A package assembly for a multi-layer center-filled chewing gum is disclosed. The package assembly supports individual gum pieces that have a center surrounded by a gum region. The gum region may include a gum base. Optionally, the individual gum pieces may be further coated with an external coating layer. Components of the individual gum pieces create a duality, such as a dual sensation perception, that are identified by indicia on the package.

Inventors: Jani; Bharat; (East Brunswick, NJ) ; Kabse; Kishor; (Morris Plains, NJ) ; Boghani; Navroz; (Flanders, NJ) ; Gebreselassie; Petros; (Piscataway, NJ) ; Grant; R. Steve; (Chester, NJ) ; Kiefer; Jesse; (Columbia, NJ) ; Kuncewitch; Thomas; (Long Valley, NJ) ; Kramer; Colleen; (Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ) ; Robinson; Mary K.; (Sparta, NJ) ; Schmitz; Kristen; (Jersey City, NJ) ; Allison; Scott; (Stamford, CT) 
Correspondence Name and Address:      HOFFMANN & BARON, LLP
    6900 JERICHO TURNPIKE
    SYOSSET
    NY
    11791
    US

 
Assignee Name and Adress: CADBURY ADAMS USA LLC
Parsippany
NJ

 
Serial No.:  913189
Series Code:  11 
Filed:  May 22, 2006
PCT Filed:  May 22, 2006
PCT NO:  PCT/US2006/019667
371 Date:  June 4, 2008

U.S. Current Class: 705/14; 426/5 
U.S. Class at Publication: 705/14; 426/5 
Intern'l Class:  A23G 4/20 20060101 A23G004/20; G06Q 30/00 20060101 G06Q030/00

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Claims

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1. A packaged gum product, comprising:a plurality of individual pieces of gum, wherein each piece of gum includes:a center-fill region;a gum region surrounding said center-fill region, said gum region comprising a gum base;optionally a third region surrounding at least a portion of said gum region, wherein one of said regions comprises at least one first sensate and at least a second of said regions comprises at least one second sensate which is distinct from said at least one first sensate; anda package assembly that contains said plurality of individual pieces of gum, said package assembly having indicia placed on an outer surface, said indicia being indicative of said first sensate and said second sensate.

2. The packaged gum product of claim 1, wherein said center-fill region comprises said first sensate and said gum region comprises said second sensate.

3. The packaged gum product of claim 1, wherein said center-fill region comprises said first sensate and said third region comprises said second sensate.

4. The packaged gum product of claim 1, wherein said gum region comprises said first sensate and said third region comprises said second sensate.

5. The packaged gum product of claim 1, wherein said center-fill region comprises said first sensate, said gum region comprises said second sensate and said third region comprises a third sensate.

6. The packaged gum product of claim 1, wherein at least one of said sensates is encapsulated.

7-9. (canceled)

10. The packaged gum product of claim 1, wherein said first sensate comprises a cooling agent and said second sensate comprises a warming agent.

11. The packaged gum product of claim 1, wherein said first sensate comprises a cooling agent and said second sensate comprises a tingling agent.

12. The packaged gum product of claim 1, wherein said first sensate comprises a warming agent and said second sensate comprises a tingling agent.

13. The packaged gum product of claim 1, wherein said center-fill region is selected from the group consisting of: liquid; gel; powder; solid; gas; and combinations thereof.

14. The packaged gum product of claim 1, wherein said third region comprises a coating.

15-28. (canceled)

29. A method of marketing a gum product to a consumer, comprising:providing a plurality of individual pieces of gum, wherein each piece of gum includes:a center-fill region;a gum region surrounding the center-fill region, the gum region comprising a gum base;optionally a third region surrounding at least a portion of the gum region,wherein one of the regions comprises at least one first sensate and at least a second of the regions comprises at least one second sensate which is distinct from the at least one first sensate; andproviding a package assembly that contains said plurality of individual pieces of gum, said package assembly having indicia placed on an outer surface thereof to inform a consumer of said first sensate and said second sensate.

30. The method of claim 29, further comprising providing a web page, said web page including at least a portion of said indicia.

31. The method of claim 29, further comprising providing an advertisement including at least a portion of said indicia.

32. The method of claim 29, further comprising providing a display device configured to hold said package and including at least a portion of said indicia.

33. The method of claim 29, further comprising providing an audio message representative of said first sensate and said second sensate.

34. The method of claim 29, further comprising providing a visual image including at least a portion of said indicia.

35. The method of claim 29, further comprising preparing a commercial indicative of said gum product.

36-40. (canceled)

41. A packaged gum product, comprising:a plurality of individual pieces of gum, wherein each piece of gum includes:a center-fill region;a gum region surrounding said center-fill region, said gum region comprising a gum base;optionally a third region surrounding at least a portion of said gum region, wherein one of said regions comprises at least one first sensate and at least a second of said regions comprises at least one second sensate which is distinct from said at least one first sensate; anda package assembly comprising a plurality of wrappers for each of the plurality of individual pieces of gum, at least one of the plurality of wrappers having indicia being indicative of said first sensate and said second sensate.

42-43. (canceled)

44. The packaged gum product of claim 1, wherein said package assembly comprises an overwrap portion that contains said plurality of individual pieces of gum, said overwrap portion comprising said indicia being indicative of said first sensate and said second sensate.
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Description

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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/776,699, filed Feb. 24, 2006 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/683,634, filed May 23, 2005, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/210,954, filed on Aug. 24, 2005, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/925,822, filed Aug. 25, 2004, the contents all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

[0002]The present invention relates to a package assembly for a multi-layer center-filled chewing gum. The package assembly supports individual gum pieces that have a center surrounded by a gum region. Optionally, the individual gum pieces may be further coated with an external coating layer. Components of the individual gum pieces create a duality, such as a dual sensation perception, that are identified by indicia on the package.

BACKGROUND

[0003]Liquid or center-filled gum and other confectionery products are in popular demand today. Typically, these products have a solid exterior portion and a soft or liquid-type center. The outer portion can be chewing gum or bubble gum of some type, while the liquid center portion can be a flavored material typically having a syrup-like consistency.

[0004]There are also products having a chewing gum or bubble gum core with a hard sugar or sugarless shell on the exterior. These products include, for example well-known pellet gum products sold under the brand names Chiclets.RTM., Clorets.RTM., and Dentyne-Ice.RTM.. Both liquid filled and coated gum products are in popular demand.

[0005]Also in popular demand are products that provide a dual flavor perception upon consumption. In particular, products that include a distinct flavor combination, such as strawberry and banana, may satisfy a consumer preference for a dual perception during consumption of the product. Traditional chewing gums, however, merely provide a single gum flavor, such as peppermint gum or wintergreen gum. Single-flavor gums cannot satisfy the consumer preference for more complex, flavored confectionery products.

[0006]Furthermore, consumers are always searching for newer and more interesting chewing gum products. Products that can provide different types of dualities, including dual flavor combinations, however, are not met by the currently available chewing gums. Distinct tastes, sensations and functional benefits, for instance, also may be desirable new dualities.

[0007]A variety of package assemblies already exist for confectionary products that may have varying forms, such as gum balls, gum slabs, lollipops, tablets, pellets, candy bottles, etcetera. For example, gum slabs have been arranged in package assemblies in both a side-by-side manner and a face-to-face manner. Slabs and pellet gum products have also been arranged in foil packages, such as blister trays, that are slidably insertable into a housing for storage of the same.

[0008]Although such product packaging is popular and achieves satisfactory results, product assemblies that may be used to market different types of dualities, including dual flavor combinations, are not met by the currently available packaging. For example, chewing gums that can provide distinct tastes, sensations and functional benefits are not adequately discernible from current packaging assemblies

[0009]There is a need, therefore, for an improved package assembly that can be used to market new chewing gum compositions, particularly center-fill gum compositions, that provide different types of dual perceptions upon consumption.

SUMMARY

[0010]Some embodiments provide a multi-modality chewing gum composition including: a center-fill region; a gum region surrounding the center-fill region, the gum region including a gum base; and optionally a third region surrounding at least a portion of the gum region, wherein one of the regions includes at least one first sensate and at least a second of the regions includes at least one second sensate which is distinct from the at least one first sensate.

[0011]In some embodiments there is provided a multi-modality chewing gum composition including: a center-fill region; a gum region surrounding the center-fill region, the gum region including a gum base; and optionally a third region surrounding at least a portion of the gum region, wherein one of the regions includes a first amount of at least one sensate and at least a second of the regions includes a second amount of the at least one sensate, the second amount of the at least one sensate being greater than the first amount of the at least one sensate.

[0012]In some embodiments there is provided a multi-modality chewing gum composition including: a center-fill region including greater than zero up to about 10% by weight of the chewing gum composition; a gum region including from about 55% to about 65% by weight of the chewing gum composition; and a third region including a coating, the coating including from about 25% to about 35% by weight of the chewing gum composition, wherein one of the regions includes at least one first sensate and at least a second of the regions includes at least one second sensate which is distinct from the at least one first sensate, and wherein the gum composition further includes a gum piece of about three grams or less.

[0013]In some embodiments there is provided a multi-modality chewing gum composition including: a center-fill region including greater than zero up to about 10% by weight of the chewing gum composition; a gum region including from about 55% to about 65% by weight of the chewing gum composition; and a third region including a coating, the coating including from about 25% to about 35% by weight of the chewing gum composition, wherein one of the regions includes a first amount of at least one sensate and at least a second of the regions includes a second amount of the at least one sensate, the second amount of the at least one sensate being greater than the first amount of the at least one sensate, and wherein the gum composition further includes a gum piece of about three grams or less.

[0014]Some embodiments provide a multi-modality chewing gum composition including: a center-fill region; a gum region surrounding the center-fill region, the gum region including a gum base; and optionally a third region surrounding at least a portion of the gum region, wherein one of the regions includes at least one first component and at least a second of the regions includes at least one second component which is complementary to the at least one first component.

