The present invention relates to products made of derived from tobacco, or that otherwise incorporate tobacco, and that are intended for human consumption.
Cigarettes, cigars, and pipes are popular smoking articles that employ tobacco in various forms. Such smoking articles are used by heating or burning tobacco, and aerosol (e.g., smoke) may be inhaled by the smoker. Tobacco may also be enjoyed 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.
Various types of smokeless tobacco products are set forth in
It would be desirable to provide in an efficient and effective manner enjoyable forms of tobacco products, and to provide processes for preparing formed or extruded types of tobacco products.
The present invention relates to products made or derived from tobacco, or that otherwise incorporate tobacco, and are intended for human consumption. Of particular interest, are tobacco products, compositions or formulations, and methods for providing, producing or assembling those tobacco products, compositions or formulations. Certain highly preferred tobacco products can be used in a so-called smokeless form, and are formulated and/or formed so as to be suitable for insertion into the mouth of the smokeless tobacco user.
The tobacco products incorporate binder systems. As such, tobacco materials (which can have various forms, and which can be comprised of various types of tobacco), as well as other suitable ingredients, are processed in the presence of a binder system during production or assembly. Of particular interest is a binder system that possesses or exhibits thermoplastic properties, characteristics or behaviors. The binder system can incorporate at least one type of binding agent that exhibits thermoplastic properties, characteristics or behaviors (e.g., the binding agent can be composed of at least one thermoplastic polymeric material). Additionally, the binder system can incorporate ingredients or materials so as to provide a binding agent that exhibits thermoplastic characteristics (e.g., the binding agent can be composed of at least one thermoplastic binding material in combination with a plasticizer). In certain embodiments, the thermoplastic binder system can be composed of at least one thermoplastic polymer material and a thermoplastic binding material in combination with at least one plasticizer. The amount of thermoplastic polymeric material employed to produce a representative processed tobacco product can be no more than about 20 percent of the final formed product or formulation, on a dry weight basis. Thus, the present invention in one regard relates to a tobacco product in a form suitable for insertion into the mouth of a user, and comprises tobacco and thermoplastic binder system, wherein the amount of thermoplastic binder system being present in an amount between about 10 weight percent to about 30 weight percent of the dry weight of the tobacco product. Yet other preferred tobacco products can incorporate a binder system and a plasticizer blend. The plasticizer blend can be premixed, heated, and added to a tobacco material and/or binder system to provide a chewable tobacco product.
Certain preferred methods for providing, producing or assembling those tobacco products involve contacting tobacco, together with other desired ingredients, in the presence of a binder system, and forming the resulting mixture into a shape. In certain highly preferred embodiments, the method comprises process steps that involve extruding (or otherwise physically forming, such as by molding or casting) the mixture into the form of a strip, a sheet, a rod, a tube, or other desired shape. The mixing of the tobacco formulation involves contacting the tobacco being processed with a binder system that exhibits thermoplastic properties. The processing conditions associated with the production of the tobacco product are controlled so as to efficiently and effectively provide a tobacco product having desired physical and sensory characteristics (e.g., by controlling the temperature and/or pressure experienced by the mixture during processing conditions, the moisture and/or other solvent content of the mixture being processed, mixing conditions, or the like). Of particular interest are processing conditions that most preferably involve exposing a tobacco formulation to a temperature of less than about 100°C during processing conditions (such as those experienced during extrusion), that involve use of a binding agent that can be employed in relatively low amounts, that involve use of a binding agent that exhibits desirable thermoplastic behavior (and hence can act to provide good physical integrity to the formed tobacco product) at processing conditions of less than about 100°C, and that involve the use of relatively low to moderate amounts of liquid processing aids (e.g., water or other liquid carriers). Thus, the present invention in one regard relates to a method for making a smokeless tobacco product comprising the steps of contacting tobacco material and thermoplastic binder system to provide a mixture; subjecting the mixture to elevated temperature; forming the mixture into a desired shape of a tobacco product; and cooling the tobacco product. In another aspect, a method can comprise the step of mixing a plasticizer blend, heating the plasticizer blend, and then contacting the plasticizer blend with the mixture of tobacco material and thermoplastic binder system.
As will be realized by those of skill in the art, many different embodiments of tobacco products, and methods of making or assembling a tobacco product, are possible. Additional uses, advantages, and features of the tobacco product and methods of its manufacture are set forth in the illustrative embodiments in the detailed description herein and will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following.
The products, compositions, formulations, and methods described herein may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. As used in this specification and the claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Reference to "dry weight percent" or "dry weight basis" refers to weight on the basis of dry ingredients (i.e., all ingredients except water).
Tobaccos used as tobacco materials for the preparation of tobacco products, compositions or formulations may vary. The tobaccos may include types of tobaccos such as flue-cured tobacco, burley tobacco, sun-cured tobacco (e.g., Oriental tobacco or Indian Kurnool), Maryland tobacco, dark tobacco, dark-fired tobacco, Indian air cured, dark air cured (e.g., passanda, cubano, jatin and bezuki tobaccos) or light air cured (e.g., North Wisconsin and galpoa tobaccos), and Rustica tobaccos, as well as other rare or specialty tobaccos or even green or uncured tobaccos. Descriptions of various types of tobaccos, growing practices, harvesting practices and curing practices are set forth in
The tobacco that is processed in accordance with the present invention can have the form of previously processed tobacco parts or pieces, cured and aged tobacco in essentially natural lamina or stem form, tobacco extracts, extracted tobacco pulp (e.g., using water as a solvent), or a mixture of the foregoing (e.g., a mixture that combines extracted tobacco pulp with granulated cured and aged natural tobacco lamina, or a mixture that combines granulated tobacco lamina and stems with an aqueous tobacco extract). Portions of the tobaccos within the tobacco product may have processed forms, such as processed tobacco stems (e.g., cut-rolled stems, cut-rolled-expanded stems or cut-puffed stems), or volume expanded tobacco (e.g., puffed tobacco, such as dry ice expanded tobacco (DIET)). See, for example, the tobacco expansion processes set forth in
The tobacco that is processed can have a shredded, ground, granulated, fine particulate, or powder form. The manner by which the tobacco is provided in a finely divided or powder type of form may vary. Preferably, tobacco parts or pieces are comminuted, ground or pulverized into a powder type of form using equipment and techniques for grinding, milling, or the like. Most preferably, the tobacco is relatively dry in form during grinding or milling, using equipment such as hammer mills, cutter heads, air control mills, or the like. For example, tobacco parts or pieces may be ground or milled when the moisture content thereof is less than about 15 weight percent to less than about 5 weight percent.
