Pouched products and their manufacture

Abstract

A method of producing a pouched-product using apparatus having first and second sealing surfaces used to form a seal includes providing a pouch material, heating at least one of the first and second sealing surfaces of the apparatus to a predetermined temperature; and forming a seal by applying a predetermined pressure between the first and second sealing surfaces of the apparatus, wherein the predetermined temperature is between 310ºC and 360ºC and / or the predetermined pressure is between 1.4Bar (140,000 Pa) and 3Bar (300,000 Pa). The pouch material is substantially or completely free of titanium dioxide. A seal in the pouch material can have a strength greater than 4N / 50mm. Apparatus for manufacturing a pouched- product, a measuring apparatus for measuring the sealing force of a sealing apparatus for manufacturing a pouched-product, and a system are also provided.

Description

[0001] Pouched Products and their Manufacture

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to pouched products and their manufacture, including a method of producing a pouched-product, a pouched-product, a pouched-product manufacturing apparatus and a force measurement device for a pouch-product manufacturing apparatus.

[0004] Background Tobacco may be consumed in a so-called “smokeless” form. Particularly popular smokeless tobacco products are employed by inserting some form of processed tobacco or tobacco-containing formulation into the mouth of the user. Conventional formats for such smokeless tobacco products include moist snuff, snus, and chewing tobacco, which are typically formed almost entirely of particulate, granular, or shredded tobacco, and which are either portioned by the user or presented to the user in individual portions, such as in single-use pouches or sachets. Other traditional forms of smokeless products include compressed or agglomerated forms, such as plugs, tablets, or pellets. Alternative product formats, such as tobacco-containing gums and mixtures of tobacco with other plant materials, are also known.

[0005] Certain commercially available smokeless tobacco products, such as products commonly referred to as "snus," comprise ground tobacco materials incorporated within sealed pouches. Certain types of products employing pouches or sachets that contain tobacco substitutes (or combinations of tobacco and tobacco substitutes) also have been proposed.

[0006] All-white snus portions are growing in popularity, and offer a discrete and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional snus. Such modern "white" pouched products may include a bleached tobacco or may be tobacco-free.

[0007] Summary

[0008] In accordance with embodiments described herein, in a first aspect there is provided a method of producing a pouched-product using apparatus having first and second sealing surfaces used to form a seal, the method comprising: providing a pouch material, wherein the pouch material is substantially or completely free of titanium dioxide; heating at least one of the first and second sealing surfaces of the apparatus to a predetermined temperature; and forming a seal by applying a predetermined pressure between the first and second sealing surfaces of the apparatus, wherein the predetermined temperature is between 3to°C and 36o°C and / or the predetermined pressure is between i.4Bar (140,000 Pa) and 3Bar (300,000 Pa).

[0009] The predetermined temperature can be between 3io°C and 36o°C and / or the predetermined pressure can be between i.4Bar (140,000 Pa) and 2Bar (200,000 Pa).

[0010] The predetermined pressure can be between i.4Bar (140,000 Pa) and 3Bar (300,000 Pa) and / or the predetermined temperature can be between 200°C and 3OO°C.

[0011] The apparatus can be operated to provide seals to between 200 and 600 pouches per minute.

[0012] The pouch material can be provided in the form of an elongate portion of material moving longitudinally along a flow path. Forming the seal in the pouch material can comprise forming the seal in a direction substantially perpendicular to the flow path.

[0013] The method can further comprise engaging and sealing lateral edges of the pouch material such that a longitudinally-extending seal is formed in the pouch material, the longitudinally-extending seal being substantially parallel to the flow path. The pouch material can be substantially or completely free of plastic.

[0014] The pouch material can be entirely free of titanium dioxide and entirely free of plastic.

[0015] The strength of the seal can be greater than 4N / 50mm. For instance, the strength of the seal can be greater than 4N per 50mm width of seal.

[0016] The method can further comprise providing a composition adapted for oral use and sealing the composition within the pouch material. The composition can be substantially free of tobacco material. Forming the seal in the pouch material can comprise forming a first seal in the pouch material. The method can further comprise forming a second seal in the pouch material during or after forming the first seal, wherein forming the second seal is performed using the first and second sealing surfaces operated at a predetermined temperature of between 3to°C and 36o°C and / or a predetermined pressure of between i.4Bar (140,000 Pa) and 3Bar (300,000? a). Sealing the composition within the pouch material can be performed by the second seal.

[0017] Forming a seal in the pouch material can comprise forming a first seal in the pouch material and the method can further comprise forming a second seal in the pouch material during or after forming the first seal, wherein forming the second seal is performed using third and fourth sealing surfaces, wherein the third and fourth sealing surfaces are operated at a predetermined temperature of between 3io°C and 36o°C and / or a predetermined pressure of between 1.4 Bar (140,000 Pa) and 3Bar (300,000 Pa), optionally wherein sealing the composition within the pouch material is performed by the second seal.

