阅读说明：本技术 具有标记的可溶解组合物 (Dissolvable compositions with indicia ) 是由 特伦斯·凯瑟曼 安德鲁·费伯 于 2019-10-10 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及组合物和用于制备可溶解组合物的方法。该可溶解组合物包括多个可溶解层,其中可溶解层在与溶剂结合时传达信息。(The present invention relates to compositions and methods for preparing dissolvable compositions. The dissolvable composition includes a plurality of dissolvable layers, wherein the dissolvable layers communicate information when combined with a solvent.)

1. A dissolvable composition comprising:

a first layer having a first dissolution rate; and

a marker layer having a second dissolution rate,

wherein the indicia layer is bonded to the first layer.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the first layer dissolves faster in the solvent than the marking layer.

3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the marking layer dissolves faster in the solvent than the first layer.

4. The composition of claim 1, wherein the first layer has a dissolution rate of 3 seconds to 20 minutes.

5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the second layer has a dissolution rate of 20 seconds to 60 minutes.

6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the first layer has a dissolution rate of 20 seconds to 2 minutes and the second layer has a dissolution rate of 3 seconds to 15 seconds.

7. The composition of claim 1, wherein the first layer has a dissolution rate of 3 seconds to 15 seconds and the second layer has a dissolution rate of 20 seconds to 2 minutes.

8. The composition of claim 1, wherein the dissolvable composition comprises an active ingredient.

9. The composition according to claim 8, wherein the active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of: vitamins, minerals, proteins, probiotics, fibers, amino acids, dietary supplements, pharmaceutical ingredients, nutritional supplements, and combinations thereof.

10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the dissolvable composition comprises a cannabis product.

11. A dissolvable printing composition, comprising:

a first printed layer having a first dissolution rate; and

a second printed layer comprising indicia and having a first dissolution rate,

wherein the first printed layer is combined with the second printed layer.

12. The composition of claim 11, wherein the first printed layer dissolves faster in a solvent than the second printed layer.

13. The composition of claim 11, wherein the second printed layer dissolves faster in a solvent than the first layer.

14. The composition of claim 11, wherein the first print layer has a dissolution rate of 3 seconds to 20 minutes.

15. The composition of claim 11, wherein the second printed layer has a dissolution rate of 20 seconds to 60 minutes.

16. The composition of claim 11, wherein the first layer has a dissolution rate of 20 seconds to 2 minutes and the second layer has a dissolution rate of 3 seconds to 15 seconds.

17. The composition of claim 11, wherein the first layer has a dissolution rate of 3 seconds to 15 seconds and the second layer has a dissolution rate of 20 seconds to 2 minutes.

18. A method for preparing a dissolvable composition capable of revealing a mark in a beverage, comprising:

providing a first dissolvable layer;

applying a second dissolvable layer to the first dissolvable layer, wherein the second dissolvable layer comprises indicia.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the first dissolvable layer dissolves at a faster rate when exposed to the solvent than the second dissolvable layer.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the first dissolvable layer and the second dissolvable layer are printed.

21. A dissolvable composition comprising a dissolvable layer, wherein said layer comprises a plurality of regions having different thicknesses.

22. The dissolvable composition according to claim 21, wherein the dissolvable layer comprises thicker regions comprising indicia.

23. The dissolvable composition according to claim 21, wherein the dissolvable layer comprises thinner regions comprising indicia.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a dissolvable composition comprising a plurality of layers, wherein the layers have different dissolution profiles, and at least one of the layers comprises indicia.

Background

There is a need to provide a dissolvable composition comprising indicia that can convey information when the dissolvable composition is combined with a solvent.

Disclosure of Invention

The technology relates to dissolvable compositions. The composition includes a first layer and a second layer, wherein the second layer includes indicia. In one aspect, the first layer and the second layer have different dissolution profiles.

In one aspect, a dissolvable composition is provided, the composition comprising a first layer having a first dissolution rate; and a marking layer having a second dissolution rate, wherein the marking layer is bonded to the first layer.