Most preferably, the tobacco that is processed can be employed in the form of parts or pieces that have an average particle size less than that of the parts or pieces of shredded tobacco used in so-called "fine cut" tobacco products. Typically, the very finely divided tobacco particles or pieces can be sized to pass through a screen of about 18 Tyler mesh, generally can be sized to pass a screen of about 20 Tyler mesh, often can be sized to pass through a screen of about 50 Tyler mesh, frequently can be sized to pass through a screen of about 60 Tyler mesh, may even be sized to pass through a screen of 100 Tyler mesh, and further may be sized so as to pass through a screen of 200 Tyler mesh. If desired, air classification equipment may be used to ensure that small sized tobacco particles of the desired sizes, or range of sizes, may be collected. In one embodiment, the tobacco material is in particulate form sized to pass through an 18 Tyler mesh, but not through a 60 Tyler mesh. If desired, differently sized pieces of granulated tobacco may be mixed together. In some products or formulations, very finely divided tobacco particles or pieces have a particle size greater than -8 Tyler mesh, often -8 to +100 Tyler mesh, frequently -18 to +60 Tyler mesh. In other products or formulations, very finely divided tobacco particles or powders suitable for smokeless products described herein can have a particle size less than -8 Tyler mesh, often +100 to +250 Tyler mesh, and frequently +120 to +280 Tyler mesh.
Tobacco extracts may be used as components of the tobacco product. A tobacco extract can be used in solid form (e.g., spray-dried or freeze-dried form), in liquid form, in semi-solid form, or the like. Exemplary tobacco extracts and extraction techniques are set forth, for example, in
The tobacco materials also can be subject to other types of pre-treatment conditions prior to being used in the process steps of the present invention. For example, the tobacco materials can be treated to alter the physical or sensory characteristics of the of the tobacco material. In one regard, the tobacco material can be moistened or reordered. In another regard, the tobacco material can be pre-treated by treatment involving the application of heat, steam, cooking, or the like. In another regard, various additional components, such as those of the type set forth hereinafter, can be combined with the tobacco material during pre-treatment processing conditions (e.g., such as conditions involving heat treatment). In yet another regard, the tobacco material can be subjected to treatment processes involving the use of materials having acidic or basic characteristics. In still another regard, the tobacco material can be treated in the manner set forth in
Exemplary filler materials include vegetable fiber materials such as sugar beet fiber materials (e.g., FIBREX® brand filler available from International Fiber Corporation), oats or other cereal grain (including processed or puffed grains), bran fibers, starch, or other modified or natural cellulosic materials such as microcrystalline cellulose. Additional specific examples include corn starch, maltodextrin, dextrose, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, lactose, manitol, xylitol, and sorbitol. An example of a commercially available maltrodextrin that can be used is Maltrin 10 DE available from Corn Products International. The amount of filler utilized in the tobacco composition or formulation can vary, but can be typically up to about 60 dry weight percent, and certain embodiments are characterized by a filler content of at least about 10 dry weight percent, such as about 20 to about 50 dry weight percent. Combinations of fillers may be used (e.g., a mixture composed of about 2 to about 8 dry weight percent of calcium carbonate, about 10 to about 20 dry weight percent of rice flour, and about 10 to about 20 dry weight percent of maltodextrin, based on the total dry weight of the tobacco product).
Preferred pH adjusters or buffering agents provide and/or buffer within a pH range of about 6 to about 10, and exemplary pH adjusting or buffering agents include metal hydroxides, metal carbonates, metal bicarbonates, and mixtures thereof. Specific exemplary materials include sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, and sodium bicarbonate. The amount of pH adjuster or buffering agent utilized in the tobacco formulation can vary, but is typically at least about 0.05 dry weight percent, but up to about 5 dry weight percent, based on the total dry weight of the tobacco product. An exemplary amount of pH adjuster or buffering agent is about 1 to about 5 dry weight percent, based on the total weight of the tobacco product.
Exemplary colorants include various dyes and pigments. For example, suitable colorants can include caramel coloring, titanium dioxide, beta carotene, blackcurrant, annatto, grape skin, canthaxanthin, carrot powders or extracts, or the like. The amount of colorant utilized in the tobacco formulation can vary, but is typically at least about 0.1 dry weight percent, but up to about 5 dry weight percent, based on the total dry weight of the tobacco product. An exemplary amount of colorant is about 0.5 to about 3 dry weight percent, based on the total weight of the tobacco product.
Other ingredients such as preservatives (e.g., potassium or sodium sorbate, benzoate, propionate, sulfites, diacetate, parabens, and menthol), disintegration aids (e.g., microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, crospovidone, sodium starch glycolate, pregelatinized corn starch, and the like), or anti-sticking agents (e.g., exemplary commercially available product of Confecto™ No-Stick 'N'™ sold by International Foodcraft Corporation) can also be used. Typically, such ingredients individually are used in amounts of up to about 10 dry weight percent, and usually at least about 0.1 dry weight percent, such as about 0.5 to about 10 dry weight percent, based on the total dry weight of the tobacco product.
