Methods and machines for pouching smokeless tobacco and tobacco substitute products
First Claim
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1. A method of making a pouched smokeless tobacco or tobacco substitute product comprising:
- melt-blowing, electro spinning, or centrifugally force spinning a plurality of polymeric fibers onto a surface comprising a plurality of recesses to form a coating of non-woven polymeric fibers on said surface, the coating having a basis weight of less than 30 gsm;
conforming said plurality of polymeric fibers to said plurality of recesses by pressing portions of said plurality of polymeric fibers into said plurality of recesses with a web roller having surface features that correspond to said plurality of recesses;
placing deposits of a mixture comprising tobacco, a tobacco substitute, or a combination thereof into said recesses of said coated surface;
melt-blowing, electro spinning, or centrifugally force spinning a plurality of polymeric fibers onto said deposits in said recesses of said coated surface to form a coating of non-woven polymeric fibers on said deposits having a basis weight of less than 30 gsm; and
cutting and sealing polymeric fibers surrounding each deposit to form a plurality of polymeric-enclosed packages.
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Abstract
A melt-blown fabric for pouching smokeless tobacco or a smokeless tobacco substitute can include melt-blown polymer fibers. The fabric can have a basis weight of less than 30 gsm and a tensile strength of at least 4 mJ in at least one predetermined direction. Method of making the fabric can include melt-blowing a polymeric material against a support surface and bonding the fibers or arranging them in a predetermined orientation. Pouched smokeless tobacco or tobacco substitute products including the fabrics provided herein can provide desirable flavor and tactile experience.
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Citations
41 Claims
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1. A method of making a pouched smokeless tobacco or tobacco substitute product comprising:
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melt-blowing, electro spinning, or centrifugally force spinning a plurality of polymeric fibers onto a surface comprising a plurality of recesses to form a coating of non-woven polymeric fibers on said surface, the coating having a basis weight of less than 30 gsm; conforming said plurality of polymeric fibers to said plurality of recesses by pressing portions of said plurality of polymeric fibers into said plurality of recesses with a web roller having surface features that correspond to said plurality of recesses; placing deposits of a mixture comprising tobacco, a tobacco substitute, or a combination thereof into said recesses of said coated surface; melt-blowing, electro spinning, or centrifugally force spinning a plurality of polymeric fibers onto said deposits in said recesses of said coated surface to form a coating of non-woven polymeric fibers on said deposits having a basis weight of less than 30 gsm; and cutting and sealing polymeric fibers surrounding each deposit to form a plurality of polymeric-enclosed packages. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 31, 32)
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22. A method of making a pouched smokeless tobacco or tobacco substitute product comprising:
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applying a first web of a non-woven fibers on a surface comprising a plurality of recesses, said first web comprising melt-blown, electro spun, or centrifugally force spun polymeric fibers, said first web having a basis weight of less than 30 gsm; conforming the first web to said plurality of recesses by pressing portions of said first web into said plurality of recesses with a web roller having surface features that correspond to said plurality of recesses; placing deposits of a mixture comprising tobacco, a tobacco substitute, or a combination thereof into said recesses over said first web; applying a second web of a non-woven fibers on over said deposits and said first web, said second web comprising melt-blown, electro spun, or centrifugally force spun polymeric fibers, said second web having a basis weight of less than 30 gsm; and cutting and sealing said first web and said second web around each deposit to form a plurality of polymeric-enclosed packages. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40)
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41. A method of making a pouched smokeless tobacco or tobacco substitute product comprising:
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placing a sheet comprising a plurality of polymeric fibers onto a surface comprising a plurality of recesses to form a coating of polymeric fibers on said surface, the coating having a basis weight of less than 30 gsm; conforming at least a portion of said sheet to said plurality of recesses by pressing portions of said sheet into said plurality of recesses with a web roller having surface features that correspond to said plurality of recesses; and placing deposits of a mixture comprising tobacco, a tobacco substitute, or a combination thereof into said recesses of said coated surface.
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Specification