In one aspect, the dissolvable composition has a dissolution rate of from 0 seconds to about 12 hours when combined with a composition having a temperature of from about 0 ° F to 220 ° F. In certain embodiments, when the solvent has a temperature of about 0 ° F to 220 ° F, the first layer of the dissolvable composition may have a dissolution rate of 1 second to about 30 minutes and the second layer has a dissolution rate of 30 seconds to about 12 hours. In another aspect, the first print layer has a dissolution rate of 30 seconds to about 12 hours when the solvent has a temperature selected from 0 ° F to 220 ° F, and the second layer has a dissolution rate of 1 second to about 30 minutes when the solvent has a temperature selected from 0 ° F to 220 ° F.

In certain aspects, the first layer dissolves faster than the marking layer. In other aspects, the marking layer dissolves faster than the first layer.

In certain embodiments, the first layer has a dissolution rate selected from 0-60 seconds. In certain embodiments, the second layer has a dissolution rate of 0-60 seconds.

In certain embodiments, the first layer has a dissolution rate of 0-30 and the second layer has a dissolution rate of 31-60 seconds. In other embodiments, the first layer has a dissolution rate of 31-60 seconds and the second layer has a dissolution rate of 0-30. In certain aspects, the dissolvable composition includes an active ingredient. In certain aspects, the active ingredient is selected from: vitamins, minerals, proteins, probiotics, fibers, amino acids, dietary supplements, pharmaceutical ingredients, nutritional supplements, flavors, fragrances, colorants, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the dissolvable compositions include cannabis products, such as Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Cannabidiol (CBD), other cannabinoids, and the like, and combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, the dissolvable composition comprises a probiotic. In one embodiment, the dissolvable composition comprises vitamin D.

In one aspect, a dissolvable printing composition is provided, the composition comprising a first printed layer having a first dissolution rate; and a second printed layer comprising indicia and having a first dissolution rate, wherein the first printed layer is bonded to the second printed layer.

In some embodiments, the first printed layer dissolves faster than the second printed layer. In other embodiments, the second printed layer dissolves faster than the first layer.

In certain embodiments, the dissolvable composition has a dissolution rate of from 0 seconds to about 12 hours when the solvent has a temperature in the range of from 0 ° F to 220 ° F. In certain aspects, the first print layer has a dissolution rate of 0 seconds to about 12 hours when the solvent has a temperature in the range of 0 ° F to 220 ° F. In other aspects, the second print layer has a dissolution rate of 0 seconds to about 12 hours when the solvent has a temperature in the range of 0 ° F to 220 ° F.

In one aspect, the first layer has a dissolution rate of 0-30 seconds when the solvent has a temperature selected from the group consisting of 30 ° F-50 ° F, 60 ° F-85 ° F, and 160 ° F-200 ° F, and the second layer has a dissolution rate of 31-60 seconds when the solvent has a temperature selected from the group consisting of 30 ° F-50 ° F, 60 ° F-85 ° F, and 160 ° F-200 ° F. In another aspect, the first printing layer has a dissolution rate of 31-60 seconds when the solvent has a temperature selected from the group consisting of 30 ° F-50 ° F, 60 ° F-85 ° F, and 160 ° F-200 ° F, and the second layer has a dissolution rate of 0-30 seconds when the solvent has a temperature selected from the group consisting of 30 ° F-50 ° F, 60 ° F-85 ° F, and 160 ° F-200 ° F.

In one embodiment, a dissolvable composition comprising regions of different thicknesses is provided, wherein the dissolvable composition is capable of revealing indicia when combined with a solvent.

In one embodiment, a method for preparing a dissolvable composition capable of revealing indicia in a solvent is provided, the method comprising providing a first dissolvable layer; combining a second dissolvable layer with the first dissolvable layer, wherein the second dissolvable layer comprises indicia.