The tobacco product incorporates a binder system, and the binder system incorporates at least one type of binding agent that exhibits thermoplastic properties, characteristics, or behaviors (e.g., the binding agent can be composed of at least one thermoplastic polymeric material). As such, a thermoplastic binder system can incorporate ingredients or materials so as to provide a binding agent that exhibits thermoplastic characteristics (e.g., the binding agent can be composed of at least one thermoplastic polymeric material and/or at least one thermoplastic binding material in combination with a plasticizing agent). The amount of thermoplastic binder system material employed within a representative processed tobacco product typically is at least about 10 percent, of the final formed product, on a dry weight basis. The amount of thermoplastic binder system material employed within a representative processed tobacco product generally is less than about 30 percent, and sometimes less than about 25 percent of the final formed product, on a dry weight basis.
The ingredient materials of the thermoplastic binder system can vary. The term thermoplastic as used herein refers to a property of an ingredient (e.g., a polymeric material) where upon heating, the ingredient softens or melts into a liquid that when cooled, hardens or forms a gel. For example, a polymeric material that comprises thermoplastic properties, characteristics or behaviors softens or melts when exposed to heat, and then returns to its original physical type of condition when cooled (e.g., to about ambient temperature). As such, a thermoplastic binding agent can be contacted with a tobacco material and various other ingredients, mixed so as to provide physical contact of the binding agent with those ingredients, heated so as to soften or liquefy the polymeric material of the thermoplastic binder system, and then cooled so as to harden the softened thermoplastic polymeric material (and hence result in a tobacco product that is formed from the ingredients and that has a desirable physical integrity). For purposes of the present invention, desirable thermoplastic polymeric materials generally soften or melt (and hence exhibit thermoplastic characteristics) at temperatures in excess of about 50°C, often in excess of about 60°C, and frequently in excess of about 70°C.
Examples of representative suitable thermoplastic polymeric materials include hydroxypropyl cellulose, polyethylene oxide, certain cellulose ethers (e.g. ethylcellulose and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose), polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl acetate. Examples of commercially available hydroxypropyl cellulose include KLUCEL® EF, ELF, and LF hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) sold by Hercules Incorporated, Aqualon Division. Examples of commercially available polyethylene oxide include Polyox N10 sold by The Dow Chemical Company. Examples of commercially available ethylcellulose include those available from Ronas Chemicals Ind. Examples of commercially available hydroxypropyl methylcellulose that can be used include Methocel™ E 50 sold by Hercules Incorporated, Aqualon Division. Examples of commercially available polyvinyl alcohol include Elvanol sold by E. I. DuPont de Nemours. Examples of commercially available polyvinyl acetate include Elvacet sold by E. I. DuPont de Nemours. See also, for example, the types of thermoplastic polymers, such as polymethyl acrylate, set forth in
The amount of thermoplastic polymeric materials employed within a representative processed tobacco product typically is at least about 5 percent, and often at least about 10 percent, of the final formed product, on a dry weight basis. The amount of thermoplastic polymeric material employed within a representative processed tobacco product generally is less than about 30 percent, frequently is less than about 25 percent, typically less than about 20 percent, and often less than about 15 percent of the final formed product, on a dry weight basis.
The binder system can incorporate a compound that can be characterized as a plasticizer. For example, the aforementioned thermoplastic binding materials can be combined with, and processed in combination with, at least one plasticizer. In some tobacco products, a binder system can be employed with a plasticizer blend. In some tobacco products, the plasticizer blend can be pre-mixed separate from the mixing with a binder system or other ingredients. Highly preferred plasticizers are organic non-polymeric materials, and exemplary representative plasticizers include glycerin, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, and combinations thereof. Certain plasticizers can be provided by various polyols, such as medium and high molecular weight polyol-type compounds. Some exemplary representative polyols include maltitol, sorbitol, isomalt, erythritol, xylitol, mannitol, polyglycitol, and combinations thereof. The amount of plasticizer utilized within the tobacco product can vary. When employed, the amount of plasticizer employed within a representative processed tobacco product typically is at least about 1 percent, often at least about 2 percent, and frequently at least about 3 percent, of the final formed product, on a dry weight basis. When employed, the amount of plasticizer employed within a representative processed tobacco product typically is up to about 15 percent, often up to about 10 percent, and frequently up to about 5 percent, of the final formed product, on a dry weight basis.
Typically, the selection and amount of plasticizer are such that there is provided a lowering in the softening temperature of the thermoplastic binding material. The plasticizer can act to facilitate hydration, and hence facilitate liquification of thermoplastic binding material. As such, formation of the tobacco product at relatively low temperatures can be facilitated. In this way, the binder system within a tobacco formulation can lower the operating temperature at which the tobacco formulation is formed thereby reducing and/or avoiding the scalding and/or charring of the tobacco materials. In addition, the plasticizer reduces the need for large amounts of moisture, or other liquid carrier materials, that in turn need to be boiled off through drying stages after formation of the tobacco product. For example, for tobacco formulations incorporating thermoplastic binding material, liquid (e.g., water) and plasticizer, there can be provided a formulation suitable for extrusion of a desirable tobacco product, at temperatures typically lower than that of the normal melting point of the thermoplastic binding material.