[0018] In accordance with embodiments described herein, in a second aspect there is provided a pouched-product produced using the method of the first aspect above.

[0019] In accordance with embodiments described herein, in a third aspect there is provided pouched-product containing a composition adapted for oral use, the pouched-product comprising a pouch material, wherein the pouch material is substantially or completely free of titanium dioxide; and a seal in the pouch material, wherein the seal has a strength greater than 4N / 50mm, optionally greater than 5N / 50mm or greater than 6N / 50mm.

[0020] The pouch material can be substantially or completely free of plastic. The pouch material can be entirely free of titanium dioxide and entirely free of plastic.

[0021] The pouched-product can comprise first and second seals each having a strength greater than 4N / 50mm, optionally greater than sN / somm or greater than 6N / somm. In accordance with embodiments described herein, in a fourth aspect there is provided apparatus for manufacturing a pouched-product, the apparatus comprising: first and second sealing surfaces; a mechanism for applying a force between the first and second sealing surfaces; and a force measuring device arranged to determine the force applied between the first and second sealing surfaces.

[0022] In accordance with embodiments described herein, in a fifth aspect there is provided a measuring apparatus for measuring the sealing force of a sealing apparatus for manufacturing a pouched-product, the measuring apparatus comprising: first and second engaging portions; first and second force transmission members connected to the first and second engaging portions; and one or more force measuring devices connected to the first and second force transmission members and arranged to output a signal indicative of the force applied between the first and second engaging portions.

[0023] The one or more force measuring devices can be arranged to output a voltage indicative of the force applied between the first and second engaging portions. In accordance with embodiments described herein, in a sixth aspect there is provided a system for manufacturing a pouched-product, the system comprising: a sealing apparatus comprising: first and second sealing surfaces; and a mechanism for applying a force between the first and second sealing surfaces; and a measuring apparatus according to the fifth aspect above arranged to measure the force applied between the first and second sealing surfaces.

[0024] Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of producing a pouched-product;

[0026] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective illustration of a pouched-product produced using the method illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a schematic side-on view of an apparatus for sealing pouched-products; Figure 4a is a schematic perspective illustration of a first apparatus for measuring the sealing force of a machine for manufacturing a pouched-product;

[0027] Figure 4b is a schematic plan view of the first apparatus of Figure 4a engaged with apparatus for manufacturing a pouched-product; Figure 4c is a schematic perspective view of the first apparatus of Figures 4a and 4b engaged with apparatus for manufacturing a pouched-product;

[0028] Figure 5 is a side-on view of a second apparatus for manufacturing a pouched-product;

[0029] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of first and second engaging portions of apparatus as described herein for manufacturing a pouched-product; Figure 7a is a schematic plan illustration of a third apparatus for measuring the sealing force of a machine for manufacturing a pouched-product;

[0030] Figure 7b is a schematic perspective view of the third apparatus of Figure 7a; and Figure 8 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of measuring the sealing force in machinery for producing a pouched-product.

[0031] Detailed Description

[0032] The disclosure generally provides products configured for oral use. The term "configured for oral use" as used herein means that the product is provided in a form such that during use, saliva in the mouth of the user causes one or more of the components of the mixture (e.g., flavoring agents and / or nicotine) to pass into the mouth of the user. In certain embodiments, the product is adapted to deliver components to a user through mucous membranes in the user's mouth and, in some instances, said component is an active ingredient, also referred to as an active substance or a substance to be delivered (including, but not limited to, for example, nicotine) that can be absorbed through the mucous membranes in the mouth when the product is used.

