TEA BAG COZY

Abstract

An infusion system for processing a brewing material includes a pouch configured to contain a brewing material, a sealable packet configured to house the pouch, and an attachment member coupled with the pouch and the packet.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/728,153, filed Oct. 18, 2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

STATEMENT AS TO RIGHTS TO INVENTIONS MADE UNDER FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING,” A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISK.

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to infusion systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to tea bag packaging systems, and to methods for using and constructing such systems.

Since the advent of the tea bag, many tea drinkers have enjoyed the convenience and pleasant ritual of brewing their own cup. Certain tea packaging and distribution companies are known to sell tea bags in individually wrapped airtight packets to insure freshness and prevent contamination. However, after steeping the brewing material in hot water, the tea drinker is often left with a messy and soggy used tea bag.

What is needed are tea bag packaging systems and method that allow tea drinkers to enjoy a cup of brewed tea without the encumbrance of an awkward and unsightly used tea bag. The instant invention addresses this unfulfilled need by improved tea bag packaging systems and methods.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides infusion devices for processing a brewing material that are well suited for ensuring a clean and efficient tea drinking experience. Advantageously, the present infusion systems allow a tea drinker to pull a used tea bag back into a packet after the brewing process is completed. Thus, the unsightly used tea bag can be put out of sight. The present systems therefore provide a tea drinker with an additional level of control over the tea brewing process, and also provide the drinker with a pleasant ritual to the brewing process. Marketing logos and other brand promotions can be placed on the packet, and thus the present invention can provide a fresh marketing focus. A tea bag manufacturer or distributor using the present invention will enjoy competitive advantages over other tea companies. Moreover, the present invention can be implemented in conjunction with existing, high-speed manufacturing machines, and thus is particularly useful for minimizing any cost and complexity associated with manufacture.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides tea bags that can be packaged or distributed in individually wrapped in airtight water-proof packets, which are ideal for restaurants, hotels, and home. Such packets insure freshness and reduce the chance for contamination, and allow a used tea bag to be attractively hidden. These packets also provide a beautiful surface upon which to convey image and brand identity via colorful logos and the like.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides an infusion system for processing a brewing material. The system can include a pouch containing a brewing material, a packet releasably housing the pouch, and an attachment member coupled with the pouch and a detachable portion of the packet.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of using an infusion system. The method can include opening a packet of the infusion system along a first tear line, removing a pouch from inside of the packet, placing the pouch into an infusion medium, tearing a tab from the packet along a second tear line, and pulling the tab to return the pouch inside of the packet.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of constructing an infusion system. The method can include coupling a first section of an attachment member with a pouch, coupling a second section of the attachment member with an interior portion of a packet, and sealing the pouch within the packet.

In still another aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a system for processing a brewing material. The system can include, for example, a pouch containing a brewing material, a packet housing the pouch, and an attachment member coupled with the pouch and with the packet. The packet can include a detachable portion, and the attachment member can be coupled with the packet via the detachable portion. In some cases, the packet includes a seal line, and the attachment member is coupled with the packet at the seal line. The attachment member can be removably coupled with the packet at the seal line. In some cases, the packet includes a packet chamber, and the attachment member includes an attachment member extension that is disposed exterior to the packet chamber. In some aspects, the packet includes a seal line, and the attachment member is coupled with the packet at the seal line. Relatedly, the attachment member can be removably coupled with the packet at the seal line. In some aspects, the packet includes a packet insertion point, and the attachment member is coupled with the packet at the packet insertion point. Relatedly, the attachment member can be slidably coupled with the packet at the packet insertion point. In some cases, the attachment member is detachably coupled with the packet at the packet insertion point. In related aspects, the packet includes a seal line, and the packet insertion point is disposed at the seal line. In certain embodiments, the packet includes a first packet insertion point and a second packet insertion point, and the attachment member is coupled with the packet at the first and second packet insertion points so as to form a loop. Relatedly, the packet may include a packet chamber, and the loop may be disposed exterior to the packet chamber. In some aspects, the packet includes a seal line, and the first and second packet insertion points are disposed at the seal line. The attachment member can be detachably coupled with the packet. The packet can include an interior portion, and the attachment member can be coupled with the packet at the interior portion. The attachment member may be detachably coupled with the packet at the interior portion. Similarly, the attachment member may be slidably coupled with the packet at the interior portion.