Highly preferred thermoplastic binding materials that can be suitably employed in combination with at least one plasticizer can vary. Examples of such types representative thermoplastic binding materials include polyvinyl polypyrrolidone, methylcellulose, xanthan, gum arabic, maltodextrin, pullulan, certain modified starches and high molecular weight propylene glycols (e.g., propylene glycols having molecular weights above about 4000). Examples of commercially available polyvinyl polypyrrolidone that can be used include Plasdone® K-29/32 sold by FMC BioPolymer. Examples of commercially available methylcellulose that can be used include the Methocel Series of polymeric materials sold by Hercules Inc., Aqualon Division. Examples of commercially available xanthan and gum arabic that can be used include those available from TIC Gums. Examples of commercially available maltodextrin that can be used include Maltrin 10 DE available from Grain Processing Corp. Examples of suitable commercially available modified starches include Elastigel™ 1000J and INSTANT TEXTAID®-A sold by National Starch and Chemical Company. Examples of suitable high molecular weight propylene glycol that can be used include PEG 4000 sold by The Dow Chemical Company. Suitable pullulan materials are set forth in
The amount of thermoplastic binding materials employed within a representative processed tobacco product typically can be at least about 5 percent, and often at least about 10 percent, of the final formed product, on a dry weight basis. The amount of thermoplastic binding material employed within a representative processed tobacco product generally can be less than about 30 percent, frequently is less than about 25 percent, typically less than about 20 percent, and often less than about 15 percent of the final formed product, on a dry weight basis.
Thermoplastic polymeric materials, thermoplastic binding materials employed in combination with a plasticizer, and mixtures of these materials can be processed at the processing and operating conditions of the present invention described herein. Such thermoplastic polymeric materials, thermoplastic binding materials employed in combination with a plasticizer, and mixtures of these materials typically exhibit thermoplastic characteristics at temperatures below about 140°C, and more preferably below about 120°C. Highly preferred thermoplastic polymeric materials, thermoplastic binding materials employed in combination with a plasticizer, and mixtures of these materials employed in combination with a plasticizer exhibit thermoplastic characteristics at temperatures below about 100°C.
The thermoplastic binder systems can be employed in conjunction with other binding agents. Typical of such other types of binding agents are those that include, but are not limited to, carboxymethyl cellulose and certain other modified cellulosic materials, alginates such as sodium alginate, certain starch-based binders, pectins, carrageenan, zein, and the like. These types of binding agents may not substantially exhibit thermoplastic behavior or characteristics under the conditions and processes of the present invention. One exemplary carboxymethyl cellulose is commercially available as Ac-Di-Sol® sold by FMC BioPolymer. Examples of suitable alginates that include Algin 400 sold by TIC Gums and the Manucol types alginates sold by FMC Biopolymers. Examples of suitable starch-based binders include pre-gelatinized rice starches. Examples of suitable pectins and carrageenans are available from TIC Gums and FMC Biopolymers. Examples of suitable zein are available from Alfa Chemicals. The amount of the other optional binding agent employed typically is less than about 20 percent, and often less than about 15 percent, and frequently is less than about 10 percent, of the final formed product, on a dry weight basis. When employed, the amount of the other optional binding agent that employed typically is at least about 1 percent, and often at least about 3 percent, and frequently at least about 5 percent, of the final formed product, on a dry weight basis. In certain systems, these optional binding agents may require additional moisture when employed in a tobacco product.
In some tobacco products, a plasticizer blend can be employed in conjunction with a binder system. The plasticizer blend can comprise various polyols, such as maltitol, sorbitol, isomalt, erythritol, xylitol, mannitol, and polyglycitol; glycerin; propylene glycol; polyethylene glycol; polypropylene glycol; and combinations thereof. In some plasticizer blends, a syrup or liquid form of a polyol can be employed, for example, maltitol syrup or sorbitol liquid. The syrup or liquid form of the polyol can include at least 20 percent solids, at least 35 percent solids, at least 50 percent solids, at least 60 percent solids, at least 70 percent solids, or at least 75 percent solids. The amount of plasticizer blend employed typically is less than about 50 percent, often less than about 35 percent, and frequently less than about 30 percent, and yet other times is less than about 25 percent, of the final formed product, on a dry weight basis. When utilized, the amount of plasticizer blend employed within a tobacco product typically is at least about 5 percent, often at least 15 percent, and frequently at least about 20 percent, of the final formed product, on a dry weight basis.
In some tobacco products, the plasticizer blend can be prepared separately and then added to a premixed tobacco mixture and a binder system. The plasticizer blend can be prepared by mixing its granular components with water. The plasticizer blend can be heated for a period of time and stirred until the plasticizer blend exhibits clear, viscous liquid properties. In some tobacco products, the plasticizer blend can be prepared without the mixing of its granular components with water. By mixing and heating the plasticizer blend separate from the tobacco mixture and binding system, the plasticizer blend can be heated to a higher temperature without concern of charring and/or scalding the tobacco mixture or other components. Upon subjecting the plasticizer blend to a higher temperature, the plasticizer blend can exhibit plastic-type or visco-elastic properties. The viscosity of such plasticizer blend at about 25°C is typically less than 25 Pa s (25.000 centipoise (cp)), and often less than 15 Pa s (15.000 cp). When employed in a tobacco product, the viscosity of such plasticizer blend at about 25°C is typically at least 0,1 Pa s (100 cp), and often at least 1,5 Pa s (1.500 cp). A tobacco product incorporating a plasticizer blend having such plastic-like or visco-elastic properties can provide a chewable tobacco product that does not crumble or fall apart in a user's mouth upon light to moderate chewing. Such a chewable tobacco product can change shape in the mouth when lightly to moderately chewed without disintegrating into small particles.
The manner by which the various components of the tobacco formulation can be combined may vary. The various components of the formulation may be contacted, combined, or mixed together in conical-type blenders, mixing drums, ribbon blenders, or the like. As such, the overall mixture of various components with the granulated tobacco components, and other ingredients, may be relatively uniform in nature. See also, for example, the types of methodologies set forth in
Components of the tobacco formulation also can be provided by liquid materials or ingredients. The liquid ingredients can be provided in a variety of ways, and can be provided from a variety of sources. The tobacco formulation can be moist, and moisture can be provided by aqueous liquid supplied as such, as moist tobacco, or as a carrier liquid for ingredients of the tobacco formulation. Other liquid ingredients, such as organic solvents (e.g., ethanol), can be carrier liquids for certain ingredients of the tobacco formulation. The plasticizers of the thermoplastic binder system also typically have a liquid form.
The tobacco formulation, when processed, can have a relatively low to moderate moisture content. The moisture content of the tobacco formulation during processing steps typically can exceed about 5 percent, frequently can exceed about 10 percent, and often can exceed about 15 percent, based on the total weight of the tobacco formulation and water. The moisture content of the tobacco formulation during processing steps typically can is less than about 35 percent, frequently is less than about 30 percent, and often is less than about 25 percent, based on the total weight of the tobacco formulation and water.
The manner that the tobacco product is formed can vary, and various methods for forming processed tobaccos or for producing processed tobacco products will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art of tobacco product manufacture. For example, suitably heated tobacco formulations incorporating thermoplastic binder systems and having a pourable, formable or generally liquid character can be cast into a sheet-like form and cooled to yield a sheet-like tobacco product of good integrity. As another example, suitably heated tobacco formulations incorporating thermoplastic binder systems can be molded into a desired shape and cooled. As yet another, but preferred, example, tobacco formulations incorporating thermoplastic binder systems can be extruded from heated extrusion devices and cooled. As another example, tobacco formulations incorporating a binder system and a pre-mixed plasticizer blend can be extruded from heated extrusion devices and cooled.
The tobacco product can be manufactured using hot melt extrusion techniques. As such, processed tobacco formulations can be subjected to sufficient heat during formation of tobacco product to eliminate the need for any additional heat treatment steps. For example, flashing off the moisture from a processed tobacco formulation during a hot melt extrusion process can eliminate any need for further heating, drying, or the like.
Processed tobacco formulations, such as multi-layered tobacco pellets, can be manufactured using a wide variety of extrusion techniques. For example, multi-layered tobacco pellets can be manufactured using co-extrusion techniques (e.g., using twin screw extruders). In such a situation, successive wet or dry components or component mixtures can be placed within separate extrusion hoppers. Steam, gases (e.g., ammonia, air, carbon dioxide, and the like), plasticizers (e.g., glycerin or propylene glycol), and a plasticizer blend can be injected into the extruder barrel as each dry mix is propelled, plasticized, and cooked. As such, the various components are processed so as to be very well mixed, and hence, come in complete contact with each other. For example, the contact of components is such that individual components can be well embedded in the extrusion matrix or extrudate. See, for example,
Some shapes of smokeless tobacco products, such as rods or cubes, can be formed by first extruding the material through a die having the desired cross-section (e.g., round or square) and then optionally cutting the extruded material into desired lengths. For example, extruder equipment comprising single or multiple screw extruders can by employed to form the shape of a smokeless tobacco product. Some extruders can comprise twin screw extruders which comprise co-rotating twin screw extruders. Various screw configurations can be employed. For example, screws having combinations of elements for feeding, mixing, pumping, shearing, and the like, can be selected as desired for optimum results. Screws having sections or elements which provide relatively large output capacities, which have interrupted or nonconjugated flights, or which are "counterflighted" or "reversing" also can be employed. Typical screw elements as well as screws having combinations of such elements are available from extruder manufacturers. An extruder can provide a barrel for heating of the materials which are introduced within the extruder. The extruder barrel can comprise multiple barrel zones. The conditions of the extrusion set-up can vary, for example, in modifying feed rate of dry blend ingredients, feed rate of wet blend ingredients, screw RPM setting, temperature conditions, aperture die dimensions, barrel zone entry point for certain ingredients, as well as additional parameters.
Techniques and equipment for extruding tobacco materials have been set forth in
In some methods that can be used to produce tobacco products, a portion of the ingredients can be mixed and fed into the extruder. Additional ingredients can be introduced to the extruder at a different point or barrel zone as compared to other ingredients. For example, a pre-mixed subgroup of ingredients can be fed into a first barrel zone of the extruder to contact a dry mix of other ingredients. A hopper or plurality of hoppers can be employed to facilitate the input of various ingredients into an extruder.
Processed sheet-like materials can be prepared by applying the tobacco composition onto a moving belt and passing the moving belt through a nip formed by opposing rollers, followed by cutting the sheet into desired lengths. Alternatively, the tobacco product can be over-coated with powdered or liquid coating. Furthermore, if desired, the surface of the tobacco product can be embossed or printed.
The pH of the tobacco product can vary. Typically, the pH of that formulation is at least about 6.5, and preferably at least about 7.5. Typically, the pH of the tobacco product will not exceed about 10, and often will not exceed about 9.5. A representative tobacco product exhibits a pH of about 6.8 to about 8.2. A representative technique for determining the pH of a tobacco product involves dispersing 5 g of that product in 100 mL of deionized water, and measuring the pH of the resulting suspension/solution (e.g., with a pH meter).
The relative amount of tobacco employed in combination with the additional components and binding system components can vary. The amount of tobacco material within the tobacco product typically is at least about 10 percent, generally at least about 25 percent, often at least about 30 percent, and frequently at least about 35 percent, on a dry weight basis, based on the total dry weight of the processed formulation or final product. In certain instances, the amounts of other components and binding system components within the tobacco formulation may exceed about 40 percent, on a dry weight basis. A typical range of tobacco material within the formulation is about 10 to about 60 weight percent, more often about 20 to about 40 weight percent, on a dry basis.