[0033] In particular, the disclosure provides products in the form of a mixture of one or more components, disposed within a moisture-permeable container (e.g., a water-permeable pouch). Such mixtures in the water-permeable pouch format are typically used by placing a pouch containing the mixture in the mouth of a human user. Generally, the pouch is placed somewhere in the oral cavity of the consumer, for example under the lips, in the same way as moist snuff products are generally used. The pouch preferably is not chewed or swallowed. Exposure to saliva then causes some of the components of the mixture therein (e.g., flavouring agents and / or nicotine) to pass through e.g., the water-permeable pouch and provide the user with flavour and satisfaction, and the user is not required to spit out any portion of the mixture. After about to minutes to about 60 minutes, typically about 15 minutes to about 45 minutes, of use, substantial amounts of the mixture have been ingested by the consumer, and the pouch may be removed from the mouth of the consumer for disposal. Preferred pouch materials for products described herein may be designed and manufactured such that under conditions of normal use, a significant amount of the contents of the formulation within the pouch permeate through the pouch material prior to the time that the pouch undergoes loss of its physical integrity. The pouches of the present disclosure can be formed from a pouch or fleece material such as a fibrous nonwoven web material. A “fleece material” of “pouch material” as used herein may be formed from various types of fibres (e.g., cellulosic fibres; such as viscose fibres, regenerated cellulose fibres, cellulose fibres, and wood pulps; cotton fibres; other natural fibres; or polymer / synthetic-type fibres) capable of being formed into a traditional fleece fabrics or other traditional pouch materials. For example, fleece materials may be provided in the form of a woven or nonwoven fabric. For improved biodegradability, the pouch or fleece material can be formed to be substantially or completely free of plastic materials or fibres. During manufacture of the pouches described herein, the mixture (also referred to as a ‘composition’ herein) is sealed within the material forming the pouch. Each discrete pouch portion can be entirely sealed such that an outer water-permeable pouch is formed that encloses the mixture or composition. Sealing the composition within the pouch can involve heat-sealing techniques, resulting in polymerisation, softening and / or melting of a heat sealable component of the pouch material, such as a binder, or of the pouch material, at particular locations to define seals. For instance, the heatsealing technique as described herein can involve polymerisation of at least one component of the pouch material. During the heat-sealing, first and second sealing surfaces of a sealing apparatus can be brought together on opposite sides of the pouch with a given force, thereby applying a predetermined pressure between the first and second sealing surfaces and thereby heating and sealing the pouch material.

[0034] In some examples of the manufacture of pouched products, a continuous supply of a pouch material, for instance in the form of a needle-punched pouch or fleece material, can be provided along a flow path. The pouch material can be formed into a continuous tubular member by sealing the lateral edges of the pouch material such that a longitudinally-extending seam or seal is formed. The longitudinal seal can be formed by applying a heat-sealing technique to the pouch material, resulting in softening and / or melting of the nonwoven web, or other material acting as the pouch material, to form the longitudinal seal, which is for instance formed in a direction parallel to the flow path of the pouch material. A charge of a composition adapted for oral use can be inserted into the continuous tubular member. The continuous tubular member can then be subdivided at predetermined intervals so as to form a plurality of pouch member portions, wherein each pouch member portion includes a charge of the composition. Each discrete pouch portion can then be entirely sealed such that an outer water-permeable pouch is formed that encloses the composition. This second sealing step can involve applying a heat-sealing technique to the pouch material to form a seal which extends substantially perpendicularly to the flow path direction, resulting from the polymerisation, softening and / or melting of the pouch material. Colourants such as titanium dioxide are typically used in pouch materials such as fleece material, although their use is being discontinued in some locations. An issue encountered with the removal of the titanium dioxide from pouch material is that it can influence the heat-sealing process, resulting in weaker seals than would be achieved using pouch material incorporating titanium dioxide. Without wishing to be bound by theoiy, it is hypothesised that the titanium dioxide may assist with heat transfer within the pouch material and therefore assist with forming the seals.

[0035] The pouch or fleece material can be formed to be substantially or completely free of titanium dioxide. The inventors have found that the strength of the seals used in titanium dioxide-free pouch material is influenced by the pressure and temperature applied to the pouch material and the duration of the application of this temperature and pressure. The inventors have found that the use of a sealing process in which either or both of a temperature between about 3to°C and about 36o°C and the application of a pressure between i.qBar (140,000 Pa) and 3Bar (300,000 Pa) is applied to the pouch material has been effective in achieving seal strengths similar to those formed using pouch material containing titanium dioxide, and at desirable operating speeds for such machineiy. The particular pressure and temperature selected, for instance within the above ranges, may be determined based on the particular binder (if present) and fibre type / specification used in the pouch material.

[0036] The Pouch Material The pouch material can be formed as a “nonwoven” pouch material. The term “nonwoven” is used herein in reference to fibrous materials, webs, mats, batts, or sheets in which fibres are aligned in an undefined or random orientation. The nonwoven fibres are initially presented as unbound fibres or filaments. An important step in the manufacturing of nonwovens involves binding the various fibres or filaments together.

[0037] The manner in which the fibres or filaments are bound can vaiy, and include thermal, mechanical and chemical techniques that are selected in part based on the desired characteristics of the final product. Nonwoven fabric forming methods for natural and synthetic fibres may include drylaid, airlaid and wetlaid methods. In some embodiments, the nonwoven fabric can be formed using a spunlaid or spunmelt process, which includes both spunbond and meltblown processes, wherein such processes are understood to typically entail melting, extruding, collecting and bonding thermoplastic polymer materials to form a fibrous nonwoven web.

