Patent US4328249A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4328249A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method for treating gum base to improve shelf-life without need for antioxidants
Assignee: Life Savers Inc
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Filing: 1981-01-30
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Granted: 1982-05-04
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Expires: 2001-01-30
Abstract
Abstract A method is provided for treating gum base to improve its resistance to oxidation without the need for antioxidants wherein air or oxygen is swept from the gum base by means of an inert gas, and the oxygen-free gum base, in particulate form, is coated with a highly oxygenated substance, such as molten sugar, sorbitol solution or hydrogenated starch hydrolysate which acts as a barrier against oxygen. The gum base produced by the above method and chewing gum containing such gum base are also provided.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald A. M. Mackay
- 👤 Wayne J. Puglia
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 14:21
CPC Classifications
A; A23; A23G; A23G4/00; A23G4/06; A23G4/10; A23G4/08; A23G4/18; A23G4/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
118 words
A method for treating gum base to improve its resistance to oxidation without the need for amounts of antioxidants normally employed, which comprises placing gum base in a confined area, heating the gum base at a temperature to melt the gum base, while the gum base is in a molten state applying a vacuum of from about 20 to about 29 in. Hg thereto to withdraw gases therefrom, removing the vacuum and introducing an inert gas under a pressure of 1 to about 5 psi into contact with the gum base and reapplying the vacuum thereby causing the inert gas to help sweep out air or oxygen remaining absorbed in the gum base after the first vacuum application.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
118 words
A method for treating gum base to improve its resistance to oxidation without the need for amounts of antioxidants normally employed, which comprises placing gum base in a confined area, heating the gum base at a temperature to melt the gum base, while the gum base is in a molten state applying a vacuum of from about 20 to about 29 in. Hg thereto to withdraw gases therefrom, removing the vacuum and introducing an inert gas under a pressure of 1 to about 5 psi into contact with the gum base and reapplying the vacuum thereby causing the inert gas to help sweep out air or oxygen remaining absorbed in the gum base after the first vacuum application.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method as defined in claim 1 wherein said gum base is melted at from about 190° F. to about 240° F.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method as defined in claim 1 wherein said inert gas is nitrogen, carbon dioxide, helium or argon.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method as defined in claim 3 wherein said inert gas is introduced under a pressure of from about 2 to about 4 psi.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method as defined in claim 1 wherein the gum base-inert gas is subjected to a vacuum of from about 20 to about 29 in. Hg.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method as defined in claim 1 further including the step of grinding the gum base down to an average particle size of less than about 2500 microns and coating the particles of gum base with molten sugar, a polyol or a hydrogenated starch hydrolysate which serves as an oxygen barrier.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method as defined in claim 6 wherein said gum base particles are coated with molten sugar.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method as defined in claim 6 wherein said gum base particles are coated with a polyol.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method as defined in claim 8 wherein said polyol is sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol or glycerin.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
11 words
Chewing gum containing gum base treated as defined in claim 1.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
12 words
Sugar-containing chewing gum containing gum base treated as defined in claim 7.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
12 words
Sugarless chewing gum containing gum base treated as defined in claim 8.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1985-05-03 | 1985-11-02 | 1986-05-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-05-03 | 1989-11-02 | 1990-05-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-05-03 | 1993-11-02 | 1994-05-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |