the second part or component or portion 1020.

[0275] Although the first part or component or portion 1010 is illustrated as a single part or component or portion it should be appreciated that, in various other example embodiments, the first part or component or portion 1010 may include two or more part or component or portion configured independently or together to receive or hold or dispose the one or more compositions.

[0276] Although the second part or component or portion 1020 is illustrated as a single part or component or portion it should be appreciated that, in various example embodiments, the second part or component or portion 1020 may include two or more part or component or portion configured independently or together to receive or hold or dispose the one or more compositions.

[0277] 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.

[0278] 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.

[0279] Illustrative Embodiment 1. A method for forming an oral product, the method comprising: depositing a solution onto or near one or more surfaces of a substrate by a gravure printing process to form one or more layers that define at least a portion of the oral product, the solution including an active ingredient, a flavorant, or a combination of the active ingredient and the flavorant.

[0280] Illustrative Embodiment 2. The method of illustrative embodiment 1, wherein the active ingredient includes a terpene, a cannabinoid, nicotine, an alkaloid, or any combination thereof.

[0281] Illustrative Embodiment 3. The method of any of illustrative embodiments of 1 and 2, wherein the solution further includes an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0282] Illustrative Embodiment 4. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 1-4, wherein the solution further includes a carrier.

[0283] Illustrative Embodiment 5. The method of illustrative embodiment 4, wherein the carrier includes a carbohydrate.

[0284] Illustrative Embodiment 6. The method of illustrative embodiment 5, wherein the carbohydrate includes starches, saccharides, or a combination of starches and saccharides.

[0285] Illustrative Embodiment 7. The method of illustrative embodiment 6, wherein the saccharides include monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, or any combination thereof.

[0286] Illustrative Embodiment 8. The method of illustrative embodiment 7, wherein the polysaccharides include guar gum, locust bean gum, gum arabic, konjac gum, carrageenan gum, alginates, agar, gellan gum, pullulan, xanthan gum, cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, mannans, galactomannans, xyloglucans, glucomannans, arabinoxylans, β-glucan, arabinogalactan, pectins, fructans, chitin, or any combination thereof.

[0287] Illustrative Embodiment 9. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 1-8, wherein the substrate includes paper.

[0288] Illustrative Embodiment 10. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 1-8, wherein the substrate is fully dissolvable in an aqueous solution.

[0289] Illustrative Embodiment 11. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 1-8, wherein the substrate is not fully dissolvable in an aqueous solution.

[0290] Illustrative Embodiment 12. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 1-11, wherein the oral product includes an oral pouch product and the substrate is incorporated into or defines the oral pouch product.

[0291] Illustrative Embodiment 13. The method of illustrative embodiment 12, wherein the flavorant is a first flavorant and the oral pouch product encases a second flavorant, the first and second flavorants being the same or different.

[0292] Illustrative Embodiment 14. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 12 and 13, wherein the active ingredient is a first active ingredient and the oral pouch product encases a second active ingredient, the first and second active ingredients being the same or different.

[0293] Illustrative Embodiment 15. The method of illustrative embodiment 14, wherein at least one of the first and second active ingredients includes a terpene, a cannabinoid, nicotine, an alkaloid, or any combination thereof.

[0294] Illustrative Embodiment 16. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 1-15, wherein the depositing includes contacting the solution to the one or more surfaces of the substrate to form a first layer.

[0295] Illustrative Embodiment 17. The method of illustrative embodiment 16, wherein the first layer is a continuous layer.

[0296] Illustrative Embodiment 18. The method of illustrative embodiment 16, wherein the first layer is a discontinuous layer including one or more patterns.

[0297] Illustrative Embodiment 19. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 16-18, wherein the solution is a first solution and the gravure printing process is a first gravure printing process, and the method further includes depositing a second solution onto or near the first layer using a second gravure printing process, the first and second gravure printing processes being the same or different, the second solution being the same or different from the first solution.

[0298] Illustrative Embodiment 20. The method of illustrative embodiment 19, wherein the depositing of the second solution includes contacting the second solution onto or near the first layer to form a second layer.

[0299] Illustrative Embodiment 21. The method of illustrative embodiment 20, wherein the second layer is a continuous layer.

[0300] Illustrative Embodiment 22. The method of illustrative embodiment 20, wherein the second layer is a discontinuous layer.

[0301] Illustrative Embodiment 23. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 20-22, wherein the first solution includes the active ingredient and the second solution includes the flavorant.

[0302] Illustrative Embodiment 24. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 20-22, wherein the first solution includes the flavorant and the second solution includes the active ingredient.

