Abstract: The present invention relates to chewing gum and confectionery compositions and methods for reducing dental caries in mammals. In particular, the compositions may include a gum base or carrier, sweetening agents and casein phosphopeptide-calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP). The compositions may be employed to slow the progression and enhance the regression of carious lesions in mammals, particularly in humans.

Abstract: A gum packaging design that utilizes two separate compartments, an upper compartment and a lower compartment. Each of the compartments may be formed from a separate paperboard blank. The blanks are folded to form the compartments and then the lower compartment is adhered to the upper compartment in a fashion that allows the lower compartment to be later separated therefrom by tearing along a perforation after the lower compartment is emptied. A cover flap on the upper compartment can be used to hold the package in a compact, closed position by folding the compartments to face each other and tucking an end into a receiving slot formed in the back panel of the lower compartment. Once the lower compartment is separated from the upper compartment, the same cover flap can be used to close the remaining package by tucking the same end of the cover flap into a receiving slot formed in a front panel of the upper compartment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chewing gum and confectionery compositions for improving the dental health of mammals, particularly humans. In particular, the compositions may include a gum base or carrier, sweetening agents, casein phosphopeptide-calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) and food-grade acids. The compositions may be employed to remineralize the tooth surfaces of mammals, as well as impart acid resistance thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oral delivery systems, such as confectionery and chewing gum compositions, and methods for remineralizing tooth enamel in mammals. In particular, the oral delivery systems include a phosphopeptide or phosphoprotein stabilized calcium phosphate or calcium fluoride phosphate complex and a salt selected from calcium salts, phosphate salts and combinations thereof. The delivery systems promote remineralization of tooth enamel of consumers.

Abstract: Stain-removing oral compositions, such as gum compositions are herein provided. The compositions include a chelating agent and a surfactant. The surfactant includes a fatty acid salt and at least one component selected from nonionic and anionic surfactants. The fatty acid salt may have at least one hydroxyl functionality. The oral compositions may optionally include an abrasive agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reclosable blister package assembly for accommodating center-filled gum pieces. The package assembly includes a blister tray having an open face and a blister cavity for supporting the gum pieces. The blister tray includes a plurality of ribs within the blister cavity for separating the gum pieces. A cover overlies the blister tray and covers the open face of the tray.

Abstract: A package includes a package housing defining an interior for accommodating consumable products. The housing includes a back wall having opposed edges. A first flap extends from one of the opposed edges of the back wall and overlies a housing front wall portion. A second flap extends from the other of the opposed edges of the back wall forming a cover. The cover is movable between an open and closed position to selectively cover and uncover the interior. The first flap forms a securement element for receiving therein a portion of the second flap for securing the cover in a closed position.

Abstract: A package assembly includes a package housing (10) having a generally rectangular configuration defining a package interior. A pair of confectionery pieces (12) are supported in side-by-side spaced relationship within the package housing. The package housing includes a rupture line (30) perimetrically thereabout located between the spaced apart confectionery pieces. The package housing may be separated at the rapture line to form a pair of compartments (10a, 10b), each compartment including one of the confectionery pieces.

Abstract: Confectionery with hydrolase enzymes have changeable textures where the action of the hydrolase causes the texture to change over time. The confectionery can be multi-region confectionery or single region chewy confectionery where the extent of hydrolysis is manipulated to control the texture change.

Abstract: A multi-region confectionery composition includes a first region including a particulate material having a negative heat of solution and a second region at least partially surrounding the first region to create one or more cavities that are filled by the first region. The second region includes a soluble chewable matrix. The multi-region confection can optionally include a third region at least partially surrounding the second region.

Abstract: A display and packaging assembly (10) which is used to display and dispense consumable items. The assembly includes a plurality of consumable items arranged in plural individual packs (22). A flexible overwrap surrounds the plurality of packs (22). The overwrap has a configuration corresponding to the array of packs where the overwrap has a portion which is completely removable to access the packs. The overwrap maintains its configuration upon removal of one or more of the packs from the array.

Abstract: A gum packaging design that utilizes two separate compartments, an upper compartment and a lower compartment. Each of the compartments may be formed from a separate paperboard blank. The blanks are folded to form the compartments and then the lower compartment is adhered to the upper compartment in a fashion that allows the lower compartment to be later separated therefrom by tearing along a perforation after the lower compartment is emptied. A cover flap on the upper compartment can be used to hold the package in a compact, closed position by folding the compartments to face each other and tucking an end into a receiving slot formed in the back panel of the lower compartment. Once the lower compartment is separated from the upper compartment, the same cover flap can be used to close the remaining package by tucking the same end of the cover flap into a receiving slot formed in a front panel of the upper compartment.

Abstract: A gum packaging design that utilizes two separate compartments, an upper compartment and a lower compartment. Each of the compartments may be formed from a separate paperboard blank. The blanks are folded to form the compartments and then the lower compartment is adhered to the upper compartment in a fashion that allows the lower compartment to be later separated therefrom by tearing along a perforation after the lower compartment is emptied. A cover flap on the upper compartment can be used to hold the package in a compact, closed position by folding the compartments to face each other and tucking an end into a receiving slot formed in the back panel of the lower compartment. Once the lower compartment is separated from the upper compartment, the same cover flap can be used to close the remaining package by tucking the same end of the cover flap into a receiving slot formed in a front panel of the upper compartment.

Abstract: A package assembly encloses a plurality of individual elongate consumable products. The package assembly includes a plurality of products aligned in a side-by-side array. A package housing encloses the array of products. The package housing has front and back walls for supporting the products therebetween in a closable cover for closing a product dispensing opening. The front wall includes a wall flap extending inwardly towards the back wall in frictional engagement with the array of products for removable retention of the products therein.

Abstract: A package for product pieces includes a housing having a plurality of walls forming an interior adapter to hold a plurality of product pieces. The housing has a dispensing opening in communication with the interior. A resilient member is disposed in the housing interior and is adapted to urge the product pieces toward the dispensing opening. The housing has an aperture formed in one of the plurality of walls disposed adjacent the dispensing opening to permit the product piece to be engaged and moved out of the interior through the dispensing opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and edible orally delivered products, such as confectioneries and chewing gum, which include taste potentiators to enhance the perception of active substances contained therein. More specifically, some embodiments provide potentiator compositions, which include at least one active substance and at least one taste potentiator. The active substance and/or taste potentiator may be encapsulated in some embodiments to modify the release rate of the composition upon consumption.

Abstract: A package includes a pair of opposed package end surfaces and a first package wall spaced from a second package wall and connected thereto by an end wall forming a first compartment for holding one or more product pieces. The first compartment has an opening. A cover extends from the first compartment and is movable between an open and closed position to selectively cover and uncover the first compartment opening. A closure is disposed at one of the opposed end surfaces and retains the cover in the closed position. The closure includes a first closure member on the cover and a second closure member on the container. The first closure member is selectively, operatively couplable to the second closure member.

Abstract: An article of manufacture includes (a) a three-dimensionally shaped edible candy including chocolate; and (b) a hollow container including a wall defining an exterior surface and an interior surface, the interior surface defining a hollow portion having a shape which substantially conforms to the three-dimensional shape of the candy for releasably securing the candy within the hollow shape of the container, wherein the container includes at least two portions removably secured to one and the other for releasably securing the candy, and further wherein the container includes a plastic material, such as a thermoformed plastic material.