[0038] In some embodiments, the fleece or pouch material can have varying thicknesses, porosities and other parameters. For example, the pouch material can be formed such that the fibre orientation and porosity of the pouch material is altered to achieve the desired release characteristics of the releasable material contained therein. In some embodiments, the fibres within the pouch material may include, but are not limited to, a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoates, polycaprolactone, polybutylene succinate, polybutylene succinate adipate, and copolymers thereof. In some embodiments, the fibres within the pouch material may be selected from the group consisting wool, cotton, fibres made of cellulosic material, such as e.g. cotton, flax, jute, ramie, kenaf, abaca, sisal, or linen. Further it can be selected from regenerated cellulose (e.g. Rayon, Viscose, Modal™, loncell™, Circulose™, or Lyocell), cellulose acetate, cellulose triacetate, cellulose nitrate, ethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate propionate, cellulose acetate butyrate, hydroxypropyl cellulose, methyl hydroxypropyl cellulose, protein fibres, and the like.

[0039] The fibres used in the nonwoven web according to the present disclosure can vary, and include fibres having any type of cross-section, including, but not limited to, circular, rectangular, square, oval, triangular, and multilobal. In certain embodiments, the fibres can have one or more void spaces, wherein the void spaces can have, for example, circular, rectangular, square, oval, triangular, or multilobal cross-sections. As noted previously, the fibres can be selected from single-component (i.e., uniform in composition throughout the fibre) or multicomponent fibre types including, but not limited to, fibres having a sheath / core structure and fibres having an islands-in-the-sea structure, as well as fibres having a side-by-side, segmented pie, segmented cross, segmented ribbon, or tipped multilobal cross-sections.

[0040] The physical parameters of the fibres present in the nonwoven web can vary. For example, the fibres used in the nonwoven web can have varying size (e.g., length, dpf) and crimp characteristics. In some embodiments, fibres used in the nonwoven web can be nano fibres, sub-micron fibres, and / or micron-sized fibres. In certain embodiments, fibres of the nonwoven webs useful herein can measure about 1.5 dpf to about 2.0 dpf, or about 1.6 dpf to about 1.90 dpf. In a preferred embodiment, each fibre can be a staple fibre. Each fibre length can measure about 35 mm to about 60 mm, or about 38 mm to about 55 mm, for example. In various embodiments, each fibre can measure about 4-10 crimps per cm, or about 5-8 crimps per cm. It can be advantageous for all fibres in the nonwoven web to have similar fibre size and crimp attributes to ensure favorable blending and orientation of the fibres in the nonwoven web.

[0041] The pouch material, for instance fibrous web material, can have vaiying thicknesses, porosities and other parameters. The pouch material can be formed such that the fibre orientation and porosity of the pouched product formed therefrom can retain the composition adapted for oral use that is enclosed within the outer water-permeable pouch, but can also allow the flavors of the composition to be enjoyed by the consumer. For example, in some embodiments, the fibrous webs can have a basis weight of about 20 gsm to about 35 gsm, or about 25 gsm to about 30 gsm. In certain embodiments, the fibrous web can have a basis weight of about 28 gsm. In some embodiments, the pouch material can have a relatively high basis weight. For example, the basis weight of a pouch material can be in the range of about 25-40 gsm, about 30-40 gsm, or about 35-40 gsm. In certain embodiments, the basis weight of the pouch material can be about 25 gsm or greater, about 30 gsm or greater, or about 35 gsm or greater. In various embodiments, the fibrous webs can have much higher basis weights, e.g., a basis weight of about 150 gsm or greater, such as in the range of about 150 gsm to about 4,000 gsm. It is noted that needle punching processes described herein can impact the basis weight of a fabric (e.g., the basis weight of a pouch material that has been subjected to needle punching can be decreased as a result of the needle punching).

[0042] Basis weight of a fabric can be measured using WSP 130.1 R4 (INDA / EDANA “Harmonized Test Methods Nonwovens and Related Industries, 2012), or ASTM D3776 / D3776M-O9a (2013) (Standard Test Methods for Mass Per Unit Area (Weight) of Fabric), for example. For the basis weight values stated herein, WSP 130.1 R4 has been applied, unless otherwise stated.

[0043] In various embodiments, the fibrous web can have a thickness of about 0.1 mm to about 0.20 mm (e.g., about 0.11 mm - 0.20 mm). The fibrous web can have an elongation of about 5% to about 15%, e.g., about 10% as measured in the machine direction. In some embodiments, the fibrous web can have a peak load of about 4oN / 5omm to about i20N / 50mm, e.g., about 6oN / 5Omm. Elongation and breaking strength of textile fabrics can be measured using ISO 9073-3:2023 (option B), or ASTM 05034-09(2013) (Standard Test Method for Breaking Strength and Elongation of Textile Fabrics (Grab Test)), for example. The values stated herein have been measured using ISO 9073- 3:2023 (option B) unless stated otherwise. In various embodiments, the fibrous web can have a Tensile Energy Absorption (TEA) of about 35 to about 40, e.g., about 37. In certain embodiments, the fibrous web can have a porosity of greater than about 10,000 ml / min / cm2. TEA can be measured, for example, as the work done to break the specimen under tensile loading per lateral area of the specimen. Porosity, or air permeability of textile fabrics can be measured using ASTM 0737-04(2012) (Standard Test method for Air Permeability of T extile F abrics) , for example.

