JP2023022200A - Interconnected active ingredient-containing pouches - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an active ingredient-containing product suitable for the release of an active ingredient comprising an outer water-permeable pouch chamber containing an active ingredient-containing composition.

SOLUTION: A pouch chamber 101 is interconnected with another pouch chamber 101 containing the same or another composition, thereby resulting in at least two interconnected pouch chambers 101 each comprising a composition, where a separation section separates one pouch chamber 101 from another pouch chamber 101. Each pouch chamber 101 has a length from about 1 mm to about 40 mm and a width of about 10 mm or less.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

COPYRIGHT: (C)2023,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to interconnected pouches containing active ingredient-containing compositions.

Buccal administration is a well-known technique for the administration of pharmacologically active ingredients, particularly nicotine and stimulants like nicotine. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a medically approved method of taking nicotine as a way to quit smoking. Known methods of administering NRT are, for example, through nicotine patches, nicotine lozenges, or nicotine pouches configured to be placed between the gums and upper lip, similar to snus pouches. Therefore, the user can absorb the nicotine contained in the pouch through the oral mucosa. In many cases, the amount of nicotine within each NRT pouch is relatively low compared to the nicotine content of tobacco products such as snus. A similar product is a pouch/sachet containing snus, a method of consuming tobacco without burning said tobacco. Snus is a traditional Swedish product, usually a moist mixture of tobacco placed between the gums and the upper lip. Therefore, the user can absorb the nicotine contained in the snus through the oral mucosa. Snus is thus a way to absorb nicotine without inhaling smoke. Another similar form, sometimes referred to as a nicopod, is a pouch/sachet containing nicotine without tobacco, without medical approval. Nicopods are usually placed between the gums and the upper lip. Therefore, the user can absorb the nicotine contained in the snus through the oral mucosa. The term nicotine-containing product is used herein to collectively describe all different forms.

People who only want to consume a small amount of nicotine can do so by using one nicotine-containing product, while others who prefer more consume two or more nicotine-containing products at the same time. to achieve the desired effect.

The same idea applies to a wide range of other active ingredients suitable for oral administration, such as pharmaceutical products, and nicotine-free cigarettes that act by replacing the sensation of nicotine and tobacco by adding other ingredients in pouch form. It also applies to substitutes.

A problem with having more than one pouch in the mouth at the same time is that it can be difficult to keep them in place. Consumers will benefit from having the pouch rest securely under their lips as it concentrates the composition in one location and prevents dilution and/or swallowing.

overview

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to solve some of the above problems. According to a broad aspect of the present invention, an active ingredient-containing product suitable for active ingredient release is disclosed comprising an outer water permeable pouch chamber containing an active ingredient-containing composition. The article of manufacture wherein said pouch chamber is interconnected to another pouch chamber containing the same or a different composition, resulting in at least two interconnected pouch chambers each containing the composition, wherein the separation is It is characterized by separating one pouch chamber from another pouch chamber.

It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular forms, process steps, and materials disclosed herein, as such the forms, process steps, and materials may vary. Since the scope of the present invention is limited only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof, the terminology used herein is used only to describe particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. It is also understood that it is not intended.

As used in this specification and claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" dictate otherwise. Otherwise, care should be taken to include multiple objects.

As used herein, unless otherwise stated, the term "about" modifying the amount of ingredients in the active ingredient-containing product or composition or package of the present invention or used in the methods of the present invention includes, for example: Through typical measurement and liquid handling procedures for making concentrates or using solutions in the real world, through unintentional errors in these procedures, to make active ingredient-containing products or compositions, or to implement the method. Variation in quantities that can occur through, for example, differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of ingredients used to The term "about" also includes amounts that vary due to differences in equilibrium conditions for compositions resulting from a particular initial mixture. Whether or not modified by the term "about," the claims include amounts equivalent to these amounts.

The ranges given herein provide preferred amounts for each of the ingredients. Each of these ranges may be taken alone or in combination with one or more other ingredients that give rise to preferred aspects of the invention.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an active ingredient-containing product suitable for active ingredient release, said active ingredient-containing product comprising an outer water permeable pouch chamber containing an active ingredient-containing composition, said pouch chamber comprising: , interconnected to another pouch chamber containing the same or a different composition, resulting in at least two interconnected pouch chambers each containing a composition, and a separation section connecting one pouch chamber to another pouch chamber; Separate from the chambers, each pouch chamber has a length of about 1 mm to about 40 mm and a width of about 10 mm or less.

Active ingredient-containing product means a product containing one or more active ingredients. The active ingredient is characterized by having a pharmacological effect and can be used in nicotine, nicotine salts (e.g. nicotine bitartrate/nicotine tartrate), nicotine-free tobacco substitutes, other alkaloids such as caffeine, pharmaceutical products, or May contain essential nutrients. Pharmaceutical products may include analgesics, allergy-relieving substances, or substances to treat motion sickness. Essential nutrients may include vitamins and/or minerals. Common to these types of active ingredients is that they can be absorbed through the oral mucosa/gums, such as nicotine-free tobacco substitutes, or they can be dissolved in liquids, such as water, or have a local effect or sensation. is to have The active ingredient is included in the active ingredient-containing composition. Thus, said active ingredient-containing compositions are incorporated into active ingredient-containing products. When nicotine is used as an active ingredient, said nicotine may be included as part of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), tobacco snus, or tobacco-free nicotine products without medical approval. If nicotine, which is part of NRT, is used, the product can be considered a nicotine-containing pharmaceutical product. Similarly, in general, active ingredient-containing products can be considered nicotine-containing products when used with nicotine. NRT is a medically approved method of ingesting nicotine by means other than tobacco. It is used to help quit smoking. Thus, active ingredient-containing products according to the present invention may be used with NRT compositions, with tobacco, with nicotine-free tobacco substitutes, with tobacco-free nicotine. Additionally, the active ingredient-containing product may be used medicinally when used in conjunction with a pharmaceutical product, such as an analgesic.

