Tea Bag Holder

Abstract

A tea bag holder is disclosed for holding a tea bag at a bottom of a tea cup or mug for brewing tea. An example tea bag holder includes a housing having a base portion and a containment area for a tea bag. The example tea bag holder also includes a plurality of leaf shape structures extending between the base portion and a top portion of the housing. The plurality of leaf shape structures form a plurality of slots in a side of the housing. The example tea bag holder also includes at least one permanent opening in the housing for providing the tea bag into and removing the tea bag from the containment area. The example tea bag holder may also include a suction cup on a bottom portion of the base. In use, the housing is positioned in a tea cup or mug to brew tea.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM AND RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/846,061 for “Tea Bag Holder” of Danielle Y. Kennedy and Tom Kennedy filed May 10, 2019, and is related to U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29/690,772 for “Tea Bag Holder” of Danielle Y. Kennedy and Tom Kennedy filed May 10, 2019, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference for all that is disclosed as though fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND

There are many varieties of tea infusers on the market for brewing loose tea. Tea infusers sit in the teacup or on the edge of the teacup. However, these do not work well with tea bags. Using a tea infuser with a tea bag does not allow the tea to steep properly due to the small size of the holes, leaving hot water and no tea flavor. Therefore, when using a tea bag, the user has to use a spoon or other utensil to keep the tea bag at the bottom of the cup. The user has to drink the tea this way, while using the utensil to hold the tea bag down. Otherwise, the user can remove the tea bag from the cup, but this does not allow for extended use of the tea bag, and provides a less robust cup of tea.

Ceramic and silicone tea bag string holders are available that sit on the edge of the teacup and hold the string of a tea bag in place. But again, the user has to drink the tea while holding the tea bag with a utensil, or removing the tea bag from the cup, at the expense of a robust cup of tea.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an example tea bag holder.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the example tea bag holder as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the example tea bag holder of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the example tea bag holder as shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the example tea bag holder.

FIG. 6 is another side view of the example tea bag holder.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the example tea bag holder corresponding to lines 7-7 in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the example tea bag holder as it may be positioned in a tea cup.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A tea bag holder is disclosed as it may be provided to retain or hold a tea bag in (e.g., at or near the bottom) of a teacup, mug, teapot, or other container. In an example, the tea bag holder is shaped aesthetically in the form of a tea blossom. However, other examples of the tea bag holder are not limited to any particular aesthetic configuration. The tea bag holder enables the tea drinker to enjoy a more robust cup of tea without the need for extra utensils, such as spoons to keep the tea bag at the bottom of the cup.

The tea bag holder is configured in such a manner such that it holds the tea bag in the cup, even while someone is drinking tea or other beverage from the cup, and does not interfere with drinking the beverage. The tea bag holder is configured to enable the tea drinker the ability to use the same tea bag for a longer period of time (e.g., without having to remove the tea bag for drinking the tea), and thus allows the tea to continue to steep because the tea bag remains in the cup during some or all of the drinking process.

In an example, the tea bag holder includes a suction cup on a bottom portion of a base. The suction cup can be pressed onto the bottom inside of the tea cup to retain the tea bag holder at the bottom of the cup so that the tea bag holder does not float to the top and interfere with drinking the tea. The tea bag is placed within a hollow housing (e.g., shaped as the blossom ‘petals’). The housing maintains the tea bag therein so that the tea bag does not float to the top when hot water is added to the cup.

Before continuing, it is noted that as used herein, the terms “includes” and “including” mean, but is not limited to, “includes” or “including” and “includes at least” or “including at least.” The term “based on” means “based on” and “based at least in part on.”

It is also noted that the tea bag holder is described herein as it may be used to brew tea from a tea bag in a tea cup. However, the tea bag holder is not limited in end-use. In other examples, the tea bag holder may be utilized with loose leaf tea (e.g., provided in a screen or other brewing device). The tea bag holder may also be utilized to brew other beverages and/or in other containers. Still other end-uses are contemplated, as will be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art after becoming familiar with the teachings herein.

It is further noted that the examples described herein are provided for purposes of illustration, and are not intended to be limiting. Other devices and/or device configurations may be utilized to carry out the operations described herein, as will be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art after becoming familiar with the teachings herein.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an example tea bag holder 10. FIG. 2 is a top view of the example tea bag holder 10 as shown in FIG. 1. An example tea bag holder 10 includes a housing 12 having a base portion 14 and a containment area 16 for holding a tea bag (e.g., tea bag 2 in FIG. 8). The containment area 16 is formed as a hollow portion within the housing 12.

At least one permanent opening is provided in the housing 12. The opening is for providing the tea bag into and removing the tea bag from the containment area 16. The base portion 14 of the housing 12 can be positioned on an inside bottom of a tea cup or mug (see, e.g., FIG. 8). When water is added to the tea cup or mug the tea bag holder 10 holds the tea bag in the water to brew tea.