[0044] In various embodiments of the pouched product described herein, the outer water- permeable pouch is made from a nonwoven web as described above. In some embodiments, pouch is constructed of a single layer of the nonwoven web. In various embodiments, the pouch material comprises a multilayer composite made up of two or more nonwoven layers. Each nonwoven layer can be formed by processes discussed above.

[0045] Method of Manufacture Figure 1 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of producing a pouched-product using apparatus having first and second sealing surfaces used to form a seal. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective illustration of a pouched-product 5 produced using the method illustrated in Figure 1, and Figure 3 is a schematic side-on view of an apparatus 50 for sealing pouched-products.

[0046] Referring to Figure 3, the apparatus 50 includes first and second sealing surfaces 55a, 55b provided on respective first and second reciprocating heads 6oa, 6ob. In use, pouch material to be sealed is fed between the first and second sealing surfaces 55a, 55b, for instance in the direction of arrow ‘X’. The first and / or second sealing surfaces 55a, 55b are heated to a predetermined temperature and the surfaces are brought together with a predetermined force thereby applying a predetermined pressure to the pouch material provided between the surfaces 55a, 55b. The temperature and pressure of the first and second sealing surfaces 55a, 55b cause the pouch material to polymerise, melt and / or become soft, thereby forming a seal. Referring to Figure 1, in a first step Slot a pouch material which is substantially or completely free of titanium dioxide is provided. In a second step, S102, at least one of the first and second sealing surfaces 55a, 55b of the apparatus 50 is heated to a predetermined temperature between 3to°C and 36o°C. In a third step, S103, a seal is formed by applying a predetermined pressure of between i.4Bar (140,000 Pa) and 3Bar (300,000 Pa) between the first and second sealing surfaces 55a, 55b of the apparatus.

[0047] The inventors have found that by performing either of the second and third steps S102, S103 with a respective predetermined temperature of between 3io°C and 36o°C or a predetermined pressure of between i.4Bar (140,000 Pa) and 3Bar (300,000 Pa) can result in improved seal strength for materials which are substantially or completely free of titanium dioxide.

[0048] Where at least one of the predetermined temperature and pressure referred to above are provided within the stated ranges, the other of these parameters may be reduced while still achieving desirable seal strength. For instance, in some examples, the predetermined temperature can be between 3io°C and 36o°C and the predetermined pressure can be between i.4Bar (140,000 Pa) and 2Bar (200,000 Pa). In some examples, the predetermined pressure can be between i.4Bar (140,000 Pa) and 3Bar (300,000 Pa) and the predetermined temperature can be between 200°C and 3OO°C. For some pouch materials, such as pouch materials in which the fibres are viscose fibres, and which are substantially or entirely free of titanium dioxide (Ti02), the most significant factor determining seal strength has been found to be the pressure which is applied to the pouch material to form the seal.

[0049] The apparatus can be operated to provide seals to between 200 and 600 pouches per minute, per parallel line of pouch manufacture, for instance between 325 and 600 pouches per minute, depending on the pouch manufacturing / packing technology used. The hold or dwell time during which the first and second sealing surfaces 55a, 55b are engaged with the pouch material can be between 0.1 and 0.3 seconds, for instance between 0.12 seconds and 0.25 seconds, or in some examples about 0.10 or about 0.1875 seconds.

[0050] Referring to Figure 2, an example pouched product 5 can comprise an outer water- permeable container 10 in the form of a pouch formed from pouch material 15 which contains a particulate mixture or composition 20 adapted for oral use. The orientation, size, and type of outer water-permeable pouch and the type and nature of the composition adapted for oral use can vaiy. During manufacture, the pouch material 15 can be fed along a flow path (not shown) and the lateral edges of the pouch material 15 can be engaged and sealed such that a longitudinally-extending seal 25 is formed in the pouch material, the longitudinally-extending seal 25 for instance being substantially parallel to the flow path. The longitudinally-extending seal 25 is also referred to as a long seal. The resulting elongate portion of material can be moved longitudinally along a flow path, for instance in the direction shown by arrow ‘X’ in Figure 3. The apparatus 50 of Figure 3 can be used to form first and second lateral seals 30a, 30b in the pouch material in a direction substantially perpendicular to the flow path X. The first and second lateral seals 30a, 30b are also referred to as short seals or cross seals. The first lateral seal 30a can be formed in the pouch material, followed by a step of inserting the mixture or composition into the pouch material. The second lateral seal 30b can be formed in the pouch material in a later step, thereby sealing the mixture or composition into the container 10 formed by the pouch material 15. Referring again to Figure 3, the apparatus 50 also includes third and fourth sealing surfaces 65a, 65b provided on the respective first and second reciprocating heads 60a, 60b and a cutting member 70. The third and fourth sealing surfaces 65a, 65b, in the present example, are used to simultaneously form a first lateral seal 30a in a first pouched product 5 and a second lateral seal 30b in a second pouched product 5 while the cutting member 70 acts to cut the pouch material between the first and second pouches thus separating them. The cutting member 70 can be provided as a knife blade which is located within the apparatus and operable to move relative to the first and second heads 60a, 60b to cut the pouch material when actuated. Seal Strength