In some embodiments, the active-ingredient-containing product comprises an active-ingredient-containing composition comprising nicotine or a nicotine-free tobacco substitute. Nicotine may be included as part of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), tobacco snus, or tobacco-free nicotine products without medical approval. If nicotine, which is part of the NRT, is used, the product can be considered a nicotine-containing pharmaceutical product. Similarly, in general, active ingredient-containing products can be considered nicotine-containing products when used with nicotine. NRT is a medically approved method of ingesting nicotine by means other than tobacco. It is used to help quit smoking. Thus, active ingredient-containing products according to the present invention may be used with NRT compositions, with tobacco, with nicotine-free tobacco substitutes, with tobacco-free nicotine. Accordingly, the active ingredient-containing product may be a nicotine-containing product or a nicotine-free tobacco replacement product.

A product suitable for the release of an active ingredient means a product capable of containing and releasing such active ingredient through/beyond such reservoir. For example, the product may be suitable for oral administration, i.e. the product is configured to be inserted into the oral cavity of the user, i.e. the product is placed in the oral cavity, preferably between the gums and upper lip. A product having dimensions that allow it to be inserted and accommodated in a For example, each pouch chamber according to the invention may have dimensions on the order of 1-4 cm. For example, each pouch chamber may have a length greater than 3 cm, such as 3.5 cm or 4 cm.

Each pouch chamber may have a length of about 1 mm to about 40 mm and a width of about 10 mm or less. In some embodiments, each pouch chamber may have a width of less than about 10 mm. In some embodiments, each pouch chamber is about 3 mm to about 10 mm wide, such as about 3 mm to about 9.5 mm wide, such as about 3 mm to about 9 mm wide, such as about 5 mm to about 9 mm wide. , may have a width of about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such as a width of about 5 mm to about 7 mm. In some embodiments, each pouch chamber may have a width of about 7mm to about 9mm.

In some embodiments, each pouch chamber may have a length of about 20 mm to about 40 mm and a width of about 10 mm or less. In some embodiments, each pouch chamber may have a length of about 25 mm to about 40 mm and a width of about 10 mm or less.

In some embodiments, the length to width ratio of each pouch chamber is from about 3 to about 6, such as from about 3 to about 5, such as from about 3.5 to about 4.5.

In some embodiments, the thickness of each pouch chamber may be from about 2 mm to about 8 mm, such as from about 3 mm to about 7 mm, such as from about 4 mm to about 6 mm. In some embodiments, each pouch chamber may have a thickness of about 2 mm to about 3 mm. The thickness of each pouch chamber may also be referred to as the "height" of the chamber, which is the dimension perpendicular to the width of the pouch chamber. Thickness can be measured as the height of the pouch chamber (in an uncompressed state) at the middle of the length of the pouch chamber, ie at half the maximum length of the pouch chamber.

Similarly, the product may be suitable for immersion in liquids, meaning that it can be so immersed by choosing the design and materials of the product, in which case the active ingredient-containing composition is placed within the disclosed water-permeable pouch chamber. Thus, the active ingredient can be dissolved in said liquid or it can be released into said liquid. The liquid may be water. The product may thus resemble a tea bag. Thus, the product can contain an active-ingredient-containing composition, which passes through the disclosed water-permeable pouch to liquids such as saliva in the mouth for buccal administration, or in a glass when immersed. Can dissolve in water. In other words, the product is suitable for containing an at least partially dissolvable composition, wherein the components of said composition are able to pass through the water permeable pouch chamber.

Water-permeable pouch chamber means a pouch chamber with walls made of a water-permeable material, for example a membrane such as fabric or paper. In use, the production and presence of saliva (a watery bodily fluid) in the mouth causes the pouch chamber to become saturated with saliva over time, accelerating the release of the components of the composition contained therein. . Similarly, if the product is immersed in liquid, the release of ingredients is likewise accelerated. During the manufacturing process, the active ingredient-containing composition is placed into respective pouches, at which time the pouches are sealed, thus forming a chamber containing the active ingredient-containing composition.

A pouch chamber interconnected to another pouch chamber means that at least two pouch chambers are connected. With the disclosed separator, the pouch chambers are physically connected, but the contents of the first pouch chamber are not in contact with the contents of the second pouch chamber. Rather, the pouch chambers may be connected by sections made of water-permeable material, said sections being made by joining said materials together. In other words, the contents of the first pouch chamber are not in communication with the contents of the second pouch chamber.

In some embodiments, the pouch chambers may be connected by sections made from water permeable material. In some embodiments, the separation may be made by joining the materials together.

Preferably more than two pouch chambers are interconnected. For example, 10, 15 or 20 pouch chambers may be interconnected by separators according to the invention. Pouch chambers are referred to as pouches in the rest of this specification. Due to the separation, the product may have a non-uniform thickness (thickness variation), which, combined with its flexibility, allows the lip to conform to variations in thickness, thus reducing the thickness under the lip. It is easier to put in and thus holds the product in place better than experienced with products without such a separation.

Thus, the user can more easily administer the amount of active ingredient-containing composition. For example, each of the pouches contains an amount of active ingredient-containing composition that does not satisfy the needs of most users; One can choose to tear/cut off one or more, so that the user gets the amount he or she desires. Such customization is particularly suitable for use with nicotine-containing compositions, where the need is more individual to each user. Thus, while each of the pouches is relatively small and uncomfortable to keep in the mouth due to the risk of loss, the provision of interconnected pouches makes the product easy to handle in the mouth. become easier. For example, most users are able to administer two or three pouches at a time to meet the user's needs, and thus the pouches, due to their interconnected nature, can be placed in the mouth. is easier to control. Similarly, the user can easily dose by tearing off the desired number of pouches (and thus still interconnected) to facilitate the release of the active ingredient into the liquid when immersed in the liquid. can be adjusted to facilitate handling.

