Smokeless tobacco alternative kit and method of use

Abstract

A smokeless tobacco alternative kit having a container defining a strip cavity and having a lid, the container and lid operably configured to couple together to encapsulate the strip cavity and a plurality of strips disposed within the strip cavity. Each of the plurality of strips have a first end, a second end opposing the first end of the strip, and a strip length separating the first and second ends of the strip and have a non-woven and absorbent fabric material surrounding and coupled to an absorbent cotton material, wherein the non-woven and absorbent fabric material and the absorbent cotton material spanning the strip length and absorbed with an organic release liquid of a nicotine-free, tobacco-free, and gluten-free liquid operably configured to transport through the fabric material and cotton material when subjected to a compressive force.

Claims

1. A smokeless tobacco alternative kit comprising: a container defining a strip cavity and having a lid, the container and lid operably configured to couple together to encapsulate the strip cavity; a plurality of strips disposed within the strip cavity, each of the plurality of strips having: a first end, a second end opposing the first end of the strip, and a strip length separating the first and second ends of the strip; and a non-woven and absorbent fabric material surrounding and coupled to an absorbent cotton material, the non-woven and absorbent fabric material and the absorbent cotton material spanning the strip length and absorbed with an organic release liquid of a nicotine-free, tobacco-free, and gluten-free liquid operably configured to transport through the fabric material and cotton material when subjected to a compressive force.

2. The smokeless tobacco alternative kit according to claim 1, wherein: the container and the lid are both of a substantially rigid polymeric material.

3. The smokeless tobacco alternative kit according to claim 2, wherein: the container and the lid are operably configured to couple together in a hermetically sealed coupling configuration.

4. The smokeless tobacco alternative kit according to claim 3, wherein the container further comprises: a polymeric seal 302 disposed proximal to the upper edge of a sidewall of the container, the polymeric seal 302 coupling the container and the lid in the hermetically sealed coupling configuration.

5. The smokeless tobacco alternative kit according to claim 1, wherein: the plurality of strips are disposed within the strip cavity in a 4×4 stacked strip configuration with two of the plurality of strips flanking the 4×4 stacked strip configuration.

6. The smokeless tobacco alternative kit according to claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of strips further comprise: a front elongated surface, a rear elongated surface opposing the front elongated surface, and a width separating the front and rear elongated surfaces, wherein the 4×4 stacked strip configuration includes the front elongated surface of the each of the plurality of strips facing upwardly toward the lid and the rear elongated surface of the each of the plurality of strips facing downward toward an inner surface of a bottom wall of the container and the two of the plurality of strips flanking the 4×4 stacked strip configuration have either the front or rear elongated surfaces facing and disposed proximal to either the first or second end of each of the plurality of strips in the 4×4 stacked strip configuration.

7. The smokeless tobacco alternative kit according to claim 6, wherein: the width separating the front and rear elongated surfaces uniformly spans the strip length.

8. The smokeless tobacco alternative kit according to claim 1, wherein: the strip cavity consists essentially of a volume ranging from 4.0-5.0 in.sup.3.

9. The smokeless tobacco alternative kit according to claim 1, wherein: the absorbent cotton material has approximately 0.01-0.25 ml of the organic release liquid absorbed therein.

10. A smokeless tobacco alternative kit comprising: a container defining a strip cavity and having a lid, the container and lid operably configured to couple together to encapsulate the strip cavity; a plurality of strips disposed within the strip cavity in a 4×4 stacked strip configuration with two of the plurality of strips flanking the 4×4 stacked strip configuration and each of the plurality of strips having: a first end, a second end opposing the first end of the strip, and a strip length separating the first and second ends of the strip; and an absorbent fabric material surrounding and coupled to an absorbent cotton material, the absorbent fabric material and the absorbent cotton material spanning the strip length and absorbed with a release liquid of a nicotine-free and tobacco-free liquid operably configured to transport through the fabric material and cotton material when subjected to a compressive force.

11. The smokeless tobacco alternative kit according to claim 10, wherein: the material surrounding and coupled to the absorbent cotton material is of a non-woven fabric.

12. The smokeless tobacco alternative kit according to claim 11, wherein: the release liquid is of an organic and gluten-free liquid.

13. The smokeless tobacco alternative kit according to claim 10, wherein: the container and the lid are both of a substantially rigid polymeric material.

14. The smokeless tobacco alternative kit according to claim 13, wherein: the container and the lid are operably configured to couple together in a hermetically sealed coupling configuration.

15. The smokeless tobacco alternative kit according to claim 14, wherein the container further comprises: a polymeric seal disposed proximal to the upper edge of a sidewall of the container, the polymeric seal coupling the container and the lid in the hermetically sealed coupling configuration.