In certain embodiments, the first dissolvable layer dissolves at a faster rate upon exposure to a solvent than the second dissolvable layer. In certain embodiments, the first dissolvable layer dissolves at a slower rate than the second dissolvable layer upon exposure to the solvent.

In certain embodiments, the first dissolvable layer and the second dissolvable layer are printed.

Drawings

Fig. 1 depicts a schematic of a dissolvable composition according to certain embodiments of the present application.

Fig. 2A, 2B, and 2C depict schematic illustrations of dissolvable compositions and substrates according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 3A and 3B depict schematic diagrams of solvents including dissolvable compositions according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 4A and 4B depict schematic diagrams of solvents including dissolvable compositions according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 5 depicts a schematic of a solvent including a dissolvable composition according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 6 depicts a schematic of a solvent including a dissolvable composition according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 7 depicts a flow diagram of a method of preparing a dissolvable composition according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The present invention relates to dissolvable compositions comprising at least two dissolvable layers and methods of making the same. See fig. 1. The dissolvable composition 100 of the present invention comprises a first dissolvable layer 110 and a second dissolvable layer 120, wherein the dissolution profiles of the respective layers are different.

Each layer may include an active ingredient or an inactive ingredient. In this regard, the printing composition may include an active ingredient, such as one or more supplements. For example, the active ingredient may be selected from: vitamins, minerals, proteins, probiotics, fibers, amino acids, dietary supplements, pharmaceutical ingredients, nutritional supplements, flavors, fragrances, colorants, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the dissolvable compositions include cannabis products, such as THC, CBD, and combinations thereof.

The dissolvable composition may include additional components to alter the properties of the composition. Such properties may include the following: structural support for the dissolvable composition; control of the release of active ingredients (such as supplements) from the soluble composition as it dissolves and/or disperses; the storage stability of the active ingredient; manipulation of the dissolvable composition during manufacture; appearance of soluble composition; and the taste of the dissolvable composition.

For example, the dissolvable composition may be configured such that dissolution or dispersion of the active ingredient or supplement in the dissolvable composition may be released over a period of time. For example, additional components such as starch may be mixed with the polyvinyl alcohol and incorporated into one of the materials used to create the supplement (e.g., carrageenan, xanthan gum, guar gum, etc.). The time of dissolution or dispersion can be adjusted based on the amount of starch, such as slower when more starch is used and faster when less starch is used (or vice versa). In some cases, a binder may be added to the dissolvable composition to maintain the structural integrity of the material therein.

Other additional components may include one or more of polymers, defoamers, flow aids, odorants, rheology modifiers, wetting agents, waxes, and the like, as well as other components used to print layers with inks (e.g., dyes, pigments, and the like). In certain embodiments, the dissolvable composition may comprise sodium alginate, pectin, and/or polysaccharide. Exemplary polymers may be water soluble, water swellable, or water insoluble. The polymer may include, but is not limited to, ethyl cellulose, polyacrylic acid, methyl cellulose, polyethylene oxide, guar gum, xanthan gum, gum arabic, polyvinyl alcohol, sodium alginate, water-soluble hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, xanthan gum, various starches such as corn starch, rice starch, and the like. The defoaming agent may include, but is not limited to, alcohols or silicone based defoaming agents in water and alcohols. The glidant may comprise food grade glycols and polyglycols, xylitol, glycerin. The wax may include, but is not limited to, paraffin or carnauba wax. Humectants may include, but are not limited to, polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol of all molecular weights, xylitol, glycerol sugar and starch. Rheology modifiers may include, but are not limited to, sodium salts of acrylic acid polymers, various starches and gums. Colorants may also be used to color the dissolvable composition to a particular color. In this regard, each layer may comprise its own color or the same color. Flavoring agents may be used to impart flavor to the dissolvable composition, which may add a particular taste or odor to the dissolvable composition.