Thus, in some embodiments, the separator is made from a water permeable material and each pouch chamber has a length of about 1 mm to about 40 mm and a width of about 1 mm to about 40 mm, such as a width of about 3 mm to about 10 mm. and a width of about 10 mm or less.

Furthermore, due to said pouches being interconnected, it is easy to store the product in a container, which enhances the aesthetic/visual impression. Furthermore, the product according to the invention allows the use of smaller storage containers as the packaging procedure can be optimized due to the predictable behavior of the pouches during packaging due to the interconnected features.

Further, in accordance with the present invention, the pouches are interconnected into large rows or arrays, which are generally not readily identifiable as oral or personal use products, thus making the product less appealing to children. may not pull.

In one embodiment, the article of manufacture may comprise at least three pouch chambers, with opposing sides of one pouch chamber connected to two other pouch chambers on opposing sides.

It is understood that with opposite sides the pouch may be polygonal, for example rectangular. Thus, the product may resemble a row or series of interconnected pouches. The row may contain more than 3 pouches, for example 10, 15 or 20 interconnected pouches. By using interconnected pouches during the packaging process, length can be used as a determining factor in determining the number of pouches to put in each package. In certain forms of packaging machines, for example, it may be easier to use length as the determinant instead of count or mass. For example, using length is easier than incorporating a scale to measure the mass of the pouches in each package.

In one embodiment, the article of manufacture may comprise at least three pouch chambers, with adjacent sides of one pouch chamber connected to two other pouch chambers on adjacent sides.

In some embodiments, the article of manufacture comprises at least three pouch chambers, wherein two adjacent sides of one pouch chamber are each connected to a separate other pouch chamber. In some embodiments, the article of manufacture comprises at least four pouch chambers, and three adjacent sides of one pouch chamber are connected to three other pouch chambers.

Thus, the article of manufacture may form an array of interconnected pouch chambers. Arrays of such pouch chambers can provide certain advantages in packaging procedures, including space optimization and aesthetic features. The area or dimension of the array can be used to determine the number of pouches so that the packaging procedure can be optimized. An array can be thought of as a two-dimensional sheet of interconnected pouches.

In one embodiment, the separation may comprise a separation line. Separation line means a line that facilitates separating one pouch chamber from another pouch chamber. The separation line is preferably of a strength such that one pouch chamber will not separate from another pouch chamber during use. It should be noted that if the water permeable material used to form the pouch is soaked with liquid/saliva, and thus the separation portion is soaked with liquid/saliva, its strength may be reduced. .

In one embodiment, the separation line may comprise a row of perforations or holes that allow one pouch chamber to be separated from another pouch chamber by tearing. In one embodiment, the separation line may comprise a row of perforations or holes that allow one pouch chamber to be separated from another pouch chamber by tearing, tearing, or cutting.

Thus, convenient and easy-to-use separation lines can be used.

In one embodiment, the separation may be made by joining opposing pouch surfaces together so that the separation is the joint between adjacent pouch chambers.

The pouch may be made from a long tube of any desired water-permeable material, the sidewalls of said tube being joined together so that no active ingredient-containing composition is located within the formed joint. Instead, the joints ensure that the active ingredient-containing composition is contained within the individual pouch chambers defined by the joints and sidewalls.

In one embodiment, the junction may be shaped to ensure efficient separation and minimize the area of the separation.

For example, the joints may be curved, thereby facilitating the process of separating interconnected pouches from one another. Alternatively, the joints may have a width narrower than the width of the respective pouch, so that the user does not have to tear a long distance. Such a shape reduces the amount of material used.

In one embodiment, each of the at least two interconnected pouch chambers may comprise a first composition and a second composition, said first composition being different than said second composition. In some embodiments, at least one of the first composition and the second composition comprises nicotine or a nicotine-free tobacco substitute.

In other words, a first pouch may comprise a first composition, while a second pouch may comprise a second composition that differs from the first composition.

Thus, a user can mix pouches that the user inserts into the mouth/submerges in liquid while interconnecting the pouches so that these pouches are easier to fill in the mouth/liquid. be done. Dividing the contents into each of the pouches can be beneficial if the contents are not suitable for mixing prior to use or if the user wants to control the mixture they desire.

In some embodiments, at least one of the active ingredient-containing compositions comprises a flavoring agent. For example, the flavoring agent may be included in the same active ingredient-containing composition as the nicotine and/or tobacco substitute. Alternatively, the first active-ingredient-containing composition may contain nicotine and/or a tobacco substitute and the second active-ingredient-containing composition may contain a flavoring agent.

In one embodiment, the first composition may be a perfume composition. As used herein, the terms "fragrance" and "flavourant" refer to ingredients that can be used (where permitted by local regulations) to produce a desired taste or aroma in products intended for adult consumers. point to These include extracts (e.g. licorice, hydrangea, magnolia leaves, chamomile, fenugreek, cloves, menthol, mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herbs, wintergreen, cherries, berries, peaches, apples, drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey). , Spearmint, Peppermint, Lavender, Cardamom, Celery, Cascarilla, Nutmeg, Sandalwood, Bergamot, Geranium, Honey Essence, Rose Oil, Vanilla, Lemon Oil, Orange Oil, Cassia, Caraway, Cognac, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Sage, Fennel , peppers, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or mint oil from any species of the Mentha genus), flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators, or sensory receptor site stimulators. sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), as well as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath Other additives such as cooling agents may be included. These may be imitations, synthetic or natural materials, or mixtures thereof. They may be in any suitable form, eg oils, liquids or powders.