[0015]Some embodiments provide a method of developing a chewing gum product providing a consumer-preferred duality, which includes the steps of: (a) identifying a consumer preference for a dual sensate combination, wherein the dual sensate combination includes at least one first sensate and at least one second sensate which is distinct from the at least one first sensate; (b) preparing a multi-modality chewing gum product including: (i) a center-fill region; (ii) a gum region surrounding the center-fill region, the gum region including a gum base; and (iii) optionally a third region surrounding at least a portion of the gum region, wherein one of the regions includes the at least one first sensate and at least a second of the regions includes the at least one second sensate; and (c) marketing the multi-modality chewing gum product to consumers.

[0016]Some embodiments provide a method of preparing a multi-modality chewing gum product, which includes the steps of: (a) providing a chewing gum composition including: (i) a center-fill region; (ii) a gum region surrounding the center-fill region, the gum region including a gum base; and (iii) optionally a third region surrounding at least a portion of the gum region, wherein one of the regions includes at least one first sensate and at least a second of the regions includes at least one second sensate which is distinct from the at least one first sensate; and (b) forming individual pieces of chewing gum from the chewing gum composition.

[0017]In some embodiments there is provided a method of imparting a dual sensate perception to an individual, which includes the steps of: (a) providing a chewing gum product including: (i) a center-fill region; (ii) a gum region surrounding the center-fill region, the gum region including a gum base; and (iii) optionally a third region surrounding at least a portion of the gum region, wherein one of the regions includes at least one first sensate and at least a second of the regions includes at least one second sensate which is distinct from the at least one first sensate; and (b) applying the chewing gum product into the oral cavity of the individual, thereby releasing the at least one first sensate and the at least one second sensate therefrom to impart a dual sensate perception.

[0018]Some embodiments provide a multi-modality chewing gum composition including: a center-fill region; a gum region surrounding the center-fill region, the gum region including a gum base; and optionally a third region surrounding at least a portion of the gum region, wherein one of the regions includes at least one first sensate and at least a second of the regions includes at least one second sensate which is distinct from the at least one first sensate, and wherein one of the regions includes at least one first tastant and at least a second of the regions includes at least one second tastant which is distinct from the at least one first tastant.

[0019]Some embodiments provide a multi-modality chewing gum composition including: a center-fill region; a gum region surrounding the center-fill region, the gum region including a gum base; and optionally a third region surrounding at least a portion of the gum region, wherein one of the regions includes at least one first sensate and at least a second of the regions includes at least one second sensate which is distinct from the at least one first sensate, and wherein one of the regions includes at least one first functional agent and at least a second of the regions includes at least one second functional agent which is distinct from the at least one first functional agent.

[0020]Furthermore, in some embodiments, there is provided a packaged gum product that includes a plurality of individual pieces of gum, wherein each piece of gum includes: a center-fill region; a gum region surrounding said center-fill region, said gum region comprising a gum base; optionally a third region surrounding at least a portion of said gum region, wherein one of said regions comprises at least one first sensate and at least a second of said regions comprises at least one second sensate which is distinct from said at least one first sensate; and a package that contains said plurality of individual pieces of gum, said package having indicia placed on an outer surface, said indicia being indicative of said first sensate and said second sensate.

[0021]In some embodiments there is provided a packaged gum product that includes a plurality of individual pieces of gum, wherein each piece of gum includes: a center-filled region; and a gum region surrounding said center-fill region, said gum region comprising at least one first sensate and said gum region comprising at least one second sensate which is distinct from said at least one first sensate; and a package that contains said plurality of individual pieces of gum, said package having indicia placed on an outer surface, said indicia being indicative of said first sensate and said second sensate.

[0022]In some embodiments there is provided a packaged gum product that includes a plurality of individual pieces of gum, wherein each piece of gum includes: a center-filled region; and a gum region surrounding said center-fill region, said gum region comprising at least one first sensate and said gum region comprising at least one second sensate which is distinct from said at least one first sensate; and a package that contains said plurality of individual pieces of gum, said package having indicia placed on an outer surface thereof to inform consumers of said first sensate and said second sensate.

[0023]In some embodiments there is provided a packaged gum product that includes a plurality of individual pieces of gum, wherein each piece of gum includes: a center-fill region; a gum region surrounding said center-fill region, said gum region comprising a gum base; optionally a third region surrounding at least a portion of said gum region, wherein one of said regions comprises at least one first sensate and at least a second of said regions comprises at least one second sensate which is distinct from said at least one first sensate; and a package assembly comprising an overwrap portion that contains said plurality of individual pieces of gum, said overwrap portion having indicia being indicative of said first sensate and said second sensate.

[0024]In some embodiments there is provided a packaged gum product that includes a plurality of individual pieces of gum, wherein each piece of gum includes: a center-fill region; a gum region surrounding said center-fill region, said gum region comprising a gum base; optionally a third region surrounding at least a portion of said gum region, wherein one of said regions comprises at least one first sensate and at least a second of said regions comprises at least one second sensate which is distinct from said at least one first sensate; and a package assembly comprising a plurality of wrappers for each of the plurality of individual pieces of gum, at least one of the plurality of wrappers having indicia being indicative of said first sensate and said second sensate.

[0025]Some embodiments provide a method of marketing a gum product to a consumer, which includes the steps of: providing a plurality of individual pieces of gum, wherein each piece of gum includes a center-fill region; a gum region surrounding the center-fill region, the gum region comprising a gum base; optionally a third region surrounding at least a portion of the gum region, wherein one of the regions comprises at least one first sensate and at least a second of the regions comprises at least one second sensate which is distinct from the at least one first sensate; and providing a package that contains said plurality of individual pieces of gum, said package having indicia placed on an outer surface thereof to inform a consumer of said first sensate and said second sensate.

[0026]Some embodiments provide a method of marketing a gum product to a consumer, which includes the steps of: providing a plurality of individual pieces of gum, wherein each piece of gum includes: a center-fill region; a gum region surrounding the center-fill region, the gum region comprising a gum base; optionally a third region surrounding at least a portion of the gum region, wherein one of the regions comprises at least one first sensate and at least a second of the regions comprises at least one second sensate which is distinct from the at least one first sensate; and providing a package assembly comprising an overwrap portion that contains said plurality of individual pieces of gum, said overwrap portion having indicia being indicative of said first sensate and said second sensate.

[0027]Some embodiments provide a method of marketing a gum product to a consumer, which includes the steps of:providing a plurality of individual pieces of gum, wherein each piece of gum includes: a center-fill region; a gum region surrounding the center-fill region, the gum region comprising a gum base; optionally a third region surrounding at least a portion of the gum region, wherein one of the regions comprises at least one first sensate and at least a second of the regions comprises at least one second sensate which is distinct from the at least one first sensate; and providing a package assembly comprising a plurality of wrappers for each of the plurality of individual pieces of gum, at least one of the plurality of wrappers having indicia being indicative of said first sensate and said second sensate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the packaging assembly of the present invention.

[0029]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the packaging assembly of the present invention.

[0030]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a package assembly of the present invention.

[0031]Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032]Embodiments described herein provide a multi-component composition that includes at least one center-fill region and a gum region including a gum base. The individual gum piece also may include an outer gum coating or shell, which can provide a crunchiness to the piece when initially chewed. At least two components that create a duality upon consumption may be included in different regions of the gum piece. The individual gum pieces may form a variety of shapes including pellet, tablet, ball, pillow, chunk, stick and slab, among others.

[0033]As used herein the transitional term "comprising," (also "comprises," etc.) which is synonymous with "including," "containing," or "characterized by," is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps, regardless of its use in the preamble or the body of a claim.

[0034]As used herein, the terms "bubble gum" and "chewing gum" are used interchangeably and are both meant to include any gum compositions.

[0035]As used herein the term "indicia," is descriptive matter synonymous with "information related to," "information representative of," and "information indicative of" and is open-ended and can include any words, phrases, slogans, pictures, symbols, contests, marketing campaigns, textures, colors, intensities, or other characteristics or features relating to the gum product.

[0036]As used herein, the terms "first region" and "center-fill" are used interchangeably to refer to the innermost region of the compositions. The term "center-fill" does not imply symmetry of a gum piece, only that the "center-fill" is within another region of the gum piece. In some embodiments, more than one center-fill may be present.

[0037]As used herein, the terms "second region" and "gum region" are used interchangeably to refer to a region of the compositions that may be adjacent to or at least partially surrounding the center-fill, or innermost, region. In some embodiments, the gum region is an intermediate region.

[0038]As used herein, the terms "third region" and "coating" are used interchangeably to refer to the outermost region of the compositions.

[0039]As used herein, the terms "surround," "surrounding," and the like are not limited to encircling. These terms may refer to enclosing or confining on all sides, encircling or enveloping, and are not limited to symmetrical or identical thicknesses for a region in the gum product.

[0040]In some embodiments, the components of the center-fill composition may be in different configurations depending on the desired shape of the total gum composition. The center-fill area or areas may be in either a concentric configuration with respect to the gum region or in a layered configuration. A concentric configuration may be acceptable for a ball, pillow or pellet shape, while a layered configuration may be more suitable for a slab or a stick shape. For example, if the total gum composition is in a ball shape, a hollow, circular shell may be formed in the innermost region of the gum piece. The shell may be filled with a center-fill composition, and the other regions or layers of the gum piece may encircle the center-filled area. However, if the total gum composition is in a slab shape, a hollow shell formed in the innermost region may be of a rectangular shape. The rectangular-shaped shell may be filled with a center-fill composition, and the other regions or layers of the gum piece may enclose or confine the rectangular center-filled area on all sides of the rectangle. Other examples include a pillow shaped gum piece where the hollow shell follows the contours of the gum piece and also is pillow shaped. The shape of the gum piece does not necessarily dictate the shape of the hollow shell, which houses the center-fill, but in many cases they are similarly shaped.

[0041]As used herein, the term "liquid" includes compositions that can transfer moisture from the center-fill region to the gum region. The term includes, but is not limited to, compositions which will readily flow or maintain fluid properties at room temperature and pressure. The term "liquid" may include solutions, suspensions, emulsions, semi-solids, cremes, gels, etc. that may not be completely liquid, but that can still lose liquidity because of a transfer of moisture from the center-fill region to the gum region. The "liquid" may be aqueous or non-aqueous. Also, the "liquid" may include non-liquid components, such as solid particles or gasses.