Each layer may be customized according to the particular needs of the application. For example, in addition to one or more extenders, a self-supporting layer (e.g., as shown in fig. 1) can include a high Tg PVOH or PVA and/or a wax and/or starch, among other components, that is rigid but will rapidly dissolve upon contact with a predetermined amount of moisture (e.g., upon contact with a liquid or other solvent).

The active ingredient may comprise a supplement, and the supplement may comprise those suitable for nutritional, flavor enhancement, and/or pharmaceutical purposes that may be ingested. Nutritional supplements may include vitamins, minerals, proteins, probiotics, fibers, amino acids, and other dietary supplements. For example, the vitamins may include any suitable vitamin that may be ingested, such as vitamin A, B, C, D, E, B12 found in typical over-the-counter multivitamins, and the like. Minerals may include iron, magnesium, potassium, and the like, found in typical over-the-counter multivitamins. The protein may comprise whey protein or a plant based protein. In some cases, active and inactive ingredients may include pharmaceuticals as well as beverages and food products. Cannabis products may include THC, CBD, other cannabinoids, and the like.

To incorporate the active ingredient into a dissolvable composition, the active ingredient (e.g., carrageenan, xanthan gum, guar gum, or other such material) can be microencapsulated, dispersed, suspended, and/or dissolved in the composition. In some cases, preservatives, such as ascorbic acid, may be included in the compositions in minor amounts. In other embodiments, flavors, terpenes, and/or other resins may be added to the dissolvable composition to provide a desired aroma and/or flavor. In certain embodiments, the dissolvable composition includes powdered dextrin, glycerin, an emulsifier, a hygroscopic material, and the like.

In the foregoing exemplary embodiments, each layer of each dissolvable composition may be sufficiently robust in terms of storage stability and/or mechanical stability such that the layer does not require a supporting substrate to improve or provide these properties. In other words, a layer consisting of a film having sufficient rigidity and/or additional components may obviate the need for a support substrate. For example, supplements and/or additional components in a layer having a high Tg may allow for a more rigid active layer that has sufficient rigidity to handle and/or be orally ingested and/or placed in a food product such as a beverage without sagging to an extent that is difficult to handle.

Although the support structures of the above embodiments are shown as completely surrounding one or more layers, the layers may be deposited or otherwise positioned on a support substrate, and vice versa. In this way, only a portion or portions of the layer may be provided on the support structure. See, for example, fig. 2A, 2B, and 2C for dissolvable compositions 200A, 200B, 200C. In addition, a layer (e.g., first layer 210A, 210B, or 210C or second layer 220A, 220B, or 220C) can be surrounded or disposed on more than one support substrate (e.g., substrates 230A, 230B, 230C). In certain embodiments, a second substrate may be added to sandwich the dissolvable composition between the substrates. In this case, the dissolvable composition may be disposed between the support substrates, i.e., one support substrate on top of the active layer and the other support substrate below the layer.

In certain embodiments, the substrate may comprise polyester or release paper made from various sources known to those skilled in the art. For example, the substrate may comprise parchment or polyester. In certain embodiments, the substrate may be any type of paper known to those skilled in the art having a release coating (e.g., silicone, teflon, stearic acid, etc.) applied to the surface of the paper, or any substance capable of acting as a barrier to ensure that the dissolvable composition does not dissolve into the surface of the paper. In certain embodiments, the substrate is edible, such as rice paper, candy paper, and the like. In embodiments using an edible substrate, the substrate may also dissolve when combined with a solvent.

The dissolvable composition can be arranged in various dispensing configurations. For example, one dispensing configuration may be a continuous strip for tearing with or without perforations. In some cases, a continuous strip arrangement of dissolvable composition may be placed in a strip dispenser-type device, where a portion of the strip may be torn off with the aid of a cutting blade. In this continuous belt arrangement, a support substrate such as release paper may support and/or surround one or more active layers. In certain embodiments, the dissolvable composition is combined with a fabric, polymer, or resin.