16. The smokeless tobacco alternative kit according to claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of strips further comprise: a front elongated surface, a rear elongated surface opposing the front elongated surface, and a width separating the front and rear elongated surfaces, wherein the 4×4 stacked strip configuration includes the front elongated surface of the each of the plurality of strips facing upwardly toward the lid and the rear elongated surface of the each of the plurality of strips facing downward toward an inner surface of a bottom wall of the container and the two of the plurality of strips flanking the 4×4 stacked strip configuration have either the front or rear elongated surfaces facing and disposed proximal to either the first or second end of each of the plurality of strips in the 4×4 stacked strip configuration.

17. The smokeless tobacco alternative kit according to claim 16, wherein: the width separating the front and rear elongated surfaces uniformly spans the strip length.

18. The smokeless tobacco alternative kit according to claim 17, wherein: the strip cavity consists essentially of a volume ranging from 4.0-5.0 in.sup.3.

19. The smokeless tobacco alternative kit according to claim 18, wherein: the absorbent cotton material has approximately 0.01-0.25 ml of the organic release liquid absorbed therein.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a smokeless tobacco alternative kit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a lid utilized in the smokeless tobacco alternative kit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

(4) FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the smokeless tobacco alternative kit in FIG. 1 with a plurality of strips disposed and configured therein;

(5) FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a chewing strip in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

(6) FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of a chewing strip in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

(7) FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a chewing strip in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

(8) FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary mouth demonstrating where a chewing strip is placed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

(9) FIGS. 8-12 depict perspective views of an exemplary smokeless tobacco alternative kit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

(10) The invention described herein provides a smokeless tobacco alternative kit and method of use that overcomes known disadvantages of those known devices and methods of this general type and that enables users to emulate the sensation generated from smokeless tobacco effectively and safely utilizing organic-based strips.

(11) Referring now to FIGS. 1-6, embodiments of the present invention are shown in various views. The figures show several advantageous features of the present invention, but, as will be described below, the invention can be provided in several shapes, sizes, combinations of features and components, and varying numbers and functions of the components. More specifically, a substantially rigid container 102 is operably configured and sized and shaped to house and retain a plurality of strips 300a-n, wherein “n” represents any number greater than 1. Another embodiment of the container 800 can be seen in FIGS. 8-12. The container 102, namely an inner surface 104 of a sidewall 108 of the container 102 defines a strip cavity 106 where the strips are placed and may also have a lid 200 operably configured to couple with the container 102 (namely an upper edge or a location proximal thereto) to encapsulate the strip cavity 106. In one embodiment, the lid 200 may be selectively couplable to the container, namely the sidewall 108 of the container 102, in a hermetically sealed coupling configuration. To that end, a polymeric seal 302 (e.g., of a natural rubber material) may facilitate in coupling the container and the lid in the hermetically sealed coupling configuration. The polymeric seal 302 may be disposed proximal (e.g., at or near (within approximately 1-2 inches) to the upper edge of the sidewall 108.

(12) In one embodiment, the container 102 may be cylindrical (for better stacking and storage capability) and with exemplary, yet preferable, dimensions set forth in the figures. The container 102 may be shaped and sized to efficiently retain approximately 14-18 organic-based strips, wherein 2 layers of 7 strips 300a-n are housed within the container 102 for safe transport by a user. Preferably, however, the container 102, namely the strip cavity 106, is shaped and sized (as indicated in the drawings) to receive strips 300a-n in a stacked configuration with two strips (e.g., strip 300a, 300n) flanking four layers of four strips 300a-n, thereby totaling 18 strips. Testing as demonstrated that said beneficial stacked strip configuration, along with the encapsulation of the lid 200 respect to the container 102, maintains the structural integrity and moisture of the strips 300a-n without degradation of the same. In other embodiments, the container 102 may be of another size to enable tight packing of a plurality of strips 300a-n in another quantity. Preferably, the volume of the strip cavity 106 ranges from approximately 4.0-5.0 in.sup.3, thereby facilitating in generating an enhanced shelf life of the strips 300a-n in an intended structural condition.

(13) In one embodiment, each of the plurality of strips 30a-n include a front elongated surface 506, a rear elongated surface 600 opposing the front elongated surface 506, and with the width 404 separating the front and rear elongated surfaces 506, 600. The 4×4 stacked strip configuration may include the front elongated surface 506 of the each of the plurality of strips 300a-n facing upwardly toward the lid 200 (namely the inner surface of the lid 200) and the rear elongated surface 600 of the each of the plurality of strips 300a-n facing downward toward an inner surface 306 of a bottom wall 304 of the container 102. The two strips 300a-n flanking the 4×4 stacked strip configuration have either the front or rear elongated surfaces 506, 600 facing and disposed proximal to either the first or second end of each of the plurality of strips in the 4×4 stacked strip configuration (this is best illustrated in FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the width 404 is a uniform width separating the length 504 of each of the strips 300a-n to maintain uniformity and efficiency in packing.