The moisture content of the tobacco product prior to use by a consumer of the product may vary. Typically, the moisture content of the tobacco product, such as tobacco formulation within a snus-type pouch, prior to insertion into the mouth of the user, is less than about 55 weight percent, generally is less than about 50 weight percent, and often is less than about 45 weight percent. Certain types of tobacco products have moisture contents, prior to use, of less than about 15 weight percent, frequently less than about 10 weight percent, and often less than about 5 weight percent. A tobacco product can comprise a moisture content prior to use in the range of about 5 weight percent to about 15 weight percent. For certain tobacco products, such as those incorporating snus-types of tobacco compositions, the moisture content may exceed 20 weight percent, and often may exceed 30 weight percent. For example, a representative snus-type product may possess a tobacco composition exhibiting a moisture content of about 25 weight percent to about 50 weight percent, preferably about 30 weight percent to about 40 weight percent. For yet other tobacco products, such as those in a stick form, the tobacco product can comprise a moisture content of about 5 weight percent to about 15 weight percent.
Exemplary shapes of formed tobacco products include pill, tablet, sphere, sheet, film, coin, cube, bead, ovoid, obloid, bean, cylinder, stick, and rod. Tobacco products of the present invention can be used as smokeless tobacco compositions, such as loose moist snuff, loose dry snuff, chewing tobacco, pelletized tobacco pieces, compressed tobacco pieces, molded processed tobacco pieces, extruded or formed tobacco strips, pieces, rods or sticks, finely divided ground powders, finely divided or milled agglomerates of powdered pieces and components, flake-like pieces, pieces of tobacco-containing gum, rolls of tape-like films, readily water-dissolvable or water-dispersible films or strips (see, for example,
Tobacco products incorporating thermoplastic binder systems offer several advantages. In one regard, the binder system allows for efficient and effective extrusion of a tobacco product (e.g., tobacco product can be produced at a desired throughput). In another regard, extrusion of a tobacco formulation can be carried out at relatively low temperatures; and as such the tobacco formulation can be processed using reduced amounts of energy and under conditions that reduce the chances of scalding or charring the tobacco material during processing. In yet another regard, tobacco products possessing reduced amounts of binding agent can be provided, hence increasing the relative amount of tobacco and flavoring agent within the tobacco product and thereby enhancing the sensory characteristics of those products.
The incorporation of the binder system into a tobacco product according to methods described herein can provide improved user satisfaction upon use of the tobacco product as compared to a tobacco product relying upon a thermoplastic polymer in relatively high concentrations. In tobacco formulations comprising high concentrations of thermoplastic polymers, some users may experience a "gummy residue" in their mouth upon use of the tobacco product.
Tobacco products incorporating a pre-mixed plasticizer blend can provide a product that can be chewed lightly to moderately without the product falling apart within the user's mouth. Such tobacco products may change shape in a user's mouth when lightly to moderately chewed without disintegrating into small particles. By pre-mixing the plasticizer blend, the ingredients of the plasticizer blend can be heated to a temperature where the plasticizer blend exhibits plastic-type or visco-elastic properties. Often such a temperature is greater than the desired temperature to subject the tobacco component during processing or manufacture. For example, the pre-mixed plasticizer blend can be subjected to temperatures of about 100°C to melt the plasticizer blend. The pre-mixed and pre-melted plasticizer blend can then be added to the tobacco components and processed at a temperature lower than 100°C, for example, about 70°C to about 85°C, thereby reducing and/or avoiding the danger of charring and/or scalding the tobacco.
The present invention can be more fully illustrated by the following examples, which are set forth to illustrate some embodiments of the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting thereof. All weight percentages are expressed on a dry weight basis, meaning water content is excluded, unless otherwise indicated.
A tobacco formulation for use as a stick type of a smokeless tobacco product is provided in the manner set forth in Table 1. The smokeless tobacco product comprising the tobacco formulation of Table 1 can be used as a control formulation as compared to the additional examples of the present invention that are set forth and described hereinafter.
The tobacco powder used in Example 1 is a blend of finely divided (-100/+270 Tyler mesh) flue-cured tobacco lamina and air cured tobacco stems. All dry ingredients, in powder form, as well glycerin and propylene glycol, are added together and thoroughly mixed in a model 300D Littleford horizontal plough dough mixer (Littleford Day, Inc. Florence, KY) for about 15 to 20 minutes at about 150 rpm. The mixed dry formulation is then commuted into the hopper of a model ZSK26 Coperion extruder (Werner and Pfeidderer, Ramsey, NJ). The extruder barrel has a 30:1 LD (length to diameter) ratio, 66 cm (26 inch) internal diameter, and consists of 8 heating zones or sections, plus a heated die component.
The extruder is set at a screw speed of about 45 rpm and the barrel sections and die operated at temperatures of about 100°C. The extruder is fed at a rate of about 4,76 kg/hr (10,5 lb/hr) of dry formulation from a hopper. The formulation is extruded through a 3.0 mm diameter aperture die into 3 mm diameter cylindrical rods. Residence time of the formulation in the extruder is approximately 55 seconds. The rods are cut into approximately 61 centimeter long sticks, and allowed to harden by ambient air drying for about 10 to 20 minutes, after which the sticks are further cut into 3.5 mm long pieces.
Tables A-M provide various embodiments of a binder system that can be incorporated into a tobacco formulation for use in a tobacco product representative of the present invention. The binder system prepared according to the recipes shown in Tables A-M can be used within the tobacco formulations found in the examples described hereinafter.
Each batch of binder system is prepared by mixing the components in a commercially available Kitchen Aid mixer for about 3 to 5 minutes.
Tobacco formulations for use as a stick type of a smokeless tobacco product as set forth in Tables 2-5 are provided in the following manner.