In another exemplary embodiment, the dissolvable composition may be printed on a release paper. The dissolvable composition may be removed from the release paper after manufacture or prior to consumer use. In the case where the dissolvable composition is formed on a support substrate, a release paper may not be required. Rather, the dissolvable compositions may be stored in the dispenser, such as stacking the dissolvable compositions on top of each other, such as similar to Pez from Pez dispenser, packaging the dissolvable compositions in a pouch or sealed package, such as like a single bundy adhesive bandage (Band-Aid), packaging the dissolvable compositions in a dispenser, similar to those used for dispensing Listerine Strips (Listerine Strips), see, for example, U.S. publication No. 2003/0121932, or each dissolvable composition may be packaged in a sealed child-resistant package, which may comprise foil, plastic, or the like. The packaging for distribution may also be printed and/or personalized, for example with a person's name, company logo, greeting, etc.

In certain embodiments, the support substrate may allow multiple doses (e.g., a dispensed layer of active ingredient) to be attached to one sheet of the support substrate to carry multiple doses on one sheet, rather than a single dose in bulk. See, e.g., fig. 2C.

The dissolvable composition and its components, such as each layer and the support substrate, may be of any shape suitable for the desired application. For example, the dissolvable composition may be in the form of rectangular strips, cubes, spheres, discs, ovals, stars, snowflakes, decorative designs, and the like. The dissolvable composition may have multiple layers, where one or more of the layers are of different shapes. For example, a circular support substrate may have one or more stripe-shaped active layers disposed thereon. For example, the shape of the dissolvable composition can be tailored to meet specific design needs, such as the shape of the article in which the dissolvable composition is to be included, or to achieve a desired release profile. In some cases, multiple layers of one or more of the same supplements may be used to increase the dosage of a single dissolvable composition.

The dissolvable compositions may be used in a variety of applications. In certain embodiments, the dissolvable compositions of the present invention dissolve based on the solvent associated therewith. The dissolvable composition of the present invention can be combined with any solvent capable of dissolving the composition. In certain embodiments, the solvent may be selected from a solid, a liquid, or a gas. In certain embodiments, the dissolvable composition may convey information when combined with a solid such as ice or dry ice. In other embodiments, the dissolvable composition may communicate when combined with a liquid such as a beverage or a volume of water (e.g., a sink).

In certain aspects, the dissolvable compositions 300A and 300B may be combined with a solvent 810, as shown in fig. 3A and 3B. Once combined with the solvent 810, the first dissolvable layer 310A or 310B may first dissolve and communicate information via the second dissolvable layer 320A or 320B. In certain embodiments, the second dissolvable layer 320A or 320B may dissolve first and communicate information via the first dissolvable layer 310A or 310B.

In certain aspects, the indicia conveys a message when combined with a solvent. See fig. 4A and 4B. In certain embodiments, the dissolvable layer 420A of the dissolvable composition 400A may dissolve first, leaving the outline of the marking of the dissolvable layer 420A through the dissolvable layer 410A in the solvent 810. For example, the dissolvable composition may say "Happy Birthday (Happy Birthday)" or "Good Luck (Good Luck)". In certain aspects, the indicia conveys a company logo.

In certain aspects, the dissolvable composition can include more than one layer with indicia. In certain aspects, the dissolvable composition may comprise more than one layer comprising indicia. In these aspects, the layer comprising the indicia may first dissolve and convey information. Once the first message dissolves, the next layer may convey a separate message. For example, the first information may convey "Happy birthday! ", and the second information conveys" I love you! See the dissolvable composition 500 and solvent 810 of fig. 5. When combined with a solvent, the first dissolvable layer 510 provides indicia. The indicia of second dissolvable layer 520 cannot be seen until first dissolvable layer 510 is completely dissolved. The dissolution rate of each layer of the dissolvable composition can be controlled. For example, the dissolvable composition can be tailored to have separate time release profiles, with each layer providing a different release profile. The first dissolvable layer may provide the first indicia within 3 seconds of exposure to the solvent, and this lasts from 3 seconds to 1 minute. Once the first dissolvable layer is completely dissolved, the second dissolvable layer communicates the second indicia. See fig. 5. First dissolvable layer 510 conveys the information "happy (happy)" and second dissolvable layer 520 conveys the information "birthday (birthday)". The information of the second dissolvable layer 520 is not displayed until the first dissolvable layer 510 dissolves.