[0042]As used herein, the term "ingredient" and the term "component" are used interchangeably to describe any additive, fixing, substance, material, agent, active, element, or part that may be included in the gum compositions of some embodiments.

[0043]As used herein, the term "duality" refers to the presence of two characteristics that are complementary to each other, opposed to each other, i.e., distinct, or different in intensity from each other. The dual characteristics may be flavors, sensations, tastes, functionalities, or other characteristics or benefits. Flavors, sensates, tastants and functional agents also may include compounds that potentiate each of these types of components. The dual characteristics also may be colors or textures. In some embodiments, the duality may be a dual perception, which refers to the perception by an individual of two characteristics that are complementary to each other, opposed to each other, i.e., distinct, or different in intensity from each other.

[0044]The term "multi-modality" refers to the presence of at least two characteristics that are complementary, opposed, i.e., distinct, or different in intensity from one another. The multi-modal characteristics may be flavors, sensations, tastes, functionalities or combinations thereof. Flavors, sensates, tastants and functional agents also may include compounds that potentiate each of these types of components. The multi-modal characteristics also could be colors or textures. The term "multi-modality" is broader than and encompasses the term "duality" in that it includes embodiments that have a single duality, as well as embodiments that have more than one duality. For example, multi-modality may encompass two different dualities in one center-fill gum composition, such as dual flavors and dual tastes.

[0045]The term "complementary" refers to components that are in the same or similar flavor family, for example, the mint family or the fruit family; or components that are in the same or similar sensation family, for example, the cooling family, the warming family or the tingling family; or components that are in the same or similar taste family, for example, the sweetener family, the sour family, the bitter/astringent family, the salty family, the umami family or the kokumi family; or components that are in the same or similar functional family, for example, the breath freshening family or other functional families provided in Table 2 herein. The terms "family" and "type" are used interchangeably herein when referring to multi-modality components.

[0046]The term "opposed" means distinctly different components, for example, components that are from different families, such as a component in the flavor family and a component in the taste family.

[0047]The term "different in intensity" means that the at least two components that form the duality or multi-modality may be the same component but create the duality or multi-modality by being present in different amounts or by being encapsulated thereby providing a different intensity from one another. This different intensity is formed by the component being in different amounts from one region of the gum to another, or from being released at one rate in one region versus being released at another rate in another region.

Dualities and Multi-Modalities

[0048]As mentioned above, at least two components may be included in the center-fill gum to create a duality or multi-modality. In some embodiments, the at least two components may be opposed to each other, i.e., distinctly different components. For example, two opposed flavors, such as strawberry and kiwi, may be employed. In some embodiments, the at least two components may be complementary to one another. For example, two mint oils that complement each other, such as peppermint and spearmint, may be employed. In some embodiments, the at least two components may differ in intensity from one another. For example, a single mint oil may be used, but in different amounts such that an intensity difference exists between the two portions of the mint oil.

[0049]The components that create the duality, or multi-modality, may be included in different regions of the center-fill gum. For instance, in some embodiments, a first component may be present in the center-fill and a second component, which is distinct from, complementary to or different in intensity from the first component, may be present in the gum region. Some embodiments may include a first component in the center-fill and a second component, which is distinct from, complementary to or different in intensity from the first component, in the coating. Some other embodiments may include a first component in the gum region and a second component, which is distinct from, complementary to or different in intensity from the first component, in the coating.

[0050]A variety of other combinations of the first and second components also may be employed. In some embodiments, for instance, a first component may be included in one region of the center-fill gum and a second component, which may be divided into two portions, may be included in the other two regions of the center-fill gum. The second component may be distinct from, complementary to or different in intensity from the first component. For example, the first component may be included in the gum region. A first portion of the second component may be included in the center-fill and a second portion of the second component may be included in the coating of the center-fill gum. The first and second portions of the second component may be the same or different in amount.

[0051]Non-limiting examples of some of the possible physical combinations for providing a duality in a center-fill gum are indicated in Table 1 below. In particular, Table 1 identifies a number of different physical combinations of components that may be employed involving dualities among: (1) distinct components; (2) complementary components; and (3) intensity differences between a single component. In addition, the chart also depicts possible multiple duality combinations in category (4).

[0052]As referred to in Table 1 and as defined above, the coating composition refers to the outermost region of the gum, the gum region composition refers to the intermediate region and the center-fill composition refers to the innermost region. As used in Table 1, A represents a first component and B represents a second component, which is distinct from the first component. A' represents a second component that is complementary to the first component. 1/n is used to indicate a fractional portion of component A. 1/m is used to indicate a fractional portion of component A that is different from fractional portion 1/n. n*A is used to indicate a multiplicative portion of component A, and m*A indicates a multiplicative portion of component A that is different from multiplicative portion n*A. In some embodiments and examples, n may be equal to m. In other embodiments and examples, n may be different from m. In some embodiments and examples, n and/or m may be 0, 1 or other values.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Coating Gum Region Center-Fill Composition Composition Composition (1) Dualities based on differences between separate and distinct components: A B A B A B B A B A B A A A B A B A B A A 1/n A B 1/n A 1/n A 1/n A B B 1/n A 1/n A 1/n A B 1/m A 1/n A 1/m A B B 1/n A 1/m A (2) Dualities based on complementary components: A A' A A' A A' A' A A' A A' A A' A A A A' A A A A' 1/n A A' 1/n A 1/n A 1/n A A' A' 1/n A 1/n A 1/n A A' 1/m A 1/n A 1/m A A' A' 1/n A 1/m A (3) Dualities based on intensity differences of a single component: n * A A n * A A n * A A A n * A A n * A A n * A A A n * A A n * A A n * A A A n * A A n * A n * A n * A A A n * A n * A n * A A m * A n * A m * A A A n * A m * A (4) Multiple dualities: A A' B A B A' B A A' A nA B A B nA B A nA A AB AB A A AB A AB AB A AB A A A'B A'B A A A'B A A'B A'B A A'B A AB A'B' A'B' AB AB A'B' AB A'B' AB A'B' A'B' AB A A'B' B A'B' A B A B A'B' A AB B AB A B A B AB A A'B B A'B' A B A B A'B' AB A AB A AB AB AB AB A AB nA AB nA AB AB AB AB nA AB nA mAB nA mAB AB mAB AB nA A nAB nAB A A nAB A nAB nAB A nAB A nA AB AB nA nA AB nA AB AB nA AB nA

[0053]Table 1, above, provides a variety of different physical combinations of two components used to impart a duality to a center-fill gum. Other possibilities and combinations also exist and different examples may be combined.

[0054]Some embodiments provided herein may extend to combinations that include more than two components to create a duality, or multi-modality. In some embodiments, for instance, three components may be employed, one component in each separate region of the center-fill gum. For example, a first flavor may be present in the center-fill, a second flavor in the gum region and a third flavor in the coating. The three flavors may be distinct from one another, complementary to one another or different in intensities from one another. For instance, mint oil may be present in the center-fill and the coating and cinnamon oil may be present in the gum region. A duality based on distinct flavors thereby is provided. By way of another example, a first functional agent may be present in the center-fill, a second functional agent in the gum region and a third functional agent in the coating. The three functional agents may be distinct from one another, complementary to one another or different in intensities from one another. For instance, menthol may be present in the center-fill and the coating and chlorophyll may be contained in the gum region. Menthol and chlorophyll are different breath fresheners. Accordingly, a duality based on complementary functional agents is provided.

[0055]In some embodiments, three components may be used to impart a duality, or multi-modality, with a first component in one region of the center-fill gum and the second and third components together in another region of the center-fill gum. For example, strawberry flavor could be included in the gum region. A combination of lemon flavor and kiwi flavor could be included in the center-fill. A duality based on three distinct flavors therefore is provided by the gum.

[0056]In embodiments containing three or more components, the components may provide multiple dualities. For instance, in a three component embodiment, two of the components may be distinct from each other, whereas two of the components are complementary or different in intensity from each other. A center-fill gum may, for example, include peppermint flavor in the center-fill region and a different level of peppermint flavor in the coating, thereby imparting a first duality, which is an intensity differential. Cinnamon may be included in the gum region, which is distinct from the peppermint flavors. A second duality based on the cinnamon-peppermint flavor distinction also is present in the center-fill gum. Accordingly, a multi-modality gum may be provided having two different dualities.

[0057]A number of different combinations including two, three, four or even more components in any region of the center-fill gum may be prepared providing additional dualities or combinations of dualities.

[0058]Alternatively, in some embodiments, the at least two components that create the duality, or multi-modality, may be present in the same region of the center-fill gum. For instance, two distinct flavors, such as strawberry and kiwi, both may be present in the center-fill region of the gum composition. Some embodiments may include multiple dualities, such as dual flavors and dual sensations, all in the same region of the center-fill gum. In some other embodiments, a single duality may be present in one region, and a second duality may be present in another region of the center-fill gum. In still further embodiments, a first duality may be present via two different layers (e.g., a first component in the coating and a second component in the center-fill) and a second duality may be present via a different set of layers (e.g., a third component in the gum layer and a fourth component in the coating).

[0059]As noted above, there are several different types of dualities that may be present in a center-fill gum. The components that create the dualities may be used in any of the physical combinations discussed above. In particular, dualities may exist among flavors, sensations, tastes and functionalities. Additionally, dualities among colors may exist. Combinations of these different dualities also may be employed.

Flavor Dualities

[0060]More specifically, some center-fill gums may include a flavor duality. In some embodiments, one of the regions of the center-fill gum may include a first flavor and at least a second of the regions may include at least a second flavor. The second flavor may be distinct from, complementary to or different in intensity from the first flavor. For instance, the center-fill region may include the first flavor and the gum region may include the second flavor. The center-fill region may include the first flavor and the coating may include the second flavor. The gum region may include the first flavor and the coating may include the second flavor.

