Methods and machines for pouching smokeless tobacco and tobacco substitute products
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. A method of making a pouched product including smokeless tobacco, a tobacco substitute, or a combination thereof, the method comprising:
applying a first preformed web of non-woven fibers on a surface defining a first recess;
applying a vacuum to draw the first preformed web at least partially into the first recess;
depositing a product portion on an area of the first preformed web drawn into the first recess, the product portion including tobacco, a tobacco substitute, or a combination thereof;
applying a second preformed web of non-woven fibers on the first preformed web, the product portion being disposed between the first preformed web and the second preformed web; and
concurrently sealing and cutting the first preformed web and the second preformed web around the product portion with a seal cutter roller including a second recess configured to align with the first recess.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first preformed web includes melt-blown polymeric fibers.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first preformed web includes electro spun polymeric fibers.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first preformed web includes centrifugally force spun polymeric fibers.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second preformed web includes melt-blown polymeric fibers.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second preformed web includes electro spun polymeric fibers.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second preformed web includes centrifugally force spun polymeric fibers.
8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
molding the product portion prior to the depositing.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the fibers of the first preformed web and the fibers of the second preformed web include polyurethane.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the polyurethane has a basis weight of less than or equal to 30 grams per square meter (gsm).
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the fibers of the first preformed web and at least a portion of the fibers of the second preformed web have a diameter of less than 30 microns.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the product portion comprises includes the tobacco, the tobacco having an average length ranging from 0.1 inch to 1 inch and an average width ranging from 0.009 inch to 0.1 inch.
13. A method of making a pouched product including smokeless tobacco, a tobacco substitute, or a combination thereof, the method comprising:
applying a first web of non-woven fibers on a surface defining a first recess;
depositing a product portion on an area of the first web pressed into the first recess, the product portion including tobacco, a tobacco substitute, or a combination thereof;
applying a second web of non-woven fibers on the first web, the product portion being disposed between the first web and the second web; and
concurrently sealing and cutting the first web and the second web around the product portion with a seal cutter roller including a second recess configured to align with the first recess.
14. The method of claim 13 , further comprising:
molding the product portion prior to the depositing.
15. The method of claim 13 , wherein the fibers of the first web and the fibers of the second web include polyurethane.
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein the polyurethane has a basis weight of less than or equal to 30 grams per square meter (gsm).
17. The method of claim 13 , wherein at least a portion of the fibers of the first web and at least a portion of the fibers of the second web have a diameter of less than 30 microns.
18. The method of claim 13 , wherein the product portion includes the tobacco, the tobacco having an average length ranging from 0.1 inch to 1 inch and an average width ranging from 0.009 inch to 0.1 inch.
19. The method of claim 13 , wherein the first web includes melt-blown polymeric fibers.
20. The method of claim 13 , wherein the first web includes electro spun polymeric fibers.
21. The method of claim 13 , wherein the first web includes centrifugally force spun polymeric fibers.
22. The method of claim 13 , wherein the second web includes melt-blown polymeric fibers.
23. The method of claim 13 , wherein the second web includes electro spun polymeric fibers.
24. The method of claim 13 , wherein the second web includes centrifugally force spun polymeric fibers.