A tobacco powder of the type as set forth in Example 1 is provided. Except for glycerin, all dry ingredients, in powder form, are added together with a batch formulation and thoroughly mixed in the model 300D Littleford horizontal plough dough mixer for about 15 to 20 minutes at about 150 rpm. Each batch formulation is prepared by mixing propylene glycol and/or water with a binder in a 6 L Kitchen Aid mixer for about 5 minutes, before being mixed with other dry ingredients in the Littleford mixer. Each mixed formulation is then commuted into the hopper of the ZSK26 Coperion extruder. Extrusion set-up and operation parameters are essentially the same as in Example 1, except that barrel heating zones are operated at about 65°C to 100°C, and the screw speed is set at 60 rpm. A wet blend is separately prepared by mixing, for about 5 minutes, glycerin with water (10 percent total ingredients formulation equivalent) in a beaker, using a stirring bar.
The mixed wet blend formulation is fed into the first barrel zone of the extruder. The extruder is fed at a rate of 6,12 kg/hr (13,5 lb/hr) of dry formulation and 0,68 kg/hr (1,5 lb/hr) of wet blend formulation. The formulations are extruded through a 3.0 mm diameter aperture die into 3 mm diameter rods. The rods are cut into approximately 61 cm long sticks, and let to harden by ambient air drying for about 10-20 minutes, after which the rods are further cut into 3.5 mm long sticks.
A tobacco product prepared as set forth in Examples 2-11 are prepared under extrusion conditions at operating temperatures less than that of Example 1, thereby reducing and/or avoiding the possibility of charring or scalding the tobacco material, as well as requiring less energy to maintain higher temperatures. Additionally, the tobacco products prepared as set forth in Examples 2-11 have shorter residence times in the extruder, as well as a higher throughput of product as compared to Example 1.
Tobacco formulations for use as a sheet type of a smokeless tobacco product as set forth in Tables 6-10 are provided in the following manner.
A tobacco powder essentially as set forth in Example 1 is provided. Each of Examples 12-22 include a flavor emulsion component having a recipe as set forth in Table N. For Examples 12-15, all ingredients, including the flavor emulsion are added together and thoroughly mixed in the model 300D series Littleford plough dough mixer for about 15 to 20 minutes, at about 150 rpm, before being commuted into the Coperion extruder hopper. For Examples 16-22, all ingredients including the flavor emulsion (see Table N) and the batch formulations are similarly mixed in the Littleford mixer as described for Examples 12-15.
For Examples 12-13, the extruder is set at a screw speed of 45 rpm and the barrel sections and die operated at temperatures of about 100°C. A sheeting die of 75 mm x 0.85 mm aperture is employed. The extruder is fed at a rate of 3,4 kg/hr (7,5 lb/hr) of dry formulation. No wet blend formulation is used for the Examples 12-13. The dry formulation is extruded into a continuous sheet that is about 0.85 mm thick. The sheet is extruded onto a conveyor belt and transferred through a 9,14 m (30 ft) long cooling tunnel (ABCO Automation, Inc, Greensboro, NC). The sheet is further reduced in thickness by passage through three sets of pin rolls, and is flattened into a sheet having a thickness of less than 0.4 mm. The sheets are finally cut into bite-size strip pieces of various shapes (e.g., pieces of about 2 cm by 2 cm).
For Examples 14-15, pre and post extrusion set-up is similar to that set forth for Example 12-13, except that extruder screw speed is set at 50 rpm and a wet blend formulation is employed. Feed rate is 4,76 kg/hr (10,5 lb/hr) for the dry blend formulation, and 0,68 kg/hr (1,5 lb/hr) for the wet blend formulation.
For Examples 16-22, pre and post extrusion set up is similar to that set forth in Examples 12-13, except that extruder barrel temperatures are operated at 75°C to 100°C, screw speed is set at 60 rpm, and a wet blend formulation is employed. Feed rate is 6,12 kg/hr (13,5 lb/hr) for dry blend formulation, and 0,68 kg/hr (1,5 lb/hr) wet blend formulation.
A tobacco formulation or tobacco product prepared as set forth in Examples 12-22 can have a lower operating temperature than that of conventional methods for forming tobacco products, thereby reducing and/or avoiding the possibility of charring or scalding the tobacco material as well as requiring less energy to maintain higher temperatures. Additionally, the tobacco formulations and tobacco products prepared as set forth in Examples 12-22 can have relatively short residence times in the extruder as well as relatively high throughput of processed tobacco product.
Tobacco formulation for use as a dissolvable cylinder, rod, stick, bean, ovoid, sphere or strip type of a smokeless tobacco product is provided in the manner set forth in Table 11. The smokeless product comprising the tobacco formulation of Table 11 can be used as a control formulation as compared to the additional examples described in Tables 12-18 that are set forth and described hereinafter.
The tobacco powder used in Example 23 show in Table 11 is a blend of finely divided (-100/+200 Tyler mesh) flue-cured tobacco lamina, flue-cured derived tobacco starch fraction, and air cured tobacco stems. All dry ingredients, in powder form, as well as liquid mint flavor, are added together and thoroughly mixed in a model 300D Littleford horizontal plough dough mixer (Littleford Day, Inc. Florence, KY) for about 10 minutes at about 150 rpm.
The plasticizer blend shown in Table 11 is also used within the tobacco formulation. It is fed and added to the premixed tobacco and binder formulation in the extruder's first barrel zone. The plasticizer blend is prepared separately by mixing its granular components with water (about 7.5 percent to about 13 percent total ingredients formulation equivalent) in a stainless steel vessel. The vessel is heated up to about 100°C and held at about 80°C to about 100°C for 10 minutes, or until the contents become a clear viscous liquid (up to 12,000 cP). The contents are stirred constantly during the heating period. The plasticizer blend is then transferred into a heat controlled jacketed K-Tron tank connected in-line with a model ZSK26 Coperion extruder (Werner and Pfeidderer, Ramsey, NJ).
