INTERCONNECTED ACTIVE INGREDIENT CONTAINING POUCHES

Abstract

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 is disclosed. In the product, said pouch chamber is interconnected to another pouch chamber containing the same or another composition, thereby resulting in at least two interconnected pouch chambers each comprising a composition and wherein a separation section separates one pouch chamber from another. Each pouch chamber has a length of from about 1 mm to about 40 mm and a width of no greater than about 10 mm.

Claims

1: An active ingredient-containing product suitable for the release of an active ingredient, said active ingredients-containing product comprising an outer water-permeable pouch chamber containing an active ingredient-containing composition; wherein said pouch chamber is interconnected to another pouch chamber containing the same or another composition, thereby resulting in at least two interconnected pouch chambers each comprising a composition, wherein a separation section separates one pouch chamber from another, and wherein each pouch chamber has a length of from about 1 mm to about 44 mm and a width of no greater than about 10 mm.

2. The product according to claim 1, wherein said product comprises at least three pouch chambers and wherein opposing sides of one pouch chamber are connected to two other pouch chambers on opposing sides.

3. The product according to claim 1, wherein said product comprises at least three pouch chambers and wherein neighbouring sides of one pouch chamber are connected to two other pouch chambers on neighbouring sides.

4: The product according to claim 1, wherein said separation section comprises a separation line.

5: The product according to claim 4, wherein said separation line comprises a row of perforations or holes enabling detachment of the one pouch chamber from the other pouch chamber by ripping.

6: The product according to claim 1, wherein said separation section are made by welding opposite pouch surfaces together, whereby the separation section is a welding section between neighbouring pouch chambers.

7: The product according to claim 6, wherein said welding section are shaped ensuring an efficient separation and minimizing the area of the separation section.

8: The product according to claim 1, wherein said at least two interconnected pouch chambers comprise a first and a second composition, respectively, wherein said first composition is different from said second composition.

9: The product according to claim 1, wherein said first composition is a flavor composition.

10: The product according to claim 1, wherein said product comprises at least 10 interconnected pouch chambers comprising said first and second interconnected pouches.

11: The product according to claim 1, wherein the active ingredient-containing composition comprises nicotine.

12: The product according to claim 1, wherein the active ingredient-containing composition comprises a nicotine-free tobacco substitute.

13: The product according to claim 1, wherein the active ingredient-containing composition comprises a medicament.

14: The product according to claim 1, wherein the active ingredient-containing composition comprises an alkaloid.

15: The product according to claim 1, wherein the active ingredient-containing composition comprises an essential nutrient.

16: The product according to claim 1, wherein each pouch chamber has a width of from about 3 mm to about 10 mm.

17: The product according to claim 1, wherein each pouch chamber has a length of from about 20 mm to about 40 mm.

18: A package comprising a product according to claim 1.

Description

SHORT LIST OF THE DRAWINGS

[0096] In the following, example embodiments are described according to the invention, where

[0097] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an active ingredient-containing product according to the invention,

[0098] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of an active ingredient-containing product according to the invention,

[0099] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a plurality of active ingredient-containing products according to the invention,

[0100] FIG. 4 illustrates an array of an active ingredient-containing product according to the invention.

[0101] FIG. 5 illustrates a package comprising a product according to previous disclosures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0102] In the following the invention is described in detail through embodiments hereof that should not be thought of as limiting to the scope of the invention.

[0103] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an active ingredient-containing product 100 according to the invention. The product 100 comprises at least two pouches 101, also referred to as pouch chambers, interconnected by means of a separation section 102.

[0104] Each of said pouches 101 encloses a composition, e.g. an active ingredient-containing composition (not shown). Each of said pouches 101 has dimensions making it suitable for insertion into the mouth of the user (buccal administration), e.g. a length or width in the order of 1-4 cm. Further, two or more interconnected pouches 101 have combined dimensions likewise making them suitable for insertion into the mouth (buccal administration), such that the user may accommodate multiple interconnected pouches 101 in his/her mouth. For example, a single pouch 101 may contain an amount of an active ingredient-containing composition less than what would be commonly used, e.g. less than what causes an effect/medical response in most individuals. However, due to said pouches 101 being interconnected according to the invention, the user may choose to dispense more than one pouch, e.g. two or three pouches, depending on his/her tolerance for the enclosed nicotine-containing composition. Due to the interconnected nature, the pouches 101 may more easily be stored/accommodated in the mouth, e.g. without risk of losing/swallowing. In fact, a single pouch 101 may be too small to most individuals, whereas two or more interconnected pouches would constitute a preferred size.

