# US 10,765,142 B2 · Methods and machines for pouching smokeless tobacco and tobacco substitute products > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 10,765,142 B2 - Document ID: US10765142B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 15/848,728 - Filed: 2017-12-20 - Published: 2018-10-04 - Granted: 2020-09-08 - Earliest claimed: 2013-03-15 - Assignees: Altria Client Services LLC - Applicants: Altria Client Services LLC - Inventors: Andrew Nathan Carroll; Shannon Maxwell Black; Yan Helen Sun; William J. Burke; Christopher Joseph DiNovi; David Phillips; Jason Andrew Macko; Robert Smith - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10765142B2 ## CPC - A24B 15/186: {by coating with a coating composition, encapsulation of tobacco particles (encapsulation of additives other than tobacco : A24B15/283)} - A24B 13/00: Tobacco for pipes, for cigars, e.g. cigar inserts, or for cigarettes; Chewing tobacco; Snuff (reconstituted tobacco products A24B3/14) - A24B 15/283: {by encapsulation of the chemical substances} - D04H 13/00: Other non-woven fabrics - A24B: MANUFACTURE OR PREPARATION OF TOBACCO FOR SMOKING OR CHEWING; TOBACCO; SNUFF - D04H: MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL (weaving D03; knitting D04B; braiding D04C; net-making D04G; sewing D05B; tufting D05C; finishing non-woven fabrics D06); FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS, NON-WOVEN FABRICS; COTTON-WOOL; WADDING {; NON-WOVEN FABRICS FROM STAPLE FIBRES, FILAMENTS OR YARNS, BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEB-LIKE MATERIAL DURING THEIR CONSOLIDATION}(non-woven fabrics having an intermediate or external layer of a different kind, e.g. of woven fabric, B32B) ## 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. ## Claims ### Claim 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. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the first preformed web includes melt-blown polymeric fibers. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the first preformed web includes electro spun polymeric fibers. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the first preformed web includes centrifugally force spun polymeric fibers. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the second preformed web includes melt-blown polymeric fibers. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the second preformed web includes electro spun polymeric fibers. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the second preformed web includes centrifugally force spun polymeric fibers. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further comprising: molding the product portion prior to the depositing. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the fibers of the first preformed web and the fibers of the second preformed web include polyurethane. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The method of claim 9, wherein the polyurethane has a basis weight of less than or equal to 30 grams per square meter (gsm). ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) 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. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) 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. ### Claim 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. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The method of claim 13, further comprising: molding the product portion prior to the depositing. ### Claim 15 (depends on 13) The method of claim 13, wherein the fibers of the first web and the fibers of the second web include polyurethane. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The method of claim 15, wherein the polyurethane has a basis weight of less than or equal to 30 grams per square meter (gsm). ### Claim 17 (depends on 13) 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. ### Claim 18 (depends on 13) 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. ### Claim 19 (depends on 13) The method of claim 13, wherein the first web includes melt-blown polymeric fibers. ### Claim 20 (depends on 13) The method of claim 13, wherein the first web includes electro spun polymeric fibers. ### Claim 21 (depends on 13) The method of claim 13, wherein the first web includes centrifugally force spun polymeric fibers. ### Claim 22 (depends on 13) The method of claim 13, wherein the second web includes melt-blown polymeric fibers. ### Claim 23 (depends on 13) The method of claim 13, wherein the second web includes electro spun polymeric fibers. ### Claim 24 (depends on 13) The method of claim 13, wherein the second web includes centrifugally force spun polymeric fibers.