In an example, an upper portion of the housing 12 forming the containment area 16 is substantially spherically shaped. For example, the upper portion of the housing 12 may have a tea blossom shape as shown in the drawings. According to this design, at least one leaf shape structure (e.g., structures 18a-e) may extend between the base portion 14 and a top portion of the housing 12. The leaf shape structures 18a-e form a plurality of slots 20a-e in a side of the housing 12.

In an example, at least one of the slots 20a-e is a portion of the permanent opening in the housing 12. In an example, the plurality of leaf shape structures 18a-e do not touch one another at a top of the housing 12 to provide at least a portion (the top portion) of the permanent opening in the housing 12. The tea bag can be inserted through the permanent opening at the top and/or through any of the slots 20a-e. In an example, the housing 12 can be squeezed to expand the opening between the slots 20a-e and/or at the top to enable the tea bag to be more easily inserted into the containment area 16. When pressure is released, the slots decrease in size to hold the tea bag therein.

In an example, the tea bag holder is manufactured of a pliable material (e.g., food grade silicone) that is approved for use in hot temperatures. The tea cup holder 10 should be heat and dishwasher safe given it's end-use.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the example tea bag holder 10 of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the example tea bag holder 10 as shown in FIG. 3. It can be seen that the overall shape is a substantially spherically shaped hollow housing on the base 14. The base 14 is positioned on an inside bottom of a tea cup or mug and a tea bag is received in the housing to brew tea in the tea cup or mug (see, e.g., tea cup 1 in FIG. 8).

In an example, a suction cup 22 may be provided on a bottom portion of the base 14 to adhere the housing to an inside of the tea cup or mug on the bottom of the tea cup or mug. The suction cup 22 may be a separate suction cup attached to the base 14. Or the suction cup 22 may be formed as a portion of the base 14 (i.e., the base 14 may be shaped as a suction cup). The suction cup 22 may be made of a pliable material (e.g., the same silicon as the base and housing) to enable the suction properties to adhere the base 14 to the bottom of the tea cup 1.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the example tea bag holder 10. FIG. 6 is another side view of the example tea bag holder 10. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the example tea bag holder 10 corresponding to lines 7-7 in FIG. 6. In an example, the housing is shaped aesthetically as a tea blossom. For example, the ‘fingers’ may be the blossom, and at least one leaf shape structure of the tea blossom may be provided between the base 14 and the upper portion of the housing 12.

In an example, the opening in the housing is a slot or a plurality of slots. The slots 20a-e may be formed between “fingers” or leaf structures 18a-e of the housing 12. At least one opening may be provided on top of the housing 12.

Other configurations may also be provided. For example, any number of slots 20a-e may be provided in the housing 12. The slots 20a-e may have any configuration. A top opening may be provided, or the top may be closed. The housing 12 and/or the base 14 may be other shapes, sizes, and/or other configurations. Any number of leaf structures 18a-e may be provided and/or omitted entirely.

Additional features may also be provided, as will be readily understood by those having ordinary skill in the art after becoming familiar with the teachings herein. Relative sizes and dimensions are provided only by way of illustration and are not intended to be limiting.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the example tea bag holder 10 as it may be positioned in a tea cup 1. The tea bag holder 10 can be used in any type of cup or other container. The tea bag holder 10 may be provided in the cup for brewing tea, and the tea bag 2 and/or tea bag holder 10 may at the user's option, remain in the tea cup 1 even when the user is drinking tea.

The tea bag holder 10 allows a tea drinker to get the most out of a single tea bag 2 by allowing the tea bag 2 to continue to steep during the entire drinking experience, even when additional hot water is added to the tea cup 1. The tea bag holder 10 provides the user with a more robust cup of tea.

The tea bag holder 10 is also easy to use. The suction cup 22 serves to keep the tea bag holder 10 in place in the tea cup 1. The fingers 18a-e or “blossoms” permit enough flow water so that the tea steeps, but are provided close enough together to hold the tea bag 2 within the containment portion 16 of the housing 12 so that it does not float to the top of the tea cup 1.

During use, hot water can be poured directly onto the tea bag 2 (e.g., through a top opening in the housing) to start the steeping process. The tea bag 2 remains within the housing 12 or ‘blossom’ (e.g., between the fingers 18a-e formed between the slots 20a-e) of the tea bag holder 10 during some or all of the drinking experience. Hot water can be added as often as needed. This permits the same tea bag 2 to be used for more than one cup of tea.