[0061]In some embodiments, the center-fill region may include the first flavor, the gum region the second flavor and the coating may include a third flavor. The coating flavor may be the same as the gum region flavor. In such embodiments, the center-fill flavor may be distinct from, complementary to or different in intensity from both the coating and gum region flavors. In other embodiments, the coating flavor may be complementary to the gum region flavor, but distinct from the center-fill flavor. For example, the gum region and coating flavors may be two different mint flavors, such as, peppermint and spearmint. The center-fill flavor may be distinct from the mint flavors, such as, for example, cinnamon. Alternatively, the coating flavor may be the same as the center-fill flavor. In such embodiments, the gum region flavor may be distinct from, complementary to or different in intensity from both the coating and center-fill flavors. In other embodiments, the coating flavor may be complementary to the center-fill flavor, but distinct from the gum region flavor.

[0062]A variety of flavors may be used in any of these or other combinations to impart different dualities. More specifically, in some embodiments, at least two flavors that are distinct may be employed. Dualities based on distinct flavors may include, but are not limited to, the following combinations: a mint flavor and a fruit flavor; a mint flavor and a spicy flavor; a mint flavor and a savory flavor; a mint flavor and an indulgent flavor; a fruit flavor and a spicy flavor; a fruit flavor and a savory flavor; a fruit flavor and an indulgent flavor; a spicy flavor and a savory flavor; a spicy flavor and an indulgent flavor; and a savory flavor and an indulgent flavor.

[0063]Some of the duality combinations set forth above include an indulgent flavor. As used herein, "indulgent" refers to a type of flavor associated with a creamy or decadent taste. Sometimes these flavors are referred to as "sweet/brown" in the art. Examples of suitable indulgent flavors include, but are not limited to, maple, cola, chocolate, dulce de leche, raisin, vanilla, caramel, dairy flavors, such as cream, butter, milk and yogurt, butterscotch, peanut butter, fruit cream flavors, such as strawberry cream, and combinations thereof.

[0064]In some embodiments, at least two flavors that are complementary may be employed. In some embodiments, the complementary flavors may be the same type of flavor, e.g., two different mint flavors. In some other embodiments, a first flavor, e.g., a fruit flavor, may be provided, and the second flavor may be complementary by enhancing the first flavor, e.g., a fruit potentiator. More specifically, dualities based on complementary flavors may include, but are not limited to, the following combinations: a mint flavor and a mint potentiator; a fruit flavor and a fruit potentiator; a spicy flavor and a spice potentiator; a savory flavor and a savory potentiator; a mint flavor and a different mint flavor; a fruit flavor and a different fruit flavor; a spicy flavor and a different spicy flavor; a savory flavor and a different savory flavor; and an indulgent flavor and a different indulgent flavor.

[0065]In some embodiments, the duality may be based on at least two portions of a flavor that differ in intensity. For instance, any of the following types of flavors may be used in at least two portions, each of which contains a different amount of the flavor: mint flavor; fruit flavor; spicy flavor; savory flavor; and indulgent flavor. For example, one of the regions of the chewing gum may include a first amount of a flavor and a separate region may include a second amount of the same flavor. The second amount may be greater than the first amount of the flavor, thereby creating an intensity differential in the flavor impact. It further may be desirable, in some embodiments, to include a third portion of the same flavor in the remaining region of the chewing gum, which is different in amount than the first and/or second portion.

[0066]A variety of exemplary flavors, such as mint, fruit, spicy, savory and indulgent flavors are provided in Table 2 herein. Specific flavors may be selected from Table 2 and combined in various manners as set forth above and in other combinations or embodiments.

[0067]Further, in some embodiments, at least one of the flavors may have a modified release profile. As described in more detail below, components may be at least partially encapsulated to provide a modified release profile. Suitable encapsulating materials and methods of encapsulation are provided in more detail below in the section entitled "Additional Components." One or all of the flavors used in the chewing gums may be at least partially encapsulated. Further, in some embodiments, at least one of the flavors may include a mixture of the flavor in its encapsulated and unencapsulated (sometimes referred to as "free") forms. Encapsulated and unencapsulated forms of a flavor may be included in any of the regions of the chewing gum in the same or different amounts.

[0068]Some embodiments described herein extend to methods of preparing multi-modality chewing gum products, which include at least one flavor duality. In particular, a chewing gum composition including any of the flavor dualities described above may first be provided. The chewing gum composition may include a center-fill region, a gum region surrounding or adjacent to the center-fill region and optionally a third region, which may be a coating or shell. One of the center-fill gum regions may include at least one first flavor and at least a second of the center-fill gum regions may include at least one second flavor. The second flavor may be distinct from, complementary to or different in intensity from the first flavor. Individual chewing gum pieces then may be formed from the chewing gum composition. Methods of forming individual gum pieces from chewing gum compositions are described in more detail below in the section entitled "Center-Fill Chewing Gum Compositions." As described below, U.S. Pat. No. 6,280,780 to Degady et al. ("Degady"), which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, describes a suitable apparatus and method for forming center-filled gum pellets.

[0069]In some embodiments, methods of imparting a dual flavor perception are provided. In accordance therewith, a chewing gum product prepared as described above may be provided. The chewing gum product may include a center-fill region, a gum region surrounding or adjacent to the center-fill region and optionally a third region, which may be a coating. One of the center-fill gum regions may include at least one first flavor and at least a second of the center-fill gum regions may include at least one second flavor. The second flavor may be distinct from, complementary to or different in intensity from the first flavor. The chewing gum product may be applied into the oral cavity of an individual. As the individual chews the product and saliva mixes therewith, the at least one first flavor and the at least one second flavor may be released from the gum. The individual may experience a dual flavor perception as the first and second flavors are released and combine in the oral cavity. The different flavors may interact with different portions of the oral cavity, different receptors in the individual's mouth, and the like.

[0070]Additional embodiments described herein relate to methods of developing chewing gum products, which provide a consumer-preferred duality, particularly a flavor duality. In accordance therewith, a consumer preference for a dual flavor combination may first be identified. The dual flavor combination may include at least one first flavor and at least one second flavor, which is distinct from, complementary to or different intensity from the first flavor. A variety of methods may be used to identify a consumer preference for a specific flavor duality, such as, market research, including consumer surveys, taste panels, and the like. Once a consumer preference for a dual flavor combination, such as, for example, kiwi and banana, is identified, a chewing gum product tailored to satisfy that preference may be provided. In particular, any of the center-fill chewing gum products described above may be prepared. The first flavor of the consumer-preferred duality may be added to one region of the gum and the second flavor of the consumer-preferred duality may be added to another region of the gum. The chewing gum product may be marketed to consumers based on the consumer-preferred duality.

[0071]The consumer-preferred duality provided by the gum product may be marketed to consumers in a variety of manners. Suitable marketing strategies, include, for example, print, radio, satellite radio, television, movie theater and online advertising campaigns, point-of-purchase advertisements, billboard advertisements, public transportation and telephone booth advertisements, indicia on the product packaging (e.g., slogans, trademarks, terms and colors), instant messaging, ringtones, and the like.

[0072]The package assembly of the present invention may be used to market and reinforce the multi-modality gum product to consumers. In one preferred embodiment, the package assembly of the present invention includes indicia e.g., descriptive matter such as words, phrases, slogans, pictures, symbols, contests, marketing campaigns, textures, colors, intensities, or other characteristics or features, that are be used to relate information to consumers concerning the gum product.

[0073]Several advantages may be derived by providing indicia on the package assembly. For example, a package assembly having indicia may provide notice to consumers that a specific product of known quality, aroma and taste, is available. The indicia also may provide consumers with a latent image of the product and reinforce consumer image of the product.

[0074]In one preferred embodiment, the indicia extends over a portion of an outer surface of the package assembly. By providing the indicia on the package, the package assembly of the present invention may be utilized as a marketing tool. For example, a consumer viewing the product package may be immediately informed of the multi-modality of the product, such as a first sensate and second sensate, contained in the product.

[0075]The present invention, however, is not limited to the indicia being included on the outer surface of the assembly. For example, indicia also may be included on an overwrap for a package (as opposed to or in addition to the package assembly itself) as discussed in connection with FIG. 2, as well as printed on the product itself, discussed in connection with FIG. 3. In one preferred embodiment, as shown and discussed in connection with FIG. 2, indicia also may be provided on the surfaces of one or more wrappers used to protect and store the gum product in the assembly. Although the wrapper is provided with indicia of which at least some may be substantially the same as that on the outer surface of the assembly, the wrapper indicia also may include further information relating to, say, a contest or promotion of the product contained in the assembly. The contest or promotion may include a sweepstake, prize, token or redeemable voucher.

[0076]The communication of the indicia to consumers can be done through a number of media outlets and includes such things as printed indicia on product packages, printed messages in magazines, newspapers, newsletters and the like, audio and visual outlets such as radio and television as well as other outlets, such as the Internet, that are suitable for use in delivering the message to a targeted demographic.

[0077]Various marketing techniques also may be developed using the indicia of the present invention. For example, an advertisement for the product may be provided that utilizes at least a portion of the indicia included on the package. In one preferred embodiment, for example, the advertisement takes the form of an audio message that is played upon the user removing the product from the packaging.

[0078]In another embodiment, a display device, is configured to support the package assembly and thereby, show at least a portion of the indicia indicating the multi-modality of the product contained therein. For example, in one preferred embodiment, a display stand is provided for displaying and supporting the package assembly. The display stand may be used in a retail establishment at the point of purchase such as the cash register. The display stand may be formed from transparent plastic to allow clear viewing of the indicia included on the package assembly.

[0079]Other marketing techniques also may be developed to generate sales of the product. For example, in some preferred embodiments, audio messages are created that recite indicia (e.g., slogans, jingles) included on the product package. This may include a method of publishing audio files to the Internet, and allowing consumers to subscribe to a feed to receive the audio files containing the indicia. Visual images of the product also may be prepared that include at least a portion of the indicia included on the product package. For example live or delayed sound or video broadcasts of the indicia may be provided to consumers using web technologies over the Internet. Radio and television commercials also may be used to market the product to consumers using at least a portion of the indicia, and thereby increase revenue.

[0080]Of course, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the above referenced techniques and that various changes and modifications to the techniques may be affected herein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. It is also to be understood and that it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the invention.