[0105] The pouches 101 are made of a water-permeable material 103 allowing liquid/water, or saliva of the mouth, to soak the composition enclosed by said pouches 101, thereby accelerating the release of components of said composition, e.g. its active ingredients. Thus, the water-permeable material 103 allows water and components dissolved therein to pass through, such that said components may be dissolved in the liquid or absorbed by the user, e.g. into the blood vessels through the mucosa/gums. On the other hand, the water-permeable material 103 has a wet strength selected such that said material does not disintegrate once soaked with water/saliva, since such disintegration would cause the enclosed composition to enter the digestive system of the user, which may be harmful or not provide any effect at all. Preferably, the water-permeable material 103 is made of a textile or paper-like membrane.

[0106] A first cross-section A and a second cross-section B of the pouches 101 are highlighted by dashed lines, illustrating the inner volume/chamber 104 intended for accommodating the active ingredient-containing composition.

[0107] Each of said pouches 101 are divided by a separation section 102, e.g. formed by welding opposing sidewalls of the water-permeable material 103 together, whereby said separation section 103 may be considered a welding section.

[0108] Dashed lines C indicate a possible continuation of the product 100, whereby said product 100 may comprise more than two interconnected pouches 101, and such that each of said pouches 101 are mutually interconnected to its neighbouring pouches by means of a separation section 102, and such that said pouches 101 extend in a row.

[0109] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of three embodiments of the product 100, where like elements according to FIG. 1 are provided with like reference numbers. All embodiments illustrate a separation line 112 arranged within the separation section 102. Preferably, said separation line 112 comprises a row of perforations or holes made in the material used to form the separation section 102, said separation line 112 enabling detachment of one pouch 101 from another by means of ripping. The dotted inner volume 104 illustrates the active ingredient-containing composition 105. In FIG. 2a, the separation section 102 and separation line 112 are straight, whereas FIG. 2b illustrates the case where said separation section 102 and separation line 112 are curved. The curved nature of the separation section 102 may ease the detachment or reduce the amount of material used. FIG. 2c illustrates two interconnected pouches 101 separated by a separation section 102 being substantially shorter than a maximum width W of each pouch 101. Thereby, the amount of material used to separate each pouch 101 may be reduced. Further, the separation may more easily be performed by the user.

[0110] FIG. 3 illustrates a row/chain of a plurality of interconnected pouches 101 forming a product 100 according to the invention. In this embodiment, opposing sides 101a, 101b of one pouch 101 are connected to two other pouches 101 on likewise opposing sides 101a′, 101b′. A row of a plurality of interconnected pouches 101 may for example be stored in a spiral fashion in a circular package/container (not shown, see FIG. 5a).

[0111] FIG. 4 illustrates an array of interconnected pouches 101 forming a product 100 according to the invention. In this embodiment, neighbouring sides 101a, 101c of one pouch 101 are connected to two other pouch chambers on likewise opposing sides 101a′, 101c′, thereby forming an array. An array may easily be stored in a package/container (not shown, see FIG. 5b).

[0112] FIG. 5 illustrates two embodiments of a package/container 200 comprising a product 100 according to previous disclosures. FIG. 5a illustrates a circular package 200a having sidewalls 201, a bottom 202, and an open end 203 adapted to receive interconnected pouches 101 according to the invention. The open end 203 is closable using a lid 204. For example, the interconnected pouches 101 may be stored in a spiral-like fashion, as indicated by the spiral in the figure. FIG. 5b illustrates a quadrangular package 200b having the same features as the circular package of FIG. 5a (like features being equipped with like reference numbers), said quadrangular package 200b being capable of storing an array of interconnected pouches 101 as illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0113] For ease of reference, these and further aspects of the present invention have been discussed under appropriate section headings. However, the teachings under each section are not necessarily limited to each particular section.

Further Broad Aspects

[0114] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided 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; wherein said pouch chamber is interconnected to another pouch chamber containing the same or another composition, thereby resulting in at least two interconnected pouch chambers each comprising a composition, wherein a separation section separates one pouch chamber from another, and wherein each pouch chamber has a length of from about 1 mm to about 40 mm and a width of from about 3 mm to about 25 mm.

[0115] In some embodiments, each pouch chamber may have a width of from about 3 mm to about 25 mm. In some embodiments, each pouch chamber may have a width of from about 5 mm to about 20 mm, such as from about 10 mm to about 20 mm, such as from about 10 mm to about 15 mm. In some embodiments, each pouch chamber may have a width of from about 5 mm to about 15 mm.