The extruder barrel has a 30:1 LD (length to diameter) ratio, 66 cm (26 inch) internal diameter, and consists of eight heating zones or sections, plus a heated die component. The extruder is set at a screw speed of about 60 to about 70 rpm, while the eight barrel zones and the die are operated at about 70°C to about 85°C. The extruder is fed at a rate of about 6,12 kg/hr (13,5 lb/hr) of dry formulation from the hopper and about 3,4 kg/h (7,6 lb/hr) plasticizer solution from the K-Tron holding tank. The formulation is extruded either through a 7.5 mm diameter aperture die into 7.5 to 8.0 mm cylindrical rods, or via a 2.5 mm sheet die into 2.5 to 3 mm thick sheets. Residence time of the formulation in the extruder is approximately 55 to 60 seconds.
The rods or sheets are extruded onto a conveyor belt and transferred through a 9,14 m (30 ft) long cooling tunnel (available through ABCO Automation, Inc, Greensboro, NC). The rods and sheets are cut into approximately 65 centimeter long pieces, and transferred onto perforated drying trays (75 cm x 75 cm). The trays are transferred into a forced air oven and dried at about 127°C for 5 minutes, after which they are let to cool to ambient temperature (15-20 min.) for case hardening. The sticks are further cut into 14.5 mm rod shaped pieces, or roll pressed and cut into 5.5 to 6.0 mm (height) by 8.5 to 9.0 mm (wide) by 14.5 mm (length) pillow shaped pieces. The sheets (single, double or triple layered) are fed through an automated drop roller press (available through Statatol Jr.™, General Electric Co, USA) that molds and cuts the sheets into strips, bean, spheres, or ovoid pieces.
A tobacco formulation for use as a dissolvable cylinder, rod, stick, bean, ovoid, sphere or strip type of a smokeless tobacco product is provided in the manner set forth in Table 12. The tobacco formulation described in Example 24 of Table 12 is processed as set forth in Example 23, except that the extruder feed rate is set at about 6,8 kg/hr (15 lb/ hr) of dry formulation and the plasticizer blend feed rate is set at about 3,76 kg/hr (8,3 lb/hr).
A tobacco formulation for use as a dissolvable cylinder, rod, stick, bean, ovoid, sphere or strip type of a smokeless tobacco product is provided in the manner set forth in Table 13. The tobacco formulation described in Example 25 is processed as set forth in Example 23, except that the extruder feed rate is set at about 6,8 kg/hr (15 lb/hr) of dry formulation and the plasticizer blend feed rate is set at about 3,76 kg/hr (8,3 lb/hr). Additionally, the flavor in Example 25 is introduced into the formulation via the binder system in contrast to Example 23.
A tobacco formulation for use as a dissolvable cylinder, rod, stick, bean, ovoid, sphere or strip type of a smokeless tobacco product is provided in the manner set forth in Table 14. The tobacco formulation described in Example 26 is processed as set forth in Example 23, except that the plasticizer blend feed rate is set at 2,72 kg/hr (6 lb/hr). Additionally, the flavor in Example 26 is introduced into the formulation via the binder system in contrast to Example 23.
A tobacco formulation for use as a dissolvable cylinder, rod, stick, bean, ovoid, sphere or strip type of a smokeless tobacco product is provided in the manner set forth in Table 15. The tobacco formulation described in Example 27 is processed as set forth in Example 23, except that the plasticizer solution is not preheated before introduction of the plasticizer blend into the extruder, the extruder feed rate is set at about 6,8 kg/hr (15 lb/hr) of dry formulation, and the plasticizer blend feed rate is set at about 2,72 kg/hr (7,25 lb/hr).
A tobacco formulation for use as a dissolvable cylinder, rod, stick, bean, ovoid, sphere or strip type of a smokeless tobacco product is provided in the manner set forth in Table 16. The tobacco formulation described in Example 28 is processed as set forth in Example 23, except that the plasticizer blend is prepared by melting the granular components of the plasticizer blend without the addition of water; the extruder feed rate is set at about 5,21 kg/hr (5,21 lb/hr) of dry formulation; and the plasticizer blend feed rate is set at about 1,68 kg/hr (3,71 lb/hr).
A tobacco formulation for use as a dissolvable cylinder, rod, stick, bean, ovoid, sphere or strip type of a smokeless tobacco product is provided in the manner set forth in Examples 29 and 30 (show in Tables 17 and 18 respectively). In Examples 29 and 30, the binder system is hydrated with about 8 to about 10 times its weight of water by high shear mixing using a commercially available mixer (model 28bl62 Waring blender available from Waring Co. of Tarrington, CT) for about 15 to 20 minutes. The plasticizer blend of Examples 29 and 30, prepared as set forth in Example 23, is added to the high shear mixture, and thoroughly mixed for an additional about 10 to 15 minutes. The binder system and plasticizer blend mixture is than transferred to a mixer, for example a commercially available Kitchen Aid or Hobart mixer, equipped with mixing spindles. The tobacco composition is then transferred to the mixer and thoroughly mixed for about 5 to 10 minutes to form a semi to solid visco-elastic mass or dough like composition. The dough-like composition is flattened via a manually operated twin roll press into a 4 to 5 mm thick sheet. The sheet is stored under ambient temperature to about 60°C and about 25 percent to about 40 percent relative humidity for about 12 to 18 hours. After storage, the sheet is fed through a drop roller press which molds and cuts the sheet into various sizes and shapes as described in Example 23.
A tobacco formulation or tobacco product prepared as set forth in Examples 23-30 can have a lower operating temperature of the extruder than that of conventional methods for forming tobacco products, thereby reducing and/or avoiding the possibility of charring or scalding the tobacco material while still producing a chewable tobacco product. By pre-mixing the plasticizer blend, the ingredients of the plasticizer blend can be heated to a temperature where the plasticizer blend exhibits plastic-type or visco-elastic properties outside of the extruder barrel zone.
This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.