[0303] Illustrative Embodiment 25. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 20-22, wherein the first solution includes the active ingredient and the flavorant, and the second solution includes an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0304] Illustrative Embodiment 26. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 20-22, wherein the first solution includes the active ingredient, and the second solution includes an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0305] Illustrative Embodiment 27. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 20-22, wherein the first solution includes the flavorant, and the second solution includes an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0306] Illustrative Embodiment 28. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 1-27, wherein the method further comprises: applying the solution to a gravure roller, the depositing including contacting the substrate with the gravure roller.

[0307] Illustrative Embodiment 29. The method of illustrative embodiment 28, wherein the solution is a first solution and the gravure roller is a first gravure roller, and the method further comprises: applying a second solution to a second gravure roller, the second solution being the same or different from the first solution; and contacting the substrate including the first solution with the second gravure roller.

[0308] Illustrative Embodiment 30. The method of illustrative embodiment 29, wherein the second solution includes an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0309] Illustrative Embodiment 31. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 1-30, wherein the method further comprises: cutting the substrate to a desired shape and size for the oral product.

[0310] Illustrative Embodiment 32. The method of illustrative embodiment 31, wherein the cutting occurs prior to the depositing.

[0311] Illustrative Embodiment 33. The method of illustrative embodiment 31, wherein the cutting occurs after the depositing.

[0312] Illustrative Embodiment 34. The method of illustrative embodiment 31, wherein the cutting occurs concurrent with the depositing.

[0313] Illustrative Embodiment 35. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 31-34, wherein the substrate defines one or more cavities, and the method further comprises: filling the one or more cavities.

[0314] Illustrative Embodiment 36. The method of illustrative embodiment 35, wherein the filling of the one or more cavities occurs prior to the depositing.

[0315] Illustrative Embodiment 37. The method of illustrative embodiment 35, wherein the filling of the one or more cavities occurs after the depositing.

[0316] Illustrative Embodiment 38. The method of illustrative embodiment 35, wherein the filling of the one or more cavities occurs concurrent with the depositing.

[0317] Illustrative Embodiment 39. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 35-38, wherein the filling of the one or more cavities occurs prior to the cutting.

[0318] Illustrative Embodiment 40. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 35-38, wherein the filling of the one or more cavities occurs after the cutting.

[0319] Illustrative Embodiment 41. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 35-38, wherein the filling of the one or more cavities occurs concurrent with the cutting.

[0320] Illustrative Embodiment 42. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 35-41, wherein the method further comprises: forming the one or more cavities.

[0321] Illustrative Embodiment 43. The method of illustrative embodiment 42, wherein the forming of the one or more cavities occurs prior to the depositing.

[0322] Illustrative Embodiment 44. The method of illustrative embodiment 42, wherein the forming of the one or more cavities occurs after the depositing.

[0323] Illustrative Embodiment 45. The method of illustrative embodiment 42, wherein the forming of the one or more cavities occurs concurrent with the depositing.

[0324] Illustrative Embodiment 46. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 42-45, wherein the forming of the one or more cavities includes folding the substrate.

[0325] Illustrative Embodiment 47. The method of illustrative embodiments 35-46, wherein the method further comprises: sealing one or more edges to close at least a portion of the oral product.

[0326] Illustrative Embodiment 48. The method of illustrative embodiment 47, wherein the sealing of the one or more edges occurs prior to the cutting.

[0327] Illustrative Embodiment 49. The method of illustrative embodiment 47, wherein the sealing of the one or more edges occurs after the cutting.

[0328] Illustrative Embodiment 50. The method of illustrative embodiment 47, wherein the sealing of the one or more edges occurs concurrent with the cutting.

[0329] Illustrative Embodiment 51. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 46-50, wherein the method further comprises: folding one or more of the cut substrate pieces to form one or more cavities.

[0330] Illustrative Embodiment 52. The method of illustrative embodiments 1-51, wherein the one or more surfaces include a first surface and an opposing second surface, the depositing is a first depositing on the first surface of the substrate to form a first layer, the solution is a first solution, and the method further comprises: depositing a second solution onto the second surface of the substrate to form a second layer, the second solution being the same as or different from the first solution.

[0331] Illustrative Embodiment 53. The method of illustrative embodiment 52, wherein the first solution includes the active ingredient and the second solution includes the flavorant.

[0332] Illustrative Embodiment 54. The method of illustrative embodiment 52, wherein the first solution includes the flavorant and the second solution includes the active ingredient.

[0333] Illustrative Embodiment 55. The method of illustrative embodiment 52, wherein the first solution includes the active ingredient and the flavorant, and the second solution includes an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0334] Illustrative Embodiment 56. The method of illustrative embodiment 52, wherein the first solution includes the active ingredient, and the second solution includes an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0335] Illustrative Embodiment 57. The method of illustrative embodiment 52, wherein the first solution includes the flavorant, and the second solution includes an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0336] Illustrative Embodiment 58. The method of illustrative embodiment 52, wherein the first solution includes the active ingredient, and the second solution includes a filler.