A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention may be realized by reference to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used throughout the several drawings to refer to similar components. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, illustratively depict embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate a previously known tea bag system.

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate an infusion system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an infusion system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an infusion system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an infusion system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates an infusion system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally provides improved infusion systems, as well as method of using and constructing such systems. Turning now to the drawings, a known tea bag packaging system 10 is shown in FIGS. 1A-1C. Tea bag packaging system 10 includes an unfolded packet 20 that can be folded along a fold line 22 and heat-sealed to contain a tea bag 30. Typically, tea bag 30 is coupled with a tag 50 via an attachment member 40. When a user wishes to remove bag 30 for brewing, he tears packet 20 along a tear line 24 and removes tea bag 30, attachment member 40, and tag 50. Often, tag 50 is folded over the top of tea bag 30, and can be separated by pulling lightly on tag 50. The user can then grasp tag 50 and dip tea bag 30 into a cup of hot water 60. However, upon removing tea bag 30 from the cup, the user is presented with an inconvenient used tea bag 30.

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrates an infusion system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Infusion system 100 includes a pouch 130 for holding a brewing material 132, a sealable packet 120 that houses pouch 130, and an attachment member 140. A first section 142 of attachment member 140 can be coupled with pouch 130, often via a pouch staple 131, and a second section 144 of attachment member 140 can be coupled with an interior portion 121 of packet 120. Attachment member 140 may be of any length, and in many cases will be long enough such that pouch 130 can be completely removed from packet 120 while still being attached with interior portion 121 via attachment member 140. It is appreciated that although this figure describes attachment to interior portion 121 of packet, second section 144 can alternatively be attached with any portion of packet 120. In some cases, the portion of packet 120 to which second section 144 is attached is detachable from the remainder of the packet 120.

In use, when a tea drinker wishes to remove pouch 130 from packet 120, she can tear packet 120 along a first tear line 126, and pull pouch 130 out of packet 120 or otherwise allow pouch 130 to fall out of packet 120 through first tear opening 128. The tea drinker can then grasp packet 120, and dangle pouch 130 into a cup of hot water 160. The tea can be brewed while attachment member 140 is still coupled with interior portion 121 of packet 120. When the tea is brewed the tea drinker can tear away a tab 122 of packet 120 that includes interior portion 121, typically by tearing along a second tear line 124. By holding tab 122, or by holding second section 144 of attachment member 140, the drinker can then draw attachment member 140 through the resulting second tear opening 129 in packet 120. This action pulls pouch 130 out of cup 160 and back inside of packet 120 through opening 128. As a result, used pouch 130 is conveniently stored, and the drinker is not distracted with a messy and unsightly used pouch 130. The drinker can even use packet 120 to squeeze used pouch 130 to extract the last few drops of elixir from pouch 130.

In some cases, infusion system 10 can be prepared with second section 144 disposed externally to packet 120. Thus, after the brewing step, the user can grasp second section 144 and pull used pouch 130 into packet 120.

It is appreciated that any of a variety of means may be used to seal packet 120 along seal lines 123. For example, seal lines 123 can be formed by heat sealing or other adhesive methods or press molding or crimping techniques. Interior portion 121 of packet 120, to which attachment member second section 142 is coupled, can be integral with or separate from seal line 123. Brewing material 132 can include, for example, tea, coffee, herbal preparations, various plant material such as flowers, roots, stems, berries, leaves, and bark, or any other desired infusion material. Brewing material 132 can also dehydrated soups, broths, bouillons, seasonings, and the like. In some cases, brewing material 132 can include pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, or other medicinal, chemical, or biological preparations.