In one aspect, the dissolvable composition may have a dissolution rate in the range of from about 1 second to about 12 hours. In one aspect, the dissolvable composition may have a dissolution rate of from about 1 second to about 12 hours when combined with a solvent having a temperature between about 0 ° F to about 220 ° F. In one aspect, the dissolvable composition may have a dissolution rate of from about 1 second to about 30 minutes when combined with a solvent having a temperature between 30 ° F and 50 ° F. In another aspect, the dissolvable composition can have a dissolution rate of from about 1 second to about 30 minutes when combined with a solvent having a temperature between 60 ° F-85 ° F. In yet another aspect, the dissolvable composition may have a dissolution rate of from about 1 second to about 30 minutes when combined with a solvent having a temperature between 160 ° F and 200 ° F.

In one aspect, one layer of the dissolvable composition may have a dissolution rate of from about 1 second to about 30 minutes when combined with a solvent having a temperature between about 0 ° F to about 220 ° F. When the solvent has a temperature between about 0 ° F to about 220 ° F, the adjacent layer may have a dissolution rate of 31 seconds to about 60 minutes.

In certain embodiments, the dissolution rate may vary based on the type of solvent used to dissolve the dissolvable composition. For example, if the solvent is a liquid comprising a salt, the rate of dissolution of the dissolvable composition may be slower than if the dissolvable composition were placed in distilled water. In another example, if the solvent is a liquid that includes a sugar, the rate of dissolution of the dissolvable composition may be faster than if the dissolvable composition were placed in a liquid that includes a salt. In certain embodiments, the dissolution rate of a dissolvable composition may be adjusted to a rate at least 5% slower than another dissolvable composition, or to have a slow dissolution rate of at least 1 hour for the dissolvable composition. For example, if the dissolvable composition includes citric acid and the dissolvable composition is introduced into a liquid composition that includes epsomite, the dissolvable composition may remain on the surface of the liquid composition until the dissolvable composition is completely dissolved. In other words, the dissolvable composition does not settle out of solution and a precipitate forms at the bottom of the liquid composition.

In some embodiments, a dissolvable layer may mask or hide the indicia layer, which is exposed only after the first layer is completely dissolved. See fig. 6. The first dissolvable layer 610, when first combined with solvent 810, masks the indicia or information of the dissolvable layer 620. The indicia of the second dissolvable layer 620 cannot be seen until the first dissolvable layer 610 is completely dissolved by the solvent 810.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the dissolvable composition may vary in size. This variation in size may depend on the application. In some embodiments, the length or diameter of each layer may range from about 1mm by 1mm to about 12 inches by 12 inches. In certain embodiments, the dissolvable composition may be circular, rectangular, triangular, square, etc. in shape. In certain embodiments, the dissolvable composition may be 0.5 inches to 3 inches in diameter. In certain embodiments, the dissolvable composition has a diameter of 1 inch to 2 inches. Larger lengths or diameters are possible, for example, as when the dissolvable composition is used in large scale processes such as mass production of food or beverages. For example, larger size dissolvable compositions may be used in large tea making machines or large industrial coffee machines. These soluble compositions can range in size from 1 inch by 1 inch to 6 feet by 6 feet. In certain embodiments, the large scale dissolvable composition may be between 8 inches long to 15 inches wide to 15 inches long and 8 inches wide. In certain embodiments, the large scale dissolvable composition may be 6 feet long by 4 feet wide.

In some embodiments, the thickness of each layer may range from about 2 microns to about 20 millimeters, although greater than 20 millimeters is also contemplated. In certain embodiments, the dissolvable layer may have a thickness between 5-100 microns. In certain embodiments, the dissolvable composition may have a thickness between 10 microns and 10 millimeters.