[0337] Illustrative Embodiment 59. A method for forming an oral product, the method comprising: depositing a solution onto or near one or more surfaces of a substrate by a gravure printing process to form one or more layers that define at least a portion of the oral product, the solution including an active ingredient, a flavorant, or a combination of the active ingredient and the flavorant.

[0338] Illustrative Embodiment 60. The method of illustrative embodiment 59, wherein the active ingredient includes a terpene, a cannabinoid, nicotine, an alkaloid, or any combination thereof, and the solution further includes an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0339] Illustrative Embodiment 61. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 59 and 60, wherein the solution further includes a carrier, the carrier including a carbohydrate, the carbohydrate including guar gum, locust bean gum, gum arabic, konjac gum, carrageenan gum, alginates, agar, gellan gum, pullulan, xanthan gum, cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, mannans, galactomannans, xyloglucans, glucomannans, arabinoxylans, β-glucan, arabinogalactan, pectins, fructans, chitin, or any combination thereof.

[0340] Illustrative Embodiment 62. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 59-61, wherein the substrate includes paper.

[0341] Illustrative Embodiment 63. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 59-62, wherein the oral product includes an oral pouch product and the substrate is incorporated into or defines the oral pouch product.

[0342] Illustrative Embodiment 64. The method of illustrative embodiment 63, wherein the flavorant is a first flavorant and the oral pouch product encases a second flavorant, the first and second flavorants being the same or different.

[0343] Illustrative Embodiment 65. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 63 and 64, wherein the active ingredient is a first active ingredient and the oral pouch product encases a second active ingredient, the first and second active ingredients being the same or different.

[0344] Illustrative Embodiment 66. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 59-65, wherein the depositing includes contacting the solution to the one or more surfaces of the substrate to form a first layer.

[0345] Illustrative Embodiment 67. The method of illustrative embodiment 66, wherein the solution is a first solution and the gravure printing process is a first gravure printing process, and the method further includes depositing a second solution onto or near the first layer using a second gravure printing process, the first and second gravure printing processes being the same or different, the second solution being the same or different from the first solution.

[0346] Illustrative Embodiment 68. The method of illustrative embodiment 67, wherein the depositing of the second solution includes contacting the second solution onto or near the first layer to form a second layer.

[0347] Illustrative Embodiment 69. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 67 and 68, wherein the first solution includes the active ingredient and the second solution includes the flavorant.

[0348] Illustrative Embodiment 70. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 67-69, wherein the first solution includes the flavorant and the second solution includes the active ingredient.

[0349] Illustrative Embodiment 71. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 67-70, wherein the first solution includes at least one of the active ingredient and the flavorant, and the second solution includes an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0350] Illustrative Embodiment 72. The method of any of illustrative embodiment 59-71, wherein the method further comprises: applying the solution to a gravure roller, the depositing including contacting the substrate with the gravure roller.

[0351] Illustrative Embodiment 73. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 59-72, wherein the method further comprises: cutting the substrate to a desired shape and size for the oral product.

[0352] Illustrative Embodiment 74. The method of illustrative embodiment 73, wherein the substrate defines one or more cavities, and the method further comprises: filling the one or more cavities.

[0353] Illustrative Embodiment 75. The method of illustrative embodiment 74, wherein the method further comprises: forming the one or more cavities.

[0354] Illustrative Embodiment 76. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 74 and 75, wherein the method further comprises: sealing one or more edges to close at least a portion of the oral product.

[0355] Illustrative Embodiment 77. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 59-76, wherein the one or more surfaces include a first surface and an opposing second surface, the depositing is a first depositing on the first surface of the substrate to form a first layer, the solution is a first solution, and the method further comprises: depositing a second solution onto the second surface of the substrate to form a second layer, the second solution being the same as or different from the first solution.

[0356] Illustrative Embodiment 78. The method of illustrative embodiment 77, wherein the first solution includes at least one of the active ingredient and the flavorant, and the second solution includes an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

Examples

embodiment 3

[0281]Illustrative The method of any of illustrative embodiments of 1 and 2, wherein the solution further includes an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

[0282]Illustrative Embodiment 4. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 1-4, wherein the solution further includes a carrier.

[0283]Illustrative Embodiment 5. The method of illustrative embodiment 4, wherein the carrier includes a carbohydrate.

[0284]Illustrative Embodiment 6. The method of illustrative embodiment 5, wherein the carbohydrate includes starches, saccharides, or a combination of starches and saccharides.