[0116] In some embodiments, each pouch chamber may have a length of from about 1 mm to about 40 mm and a width of from about 5 mm to about 20 mm. In some embodiments, each pouch chamber may have a length of from about 1 mm to about 40 mm and a width of from about 10 mm to about 20 mm. In some embodiments, each pouch chamber may have a length of from about 1 mm to about 40 mm and a width of from about 10 mm to about 15 mm. In some embodiments, each pouch chamber may have a length of from about 1 mm to about 40 mm and a width of from about 5 mm to about 15 mm.

[0117] In some embodiments, each pouch chamber may have a length of from about 20 mm to about 40 mm and a width of from about 5 mm to about 20 mm. In some embodiments, each pouch chamber may have a length of from about 25 mm to about 40 mm and a width of from about 5 mm to about 20 mm.

[0118] 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, the thickness of each pouch chamber may be from 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 substitute product. In some embodiments, the active ingredient-containing composition may comprise nicotine. For example, the active ingredient-containing composition may comprise tobacco. In some embodiments, the active ingredient-containing composition may comprise a nicotine-free tobacco substitute.

[0119] In some embodiments, the active ingredient-containing product according to this aspect includes any of the features as described hereinabove, with reference to the general description and detailed description.

[0120] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided 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; wherein said pouch chamber is interconnected to another pouch chamber containing the same or another composition, thereby resulting in at least two interconnected pouch chambers each comprising a composition, wherein a separation section separates one pouch chamber from another, [0121] wherein said at least two interconnected pouch chambers comprise a first and a second composition, respectively, wherein said first composition is different from said second composition, and [0122] wherein at least one of the first and second compositions comprises nicotine or a nicotine-free tobacco substitute.

[0123] In some embodiments, the active ingredient-containing product according to this aspect includes any of the features as described hereinabove, with reference to the general description and detailed description.

[0124] The invention will now be described in further detail in the following numbered paragraphs: [0125] 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; characterised in that said pouch chamber is interconnected to another pouch chamber containing the same or another composition, thereby resulting in at least two interconnected pouch chambers each comprising a composition and wherein a separation section separates one pouch chamber from another. [0126] 2. A product according to paragraph 1, wherein said product comprises at least three pouch chambers and wherein opposing sides of one pouch chamber are connected to two other pouch chambers on opposing sides. [0127] 3. A product according to paragraph 1, wherein said product comprises at least three pouch chambers and wherein neighbouring sides of one pouch chamber are connected to two other pouch chambers on neighbouring sides. [0128] 4. A product according to paragraphs 1-3, wherein said separation section comprises a separation line. [0129] 5. A product according to paragraph 4, wherein said separation line comprises a row of perforations or holes enabling detachment of the one pouch chamber from the other pouch chamber by ripping. [0130] 6. A product according to paragraphs 1-5, wherein said separation section are made by welding opposite pouch surfaces together, whereby the separation section is a welding section between neighbouring pouch chambers. [0131] 7. A product according to paragraph 6, wherein said welding section are shaped ensuring an efficient separation and minimizing the area of the separation section. [0132] 8. A product according to paragraphs 1-7, wherein said at least two interconnected pouch chambers comprise a first and a second composition, respectively, wherein said first composition is different from said second composition. [0133] 9. A product according to paragraphs 1-8, wherein said first composition is a flavor composition. [0134] 10. A product according to paragraphs 1-9, wherein said product comprises at least 10 interconnected pouch chambers comprising said first and second interconnected pouches. [0135] 11. A product according to paragraphs 1-10, wherein the active ingredient-containing composition comprises nicotine. [0136] 12. A product according to paragraphs 1-10, wherein the active ingredient-containing composition comprises a nicotine-free tobacco substitute. [0137] 13. A product according to paragraphs 1-10, wherein the active ingredient-containing composition comprises a medicament. [0138] 14. A product according to paragraphs 1-10, wherein the active ingredient-containing composition comprises an alkaloid. [0139] 15. A product according to paragraphs 1-10, wherein the active ingredient-containing composition comprises an essential nutrient. [0140] 16. A package comprising a product according to paragraphs 1-15.

[0141] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc, other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0142] A First cross section [0143] B Second cross section [0144] C Continuation of Product 100 [0145] W Width of Pouch 101 [0146] 100 Product [0147] 101 Pouch [0148] 101a Side of Pouch 101 [0149] 101a′ Opposing side of 101a [0150] 101b Side of Pouch 101 [0151] 101b′ Opposing side of 101b [0152] 101c Side of Pouch 101 [0153] 101c′ Opposing side of 101c [0154] 102 Separation section [0155] 103 Water-permeable material [0156] 104 Inner volume [0157] 105 Active ingredient-containing composition [0158] 112 Separation line [0159] 200 Package [0160] 200a Circular package [0161] 200b Quadrangular package [0162] 201 Sidewalls [0163] 202 Bottom [0164] 203 Open end [0165] 204 Lid