[0081]Various packaging assemblies known in the art may be adapted to incorporate features of the present invention. For example, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,279,471 to Wilson, which is incorporated herein in its entirety, a box is disclosed that may support chocolate and other confectionary products that may be adapted to support the gum compositions and provide the indicia of the present invention. U.S. Design Pat. Nos. D398,520 and D392,885, which are incorporated herein in their entirety, also disclose a box-type packaging that can be adapted to support and provide the gum compositions and the indicia of the present invention, respectively.

[0082]Gum stick packaging known in the art also may be adapted to incorporate the above described indicia and support the multi-modality chewing gum product of the present invention. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,926,951 to Huffer et. al., which is incorporated herein in its entirety, a laminate for gum packaging is disclosed that may include the indicia of the present invention. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 5,029,712 to O'Brien et. al., which is incorporated herein in its entirety, discloses a reclosable package for holding items having an adhesive front label applied to the front portion of the container. The reclosable package may be used to support the gum compositions of the present invention. Indicia of the present invention also may be provided by the reclosable package. Chewing gum packages, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,192,472 and U.S. Pat. No. 2,192,473, which are incorporated herein in their entirety, also may be adapted to provide the indicia and support the gum product of the present invention.

[0083]The present invention may be applied to packaging tins used for supporting confectionary products. For example, in U.S. Design Pat. No. D480,561 to Simon et. al., which is incorporated herein in its entirety, a case for a chewing gum packet is disclosed that can be adapted to support the gum compositions and provide the indicia of the present invention. U.S. Design Pat. No. D471,804 to Staples, which is incorporated herein in its entirety, discloses a chewing gum tin that also may be used to support the gum compositions and provide the indicia of the present invention. In addition, U.S. Design Pat. No. D457,427 to Diaz, which is incorporated herein in its entirety, discloses a combined chewing gum box and clip that may be used to support the gum compositions and provide the indicia of the present invention. Other tin packaging assemblies that may be adapted to support the multi-modality chewing gum product and include indicia of the present invention include U.S. Design Pat. D412,279, U.S. Design Pat. No. D406,496, U.S. Design Pat. No. D351,789 and U.S. Design Pat. No. D449,782, all of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

[0084]Dispensors also may be used to support the multi-modality chewing gum product and provide the indicia of the present invention. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,353 to Coleman et. al., which is incorporated herein in its entirety, discloses a candy container and dispenser that includes a housing having a top enclosure with an aperture, wherein pieces of candy having a size smaller than the aperture may be dispensed by shaking. The candy container and dispenser may be adapted to house the gum product and provide the indicia of the present invention. U.S. Pat. No. 5,370,219 to Violett, which is incorporated herein in its entirety, discloses containers for the storage and transportation of sticks of gum, that may be adapted to support the chewing gum and provide the indicia of the present invention. U.S. Pat. No. 5,056,683 to O'Brien et. al., which is incorporated herein in its entirety, discloses a cardboard stick gum dispenser that may be adapted to support the multi-modality chewing gum and indicia of the present invention. Similarly, other dispensor packages may be used with the present invention. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,465,208 to Buban et al., which is incorporated herein in its entirety, discloses a chewing gum dispenser having an upper cover whose central region is cut away to afford access to a stick product. The chewing gum dispenser of Buban et. al. may be adapted to provide the indicia and support the chewing gum product of the present invention. Similarly, the dispensers disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4.170,914 and 3,591,043, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety, also may be adapted to support the multi-modality chewing gum and to provide the indicia of the present invention.

[0085]Of course, the present invention is not limited to the above identified package assemblies and various other types of package assemblies may also be used to support the multi-modality chewing gum of the present invention. For example, tablet packs, as disclosed in U.S. Design Pat. No. D344,018 to Kelsey et. al., which is incorporated herein in its entirety, may be adapted to provide the indicia and support the product of the present invention. The stacked articles disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,591,043 to Murphy also may be adapted to support the gum product and provide the indicia of the present invention.

[0086]Sealed packets also may be used to support the multi-modality gum product and provide the indicia of the present invention. For example, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,874,096 to Tessera-Chiesa, which is incorporated herein in its entirety, a sealed packet containing food products in pieces, particularly sweets and the like, is disclosed that can be adapted to provide the gum product and indicia of the present invention. Furthermore, combination packages, such as the apparatus for carrying gum and mints disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,655,488, which is incorporated herein in its entirety, may be used to support the gum product and provide the indicia of the present invention and overwrapping packages, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,571,516 and U.S. Design Pat. No. D383,973, which are incorporated herein in their entirety, may be adapted to support the multi-modality gum product and provide the indicia of the present invention.

[0087]Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which further assist in illustrating the various pertinent features of the packaging assembly of the present invention. Although the invention will now be described primarily in conjunction with gum packaging, it should be expressly understood that the invention may be applicable to other applications where multiple separable compartments, each for one or more removable objects, is required/desired. In this regard, the following description of a gum packaging assembly is presented for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, the descriptions are not intended to limit the invention to the forms disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the following teachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the packaging assemblies.

[0088]Referring now to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of a package assembly 100 according to the present invention is disclosed. The package assembly 100 includes an upper compartment 14 and a lower compartment 16 that are used to support multi-modality chewing gum compositions. The upper and lower compartments 14, 16 may be easily separated from one another along a perforation 12. As shown in FIG. 1, the compartments 14 and 16 are typically provided in an attached manner and are folded together to place one facing the other. A cover flap 18 is provided from the upper compartment 14 having an end 20 laid over a receiving slot 22 in a back panel 24 of the lower compartment 16 to close the assembly 100. The consumer can tuck the end 20 into the slot 22 to form a compact package 26. Details of forming the package assembly 100 of FIG. 1 are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No 10/883,468, filed on Jul. 1, 2004, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

[0089]As shown in FIG. 1, each of the compartments includes indicia 30, 32 that are indicative of the duality provided by the product contained therein. The location of the indicia 30, 32 may vary based on design considerations as well as functional considerations decided upon to effectively market the product. For example, in one preferred embodiment, one of the indicia 30 is included on one of upper compartment 14 and the other indicia 32 is included on the lower compartment 16. The indicia 30, 32 may be indicative of the flavors, sensations, tastes, functionalities, or other characteristics or benefits provided by the gum compositions contained in the compartments that are complementary to each other, opposed to each other, i.e., distinct, or different in intensity from each other. For example, in one preferred embodiment, one indicia 30 may indicate a sweet flavor gum composition accessible from the upper compartment 14 and another indicia 32 indicate a sour flavor gum composition accessible from the lower compartment 16. Of course, as mentioned previously, the indicia may be any words, phrases, slogans, pictures, symbols, contests, marketing campaigns, textures, colors, intensities, or other characteristics or features relating to the gum product.

[0090]Referring now to FIG. 2, a second embodiment of a package assembly 200 according to the present invention is disclosed. As shown in FIG. 2, when the consumer opens the assembly 200 by pulling up the tab 250a of a flap 250, a foil portion of a packet 206, e.g., an overwrap, supporting the multi-modality chewing gum compositions of the present invention tears along a scoring 243 leaving an array 212 of filled-wrappers of gum 214. The wrappers 214 protect and store the gum product in the assembly 200. As shown in FIG. 2, in one preferred embodiment, for example, one or more of the gum wrappers 214 include indicia 215 that may be used to provide further information relating to the product, or a contest or promotion relating to the product. Once the foil portion of the packet 206 tears, the consumer may pull out as many gum slabs 214 as needed. In some preferred embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the foil portion of the packet 206 also may contain indicia 217 relating to the product, such as a freshness data, as well as contest or promotional information relating to the gum product. Finally, the consumer may simply pull the flap 250 downward and tuck the tab 250a into a slot 252 to close the package assembly 200. Details of forming the package assembly 200 of FIG. 2 are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/001,352, filed on Oct. 31, 2001, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

[0091]As shown in FIG. 2, a front wall 218 of the packet also may include indicia 230, 232 that are indicative of the duality provided by the gum composition included therein. Similar to the indicia 30, 32 described previously in connection with FIG. 1, the indicia 230, 232 may be indicative of the flavors, sensations, tastes, functionalities, or other characteristics or benefits provided by the gum compositions. The location and number of indicia 230, 232 included in the package assembly 200 also may vary depending upon the marketing strategy chosen. For example, in some preferred embodiments, indicia are also included on the flap 250 of the assembly and are visible when the assembly 200 is opened.

[0092]A third embodiment of a product package assembly 300 of the present invention is shown in FIG. 3. The package assembly includes a sleeve 317 having a uniform shape. The assembly 300 also includes one or more package or blister trays 314, 315 that are removable from and reinsertable into the sleeve 317. For example, as shown by the arrow 321 in FIG. 3, a consumer may slidably remove blister trays 314, 315 from the sleeve 317 and slidably reinsert the blister trays 314,315 into the sleeve 317 as desired. In a preferred embodiment, for example, each blister tray 314,315 includes indicia 371a, 371b that provides information to consumers relating to the packaging date of the assembly. Of course, as mentioned previously, other indicia relating to the product may be provided thereto.

[0093]Preferably, the blister trays 314, 315 of the present invention are made primarily from plastic and/or plastic or metal foils. As shown in FIG. 3, each tray 314, 315 may be attached to each other via a perforated line 319 that allows the trays 314,315 to be separated from each other. For example, the blister trays 314, 315 may be easily separated from each other by tearing along the perforated line 319.

[0094]As shown in FIG. 3, each of the trays 314, 315 includes a plurality of compartments 318a-f, 318e-l, respectively, that extend outwardly from each tray 314, 315. The compartments 318a-l support the multi-modality chewing gum compositions of the present invention. For example, one blister tray 314 may include a sweet flavor gum composition 324a-f, and one blister tray 315 may include a sour flavor gum composition 324g-l.

[0095]The front wall 328 of the sleeve 317 includes indicia 360, 362 that are indicative of the multi-modality of the gum product supported therein. The indicia 360, 362 may indicate the flavors, sensations, tastes, functionalities, or other characteristics or benefits provided by the gum compositions included in the blister trays 314, 315. As shown in FIG. 3, in one preferred embodiment, the top wall 328 of the sleeve 317 includes openings 337a, 337b that allow for displaying the multi-modality chewing gum compositions when one or more trays 314, 315 are inserted into the sleeve 317. For example, in one preferred embodiment, a sweet flavor gum composition 324e is displayed through opening 337a and a sour flavor gum composition 324L is displayed through opening 337b. Indicia 360, 362 indicating "Sweet" and "Sour" flavors, respectively, are located adjacent to the openings 337a, 337b and thereby, are indicative of the flavors. Of course, the indicia 360, 362 also inform the consumer of the multi-modality of the gum compositions.