Alternatively, the first composition may be a mixture of a perfume composition and an active-containing composition, such that said first composition reduces the amount of active-containing composition. Offer perfume instead. Said reduced amount may be supplemented by a second, unflavored composition comprising the pure active ingredient-containing composition. The user can administer/insert two interconnected pouches at a time, making it easier to use.

Thus, the first composition can be suitable for adding fragrance to the product experience.

In one embodiment, the article of manufacture may comprise at least ten interconnected pouch chambers including said first and second interconnected pouches.

Thus, the article of manufacture comprises a plurality of interconnected pouches, eg pouches arranged in rows or arrays. Such multiple interconnected pouches can be more easily placed within a package/container, thereby reducing the size of said package/container. Similarly, having pouches interconnected and therefore behaving predictably can speed up the packaging procedure. Finally, length or area can be used instead of mass or count when determining the number of pouches during the packaging process.

In one embodiment, the active ingredient-containing composition may include nicotine.

In some embodiments where there are two interconnected pouch chambers comprising a first composition and a second composition, at least one of the first composition and the second composition comprises nicotine. may include

Nicotine may be embodied as NRT, snus, various forms of tobacco, tobacco-free nicotine products, or nicotine salts. Thus, the active ingredient-containing composition may be considered a nicotine-containing composition. In some embodiments, at least one of the first composition and the second composition may be considered a nicotine-containing composition. Products comprising such nicotine-containing compositions may be beneficial in the area of nicotine consumption, for example, by providing users with additional consumption options.

In some embodiments, the active ingredient-containing composition comprises tobacco. In some embodiments with two interconnected pouch chambers comprising a first composition and a second composition, at least one of the first composition and the second composition comprises tobacco. may include Thus, in some embodiments, the active ingredient-containing composition is a "smokeless oral tobacco product." As used herein, "tobacco" includes any part of the Nicotiana genus, such as leaves, flowers, or stems of any species, and regenerated material thereof. In some embodiments, "tobacco" includes processed tobacco. In some embodiments, "tobacco" refers to derivatives such as certain compounds found in natural tobacco such as nicotine, whether extracted or synthetic, and tobacco leaves. Including structural derivatives such as fibrous parts. As used herein, the term "tobacco" includes tobacco extracts.

When tobacco comprises plant material, predetermined amounts of various parts of the plant may be used. For example, the amount of stems in the tobacco mixture may be up to 50%, 60%, or 70% by weight of the tobacco. In some embodiments, the amount of stem in the tobacco is 10% to 65% by weight of tobacco, such as 15% to 65% by weight of tobacco, such as 20% to 60% by weight of tobacco. 5% to 70% by weight of tobacco, such as 30% to 50% by weight of tobacco, such as 25% to 55% by weight.

Tobacco used in the present invention includes dark air-cured, hot-air cured, burley, oriental, Maryland, dark, fire-cured, and Rustica tobaccos, as well as other rare or specialty tobaccos. Tobacco types such as tobacco may also be included.

Tobacco may be whole, or may be shredded, threshed, chopped, crushed, dried, aged, fermented, or otherwise treated (eg, granulated or encapsulated). In some embodiments, the tobacco is in the form of ground tobacco and/or particulates. In some embodiments, the tobacco is in spiral or cut thin film form.

In some embodiments, the tobacco may be snuff in dry or moist form. "Snuff" is used herein to generally describe a class of smokeless tobacco products, which are typically dried to a thickness of 0.01-1 mm, such as 0.01-3 mm. Contains dried tobacco powdered to have a mass median particle size measured by sieving from 0.01 to 5 mm, such as 0.0 mm.

In some embodiments, the tobacco may be dried snuff. In some embodiments, the moisture content of the tobacco is less than 5% by weight of the total active product, such as less than 10% by weight of the total active product, such as less than 12% by weight of the total active product. 16% by weight of the total smokeless oral tobacco product, such as less than 3% by weight of the total active-containing product, such as less than 2% by weight of the total active-containing product, such as less than 1% by weight of the total active-containing product %Fewer.

In some embodiments, some or all of the tobacco is in wet form. The moist tobacco may be in any form suitable for incorporation into smokeless oral tobacco products. In some embodiments, wet tobacco comprises wet snuff.

In some embodiments, wet snuff includes Swedish snuff, sometimes referred to as snus-type tobacco or snus. In some embodiments, the wet snuff is Swedish snuff (snus). Snus is a moist powdered tobacco product derived from a modification of dry snuff. As used herein, snus is an oral tobacco product that has not been fermented, but rather has been heat treated, such as pasteurized. Snus is typically used by placing it under the upper lip for an extended period of time.

In some embodiments, the moisture content of the tobacco is at least 25% by weight of the active containing composition, such as at least 30% by weight of the active containing composition, such as at least 35% by weight of the active containing composition, active ingredient, such as at least 40% by weight of the active ingredient-containing composition, such as at least 45% by weight of the active ingredient-containing composition, such as at least 50% by weight of the active ingredient-containing composition, such as at least 60% by weight of the active ingredient-containing composition At least 20% by weight of the total containing composition. In some embodiments, the moisture content of tobacco is from about 20% to about 60% by weight of the active ingredient-containing composition. As used herein, the term "moisture content" refers to the total amount of oven volatiles, such as water and other oven volatiles (eg, propylene glycol), within the referenced composition or product.

In embodiments where the active ingredient containing product comprises snus, the snus may comprise salt and/or other flavoring agents. Alternatively, or in addition, the snus may be pasteurized, or subjected to a process similar to pasteurization, optionally to a desired pH and/or moisture content of the snus. may be aged to Suitable methods and equipment for pasteurization and maturation are known to those skilled in the art.