[0051] As illustrated in Figure 2, the pouched-product 5 contains a composition 20 adapted for oral use. The pouched-product includes a pouch material 15 which is substantially or completely free of titanium dioxide. At least one seal in the pouch material, such as the longitudinal seal 25 or at least one of the lateral seals 30a, 30b, has a strength greater than 4N / 50mm, optionally greater than sN / somm or greater than 6N / 50mm. The pouched-product includes a pouch material 15 which can also be substantially or completely free of plastic. The seal strength of any of the seals 25, 30a, 30b can be determined by following the CORESTA CRM90 (March 2019) testing methodology using a texture analyser TA.XT (Stable Microsystems Vienna Court

[0052] Lammas Road, Godaiming, Surrey GU71YL, United Kingdom) and following the dry test method. The 50mm dimension is the longitudinal length of the seal, for instance as measured parallel to the length of the long seam 25 from one cut end to the other cut end of the long seam, or laterally along the length of the lateral seals 30a, 30b across the width of the pouch 5. Commercially available machinery for making pouched-products, while allowing the pressure provided between sealing surfaces to be adjusted, does not provide an accurate means for determining the magnitude of such pressure during operation of the machinery, nor for performing pressure level calibration between respective pieces of machinery.

[0053] Figure 4a is a schematic perspective illustration of a first apparatus 80 for measuring the sealing force applied by a machine for manufacturing a pouched-product. The apparatus 80 includes first and second engaging portions 85a, 85b respectively connected to first and second force transmission members 90a, 90b. The first and second force transmission members 90a, 90b can be arranged to pivot about a pivot point too. In the present example, the first and second engaging portions 85a, 85b are provided as first and second elongate metal plates. The first and second engaging portions 85a, 85b are arranged to engage with respective first and second reciprocating heads 60a, 60b of the apparatus 50 of Figure 3.

[0054] The first apparatus 80 of Figure 4a also includes a force measuring device 95 connected to the first and second force transmission members 90a, 90b and arranged to output a value indicative of the force and therefore the pressure applied between the first and second engaging portions 85a, 85b. Optionally, first and second connectors 92a, 92b can be used to connect the force measuring device 95 to the respective first and second force transmission members 90a, 90b. The connectors 92a, 92b can be adjustable to allow force measuring devices 95 of different sizes to be used.

[0055] Figure 4b is a schematic plan view of the first apparatus of Figure 4a engaged with apparatus for manufacturing a pouched-product, in particular such that the first and second engaging portions 85a, 85b are engaged with respective first and second reciprocating heads 60a, 60b of the apparatus 50. To do this, the cutting member 70 can be removed from the second reciprocating head 60b of the apparatus 50 and the first and second engaging portions 85a, 85b inserted into the pockets 75a, 75b respectively of the first and second reciprocating heads 60a, 60b. Figure 4c is a schematic perspective view of the first apparatus of Figures 4a and 4b engaged with apparatus for manufacturing a pouched-product;

[0056] Figure 8 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of measuring the sealing pressure in machinery for producing a pouched-product. In a first step, S201, the sealing force measuring device is engaged with the machineiy for manufacturing a pouched-product. For instance, the first and second heads 60a, 60b of the apparatus 50 of Figure 3 can be brought together manually until they are close to closing and the first and second engaging portions 85a, 85b of the apparatus 80 for measuring the sealing force can then be engaged with the respective first and second heads 60a, 60b. In a second step, S202, the machineiy can be activated such that a force is provided between the sealing surfaces. In step S203, the force as measured by the sealing force measuring device 95 can be recorded. As mentioned above, an additional, optional step is for the cutting member 70 to be removed from the second reciprocating head 60b of the apparatus 50 prior to engaging the first and second engaging portions 85a, 85b of the apparatus 80 with the first and second heads 60a, 60b. In the above method, when the machineiy is activated, the heating mechanism which heats the first and second sealing surfaces is also activated and therefore the parts of the first and second heads 60a, 60b which are in contact with the first and second engaging portions 85a, 85b can become hot, for instance reaching a temperature of between approximately 200 °C and 400 °C. The material used to form the first and second engaging portions 85a, 85b should therefore be selected to withstand such temperatures without deforming and a material such as stainless steel can be used. Optional insulation around the apparatus 80 can also be provided to avoid the user coming into contact with hot parts of the apparatus.

