Methods and machines for pouching smokeless tobacco and tobacco substitute products

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.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A method of making an oral product comprising:
 applying a vacuum to draw a first nonwoven fabric against a first surface of a drum;   depositing a product portion on the first nonwoven fabric;   applying a second nonwoven fabric on the first nonwoven fabric such that the product portion is between the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric; and   forming the oral product by rotating a heated roller against the first surface to concurrently seal and cut the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric such that the product portion is enclosed between the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the first surface defines a recess, the product portion being at least partially in the recess. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the heated roller includes a second surface defining a recess, the product portion being at least partially in the recess during the forming. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein
 the first surface defines a first recess, the product portion being at least partially within the first recess, and   the heated roller includes a second surface defining a second recess, the second recess aligned with the first recess during the forming.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 applying the first nonwoven fabric to the first surface.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the applying the first nonwoven fabric includes supplying the first nonwoven fabric with a supply roller. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the applying the second nonwoven fabric includes supplying the second nonwoven fabric with a supply roller. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 rotating the drum.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the rotating is performed concurrently with the applying the vacuum, the depositing, the applying the second nonwoven fabric, and the forming. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 forming the product portion prior to the depositing.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the forming the product portion includes molding. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the product portion includes a tobacco extract. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the tobacco extract includes nicotine. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the product portion includes non-tobacco cellulosic material. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the non-tobacco cellulosic material includes tea leaves, red clover, coconut flakes, mint leaves, citrus fiber, bamboo fiber, ginseng, apple, corn silk, grape leaf, basil leaf, or any combination thereof. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the product portion includes a flavorant. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric each include melt-blown polymeric fibers. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the first nonwoven fabric includes a first elastomer and the second nonwoven fabric includes a second elastomer. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the first elastomer and the second elastomer include polyurethane. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric each have a basis weight of less than or equal to 30 grams per square meter.