In some embodiments, the active ingredient-containing composition is a tobacco composition comprising tobacco (e.g., ground tobacco, cut tobacco), water, salt (e.g., sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, or ), a pH adjusting agent, and optionally one or more flavoring agents, cooling agents, heating agents, sweetening agents, coloring agents, humectants, preservatives, binders, fillers, or any of these Contains mixtures.

Alternatively or additionally, the moist snuff may be in the form of steeped tobacco. In embodiments where the active ingredient-containing product comprises steeped tobacco, the steeped tobacco may be treated by fermentation, or may undergo a process similar to fermentation, and optionally one or more further processes such as aging. may receive Suitable methods and apparatus for treating steeped tobacco are known to those skilled in the art.

Alternatively or additionally, the tobacco may be in the form of US wet snuff and/or chewing tobacco.

The amount of tobacco in the active ingredient containing product can vary. In some embodiments, the amount of tobacco in the active-containing product is at least about 20% of the active-containing product, such as at least about 10% by weight of the active-containing product, such as at least about 15% by weight of the active-containing product. at least about 50% by weight of the active-containing product, such as at least about 25% by weight of the active-containing product, such as at least about 30% by weight of the active-containing product, such as at least about 40% by weight of the active-containing product at least about 5% by weight of the active-containing product, such as at least about 55% by weight of the active-containing product, such as at least about 60% by weight of the active-containing product.

In some embodiments, the amount of tobacco in the active product is about 75% by weight of the active product, such as about 85% or less, such as about 80% or less, by weight of the active product. % or less of the active ingredient-containing product, such as about 70% or less by weight of the active ingredient-containing product.

In some embodiments, the amount of tobacco in the active ingredient product is about 20% to 80% by weight of the active ingredient product, such as about 20% to 85% by weight of the active ingredient product. About 20% to about 20% by weight of the active ingredient-containing product, such as about 20% to 70% by weight of the active ingredient-containing product, such as about 20% to 65% by weight of the active ingredient-containing product About 35% to 60%, such as about 25% to 60%, by weight of the active ingredient-containing product, such as about 30% to 60% by weight of the active ingredient-containing product, such as about 30% to 60% by weight of the active ingredient-containing product %, from about 20% to 90% by weight of the active ingredient-containing product.

In one embodiment, the active ingredient-containing composition may comprise a nicotine-free tobacco substitute.

In some embodiments where there are two interconnected pouch chambers comprising a first composition and a second composition, at least one of the first composition and the second composition comprises nicotine. It may also contain a tobacco substitute without tobacco. As used herein, the term "tobacco substitute" includes tobacco substitutes containing individual and/or complex chemicals that, when properly prepared, physically resemble natural tobacco. Alternatively or additionally, as used herein, the term "tobacco substitute" refers to materials that impart a mouthfeel similar to tobacco and deliver the topical and/or pharmacological sensations imparted by tobacco. include.

A nicotine-free tobacco substitute means a composition that lacks nicotine but still provides the specific active ingredients that produce the topical and/or pharmacological sensations provided by tobacco. For example, tobacco substitutes may comprise mixtures of selected natural products, such as nicotine-free plant materials.

In some embodiments, the active ingredient-containing composition comprises a nicotine-free tobacco substitute, wherein the nicotine-free tobacco substitute comprises non-tobacco plant material, salt (e.g., sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride , calcium chloride, or mixtures thereof), a pH adjusting agent, and optionally one or more of flavoring agents, cooling agents, heating agents, sweetening agents, coloring agents, humectants, preservatives, binders, Fillers, or mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, the tobacco substitute comprises non-tobacco plant material. Examples of non-tobacco plant materials used in tobacco substitutes are corn fiber, oat fiber, tomato fiber, barley fiber, rye fiber, sugar beet fiber, buckwheat fiber, potato fiber, apple fiber. Edible plant fibers such as fibres, cocoa fibres, bamboo fibres, citrus fibres, and combinations thereof.

Thus, the user can choose to consume the tobacco-like composition without consuming nicotine.

In one embodiment, the active ingredient-containing composition may include a drug.

In some embodiments, the drug may be included in the same active ingredient-containing composition as the nicotine and/or tobacco substitute. Alternatively, a first active ingredient-containing composition in one pouch chamber may contain nicotine and/or a tobacco substitute and a second active ingredient-containing composition in a second pouch chamber may contain a drug. may contain.

Drug means a substance that alleviates or prevents symptoms or treats a disease. The drug may be intended to be absorbed through the mucous membranes/gums, i.e. suitable for administration into the oral cavity through the product according to the invention, or the drug may be dissolved in a liquid. It may be intended, ie suitable to be immersed in a liquid through the product according to the invention. An effervescent effect may be added to the composition.

Thus, a user can readily treat the associated ailment or alleviate the associated symptoms by using the product according to the present invention containing such appropriate medications.

In some embodiments, the drug may be paracetamol.

In one embodiment, the active ingredient-containing composition may include essential nutrients. In some embodiments, essential nutrients may be included in the same active ingredient-containing composition as nicotine and/or tobacco substitutes. Alternatively, the first active ingredient-containing composition in one pouch chamber may contain nicotine and/or a tobacco substitute and the second active ingredient-containing composition in a second pouch chamber may contain essential nutrients. may include

By essential nutrient is meant a vitamin or mineral.

Thus, the user can easily consume such essential nutrients by immersing the product according to the invention in a liquid, thus releasing said nutrients into said liquid, or by oral administration. In the former case, loose pouches may be used. An effervescent effect may be added to the composition.