[0096]As shown in FIG. 3, one or more of the gum product may have included therein indicia 370 that may be pre-printed, stamped or etched onto the product. The indicia 370 may include a name, such as a brand name, or other images, symbols, or other descriptive matter that is related to the product or marketing of the product.

Sensate Dualities

[0097]Some center-fill gums may include a duality based on sensations, such as coolness, warmth and tingling sensations. Such sensations may be provided by sensates, such as cooling agents, warming agents and tingling agents, respectively. In some embodiments, one of the regions of the center-fill gum may include a first sensate and at least a second of the regions may include at least a second sensate. The second sensate may be distinct from, complementary to or different in intensity from the first sensate. For instance, the center-fill region may include the first sensate and the gum region may include the second sensate. The center-fill region may include the first sensate and the coating may include the second sensate. The gum region may include the first sensate and the coating may include the second sensate.

[0098]In some embodiments, the center-fill region may include the first sensate, the gum region the second sensate and the coating may include a third sensate. The coating sensate may be the same as the gum region sensate. In such embodiments, the center-fill sensate may be distinct from, complementary to or different in intensity from both the coating and gum region sensates. In other embodiments, the coating sensate may be complementary to the gum region sensate, but distinct from the center-fill sensate. For example, the gum region and coating sensates may be two different cooling agents, such as, menthol and menthyl succinate. The center-fill sensate may be distinct from the cooling agents, such as, for example, a tingling agent. Alternatively, the coating sensate may be the same as the center-fill sensate. In such embodiments, the gum region sensate may be distinct from, complementary to or different in intensity from both the coating and center-fill sensates. In other embodiments, the coating sensate may be complementary to the center-fill sensate, but distinct from the gum region sensate.

[0099]A variety of sensates may be used in any of these or other combinations to impart different dualities. More specifically, in some embodiments, at least two sensates that are distinct may be employed. Dualities based on distinct sensates may include, but are not limited to, the following combinations: a cooling agent and a warming agent; a cooling agent and a tingling agent; and a warming agent and a tingling agent.

[0100]In some embodiments, at least two sensates that are complementary may be employed. In particular, the complementary sensates may be the same type of sensate, such as, two different cooling agents, two different warming agents or two different tingling agents.

[0101]In some embodiments, the duality may be based on at least two portions of a sensate that differ in intensity. Any of the following types of sensates may be used in at least two portions, each of which contains a different amount of the sensate: cooling agents, warming agents or tingling agents. For example, one of the regions of the chewing gum may include a first amount of a sensate and a separate region may include a second amount of the same sensate. The second amount may be greater than the first amount of the sensate, thereby creating an intensity differential in the sensation. It further may be desirable, in some embodiments, to include a third portion of the same sensate in the remaining region of the chewing gum, which is different in amount than the first and/or second portion of the sensate.

[0102]A variety of exemplary sensates, such as cooling, warming and tingling agents are provided in Table 2 herein. Specific sensates may be selected from Table 2 and combined in various manners as set forth above and in other potential combinations or embodiments.

[0103]Further, in some embodiments, at least one of the sensates may have a modified release profile. As described in more detail below, components may be at least partially encapsulated to provide a modified release profile. Suitable encapsulating materials and methods of encapsulation are provided in more detail below in the section entitled "Additional Components." One or all of the sensates used in the chewing gums may be at least partially encapsulated. Further, in some embodiments, at least one of the sensates may include a mixture of the sensate in its encapsulated and unencapsulated (sometimes referred to as "free") forms. Encapsulated and unencapsulated forms of a sensate may be included in any of the regions of the chewing gum in the same or different amounts.

[0104]Some embodiments described herein extend to methods of preparing multi-modality chewing gum products, which include at least one sensation duality. In particular, a chewing gum composition including any of the sensation dualities described above may first be provided. The chewing gum composition may include a center-fill region, a gum region surrounding or adjacent to the center-fill region and optionally a third region, which may be a coating. One of the center-fill gum regions may include at least one first sensate and at least a second of the center-fill gum regions may include at least one second sensate. The second sensate may be distinct from, complementary to or different in intensity from the first sensate. Individual chewing gum pieces then may be formed from the chewing gum composition. Methods of forming individual gum pieces from chewing gum compositions are described in more detail below in the section entitled "Center-Fill Chewing Gum Compositions." As described below, Degady, which is referred to above, describes a suitable apparatus and method for forming center-filled gum pellets.

[0105]In some embodiments, methods of imparting a dual sensation perception are provided. In accordance therewith, a chewing gum product prepared as described above may be provided. The chewing gum product may include a center-fill region, a gum region surrounding or adjacent to the center-fill region and optionally a third region, which may be a coating. One of the center-fill gum regions may include at least one first sensate and at least a second of the center-fill gum regions may include at least one second sensate. The second sensate may be distinct from, complementary to or different in intensity from the first sensate. The chewing gum product may be applied into the oral cavity of an individual. As the individual chews the product and saliva mixes therewith, the at least one first sensate and the at least one second sensate may be released from the gum. The individual may experience a dual sensation perception as the first and second sensates are released and combine in the oral cavity.

[0106]Additional embodiments described herein relate to methods of developing chewing gum products, which provide a consumer-preferred duality, particularly a sensation duality. In accordance therewith, a consumer preference for a dual sensation combination may first be identified. The dual sensation combination may include at least one first sensate and at least one second sensate, which is distinct from, complementary to or different intensity from the first sensate. A variety of methods may be used to identify a consumer preference for a specific sensation duality, such as, market research, including consumer surveys, taste panels, and the like. Once a consumer preference for a dual sensation combination, such as, for example, cooling and tingling, is identified, a chewing gum product tailored to satisfy that preference may be provided. In particular, any of the center-fill chewing gum products described above may be prepared. The first sensate of the consumer-preferred duality may be added to one region of the gum and the second sensate of the consumer-preferred duality may be added to another region of the gum. The chewing gum product may be marketed to consumers based on the consumer-preferred duality. The product may be marketed in a variety of manners, as described above with respect to the marketing of flavor dualities.

Taste Dualities

[0107]Some center-fill gums may include a duality based on tastes, such as, bitter, salty, sweet, sour, umami and kokumi tastes. Tastants are agents that may provide such tastes. In some embodiments, one of the regions of the center-fill gum may include a first tastant and at least a second of the regions may include at least a second tastant. The second tastant may be distinct from, complementary to or different in intensity from the first tastant. For instance, the center-fill region may include the first tastant and the gum region may include the second tastant. The center-fill region may include the first tastant and the coating may include the second tastant. The gum region may include the first tastant and the coating may include the second tastant.

[0108]In some embodiments, the center-fill region may include the first tastant, the gum region the second tastant and the coating may include a third tastant. The coating tastant may be the same as the gum region tastant. In such embodiments, the center-fill tastant may be distinct from, complementary to or different in intensity from both the coating and gum region tastants. In other embodiments, the coating tastant may be complementary to the gum region tastant, but distinct from the center-fill tastant. For example, the gum region and coating tastant may be two different sweeteners, such as, sucralose and sorbitol. The center-fill tastant may be distinct from the sweeteners, such as, for example, a citric acid, which is a sour agent. Alternatively, the coating tastant may be the same as the center-fill tastant. In such embodiments, the gum region tastant may be distinct from, complementary to or different in intensity from both the coating and center-fill tastants. In other embodiments, the coating tastant may be complementary to the center-fill tastant, but distinct from the gum region tastant.

[0109]A variety of tastants may be used in any of these or other combinations to impart different dualities. More specifically, in some embodiments, at least two tastants that are distinct may be employed. Dualities based on distinct tastes may include, but are not limited to, the following combinations: a sweet tastant and a sour tastant; a sweet tastant and a salty tastant; a sweet tastant and a bitter tastant; a sweet tastant and an astringent tastant; a sweet tastant and an umami tastant; a sweet tastant and a kokumi tastant; a sour tastant and a salty tastant; a sour tastant and a bitter tastant; a sour tastant and an astringent tastant; a sour tastant and an umami tastant; a sour tastant and a kokumi tastant; a salty tastant and a bitter tastant; a salty tastant and an astringent tastant; a salty tastant and an umami tastant; a salty tastant and a kokumi tastant; a bitter tastant and an astringent tastant; a bitter tastant and an umami tastant; and a bitter tastant and a kokumi tastant.

[0110]In some embodiments, at least two tastants that are complementary may be employed. In particular, the complementary tastants may be the same type of tastant, such as, two different bitter agents; two different sour agents, two different sweeteners; two different salts; two different umami agents; or two different kokumi agents.

[0111]In some embodiments, the duality may be based on at least two portions of a tastant that differ in intensity. Any of the following types of tastants may be used in at least two portions, each of which contains a different amount of the tastant: bitter agents; sour agents, sweeteners; salts; umami agents; or kokumi agents. For example, one of the regions of the chewing gum may include a first amount of a tastant and a separate region may include a second amount of the same tastant. The second amount may be greater than the first amount of the tastant, thereby creating an intensity differential in the taste. It further may be desirable, in some embodiments, to include a third portion of the same tastant in the remaining region of the chewing gum, which is different in amount than the first and/or second portion of the tastant.

[0112]Some of the duality combinations set forth above include an umami tastant. "Umami" refers to a taste that is savory, or the taste of glutamate.

[0113]Some of the duality combinations set forth above include a kokami tastant. "Kokumi" refers to materials that impart "mouthfulness" and "good body," as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,679,397 to Kuroda et al., which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference.

[0114]A variety of exemplary tastants, such as bitter, salty, sweet, sour, umami and kokumi tastants are provided in Table 2 herein. Specific tastants may be selected from Table 2 and combined in various manners as set forth above and in other combinations or embodiments.