It is noted that the tea bag holder 10 may have other end-uses and is not limited to holding a tea bag 2 during brewing. Examples include, but are not limited to, use as an ice cube holder, whiskey stone holder, fruit slice holder for water bottles, sports bottles, etc., coffee single serve bag holder, miniature air plant or succulent plant holder, earbud and cords holder, nail polish holder, photo holder, business card holder, recipe card holder, toothbrush holder, fruit and/or vegetable holder for use when making a brine, fish tank food disk holder, fish tank decoration holder, jewelry and/or ring holder, bath tea bag holder, bath bomb holder, razor holder in the shower, tea light and/or small candle holder, sink sponge or washcloth holder, shopping list holder, swimming pool lights holder for stationary or floating lights, clay figures holder for oven baking, cookie dough holder for baking cookies, bread dough holder for baking rolls, place card holders for seating arrangements. These and other end-uses will be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art after becoming familiar with the teachings herein.

It is noted that the examples shown and described are provided for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting. Still other examples are also contemplated.

Claims

1. A tea bag holder, comprising:

a housing having a base portion and a containment area for a tea bag the containment area forming a hollow portion within the housing; and

at least one permanent opening in the housing for providing the tea bag into and removing the tea bag from the containment area;

wherein the base portion of the housing is positioned on an inside bottom of a tea cup or mug and water is added to the tea cup or mug to brew tea from the tea bag in the containment area of the housing.

2. The tea bag holder of claim 1, wherein an upper portion of the housing forming the containment area is substantially spherically shaped.

3. The tea bag holder of claim 2, wherein the upper portion of the housing has a tea blossom shape.

4. The tea bag holder of claim 3, further comprising at least one leaf shape structure of the tea blossom shape extending between the base portion and a top portion of the housing.

5. The tea bag holder of claim 4, further comprising a plurality of leaf shape structures of the tea blossom shape extending between the base portion and a top portion of the housing.

6. The tea bag holder of claim 5, further comprising five leaf shape structures of the tea blossom shape extending between the base portion and a top portion of the housing.

7. The tea bag holder of claim 5, wherein the plurality of leaf shape structures form a plurality of slots in a side of the housing.

8. The tea bag holder of claim 7, wherein at least one of the slots is a portion of the permanent opening in the housing.

9. The tea bag holder of claim 8, wherein at least one of the slots is the permanent opening in the housing.

10. The tea bag holder of claim 8, wherein the plurality of leaf shape structures do not touch one another at a top of the housing to provide at least a portion of the permanent opening in the housing.

11. The tea bag holder of claim 1, wherein the permanent opening is formed in a top of the housing.

12. The tea bag holder of claim 1, further comprising a suction cup on a bottom portion of the base to adhere the housing to an inside of the tea cup or mug on the bottom of the tea cup or mug.

13. The tea bag holder of claim 1, further comprising a suction cup formed as a portion of a bottom portion of the base to adhere the housing to an inside of the tea cup or mug on the bottom of the tea cup or mug.

14. The tea bag holder of claim 1, wherein housing is manufactured of a pliable material.

15. The tea bag holder of claim 1, wherein housing is manufactured of a pliable food grade silicon material.

16. A tea blossom shaped tea bag holder, comprising:

a housing having a base portion and a containment area for a tea bag the containment area forming a hollow portion within the housing;

a plurality of leaf shaped structures of the tea blossom shape extending between the base portion and a top portion of the housing, the plurality of leaf shape structures form a plurality of slots in a side of the housing;

at least one permanent opening in the housing for providing the tea bag into and removing the tea bag from the containment area; and

wherein the base portion of the housing is positioned on an inside bottom of a tea cup or mug and water is added to the tea cup or mug to brew tea from the tea bag in the containment area of the housing.

17. The tea blossom shaped tea bag holder of claim 16, wherein the plurality of leaf shape structures do not touch one another at a top of the housing to provide at least a portion of the permanent opening in the housing.

18. The tea bag holder of claim 16, further comprising a suction cup on a bottom portion of the base to adhere the housing to an inside of the tea cup or mug on the bottom of the tea cup or mug.

19. The tea bag holder of claim 16, further comprising a suction cup formed as a portion of a bottom portion of the base to adhere the housing to an inside of the tea cup or mug on the bottom of the tea cup or mug.

20. A tea blossom shaped tea bag holder for holding a tea bag at a bottom of a tea cup or mug for brewing tea, the tea bag holder comprising:

a housing having a base portion and a containment area for a tea bag the containment area forming a hollow portion within the housing;

a plurality of leaf shape structures of the tea blossom shape extending between the base portion and a top portion of the housing, the plurality of leaf shape structures form a plurality of slots in a side of the housing;

at least one permanent opening in the housing for providing the tea bag into and removing the tea bag from the containment area; and

a suction cup on a bottom portion of the base to adhere the housing to an inside of the tea cup or mug on the bottom of the tea cup or mug;

wherein the plurality of leaf shape structures do not touch one another at a top of the housing to provide at least a portion of the permanent opening in the housing;

wherein the base portion of the housing is positioned on an inside bottom of a tea cup or mug and water is added to the tea cup or mug to brew tea from the tea bag in the containment area of the housing.