In one embodiment, the active ingredient-containing composition may include alkaloids. In some embodiments, alkaloids may be included in the same active ingredient-containing composition as nicotine and/or tobacco substitutes. Alternatively, the first active ingredient-containing composition in one pouch chamber may contain nicotine and/or a tobacco substitute and the second active ingredient-containing composition in the second pouch chamber may contain an alkaloid. may contain.

By alkaloid is meant a plant-derived ingredient with pharmacological effects, such as caffeine.

Thus, the user can easily consume such alkaloids by soaking the product according to the invention in a liquid, thus releasing said nutrients into said liquid, or by oral administration. In the former case, loose pouches may be used. An effervescent effect may be added to the composition.

In some embodiments, the active ingredient may be selected from the group consisting of active pharmaceutical substances, food additives, natural drugs, or naturally occurring substances that can have an effect on humans. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is caffeine, nicotine, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, bioperine, Q10, selenium, glutathione, lipoic acid, folic acid, ginseng, pollen extract, antioxidants, minerals , paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid, Russian root and rose root.

In one embodiment, the active ingredient may be selected from the group consisting of nicotine, cannabis, cannabinoids, or mixtures thereof. Cannabinoids are a class of natural or synthetic compounds that act on intracellular cannabinoid receptors (ie, CB1 and CB2) to inhibit neurotransmitter release in the brain. Two of the most important cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Cannabinoids may be naturally occurring from plants such as cannabis (phytocannabinoids), naturally occurring from animals (endocannabinoids), or artificially produced (synthetic cannabinoids).

Cannabinoids are cyclic molecules that exhibit certain properties, such as the ability to readily cross the blood-brain barrier, attenuated toxicity, and fewer side effects.

Cannabis species express at least 85 different phytocannabinoids, divided into subclasses including cannabigerol, cannabichromene, cannabidiol, tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabinol, cannabinodiol, and other cannabinoids.

Cannabinoids found in cannabis include, but are not limited to, cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol (CBN). ) and cannabinodiol (CBDL), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabivarin (CBV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabichromevarin ( CBCV: cannabichromevarin, cannabigerovarin (CBGV), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM), cannabinellolic acid, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabinol propyl variant (CB: cannabinol propyl variant), cannabitriol (CBO), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCVA).

In some embodiments, the active ingredient-containing composition comprises a flavoring agent. As used herein, the term "flavorant" refers to materials that can be used (where permitted by local regulations) to produce a desired taste or aroma in products intended for adult consumers. These include extracts (e.g. licorice, hydrangea, magnolia leaves, chamomile, fenugreek, cloves, menthol, mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herbs, wintergreen, cherries, berries, peaches, apples, drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey). , Spearmint, Peppermint, Lavender, Cardamom, Celery, Cascarilla, Nutmeg, Sandalwood, Bergamot, Geranium, Honey Essence, Rose Oil, Vanilla, Lemon Oil, Orange Oil, Cassia, Caraway, Cognac, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Sage, Fennel , peppers, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or mint oil from any species of the Mentha genus), flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators, or sensory receptor site stimulators. sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), as well as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath Other additives such as cooling agents may be included. These may be imitations, synthetic or natural materials, or mixtures thereof. They may be in any suitable form, eg oils, liquids, powders.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a package comprising a product according to the disclosure above.

By package is meant a container capable of storing at least two interconnected pouches according to the foregoing disclosure. A container can store a plurality of interconnected pouches, for example 10, 15, or 20 interconnected pouches, such that said pouches are arranged in an interconnected row/series or array It is preferably located within said package/container.

Exemplary embodiments according to the invention are described below.

1 is a perspective view of an active ingredient-containing product according to the present invention; FIG. 1 is a side view of an active ingredient-containing product according to the invention; FIG. 1 is a side view of multiple active ingredient-containing products according to the present invention; FIG. 1 is a diagram of an array of active ingredient-containing products according to the invention; FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram of a package with a product according to the foregoing disclosure;

The present invention will be described in detail below through embodiments of the present invention, which should not be considered as limiting the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an active ingredient-containing product 100 according to the invention. Product 100 comprises at least two pouches 101 (also called pouch chambers) interconnected by separation 102 . Each of said pouches 101 encloses a composition, eg, an active ingredient-containing composition (not shown). Each of the pouches 101 has dimensions that make it suitable for insertion into the user's oral cavity (oral administration), eg, a length or width of the order of 1-4 cm. Moreover, two or more interconnected pouches 101 are similarly sized to make them suitable for insertion into the oral cavity (intraoral administration) so that a user can use multiple interconnected pouches 101. can be placed in the user's mouth. For example, a single pouch 101 may contain less active ingredient-containing composition than would typically be used, e.g., less than the amount that would cause an effect/medical response in most individuals. good too. However, with said pouches 101 interconnected in accordance with the present invention, the user may use more than one pouch, for example two or three, depending on the user's tolerance to the encapsulated nicotine-containing composition. You may choose to administer one pouch. The interconnected nature allows the pouch 101 to be more easily kept/placed in the oral cavity, eg, without risk of loss/swallowing. In fact, a single pouch 101 may be too small for most individuals, but two or more interconnected pouches would be the preferred size.

Pouch 101 is made of a water-permeable material 103 whereby liquid/water or mouth saliva can permeate the composition enclosed by said pouch 101, thus removing the components of said composition, such as its active ingredients. can accelerate the release of Thus, the water-permeable material 103 is permeable to water and water-soluble components, such that said components can dissolve in liquids or be absorbed by the user, e.g. can be absorbed. On the other hand, the water permeable material 103 has a wet strength chosen so that water/saliva will not penetrate and degrade. This is because such degradation causes the encapsulated composition to enter the digestive system of the user, which is harmful and does not provide any benefit. The water permeable material 103 is preferably made from a membrane such as fabric or paper.