In some cases, as shown in FIG. 3, attachment member second section 144′ can be coupled with an intermediate member 150′, which can in turn be coupled with interior portion 121′. In such instances, intermediate member 150′ can be extended into, integrated with, or separate from seal line 123′. In one embodiment, second section 144′ is coupled with intermediate member 150′ via a second section staple 151′, and an edge 152′ of intermediate member 150′ is extended into seal line 123′. In some embodiments, tear lines 124′ and 126′ can be printed on the exterior surface of packet 120′, along with instructions for using infusion system 100′ according to methods as described herein.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary infusion system 400 according to embodiments of the present invention. Infusion system 400 includes a pouch 430 for holding a brewing material 432, a sealable or sealed packet 420 that houses pouch 430, and an attachment member 440. A first section 442 of attachment member 440 can be coupled with pouch 430, and a second section 444 of attachment member 440 can be coupled with an interior portion 421 of packet 420. As shown here, second section 444 includes an attachment member extension 446 that is removably attached with seal line 423, and that extends through seal line 423 at a packet insertion point 424 to the outside of packet 420.

In use, when a tea preparer wishes to remove pouch 430 from packet 420, she can tear packet 420 along a first tear line 426, and pull pouch 430 out of packet 420 or otherwise allow pouch 430 to fall out of packet 420. The tea preparer can then grasp packet 420, and dangle pouch 430 into a container of water. The tea can be brewed while attachment member 440 is still coupled with interior portion 421 of packet 420. When the tea is brewed the tea preparer can grasp attachment member extension 446 and draw attachment member 440 through the packet insertion point 424, which may be done without tearing away a portion of packet 420. This action pulls pouch 430 back inside of packet 420. As a result, used pouch 430 is conveniently stored, and the preparer is not distracted with a messy and unsightly used pouch 430. The preparer can even use packet 420 to squeeze used pouch 430 to extract the last few drops of elixir from pouch 430.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary infusion system 500 according to embodiments of the present invention. Infusion system 500 includes a pouch 530 for holding a brewing material 532, a sealable or sealed packet 520 that houses pouch 530, and an attachment member 540. A first section 542 of attachment member 540 can be coupled with pouch 530, and a second section 544 of attachment member 540 can be coupled with an interior portion 521 of packet 520. As shown here, second section 544 includes an attachment member extension 546 that is removably attached or slidably coupled with seal line 523, and that extends through seal line 523 at a packet insertion point 524 to the outside of packet 520. Attachment member extension 546 can be disposed within a flap section 527 of packet 520, such that attachment member 546 does not extend beyond the peripheral exterior boundary of packet 520, yet at the same time reside exterior to an interior sealed chamber 529 of packet 520.

In use, when a tea preparer wishes to remove pouch 530 from packet 520, she can tear packet 520 along a first tear line 526, and pull pouch 530 out of packet 520 or otherwise allow pouch 530 to fall out of packet 520. The tea preparer can then grasp packet 520, and dangle pouch 530 into a container of water. The tea can be brewed while attachment member 540 is still coupled with interior portion 521 of packet 520. When the tea is brewed the tea preparer can grasp attachment member extension 546 and draw attachment member 540 through the packet insertion point 524. This may involve the preparer separating flap or pocket 527 so as to reach or access attachment member extension 546. In some embodiments, flap 527 is defined by portions of two opposing sides of a packet, where the portions are not sealed or adhered with one another. The drawing action pulls pouch 530 back inside of packet 520. As a result, used pouch 530 is conveniently stored, and the preparer is not distracted with a messy and unsightly used pouch 530. The preparer can even use packet 520 to squeeze used pouch 530 to extract the last few drops of elixir from pouch 530.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary infusion system 600 according to embodiments of the present invention. Infusion system 600 includes a pouch 630 for holding a brewing material 632, a sealable or sealed packet 620 that houses pouch 630, and an attachment member 640. A first section 642 of attachment member 640 can be coupled with pouch 630, and a second section 644 of attachment member 640 can be coupled with an interior portion 621 of packet 620. As shown here, second section 644 includes an attachment member extension 646 that is removably attached with seal line 423 at a first packet insertion point 624a and a second packet insertion point 624b, so as to form a loop 648 disposed outside of packet 620 or otherwise external to an interior packet chamber 629. An insertion point can be a place or location where an attachment member passes through a seal line.