[0057] Figure 5 is a side-on view of a second apparatus 80’ for manufacturing a pouched- product. The second apparatus 80’ is similar to the first apparatus 80 described above, except that the first and second connectors 92a, 92b are omitted and an adjustable mounting mechanism for the force measuring device 95 is provided on the adapted first and second force transmission members 90a’, 90b’. Other corresponding reference numerals refer to the same components.

[0058] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of first and second engaging portions 85a, 85b of apparatus as described herein for manufacturing a pouched-product. These engaging portions 85a, 85b can include first, second and third engagement protuberances 88a, 88b and 88c located on the outer engaging edges 85a’, 85b’ of the respective first and second engaging portions 85a, 85b. First and second engagement protuberances 88a, 88b are provided on one of the engaging portions 85a, 85b, in the present case on the second engaging portion 85b, and the third engagement protuberance 88c is provided on the first engaging portion 85a. As a result, the specific parts of the engaging portions 85a, 85b which come into contact with the first and second heads 60a, 60b of the apparatus 50, in the present case these protuberances 88a, 88b, 88c, can be positioned to ensure accurate transmission of the force between the first and second heads 60a, 60b to the force measuring device 95. In addition, first and second notches 87a, 87b are provided on the first and second engaging portions 85a, 85b on the same respective edges 85a’, 85b’ of the engaging portions 85a, 85b and at the end opposite to the insertion end of the portions 85a, 85b. These notches avoid contact between the first and second heads 60a, 60b and the first and second engaging portions 85a, 85b at this location to avoid unwanted force transmission.

[0059] Figure 7a is a schematic plan illustration of a third apparatus 80” for measuring the sealing force of a machine for manufacturing a pouched-product. Figure 7b is a schematic perspective view of the third apparatus 80” of Figure 7a. The third apparatus 80” is similar to the first and second apparatus 80, 80’ described above, except that the force measuring device 95 is replaced by an elastically deformable body 94 which can, for instance, be manufactured from stainless steel. The elastically deformable body 94 is arranged in a ‘U’ shape, with first and second legs 94a, 94b, and with each leg 94a, 94b connected to a respective one of modified first and second force transmission members 90a”, 90b” which transfer force from the first and second engaging members 85a, 85b to the respective first and second legs 94a, 94b of the elastically deformable body 94. Each leg 94a, 94b has mounted thereon one of respective first and second load cells 95a, 95b which output a voltage or other signal dependent on the deformation of the respective first and second legs 94a, 94b of the elastically deformable body 94. The voltage or other signal is provided to processing circuitry 98 which includes an analogue to digital converter and a display for displaying a value indicative of the force applied by the first and second heads 60a, 60b to the apparatus 80”. Each of the legs 94a, 94b can be provided with a cut-out portion close to the location of the load cell 95a, 95b to help with deformation of the legs 95a, 95b in use.

[0060] The first and second load cells 95a, 95b can, for instance, be strain gauges with a resistance that varies depending on the strain to which they are subjected. A voltage across the strain gauges can be produced which is thereby dependent on the force between the first and second heads 60a, 60b.

[0061] The first, second and third apparatus 80, 80’, 80” described herein allow for the measurement of the sealing force between first and second reciprocating heads 60a, 60b of a machine for manufacturing a pouched-product, such that the force can be monitored and adjusted. Such first, second and third apparatus 80, 80’, 80” alternatively or additionally allow an accurate comparison of the forces between the first and second reciprocating heads 60a, 60b of a plurality of machines for manufacturing a pouched-product, such that the sealing pressure used by respective pieces of machineiy can be calibrated. The force provided by the first, second and third apparatus 80, 80’, 80” can be converted to a pressure in Pascals by dividing the force in Newtons by the contact surface area of the sealing surfaces in m2. For instance, in one example, for a particular Merz machine, each sealing surface area is 2.7mm wide by 26.1mm long, and the unit may include the first and third sealing surfaces on a first head 60a, and second and fourth sealing surfaces on a second head 60b. The measured force would therefore be divided by the sealing contact surface area of 2 * 0.0027 m * 0.0261 m, or divided by 0.00014094. For instance, for a measured force of 30N between the first and second heads 60a, 60b, this results in a pressure of 213,000 Pa. The pouched-product described herein can form a component of a delivery system. As used herein, the term “deliveiy system” is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user, and includes: combustible aerosol provision systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or for roll-your-own or for make-your-own cigarettes (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokable material); non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosol-generating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials; and aerosol-free deliveiy systems that deliver the at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine.