[0285]Illustrative Embodiment 7. The method of illustrative embodiment 6, wherein the saccharides include monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, or any combinat...

embodiment 14

[0292]Illustrative The method of any of illustrative embodiments 12 and 13, wherein the active ingredient is a first active ingredient and the oral pouch product encases a second active ingredient, the first and second active ingredients being the same or different.

[0293]Illustrative Embodiment 15. The method of illustrative embodiment 14, wherein at least one of the first and second active ingredients includes a terpene, a cannabinoid, nicotine, an alkaloid, or any combination thereof.

[0294]Illustrative Embodiment 16. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 1-15, wherein the depositing includes contacting the solution to the one or more surfaces of the substrate to form a first layer.

[0295]Illustrative Embodiment 17. The method of illustrative embodiment 16, wherein the first layer is a continuous layer.

[0296]Illustrative Embodiment 18. The method of illustrative embodiment 16, wherein the first layer is a discontinuous layer including one or more patterns.

[0297]Illustrative...

embodiment 61

[0339]Illustrative The method of any of illustrative embodiments 59 and 60, wherein the solution further includes a carrier, the carrier including a carbohydrate, the carbohydrate including guar gum, locust bean gum, gum arabic, konjac gum, carrageenan gum, alginates, agar, gellan gum, pullulan, xanthan gum, cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, mannans, galactomannans, xyloglucans, glucomannans, arabinoxylans, β-glucan, arabinogalactan, pectins, fructans, chitin, or any combination thereof.

[0340]Illustrative Embodiment 62. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 59-61, wherein the substrate includes paper.

[0341]Illustrative Embodiment 63. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 59-62, wherein the oral product includes an oral pouch product and the substrate is incorporated into or defines the oral pouch product.

[0342]Illustrative Embodiment 64. The method of illustrative embodiment 63, wherein the flavorant is a first flavorant and the oral pouch product ...

Claims

1. A method for forming an oral product, the method comprising:depositing a solution onto or near one or more surfaces of a substrate by a gravure printing process to form one or more layers that define at least a portion of the oral product,the solution including an active ingredient, a flavorant, or a combination of the active ingredient and the flavorant.

2. The method of claim 1, whereinthe active ingredient includes a terpene, a cannabinoid, nicotine, an alkaloid, or any combination thereof, andthe solution further includes an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the solution further includes a carrier, the carrier including a carbohydrate, the carbohydrate including guar gum, locust bean gum, gum arabic, konjac gum, carrageenan gum, alginates, agar, gellan gum, pullulan, xanthan gum, cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, mannans, galactomannans, xyloglucans, glucomannans, arabinoxylans, β-glucan, arabinogalactan, pectins, fructans, chitin, or any combination thereof.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the substrate includes paper.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the oral product includes an oral pouch product and the substrate is incorporated into or defines the oral pouch product.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the flavorant is a first flavorant and the oral pouch product encases a second flavorant, the first and second flavorants being the same or different.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein the active ingredient is a first active ingredient and the oral pouch product encases a second active ingredient, the first and second active ingredients being the same or different.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the depositing includes contacting the solution to the one or more surfaces of the substrate to form a first layer.

9. The method of claim 8, whereinthe solution is a first solution and the gravure printing process is a first gravure printing process, andthe method further includes depositing a second solution onto or near the first layer using a second gravure printing process, the first and second gravure printing processes being the same or different, the second solution being the same or different from the first solution.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the depositing of the second solution includes contacting the second solution onto or near the first layer to form a second layer.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the first solution includes the active ingredient and the second solution includes the flavorant.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the first solution includes the flavorant and the second solution includes the active ingredient.

13. The method of claim 9, whereinthe first solution includes at least one of the active ingredient and the flavorant, andthe second solution includes an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises:applying the solution to a gravure roller,the depositing including contacting the substrate with the gravure roller.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises:cutting the substrate to a desired shape and size for the oral product.

16. The method of claim 15, whereinthe substrate defines one or more cavities, andthe method further comprises:filling the one or more cavities.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the method further comprises:forming the one or more cavities.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the method further comprises:sealing one or more edges to close at least a portion of the oral product.

19. The method of claim 1, whereinthe one or more surfaces include a first surface and an opposing second surface,the depositing is a first depositing on the first surface of the substrate to form a first layer,the solution is a first solution, andthe method further comprises:depositing a second solution onto the second surface of the substrate to form a second layer, the second solution being the same as or different from the first solution.

20. The method of claim 19, whereinthe first solution includes at least one of the active ingredient and the flavorant, andthe second solution includes an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a permeation enhancer, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a dietary mineral, a nutraceutical botanical, a teeth whitening agent, or any combination thereof.

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