A first cross-section A and a second cross-section B of pouch 101 are highlighted in dashed lines and indicate an internal volume/chamber 104 intended to contain the active ingredient-containing composition.

Each of the pouches 101 is divided by a separation 102 formed, for example, by joining together opposing sidewalls of water permeable material 103, and thus the separation 103 may be considered a joint.

Dashed line C shows where the product 100 continues, thus said product 100 may comprise three or more interconnected pouches 101, so that each of said pouches 101 has a separate portion 102 adjacent pouches are interconnected with each other so that said pouches 101 extend in a row.

FIG. 2 is a side view of three embodiments of the product 100, wherein elements similar to those according to FIG. 1 have similar reference numerals. All embodiments show a separation line 112 located within the separation portion 102 . Said separation line 112 comprises a row of perforations or holes in the material used to form the separation portion 102, said separation line 112 separating one pouch 101 from another pouch by tearing. It is preferable to allow The patchy interior volume 104 represents the active ingredient-containing composition 105 . In Figure 2a the separation 102 and the separation line 112 are straight, whereas Figure 2b shows the case where said separation 102 and the separation line 112 are curved. The curved nature of the separation portion 102 may facilitate separation or reduce the amount of material used. FIG. 2c shows two interconnected pouches 101 separated by a separator 102 substantially shorter than the maximum width W of each pouch 101. FIG. This can reduce the amount of material used to separate each pouch 101 . Moreover, this separation can be more easily performed by the user.

FIG. 3 shows a row/series of multiple interconnected pouches 101 forming a product 100 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, opposing sides 101a, 101b of one pouch 101 are connected to two other pouches 101, also on opposing sides 101a', 101b'. A plurality of interconnected rows of pouches 101 can be stored, for example, in a spiral in a circular package/container (not shown, see FIG. 5a).

FIG. 4 shows an array of interconnected pouches 101 forming a product 100 according to the invention. In this embodiment, adjacent sides 101a, 101c of one pouch 101 are connected to two other pouch chambers, also on opposite sides 101a', 101c', thus forming an array. The array can be easily stored in a package/container (not shown, see Figure 5b).

FIG. 5 shows two embodiments of packages/containers 200 comprising the product 100 according to the above disclosure. Figure 5a shows a circular package 200a having sidewalls 201, a bottom 202 and an open end 203 configured to receive interconnected pouches 101 according to the present invention. Open end 203 can be closed by lid 204 . For example, interconnected pouches 101 can be stored in a spiral, as shown by the spiral in the figure. FIG. 5b shows a square package 200b having the same features as the circular package of FIG. 5a (similar features are similarly numbered), said square package 200b being shown in FIG. An array of such interconnected pouches 101 can be stored.

For ease of reference, these and further aspects of the present invention have been discussed under appropriate paragraph headings. However, the teachings under each paragraph are not necessarily limited to each particular paragraph.

(Broader aspect)
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an active ingredient-containing product suitable for active ingredient release, said active ingredient-containing product comprising an outer water permeable pouch chamber containing an active ingredient-containing composition, said pouch chamber comprising: , interconnected to another pouch chamber containing the same or a different composition, resulting in at least two interconnected pouch chambers each containing a composition, and a separation section connecting one pouch chamber to another pouch chamber; Separate from the chambers, each pouch chamber has a length of about 1 mm to about 40 mm and a width of about 3 mm to about 25 mm.

In some embodiments, each pouch chamber may have a width of about 3 mm to about 25 mm. In some embodiments, each pouch chamber may have a width of about 5 mm to about 20 mm, such as about 10 mm to about 20 mm, such as about 10 mm to about 15 mm. In some embodiments, each pouch chamber may have a width of about 5mm to about 15mm.

In some embodiments, each pouch chamber may have a length of about 1 mm to about 40 mm and a width of about 5 mm to about 20 mm. In some embodiments, each pouch chamber may have a length of about 1 mm to about 40 mm and a width of about 10 mm to about 20 mm. In some embodiments, each pouch chamber may have a length of about 1 mm to about 40 mm and a width of about 10 mm to about 15 mm. In some embodiments, each pouch chamber may have a length of about 1 mm to about 40 mm and a width of about 5 mm to about 15 mm.

In some embodiments, each pouch chamber may have a length of about 20mm to about 40mm and a width of about 5mm to about 20mm. In some embodiments, each pouch chamber may have a length of about 25mm to about 40mm and a width of about 5mm to about 20mm.

In some embodiments, the thickness of each pouch chamber may be from about 2 mm to about 8 mm, such as from about 3 mm to about 7 mm, such as from about 4 mm to about 6 mm. In some embodiments, each pouch chamber may have a thickness of about 2 mm to about 3 mm. In some embodiments, the active ingredient-containing product may be a nicotine-containing product or a nicotine-free tobacco replacement product. In some embodiments, the active ingredient-containing composition may include nicotine. For example, the active ingredient-containing composition may contain tobacco. In some embodiments, the active ingredient-containing composition may comprise a nicotine-free tobacco substitute.

In some embodiments, active ingredient-containing products according to this aspect include any of the features as described above with reference to the Summary and Detailed Description.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an active ingredient-containing product suitable for active ingredient release, said active ingredient-containing product comprising an outer water permeable pouch chamber containing an active ingredient-containing composition, said pouch chamber comprising: , interconnected to another pouch chamber containing the same or a different composition, resulting in at least two interconnected pouch chambers each containing a composition, and a separation section connecting one pouch chamber to another pouch chamber; separated from the chamber,
each of said at least two interconnected pouch chambers comprising a first composition and a second composition, said first composition being different than said second composition, and
At least one of the first composition and the second composition comprises nicotine or a nicotine-free tobacco substitute.

In some embodiments, active ingredient-containing products according to this aspect include any of the features as described above with reference to the Summary and Detailed Description.