[0062] In some embodiments, the delivery system is an aerosol-free delivery system that delivers at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine. For instance, the pouched-product can form part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system or an aerosol-free delivery system, such as an aerosol-free delivery system that delivers at least one substance to a user orally.

[0063] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance.

[0064] The active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or

[0065] B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.

[0066] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.

[0067] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc, other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

Claims1. A method of producing a pouched-product using apparatus having first and second sealing surfaces used to form a seal, the method comprising: providing a pouch material, wherein the pouch material is substantially or completely free of titanium dioxide; heating at least one of the first and second sealing surfaces of the apparatus to a predetermined temperature; and forming a seal by applying a predetermined pressure between the first and second sealing surfaces of the apparatus, wherein the predetermined temperature is between 3to°C and 36o°C and / or the predetermined pressure is between i.4Bar (140,000 Pa) and 3Bar (300,000 Pa).

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined temperature is between 3io°C and 36o°C and the predetermined pressure is between i.4Bar (140,000 Pa) and 2Bar (200,000 Pa).

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined pressure is between i.4Bar (140,000 Pa) and 3Bar (300,000 Pa) and the predetermined temperature is between 200°C and 3OO°C.

4. A method according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the apparatus is operated to provide seals to between 200 and 600 pouches per minute.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pouch material is provided in the form of an elongate portion of material moving longitudinally along a flow path and forming the seal in the pouch material comprises forming the seal in a direction substantially perpendicular to the flow path.

6. A method according to claim 5, further comprising engaging and sealing lateral edges of the pouch material such that a longitudinally-extending seal is formed in the pouch material, the longitudinally-extending seal being substantially parallel to the flow path.

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pouch material is substantially or completely free of plastic.

8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pouch material is entirely free of titanium dioxide and entirely free of plastic.

9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the strength of the seal is greater than 4N / 50mm.

10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising providing a composition adapted for oral use and sealing the composition within the pouch material, optionally wherein the composition is substantially free of tobacco material.

11. A method according to claim 10, wherein forming the seal in the pouch material comprises forming a first seal in the pouch material and the method further comprises forming a second seal in the pouch material during or after forming the first seal, wherein forming the second seal is performed using the first and second sealing surfaces operated at a predetermined temperature of between 3to°C and 36o°C and / or a predetermined pressure of between i.4Bar (140,000 Pa) and 3Bar (300,000 Pa), optionally wherein sealing the composition within the pouch material is performed by the second seal.

12. A method according to claim 10, wherein forming a seal in the pouch material comprises forming a first seal in the pouch material and the method further comprises forming a second seal in the pouch material during or after forming the first seal, wherein forming the second seal is performed using third and fourth sealing surfaces, wherein the third and fourth sealing surfaces are operated at a predetermined temperature of between 3io°C and 36o°C and / or a predetermined pressure of between i.4Bar (140,000 Pa) and 3Bar (300,000 Pa), optionally wherein sealing the composition within the pouch material is performed by the second seal.

13. A pouched-product produced using the method of any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A pouched-product containing a composition adapted for oral use, the pouched- product comprising: a pouch material, wherein the pouch material is substantially or completely free of titanium dioxide; anda seal in the pouch material, wherein the seal has a strength greater than 4N / 50mm, optionally greater than sN / somm or greater than 6N / 50mm.

15. A pouched-product according to claim 14, wherein the pouch material is substantially or completely free of plastic.

16. A pouched-product according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the pouch material is entirely free of titanium dioxide and entirely free of plastic.

17. A pouched-product according to claim 14, 15 or 16, wherein the pouched- product comprises first and second seals each having a strength greater than 4N / 50mm, optionally greater than sN / somm or greater than 6N / 50mm.

18. Apparatus for manufacturing a pouched-product, the apparatus comprising: first and second sealing surfaces; a mechanism for applying a force between the first and second sealing surfaces; and a force measuring device arranged to determine the force applied between the first and second sealing surfaces.

19. A measuring apparatus for measuring the sealing force of a sealing apparatus for manufacturing a pouched-product, the measuring apparatus comprising: first and second engaging portions; first and second force transmission members connected to the first and second engaging portions; and one or more force measuring devices connected to the first and second force transmission members and arranged to output a signal indicative of the force applied between the first and second engaging portions.

20. A measuring apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the one or more force measuring devices are arranged to output a voltage indicative of the force applied between the first and second engaging portions.

21. A system for manufacturing a pouched-product, the system comprising: a sealing apparatus comprising: first and second sealing surfaces; anda mechanism for applying a force between the first and second sealing surfaces; and a measuring apparatus according to claim 19 or 20 arranged to measure the force applied between the first and second sealing surfaces.

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