In certain embodiments, the dissolvable composition may comprise only one layer. A single layer may include regions of different thicknesses. In some embodiments, the thicker regions of the layer may include indicia. In other embodiments, thinner regions of the layer may include indicia. When a dissolvable composition having a monolayer is combined with a solvent, thinner regions will dissolve faster than thicker regions. The provided marker may be the absence of a region, i.e. the thinner part containing the marker that dissolves first. In other embodiments, the indicia may be the only portion of the dissolvable composition remaining after dissolution of other regions of the dissolvable composition, i.e., the indicia is located in thicker regions of the dissolvable composition.

Various techniques can be used to prepare the dissolvable composition. In certain embodiments, the dissolvable composition is prepared using printing techniques (e.g., rotary screen printing, flat screen printing, flexographic printing, gravure offset printing, ink jet, bubble jet, dry toner, ribbon transfer, powder spray, spray coating, roll coating, reverse roll coating, slot coating, hot and/or cold lamination, blade coating, sintering, filling, curtain coating, etc.), in which connection printing techniques are understood to be overlay coating techniques.

In certain embodiments, a printing process using an ink (such as the inks described herein) may be used to prepare one or more layers of the printed dissolvable composition. The inks may be aqueous or solvent based. As previously mentioned, the inks may be Ultraviolet (UV) curable, Electron Beam (EB) curable, thermal curable, cold curable, ambient or evaporative, ambient catalyzed, ambient crosslinked, and the like. The ink may be edible and/or dissolvable, depending on the desired application. The ink may include various components of the active layer, support substrate, and barrier layer discussed herein.

The method may vary depending on the type of dissolvable composition being prepared. The method 700 is depicted in fig. 7. At 710, a substrate (e.g., 230A) is provided. At 720, a dissolvable material is deposited on the substrate. At 730, a first dissolvable layer (e.g., 210A) is then formed on the support substrate, such as those described herein. At 740, a dissolvable material is deposited on top of the first layer. At 750, a second dissolvable layer (e.g., 220A) is formed atop the first dissolvable layer. Optionally, additional layers (e.g., active layers) or support substrates may be added on top of the second layer to obtain the desired dissolvable composition.

In an exemplary process of forming the dissolvable composition, the liquid from which the dissolvable composition is produced according to standard practices known to those skilled in the art, including other slurry processes or printing ink processes. For example, if the composition is produced by a screen printing process, the resulting dissolvable composition may have a higher viscosity, i.e., greater than 10,000 cps. In certain embodiments, a liquid or "ink" is placed in a flat screen or stencil (tencel) and the ink is scraped through the stencil or screen onto a release paper or polyester. The ink is passed through the open areas of the screen or stencil onto the release substrate to leave a specific pattern, which is then dried by heat or air. Once the product is dry to the touch, the substrate carrying the printing can be cut and packaged, or the product can be removed from the release sheet so that it can be used as a self-supporting product without the need for additional carriers or support structures and then packaged.

The soluble composition can also be prepared by flexography, stenciling, casting, screen printing, redeposition, and the like. In flexographic printing, the liquid or ink composition used may have a viscosity of less than 10,000 cps. Flexographic plates can include two methods, which use an anilox roller to carry a quantity of ink that contacts the printing plate and transfers to the substrate. This is typically used for low deposition materials, where the material may have a lower viscosity. Further, on flexographic printing presses, the composition may be printed through a rotary screen (not anilox) to deposit a relatively heavy weight of ink onto the substrate, where the material may have a relatively high viscosity, i.e., between 10,000cps to about 100,000 cps. This will serve to deposit a greater amount of active ingredient, which will result in a thicker and heavier dissolvable composition.

The dissolution profile of each layer may be modified according to the intended use. In certain embodiments, the first layer may be designed to dissolve in about 3 seconds to about 15 seconds, while the second layer may be designed to dissolve in about 20 seconds to about 2 minutes. In other aspects, the second layer can be designed to dissolve in 3 seconds to about 15 seconds, while the first layer can be designed to dissolve in about 20 seconds to about 2 minutes.