In use, when a tea preparer wishes to remove pouch 630 from packet 620, she can tear packet 620 along a first tear line 626, and pull pouch 630 out of packet 620 or otherwise allow pouch 630 to fall out of packet 620. The tea preparer can then grasp packet 620, and dangle pouch 630 into a container of water. The tea can be brewed while attachment member 640 is still coupled with interior portion 621 of packet 620. When the tea is brewed the tea preparer can grasp attachment member extension 646 and draw attachment member 640 through the packet insertion point 624. This action pulls pouch 630 back inside of packet 620. As a result, used pouch 630 is conveniently stored, and the preparer is not distracted with a messy and unsightly used pouch 630. The preparer can even use packet 620 to squeeze used pouch 630 to extract the last few drops of elixir from pouch 630.

Although certain preferred embodiments and methods have been disclosed herein, it will be apparent from the foregoing disclosure to those skilled in the art that variations, modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents of such embodiments and methods may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An infusion system for processing a brewing material, the system comprising:

a pouch containing a brewing material;

a packet releasably housing the pouch; and

an attachment member coupled with the pouch and with the packet.

2. The infusion system of claim 1, wherein the packet comprises a detachable portion, and the attachment member is coupled with the packet via the detachable portion.

3. The infusion system of claim 1, wherein the packet comprises a seal line, and the attachment member is coupled with the packet at the seal line.

4. The infusion system of claim 3, wherein the attachment member is removably coupled with the packet at the seal line.

5. The infusion system of claim 1, wherein the packet comprises a packet chamber, and the attachment member comprises an attachment member extension that is disposed exterior to the packet chamber.

6. The infusion system of claim 5, wherein the packet comprises a seal line, and the attachment member is coupled with the packet at the seal line.

7. The infusion system of claim 6, wherein the attachment member is removably coupled with the packet at the seal line.

8. The infusion system of claim 1, wherein the packet comprises a packet insertion point, and the attachment member is coupled with the packet at the packet insertion point.

9. The infusion system of claim 8, wherein the attachment member is slidably coupled with the packet at the packet insertion point.

10. The infusion system of claim 8, wherein the attachment member is detachably coupled with the packet at the packet insertion point.

11. The infusion system of claim 8, wherein the packet comprises a seal line, and the packet insertion point is disposed at the seal line.

12. The infusion system of claim 1, wherein the packet comprises a first packet insertion point and a second packet insertion point, and the attachment member is coupled with the packet at the first and second packet insertion points so as to form a loop.

13. The infusion system of claim 12, wherein the packet comprises a packet chamber, and the loop is disposed exterior to the packet chamber.

14. The infusion system of claim 13, wherein the packet comprises a seal line, and the first and second packet insertion points are disposed at the seal line.

15. The infusion system of claim 1, wherein the attachment member is detachably coupled with the packet.

16. The infusion system of claim 15, wherein the packet comprises an interior portion, and the attachment member is coupled with the packet at the interior portion.

17. The infusion system of claim 16, wherein the attachment member is detachably coupled with the packet at the interior portion.

18. The infusion system of claim 16, wherein the attachment member is slidably coupled with the packet at the interior portion.

19. A method of using an infusion system, the method comprising:

opening a packet of the infusion system along a first tear line;

removing a pouch from inside of the packet;

placing the pouch into an infusion medium;

tearing a tab from the packet along a second tear line; and

pulling the tab to return the pouch inside of the packet.

20. A method of constructing an infusion system, the method comprising:

coupling a first section of an attachment member with a pouch;

coupling a second section of the attachment member with an interior portion of a packet; and

sealing the pouch within the packet.