[0115]Further, in some embodiments, at least one of the tastants may have a modified release profile. As described in more detail below, components may be at least partially encapsulated to provide a modified release profile. Suitable encapsulating materials and methods of encapsulation are provided in more detail below in the section entitled "Additional Components." One or all of the tastants used in the chewing gums may be at least partially encapsulated. Further, in some embodiments, at least one of the tastants may include a mixture of the tastant in its encapsulated and unencapsulated (sometimes referred to as "free") forms. Encapsulated and unencapsulated forms of a tastant may be included in any of the regions of the chewing gum in the same or different amounts.

[0116]Some embodiments described herein extend to methods of preparing multi-modality chewing gum products, which include at least one taste duality. In particular, a chewing gum composition including any of the taste dualities described above may first be provided. The chewing gum composition may include a center-fill region, a gum region surrounding or adjacent to the center-fill region and optionally a third region, which may be a coating. One of the center-fill gum regions may include at least one first tastant and at least a second of the center-fill gum regions may include at least one second tastant. The second tastant may be distinct from, complementary to or different in intensity from the first tastant. Individual chewing gum pieces then may be formed from the chewing gum composition. Methods of forming individual gum pieces from chewing gum compositions are described in more detail below in the section entitled "Center-Fill Chewing Gum Compositions." As described below, Degady, which is referred to above, describes a suitable apparatus and method for forming center-filled gum pellets.

[0117]In some embodiments, methods of imparting a dual taste perception are provided. In accordance therewith, a chewing gum product prepared as described above may be provided. The chewing gum product may include a center-fill region, a gum region surrounding or adjacent to the center-fill region and optionally a third region, which may be a coating. One of the center-fill gum regions may include at least one first tastant and at least a second of the center-fill gum regions may include at least one second tastant. The second tastant may be distinct from, complementary to or different in intensity from the first tastant. The chewing gum product may be applied into the oral cavity of an individual. As the individual chews the product and saliva mixes therewith, the at least one first tastant and the at least one second tastant may be released from the gum. The individual may experience a dual taste perception as the first and second tastants are released and combine in the oral cavity.

[0118]Additional embodiments described herein relate to methods of developing chewing gum products, which provide a consumer-preferred duality, particularly a taste duality. In accordance therewith, a consumer preference for a dual taste combination may first be identified. The dual taste combination may include at least one first tastant and at least one second tastant, which is distinct from, complementary to or different intensity from the first tastant. A variety of methods may be used to identify a consumer preference for a specific taste duality, such as, market research, including consumer surveys, taste panels, and the like. Once a consumer preference for a dual taste combination, such as, for example, bitter and astringent, is identified, a chewing gum product tailored to satisfy that preference may be provided. In particular, any of the center-fill chewing gum products described above may be prepared. The first tastant of the consumer-preferred duality may be added to one region of the gum and the second tastant of the consumer-preferred duality may be added to another region of the gum. The chewing gum product may be marketed to consumers based on the consumer-preferred duality. The product may be marketed in a variety of manners, as described above with respect to the marketing of flavor dualities.

Functional Dualities

[0119]Some center-fill gums may include a duality based on functionalities. Functionalities include, for example, teeth whitening and breath freshening, among others, and may be provided by various functional agents. In some embodiments, one of the regions of the center-fill gum may include a first functional agent and at least a second of the regions may include at least a second functional agent. The second functional agent may be distinct from, complementary to or different in intensity from the first functional agent. For instance, the center-fill region may include the first functional agent and the gum region may include the second functional agent. The center-fill region may include the first functional agent and the coating may include the second functional agent. The gum region may include the first functional agent and the coating may include the second functional agent.

[0120]In some embodiments, the center-fill region may include the first functional agent, the gum region the second functional agent and the coating may include a third functional agent. The coating functional agent, in some embodiments, may be the same as the gum region functional agent. In such embodiments, the center-fill functional agent may be distinct from, complementary to or different in intensity from both the coating and gum region functional agents. In other embodiments, the coating functional agent may be complementary to the gum region functional agent, but distinct from the center-fill functional agent. For example, the gum region and coating functional agents may be two different anti-plaque agents, such as, chlorhexidine and triclosan. The center-fill functional agent may be distinct from the anti-plaque agents, such as, for example, a remineralization agent. Alternatively, the coating functional agent may be the same as the center-fill functional agent. In such embodiments, the gum region functional agent may be distinct from, complementary to or different in intensity from both the coating and center-fill functional agents. In other embodiments, the coating functional agent may be complementary to the center-fill functional agent, but distinct from the gum region functional agent.

[0121]A variety of functional agents may be used in any of these or other combinations to impart different dualities. More specifically, in some embodiments, at least two functional agents that are distinct may be employed. Dualities based on distinct functional agents may include, but are not limited to, the following combinations: a vitamin and a mineral; a breath freshening agent and a tooth whitening agent; a breath freshening agent and a remineralization agent; a breath freshening agent and an antimicrobial agent; a tooth whitening agent and a stain prevention agent; a remineralization agent and a demineralization agent; an appetite suppressant and a stress relieving agent; an energy boosting agent and a stress relieving agent; and a concentration enhancing agent and a focus enhancing agent.

[0122]In some embodiments, at least two functional agents that are complementary may be employed. In particular, the complementary functional agents may be the same type of functional agent, such as, two different surfactants, two different breath freshening agents, two different anti-microbial agents, two different antibacterial agents, two different anti-calculus agents, two different anti-plaque agents, two different fluoride compounds, two different quaternary ammonium compounds, two different remineralization agents, two different demineralization agents, two different pharmaceutical actives, two different micronutrients, two different throat care actives, two different tooth whitening agents, two different stain removing agents, two different energy boosting agents, two different concentration boosting agents, two different focus enhancing agents and two different appetite suppressants.

[0123]In some embodiments, the duality may be based on at least two portions of a functional agent that differ in intensity. Any of the types of functional agents set forth above in the description of complementary functional agents may be used in at least two portions, each of which contains a different amount of the functional agent. For example, one of the regions of the chewing gum may include a first amount of a functional agent and a separate region may include a second amount of the same functional agent. The second amount may be greater than the first amount of the functional agent, thereby creating an intensity differential in the functionality. It further may be desirable, in some embodiments, to include a third portion of the same functional agent in the remaining region of the chewing gum, which is different in amount than the first and/or second portion of the functional agent.

[0124]A variety of exemplary functional agents are provided in Table 2 herein. Specific functional agents may be selected from Table 2 and combined in various manners as set forth above and in other combinations or embodiments.

[0125]Further, in some embodiments, at least one of the functional agents may have a modified release profile. As described in more detail below, components may be at least partially encapsulated to provide a modified release profile. Suitable encapsulating materials and methods of encapsulation are provided in more detail below in the section entitled "Additional Components." One or all of the functional agents used in the chewing gums may be at least partially encapsulated. Further, in some embodiments, at least one of the functional agents may include a mixture of the functional agent in its encapsulated and unencapsulated (sometimes referred to as "free") forms. Encapsulated and unencapsulated forms of a functional agent may be included in any of the regions of the chewing gum in the same or different amounts.

[0126]Some embodiments described herein extend to methods of preparing multi-modality chewing gum products, which include at least one functional duality. In particular, a chewing gum composition including any of the functional dualities described above may first be provided. The chewing gum composition may include a center-fill region, a gum region surrounding or adjacent to the center-fill region and optionally a third region, which may be a coating. One of the center-fill gum regions may include at least one first functional agent and at least a second of the center-fill gum regions may include at least one second functional agent. The second functional agent may be distinct from, complementary to or different in intensity from the first functional agent. Individual chewing gum pieces then may be formed from the chewing gum composition. Methods of forming individual gum pieces from chewing gum compositions are described in more detail below in the section entitled "Center-Fill Chewing Gum Compositions." As described below, Degady, which is referred to above, describes a suitable apparatus and method for forming center-filled gum pellets.

[0127]In some embodiments, methods of imparting a dual functional perception are provided. In accordance therewith, a chewing gum product prepared as described above may be provided. The chewing gum product may include a center-fill region, a gum region surrounding or adjacent to the center-fill region and optionally a third region, which may be a coating. One of the center-fill gum regions may include at least one first functional agent and at least a second of the center-fill gum regions may include at least one second functional agent. The second functional agent may be distinct from, complementary to or different in intensity from the first functional agent. The chewing gum product may be applied into the oral cavity of an individual. As the individual chews the product and saliva mixes therewith, the at least one first functional agent and the at least one second functional agent may be released from the gum. The individual may experience a dual functional perception as the first and second functional agents are released and combine in the oral cavity.

[0128]Additional embodiments described herein relate to methods of developing chewing gum products, which provide a consumer-preferred duality, particularly a functional duality. In accordance therewith, a consumer preference for a dual functional combination may first be identified. The dual functional combination may include at least one first functional agent and at least one second functional agent, which is distinct from, complementary to or different intensity from the first functional agent. A variety of methods may be used to identify a consumer preference for a specific functional duality, such as, market research, including consumer surveys, taste panels, and the like. Once a consumer preference for a dual functional combination, such as, for example, breath freshening and stain removing, is identified, a chewing gum product tailored to satisfy that preference may be provided. In particular, any of the center-fill chewing gum products described above may be prepared. The first functional agent of the consumer-preferred duality may be added to one region of the gum and the second functional agent of the consumer-preferred duality may be added to another region of the gum. The chewing gum product may be marketed to consumers based on the consumer-preferred duality. The product may be marketed in a variety of manners, as described above with respect to the marketing of flavor dualities.

[0129]As mentioned above, specific flavors, sensates, tastants and functional agents may be selected from the exemplary listing of multi-modality components provided in Table 2 below and combined to create any of the different dualities described above. In particular, Table 2 is divided into the three separate regions of a center-fill gum, i.e., coating, center-fill and gum region. Suitable amounts for a multi-modality component when it is selected for use in any of the three regions are set forth in Table 2. Table 2 also provides a listing of basic components typically included in each of the three regions of a center-fill gum. Suitable amounts for the basic components also are set forth in Table 2. The amounts provided for the basic and multi-modality components are based on the specified region in which the component is contained.