The invention will now be described in further detail in the following numbered paragraphs.
1. An active-ingredient-containing product suitable for the release of an active-ingredient, said active-ingredient-containing product comprising an outer water permeable pouch chamber containing an active-ingredient-containing composition, said pouch chamber containing the same or another composition. interconnected to another pouch chamber containing the composition, thereby resulting in at least two interconnected pouch chambers each containing a composition, wherein a separation section separates one pouch chamber from another pouch chamber; products containing active ingredients.
2. An active ingredient-containing product according to paragraph 1, wherein said product comprises at least three pouch chambers, one pouch chamber on opposite sides being connected to two other pouch chambers on opposite sides.
3. An active ingredient-containing product according to paragraph 1, wherein said product comprises at least three pouch chambers, with adjacent sides of one pouch chamber being connected to two other pouch chambers on adjacent sides.
4. An active ingredient-containing product according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, wherein said separation comprises a separation line.
5. 5. An active ingredient-containing product according to paragraph 4, wherein the separation line comprises a row of perforations or holes that allow one pouch chamber to be separated from another pouch chamber by tearing.
6. 6. A product according to any one of paragraphs 1-5, wherein the separation is made by joining opposing pouch surfaces together such that the separation is a joint between adjacent pouch chambers.
7. 7. An active ingredient-containing product according to paragraph 6, wherein the joint is shaped to ensure efficient separation and minimize the area of the separation.
8. 8. Any of paragraphs 1-7, wherein the at least two interconnected pouch chambers each comprise a first composition and a second composition, wherein the first composition is different than the second composition Product as described in one.
9. An active ingredient-containing product according to any one of paragraphs 1-8, wherein said first composition is a perfume composition.
10. 10. An active ingredient-containing product according to any one of paragraphs 1-9, comprising at least ten interconnected pouch chambers comprising said first and second interconnected pouches.
11. 11. The active-ingredient-containing product of any one of paragraphs 1-10, wherein the active-ingredient-containing composition comprises nicotine.
12. 11. The active-ingredient-containing product of any one of paragraphs 1-10, wherein the active-ingredient-containing composition comprises a nicotine-free tobacco substitute.
13. An active ingredient-containing product according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, wherein the active ingredient-containing composition comprises a drug.
14. An active ingredient-containing product according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, wherein the active ingredient-containing composition comprises an alkaloid.
15. 11. An active ingredient-containing product according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, wherein the active ingredient-containing composition comprises essential nutrients.
16. A package comprising an active ingredient-containing product according to any one of paragraphs 1-15.

The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as merely representative examples of embodiments and are not intended to be exhaustive of all embodiments or exclusive of other embodiments. None of the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein should be considered limiting the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. or should not be construed as limiting equivalents to the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. . The various embodiments of the invention suitably include and consist solely of any suitable combination of the disclosed elements, configurations, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. may consist of or consist essentially of them. Additionally, the present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

A first cross section B second cross section C continuation of product 100 W width of pouch 101 100 product 101 pouch 101a side of pouch 101 101a' opposite side of 101a 101b side of pouch 101 101b' opposite side of 101b side 101c side of pouch 101 101c′ opposite side of 101c 102 separator 103 water permeable material 104 interior volume 105 active ingredient containing composition 112 separation line 200 package 200a circular package 200b square package 201 side wall 202 bottom 203 open end 204 lid

Claims (18)

An active-ingredient-containing product suitable for the release of an active-ingredient, said active-ingredient-containing product comprising an outer water permeable pouch chamber containing an active-ingredient-containing composition, said pouch chamber containing the same or another composition. interconnected to another pouch chamber into which there is thus at least two interconnected pouch chambers each containing a composition, a separator separating one pouch chamber from another pouch chamber;
An active ingredient-containing product, wherein each pouch chamber has a length of about 1 mm to about 40 mm and a width of no more than about 10 mm. 2. An active ingredient-containing product according to claim 1, wherein said product comprises at least three pouch chambers, the opposite sides of one pouch chamber being connected to two other pouch chambers on opposite sides. . 2. An active ingredient-containing product according to claim 1, wherein said product comprises at least three pouch chambers, with adjacent sides of one pouch chamber being connected to two other pouch chambers on adjacent sides. . The active ingredient-containing product according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said separation comprises a separation line. 5. An active ingredient containing product according to claim 4, wherein the separation line comprises a row of perforations or holes that allow the one pouch chamber to be separated from the other pouch chamber by tearing. 6. The activity of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the separation is made by joining together facing pouch surfaces such that the separation is the joint between adjacent pouch chambers. Ingredient-containing products. 7. An active ingredient-containing product according to claim 6, wherein said junction is shaped to ensure efficient separation and minimize the area of said separation. 8. Any of claims 1-7, wherein each of said at least two interconnected pouch chambers comprises a first composition and a second composition, said first composition being different than said second composition. or an active ingredient-containing product according to any one of the above items. An active ingredient-containing product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first composition is a perfume composition. An active ingredient-containing product according to any preceding claim, comprising at least ten interconnected pouch chambers comprising said first and second interconnected pouches. The active ingredient-containing product according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the active ingredient-containing composition comprises nicotine. An active ingredient-containing product according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the active ingredient-containing composition comprises a nicotine-free tobacco substitute. The active ingredient-containing product according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the active ingredient-containing composition comprises a drug. Active ingredient-containing product according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the active ingredient-containing composition comprises an alkaloid. The active ingredient-containing product according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the active ingredient-containing composition comprises essential nutrients. An active ingredient-containing product according to any preceding claim, wherein each pouch chamber has a width of about 3mm to about 10mm. An active ingredient-containing product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each pouch chamber has a length of about 20mm to about 40mm. A package comprising an active ingredient-containing product according to any one of claims 1-17.

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