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Multi-phase sheeted chewing gum and method and apparatus for makingRelated Patent Categories: Food Or Edible Material: Processes, Compositions, And Products, Normally Noningestible Chewable Material Or Process Of Preparation, Packaged, Structurally Defined, Or CoatedMulti-phase sheeted chewing gum and method and apparatus for making description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070014889, Multi-phase sheeted chewing gum and method and apparatus for making. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
REFERENCE TO EARLIER FILED APPLICATION [0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/004,240, filed Apr. 7, 1993, issuing as U.S. Pat. No. 7,112,345, which is hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to the field of chewing gum. More particularly, the present invention relates to sheeted chewing gum which includes more than one component, such as different colors, flavors and/or sweeteners. [0003] It is generally known that novel forms of chewing gum are popular with consumers. Over the years, several novel chewing gum and confection products have been introduced. These novel products have utilized various combinations of flavors, types, shapes, texture and or packaging to interest the consumer. For example, a product sold under the trademark "BUBBLE TAPE.RTM." bubble gum and made by the process described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,882,175 is a six foot roll of bubble gum rolled up in a tape. [0004] Other novel chewing gum products include the product described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,902,519 is commercially available under the name "THUMB SUCKERS.RTM.." This product includes a hard candy sucker in an elastic mold with a bubble gum seal at the bottom of the mold. Still another example is a product known as "BLOW POPS" confectionery which includes a mass of chewing gum surrounded by a hard candy sucker. Another example of a novel product is that sold under the name "TIDAL WAVE.RTM." which is a cube of chewing gum with a hollow center filled with a liquid confection, which liquid confection typically has a recognizable flavor, different from or the same as the chewing gum. [0005] Various attempts to achieve novel appearances of a chewing gum product have been made. For example, several colorants have been used to achieve desired color characteristics. Also, a product sold under the name "FRUIT STRIPES.RTM." chewing gum by Beechnut is printed with a dye so as to have colored stripes running diagonally across a stick of chewing gum. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] Briefly stated, the invention is a multi-phase, sheeted chewing gum product, a method and an apparatus for making such a product. [0007] The product includes a first mass of a chewing gum formed in a generally flat sheet and a second mass of a confectionery product having a different color than the first mass. The second mass is smaller than the first mass and is embedded in the first mass so as to be visible with the first mass from the top surface of the chewing gum. [0008] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the confectionery product is also chewing gum with a different color as well as a different flavor. Also, the product is preferably in the form of a rolled tape with undulating stripes of the second chewing gum running the length of the tape. [0009] The method of the invention includes the steps of forming a first mass of chewing gum into a slab with a generally flat surface. A second mass of a confectionery material is formed into at least one piece which is brought into contact with the flat surface. The slab and the piece are pressed to produce a generally flat sheet. The flat sheet is cut into segments of a desired width, length and shape. Each segment includes some of the first mass with some of said second mass embedded therein and visible with the first mass from the top surface. [0010] In accordance with the preferred method, the confectionery material is chewing gum which is extruded into a plurality of ropes which are laid on top of the first mass in an undulating pattern. [0011] The apparatus of the invention includes means for forming a first mass of chewing gum into a slab with at least one generally flat surface. There is also means for placing at least one piece of a second mass of a confectionery material in contact with the generally flat surface and means for pressing the first and second masses into a generally flat sheet. Means are provided for cutting the generally flat sheet into pieces of chewing gum having the desired size and shape and so as to include some of said first and some of said second mass of chewing gum. [0012] In accordance with a preferred apparatus, there is provided means for extruding a plurality of ropes of a second chewing gum and means for oscillating these ropes a distance across the width of the first slab as it passes beneath so as to produce an undulating pattern of the second chewing gum in the first slab. [0013] One advantage of the product of the present invention is that it is a chewing gum product with a novel appearance. In addition to the novel appearance, the preferred product which includes a second chewing gum with a different flavor provides a vehicle for novel flavor combinations and taste experience for the consumer as the flavors mix when the product is chewed. [0014] An advantage of the method and apparatus of the present invention is that they can be used by modifying conventional gum making methods and apparatus to produce this chewing gum product with a novel appearance. [0015] It is noted that, as used herein, the term chewing gum is intended to have a relatively broad interpretation, including all forms of chewing gum such as bubble gum. [0016] It is noted that, as used herein, the term "confectionery product" is a relatively generic term and is intended to include such products as chewing gum, taffy, marshmallow, chocolate, nougat, gelatin based and starch based candy, and the like. [0017] It is also noted that, as used herein, the term "strip," as in "strip of chewing gum," is intended to have a relatively broad meaning including conventional sticks of chewing gum as well as extra long strips, for example, the 6 foot long strips known as BUBBLE TAPE.RTM. bubble gum. [0018] It is further noted that, unless otherwise indicated, all percentages are given as percentages by weight of the composition. [0019] The present invention, together with attendant objects and advantages, will be best understood with reference to the detailed description below and the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rolled up tape of multi-colored bubble gum made according to the most preferred embodiment of the present invention. Continue reading about Multi-phase sheeted chewing gum and method and apparatus for making... 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