Multi-phase sheeted chewing gum and method and apparatus for making

Abstract

The invention is a multi-phase, sheeted chewing gum product, a method and an apparatus for making such a product. 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. The method includes the steps of forming the first mass into a slab with a generally flat surface. The second mass 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 which is cut into segments of a desired width, length and shape.

1 . A multi colored, sheeted chewing gum product with a top and bottom surface, comprising: 
 a) a first mass of chewing gum formed in a generally flat sheet; and    b) a second mass of a confectionery product having a different color than the first mass, smaller than the first mass, and embedded in the first mass so as to be visible with the first mass from the top surface of the chewing gum product, the second mass being present in a pattern.    
   
   
       2 . The chewing gum product of  claim 1  wherein the confectionery product is chewing gum.  
   
   
       3 . The chewing gum product of  claim 2  wherein the first and second masses of chewing gum are different flavors.  
   
   
       4 . The chewing gum product of  claim 1  wherein the pattern of the second mass comprises stripes across the first mass.  
   
   
       5 . The chewing gum product of  claim 1  wherein the first mass is formed into an elongated strip.  
   
   
       6 . The chewing gum product of  claim 5  wherein the strip is in the form of a rolled up tape.  
   
   
       7 . The chewing gum product of  claim 5  wherein the strip is in the form of a flat stick of chewing gum.  
   
   
       8 . The chewing gum product of  claim 5  wherein the pattern of the second mass comprises an undulating pattern along a length of the first mass of chewing gum.  
   
   
       9 . The chewing gum product of  claim 1  wherein the pattern of the second mass comprises a striped diagonal pattern across the product.  
   
   
       10 . The chewing gum product of  claim 1  wherein the pattern of the second mass comprises an undulating pattern.  
   
   
       11 . The chewing gum product of  claim 1  wherein the pattern of the second mass comprises a pattern of bits.  
   
   
       12 . The chewing gum product of  claim 11  wherein the bits are formed with generally uniform shapes and sizes.  
   
   
       13 . The chewing gum product of claim  111  wherein the bits are formed with nonuniform shapes and sizes.  
   
   
       14 . The chewing gum product of claim  111  wherein the first mass of chewing gum is formed into a disk shape.  
   
   
       15 . A multi colored, sheeted chewing gum product, comprising: 
 a) a slab of chewing gum having a first flat surface and a second surface; and    b) a rope of confectionery material embedded into the slab of chewing gum;    wherein the embedded rope of confectionery material is visible at the first flat surface.    
   
   
       16 . The chewing gum product of  claim 15  wherein the confectionery product is chewing gum.  
   
   
       17 . The chewing gum product of  claim 16  wherein the first and second masses of chewing gum are different flavors.  
   
   
       18 . The chewing gum product of  claim 15  wherein a rolling compound is placed between the first mass of chewing gum and the second mass of confectionery material so that the two are separable by the consumer.  
   
   
       19 . The chewing gum product of  claim 15  wherein no rolling compound is placed between the first mass of chewing gum and the second mass of confectionery material so that the two are not separable by the consumer.  
   
   
       20 . A multi colored, sheeted chewing gum product, comprising: 
 a) a slab of chewing gum having a first flat surface and a second surface; and    b) a rope of a confectionery material embedded into the slab of chewing gum, the rope being present in an undulating pattern;    wherein the embedded rope of confectionery material is visible at the first flat surface in said undulating pattern.    
   
   
       21 . The chewing gum product of  claim 20  wherein the slab is in the form of a flat stick of chewing gum.  
   
   
       22 . A multi colored, sheeted confectionery product with a top and bottom surface, comprising: 
 a) a first confectionery mass formed in a generally flat sheet; and    b) a second confectionery mass having a different color than the first mass, smaller than the first mass, and embedded in the first mass so as to be visible with the first mass from the top surface of the product, the second mass being present in a pattern.