[0130]Further, the amounts provided for the multi-modality components in Table 2 generally apply to a component as it may be added to the specified region of the gum composition in a free form, i.e., unencapsulated. In some embodiments, where the selected multi-modality component is provided in an encapsulated form, an amount greater than those amounts as set forth in Table 2 may be used due to the modified release profile of the component. Also, because a multi-modality component is selected in a specific embodiment to create a specific duality, the amounts provided in Table 2 represent amounts used only when the component is selected for inclusion in the composition. In other words, the lower limit of 0% is not included even though the multi-modality component may not be present.

[0131]Any of the multi-modality components listed in Table 2, below, which are selected to create a specific duality or multi-modality in a center-fill gum composition may be added to any region of the center-fill gum in their encapsulated and/or unencapsulated forms.

[0132]For instance, a center-fill gum having a flavor duality may be provided by selecting two complementary fruit flavors from Table 2 and incorporating the flavors into different regions of the gum. A peach flavor, for example, may be incorporated into the center-fill region and a raspberry flavor may be incorporated into the gum region. As provided in the table, the peach flavor may be added to the center-fill region in an amount of about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of the center-fill region. The center-fill region, for example, also may include the basic components for the center-fill region in the amounts provided in the table. One or more optional additives also may be included in the center-fill region, such as intense sweeteners, as described in more detail below in the section entitled "Additional Components." The raspberry flavor, which is complementary to the peach flavor, may be added to the gum region in an amount of about 0.5% to about 30% by weight of the gum region, as provided in the table. The gum region also may include the basic components in the amounts provided in the table. One ore more optional components also may be included in the gum region, such as bulking agents, fillers, plasticizers, softening agents, mineral adjuvants, waxes, emulsifiers, thickeners and other additives, such as those referred to for the center-fill region. The center-fill gum further may be coated with a coating composition. The coating composition may include the basic components in the amounts provided in the table, i.e., sugar and/or polyols, as well as optional additives, as referred to for the center-fill region.

[0133]In another example, a center-fill gum having a functional duality may be provided by selecting two distinct functional agents from Table 2 and incorporating the functional agents into different regions of the gum. Vitamin C, which is a micronutrient, may be incorporated into the gum region and coating of the gum. Aloe vera, which is a throat care agent, may be incorporated into the center-fill region. As provided in the table, the vitamin C may be added to the gum region in an amount of about 0.0001% to about 10% by weight of the gum region. Vitamin C may be added to the coating in an amount of about 0.0001% to about 10% by weight of the coating. As described in the previous example, the gum region also may include basic and optional components. The aloe vera, which provides a distinct throat soothing function from the nutrient function of vitamin C, may be added to the center-fill region in an amount of about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of the center-fill region, as provided in the table. The center-fill region also may include basic and optional components as described in the previous example.

[0134]As described above, Table 2 provides a list of multi-modality components that optionally may be present in one or more regions of the gum product. Suitable amounts that may be present in the coating, center-fill or gum region are provided in the table. The amounts in Table 2 are provided as ppm or weight % in a region or layer of the gum product. Table 2 is only representative and is not to be construed to limit the ingredients that can be included in the gum regions in any way.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Components Coating Center-fill Gum Region Basic Components Sugar 0-100% 30-80% Polyol 0-100% 0-95% 30-80% Glycerin 1-70% Natural or synthetic gum 0-1% Gum base 20-50% Bulking agent/Filler 0-12% Plasticizer/Softening agent 0-2.5% Mineral adjuvants 0-12% Wax 0-3.0% Emulsifier/Thickener 0-1% Multi-Modality Components I. Sensates A. Cooling agents Menthol 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm Xylitol 5-80% 5-95% 5-80% Erythritol 5-80% 5-95% 5-80% Menthane 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm Menthone 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm Menthyl acetate 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm Menthyl salicylate 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm WS-23 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm WS-3 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm Menthyl succinate (and its alkaline 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm earth metal salts) 3,1-menthoxypropane 1,2-diol 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm Glutarate esters 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm dextrose 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm sorbitol 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm ketals 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm menthone ketals 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm menthone glycerol ketals 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm substituted p-menthanes 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm acyclic carboxamides 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm mono menthyl glutarate 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm substituted cyclohexanamides 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm substituted cyclohexane 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm carboxamides substituted ureas and sulfonamides 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm substituted menthanols 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm hydroxymethyl 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm hydroxymethyl derivatives of 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm p-menthane 2-mercapto-cyclo-decanone 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm hydroxycarboxylic acids with 2-6 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm carbon atoms cyclohexanamides 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm 1-isopulegol 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm 3-(1-menthoxy)-2-methylpropane- 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm 1,2-diol p-menthane-2,3-diol 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm p-menthane-3,8-diol 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm 6-isopropyl-9-methyl-1,4- 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm dioxaspiro[4,5]decane-2-methanol trimethylcyclohexanol 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm N-ethyl-2-isopropyl-5- 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm methylcyclohexanecarboxamide Japanese mint oil 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm peppermint oil 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm 3-(1-menthoxy)ethan-1-ol 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm 3-(1-menthoxy)propan-1-ol 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm 3-(1-menthoxy)butan-1-ol 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm 1-menthylacetic acid N-ethylamide 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm 1-menthyl-4-hydroxypentanoate 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm 1-menthyl-3-hydroxybutyrate 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm N,2,3-trimethyl-2-(1-methylethyl)- 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm butanamide n-ethyl-t-2-c-6 nonadienamide 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm N,N-dimethyl menthyl 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm succinamide substituted p-menthane- 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm carboxamides 2-isopropanyl-5- 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm methylcyclohexanol menthyl lactate 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm WS-30 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm WS-14 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm Eucalyptus extract 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm Menthol PG carbonate 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm Menthol EG carbonate 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm Menthol glyceryl ether 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm N-tertbutyl-p-menthane-3- 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm carboxamide P-menthane-3-carboxylic acid 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm glycerol ester Methyl-2-isopryl-bicyclo (2.2.1) 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm Heptane-2-carboxamide 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm Menthol methyl ether 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm Methyl glutarate 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm menthyl pyrrolidone carboxylate 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm WS-5 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm WS-15 10-500 ppm 10-500 ppm 500-20,000 ppm B. Warming agents vanillyl alcohol n-butylether 1-1000 ppm 1-1500 ppm 10-8000 ppm vanillyl alcohol n-propylether 1-1000 ppm 1-1500 ppm 10-8000 ppm vanillyl alcohol isopropylether 1-1000 ppm 1-1500 ppm 10-8000 ppm vanillyl alcohol isobutylether 1-1000 ppm 1-1500 ppm 10-8000 ppm vanillyl alcohol n-aminoether 1-1000 ppm 1-1500 ppm 10-8000 ppm vanillyl alcohol isoamylether 1-1000 ppm 1-1500 ppm 10-8000 ppm vanillyl alcohol n-hexylether 1-1000 ppm 1-1500 ppm 10-8000 ppm vanillyl alcohol methylether 1-1000 ppm 1-1500 ppm 10-8000 ppm vanillyl alcohol ethylether 1-1000 ppm 1-1500 ppm 10-8000 ppm gingerol 1-1000 ppm 1-1500 ppm 10-8000 ppm shogaol 1-1000 ppm 1-1500 ppm 10-8000 ppm paradol 1-1000 ppm 1-1500 ppm 10-8000 ppm zingerone 1-1000 ppm 1-1500 ppm 10-8000 ppm capsaicin 1-1000 ppm 1-1500 ppm 10-8000 ppm dihydrocapsaicin 1-1000 ppm 1-1500 ppm 10-8000 ppm nordihydrocapsaicin 1-1000 ppm 1-1500 ppm 10-8000 ppm homocapsaicin 1-1000 ppm 1-1500 ppm 10-8000 ppm homodihydrocapsaicin 1-1000 ppm 1-1500 ppm 10-8000 ppm ethanol 1-1000 ppm 1-1500 ppm 10-8000 ppm isopropyl alcohol 1-1000 ppm 1-1500 ppm 10-8000 ppm iso-amylalcohol 1-1000 ppm 1-1500 ppm 10-8000 ppm benzyl alcohol 1-1000 ppm 1-1500 ppm 10-8000 ppm glycerine 1-1000 ppm 1-1500 ppm 10-8000 ppm chloroform 1-1000 ppm 1-1500 ppm 10-8000 ppm eugenol 1-1000 ppm 1-1500 ppm 10-8000 ppm cinnamon oil 1-1000 ppm 1-1500 ppm 10-8000 ppm cinnamic aldehyde 1-1000 ppm 1-1500 ppm 10-8000 ppm C. Tingling agents Jambu Oleoresin or para cress 5-500 ppm 5-500 ppm 50-5000 ppm Japanese pepper extract 5-500 ppm 5-500 ppm 50-5000 ppm black pepper extract 5-500 ppm 5-500 ppm 50-5000 ppm Echinacea extract 5-500 ppm 5-500 ppm 50-5000 ppm Northern Prickly Ash extract 5-500 ppm 5-500 ppm 50-5000 ppm red pepper oleoresin 5-500 ppm 5-500 ppm 50-5000 ppm effervescing agents 5-500 ppm 5-500 ppm 50-5000 ppm Spilanthol 5-500 ppm 5-500 ppm 50-5000 ppm Sanshool 5-500 ppm 5-500 ppm 50-5000 ppm II. Flavors spearmint oil 0.01-10.0% 0.01-10.0% 0.5-30.0% cinnamon oil 0.01-10.0% 0.01-10.0% 0.5-30.0% oil of wintergreen 0.01-10.0% 0.01-10.0% 0.5-30.0% peppermint oil 0.01-10.0% 0.01-10.0% 0.5-30.0% clove oil 0.01-10.0% 0.01-10.0% 0.5-30.0% bay oil 0.01-10.0% 0.01-10.0% 0.5-30.0% anise oil 0.01-10.0% 0.01-10.0% 0.5-30.0% eucalyptus oil 0.01-10.0% 0.01-10.0% 0.5-30.0% thyme oil 0.01-10.0% 0.01-10.0% 0.5-30.0% cedar leaf oil 0.01-10.0% 0.01-10.0% 0.5-30.0% oil of nutmeg 0.01-10.0