(14) Beneficially, each of strips 300a-n are of tobacco-free product that is created to substitute and be an alternative for smokeless tobacco consumers, such as tobacco pouches, snus, long cut tobacco, and fine cut that contain harmful chemicals. Said another way, the strips 300a-n are tobacco-free, nicotine-free, and contain all organic compound, providing a user with a comparable experience in a way that is safe, effective, and configured to emulate the sensation of tradition. As best seen in FIGS. 3-6, the strips 300-an include a first end 500, a second end 502 opposing the first end 500 of the strip 300a, and a strip length 504 separating the first and second ends 500, 502 of the strip 300a. In one embodiment, the strip length 504 may range from approximately 1.25-1.75 inches to be effectively positioned and activated within a user's mouth 700 (FIG. 7). In preferred embodiments, the strip length is approximately 1.5 inches.

(15) The strips 300a-n may be of a non-woven and absorbent fabric material or sheet 400 surrounding and coupled to an absorbent cotton material body 402. In one embodiment, the non-woven and liquid-absorbent fabric material may be made from a staple fiber (short) and/or long fibers (continuous long), bonded together by chemical, mechanical, heat or solvent treatment. It may also be of a fabric, such as felt, which may not be woven nor knitted. The non-woven and absorbent fabric material may include or consist of polyester, cotton, rayon, and blended non-woven fabric, and may also include a binder resin that binds the fabric together. The liquid-absorbent cotton material body 402 may be of a 100% medical-grade cotton interior, whereby the non-woven and absorbent fabric material or sheet 400 may be coupled to the liquid-absorbent cotton material body 402 through use of a consumable adhesive. The strips 300a-n may also be starch-free, so the strips will not stick to mucosa (the lining of a user's gums and inner cheek). Each of the strips 300a-n may be of a cylindrical, semi-cylindrical, tear drop, or oblong shape to provide comfort to the user and effective placement of the strips 300a-n when placed within a user's mouth. In one embodiment, the thickness of the non-woven and absorbent fabric material or sheet 400 may range from approximately 25-150 mils and the thickness of the liquid-absorbent cotton material body 402 may range from approximately 0.25-0.75 inches. As such, the overall diameter or width 404 of the strips 300a-n may be approximately 0.25-0.75 of an inch, but is preferably 0.316″ of an inch, whereby the diameter or width 406 of the body 402 may be less than the overall diameter by the thickness of the non-woven sheet material.

(16) In one embodiment, the non-woven and absorbent fabric material or sheet 400 and absorbent cotton material body 402 may span the strip length and absorbed with an organic release liquid of a nicotine-free, tobacco-free, and gluten-free liquid operably configured to transport through the same when subjected to a compressive force, e.g., approximately 0.25 lbf. Said another way, the strips 300a-b are infused with a liquid organic, kosher, gluten-free, vegan flavors. Flavoring can be swallowed when released from and transported through the non-woven and absorbent fabric material or sheet 400 and absorbent cotton material body 402. The strips 300a-n are to be disposed of by the user after use and not to be swallowed.

(17) As best seen in FIG. 7, in one exemplary method of use, a user will place one of the flavored and infused strips 300a-n into the user's mouth between the gum and cheek, preferably at a top center location 702 or lower center location 704 of the user's gums. The user may also place the strips 300a-n at the top right location 706, the top left location 708, the bottom right location 710, and the bottom left location 712 of the user's gums. Said another way, the strips 300a-n are placed orally between the gum and cheek of a user area known as the vestibule. As stated above, the dimensions of the strips 300a-n are comparable to the dimensions of a tobacco pouch, snus pouch, and pinch amount of loose tobacco (long cut/fine cut). Upon oral placement of strip, the consumer will immediately receive the flavor from one or more of the strips 300a-n through the compressive force, e.g., approximately 0.2-1 lbf, caused by the user's gum and check. When the consumer desires more flavor, he or she simply applies additional compressive force to the strip by tightening their vestibule causing strip to release more the flavor and infused liquid. In one embodiment, the body 402 and/or non-woven fabric sheet 400 will include approximately 0.01-0.25 ml of infused organic liquid resident therein. In other embodiments, the amount of infused organic liquid will be outside of said ranges and may be infused by submerging the strip into an organic liquid bath for a determined period of time.

(18) Once a flavor of a strip has expired, or a consumer chooses to remove the strip from his or her mouth, it is recommended that the user utilize a new strip from the container 102. Although a specific order of utilizing the strips has been described, the order of executing the steps may be changed relative to the order shown in certain embodiments. Also, two or more steps may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence in some embodiments. Certain steps may also be omitted for the sake of brevity. In some embodiments, some or all of the process steps may be combined into a single process.