The dissolution profile may vary based on the temperature of the solvent. For example, if the soluble composition is placed in a hot beverage, the first layer may be designed to dissolve in 3 seconds to about 30 minutes while the second layer may be designed to dissolve in about 20 seconds to about 1 hour, or the second layer may be designed to dissolve in 3 seconds to about 30 minutes while the first layer may be designed to dissolve in about 20 seconds to about 1 hour. If the soluble composition is placed in a cold beverage, the first layer may be designed to dissolve in 3 seconds to about 30 minutes and the second layer may be designed to dissolve in about 20 seconds to about 1 hour, or the second layer may be designed to dissolve in 3 seconds to about 30 minutes and the first layer may be designed to dissolve in about 20 seconds to about 1 hour. In certain embodiments, one layer may dissolve in 3 seconds to about 15 minutes, while the other layer may dissolve in about 20 seconds to about 30 minutes. In certain embodiments, one layer may dissolve in 3 seconds to about 5 minutes, while the other layer may dissolve in about 20 seconds to about 15 minutes. In certain embodiments, one layer may dissolve in 3 seconds to about 2 minutes, while the other layer may dissolve in about 20 seconds to about 5 minutes. If the dissolvable composition is placed in a larger volume of liquid (e.g., a pool or lake), the first layer may be designed to dissolve in 3 seconds to about 30 minutes and the second layer may be designed to dissolve in about 20 seconds to about 12 hours, or the second layer may be designed to dissolve in 3 seconds to about 15 seconds and the first layer may be designed to dissolve in about 20 seconds to about 2 minutes.

The dissolution profile of the dissolvable composition can be manipulated or controlled based on the composition of the intended solvent in combination with the dissolvable composition or the temperature of the intended solvent. For example, in certain embodiments, the dissolvable composition is formulated to dissolve on ice cubes or on dry ice. In certain embodiments, the dissolvable composition is formulated to dissolve in a hot or cold beverage. In certain embodiments, the dissolvable composition is formulated to dissolve in a pool or lake.

In certain embodiments, the rate of dissolution of the dissolvable composition is controlled by the solubility of the dry film, the thickness of the dry film, the turbidity of the solvent, the composition of the solvent, the thickness of the solvent, the size ratio of the dissolvable composition to the inner diameter of the container containing the solvent in which the dissolvable composition is dissolved, and how the dissolvable composition is actually combined with the solvent. For example, if the dissolvable composition is gently dropped onto the surface of a liquid, the dissolvable composition will dissolve at the dissolution rates listed above. However, if the dissolvable composition is placed in the container in such a way that a portion of the dissolvable composition is submerged rather than properly placed on the surface, the dissolution rate may vary.

Examples of the invention

In one embodiment of the invention, a dissolvable composition is prepared according to the method of the invention. The soluble ink is prepared to have certain soluble and dispersible components. The first dissolvable layer is printed through a 125 mesh or about 10 micron dry film. The second layer is printed on top of the first layer such that the total deposition in the second layer design is twice that of the first layer. This allows the first layer to dissolve faster than the combination of the first layer and the second layer in the design area.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that although the invention has been described above with respect to embodiments of the invention, variations and modifications may be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Unless otherwise specified, the foregoing alternative examples are not mutually exclusive and may be implemented in various combinations to achieve unique advantages. As these and other variations and combinations of the features discussed above can be utilized without departing from the subject matter defined by the claims, the foregoing description of the embodiments should be taken by way of example rather than by way of limitation of the subject matter defined by the claims. Furthermore, the provision of examples described herein, as well as clauses phrased as "such as," "including," and the like, should not be interpreted as limiting the subject matter of the claims to the specific examples; rather, these examples are intended to illustrate only one of many possible embodiments. Further, the same reference numbers in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements.