EA038770B1 - Infusion packets - Google Patents

Abstract

An expandable infusion packet containing a beverage precursor, wherein the infusion packet is in a permanently compressed state in the absence of water and converts to an expanded state in the presence of water, wherein the infusion packet has a density of more than 0.5 g/cm3 when it is in the permanently compressed state.

Description

The present invention relates to infusion bags. More specifically, the present invention relates to infusion bags (such as tea bags) that expand to take on a three-dimensional shape when immersed in water.

State of the art

Over the years, infusion bags (such as tea bags) were usually flat and were generally available as square or round sheets of porous filter media with an infusion material (such as tea leaves) sandwiched between the leaves. Within such pouches, the infusion material can only move substantially in two dimensions. As a result, the effectiveness of the infusion is limited.

In recent years, infusion bags for mass production have been developed having a mainly three-dimensional structure. The most successful have been pouches in the form of a tetrahedron, such as those described in WO 95/01907 (Unilever). It is believed that this type of infusion bag improves the infusion efficiency by allowing the infusion material more space to move.

Multiple infusion bags are usually packed together in cartons for sale. For example, PG Tips pyramid tea bags are sold in cartons containing 20, 40, 80, 160, or 240 tea bags. The disadvantage of 3D tea bags is that they have a higher volume than 2D tea bags and therefore cannot be packaged for sale as efficiently.

Attempts have been made to provide three-dimensional infusion bags that have a flattened packaging configuration.

EP 0053204 (Unilever) discloses a teabag generally in the shape of a tetrahedron, which has at least one fold to allow it to be flattened. A stretcher attached to the tea bag helps to unfold the tea bag.

WO 2013/174710 (Unilever) discloses a pleated infusion bag that is substantially flat prior to use and can expand when immersed in an infused liquid so that it takes on a more three-dimensional shape.

EP 0846632 (Fuso Sangyo Kabushiki Kaisha) discloses a liquid-permeable flexible pouch shell that has been folded so that it can easily fit into the outer packaging and unfold during extraction so that the inner space in the pouch shell increases.

The flattened (or unexpanded) configuration of such infusion bags is achieved by folding the three-dimensional infusion bags in a specific manner. The three-dimensional shape that the infusion bags must take during use will inevitably affect their flattened shape. In addition, to facilitate mass production of such infusion bags, a flattened configuration must be achieved using a relatively simple folding pattern. Thus, the expandable infusion bags described in the prior art have a very limited number of possible configurations in their non-expanded configuration.

Therefore, there remains a need for an infusion bag configuration that provides the infusion efficiency inherent in three-dimensional bags in a more convenient and / or efficient packaging method for sale than currently used.

The essence of the invention

In a first aspect, the present invention relates to an expandable infusion bag containing a beverage precursor, wherein the infusion bag is continuously collapsed in the absence of water and is configured to expand in the presence of water, the infusion bag having a density of at least 0.5 g / cm ³ when continuously compressed and the infusion bag is substantially rigid and has a Vickers hardness (H _v ) of at least 0.2 when continuously compressed condition.

The compressed state of such infusion bags means that they can be conveniently and efficiently packaged. This is preferable from an environmental standpoint since less secondary packaging material is required to package a given number of infusion bags (eg, compared to standard infusion bags having substantially the same expanded state).

In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a package containing a plurality of expandable infusion bags according to the first aspect of the invention.

Information confirming the possibility of carrying out the invention

The present invention relates to an expandable infusion bag containing a beverage precursor, wherein the infusion bag is continuously collapsed in the absence of water and is configured to expand in the presence of water, the infusion bag having a density of at least 0.5 g / cm ³ when it is in a permanently compressed state of 1,038,770.

As used herein, the expression permanently compressed state refers to a configuration that must remain stable for an indefinite period of time. The configuration of the infusion bag itself is permanently compressed and does not expand into an expanded state in the absence of water. In other words, the infusion bag of the present invention does not need a wrap or similar secondary packaging to maintain its collapsed configuration.

When the infusion bags of the present invention are in a permanently compressed state, they cannot be opened simply by gentle pulling or manipulation of the constituent material. This is in contrast to infusion bags which are folded to obtain a flattened configuration and which readily assume a more expanded configuration when subjected to this type of exposure even in the absence of water.

The infusion bags have a density of at least 0.5 g / cm ³ when continuously compressed. Preferably, the density of the infusion bags when continuously compressed is at least 0.55 g / cm ³ , more preferably at least 0.6 g / cm ³ , even more preferably at least 0.65 g / cm ³ . Preferably, the density of the infusion bags when continuously compressed is less than 2 g / cm ³ , more preferably 1.6 g / cm ³ , even more preferably less than 1.2 g / cm ³ .

As such, the density of compressed infusion bags is typically greater than the bulk density of the beverage precursor. This is in contrast to the density of a standard (uncompressed) infusion bag, where the density of the infusion bag will typically be less than or equal to the bulk density of the beverage precursor.

The bulk density of the beverage precursor in dry (ie, non-thickened) form is the weight of the beverage precursor divided by the total volume occupied. This bulk density is referred to herein as uncompressed (or p _uncompressed ) bulk density and can be measured by filling a measuring cylinder with a known mass of beverage precursor, tapping the cylinder several times and then measuring the volume occupied by the beverage precursor. The uncompressed bulk density (p _uncompressed ) represents the bulk density of the beverage precursor in a standard infusion bag (i.e., uncompressed infusion bag). For example, the bulk density (p _uncompressed ) of uncompressed loose leaf tea in dry (unconstituted) form is about 0.4 g / cm ³ .

It should be understood that the bulk density of the beverage precursor contained within the infusion bag will not be the same when the infusion bag is in a continuously collapsed state. In fact, the bulk density of the beverage precursor will be significantly higher when the infusion bag is in this state. In other words, when the infusion bag is in a continuously collapsed state, a given mass of beverage precursor will occupy less volume than it will occupy when the infusion bag is in an expanded state. The bulk density of the beverage precursor in a compressed infusion pouch is referred to herein as the compressed bulk density (or p _compressed ). The compressed bulk density can be determined by applying the same pressure used to bring the compressed infusion bag to a known beverage precursor weight, and then determining the beverage precursor volume after the pressure has been applied (compressed bulk density is weight of beverage precursor divided by volume of beverage precursor after pressure has been applied).

Preferably, the bulk density (p _compressed ) of the compressed beverage precursor is greater than the bulk density (p _uncompressed ) of the beverage precursor in its uncompressed state by 1.5-3 times, more preferably 1.8-2.6 times and most preferably 2-2 ,4 times.

The infusion bag of the present invention expands in the presence of water. Both hot and cold water will cause this change, however (all other things being equal) the time it takes for the infusion bag to expand in hot water will generally be shorter than in cold water. As such, the expandable infusion bag is suitable for preparing both hot and cold drinks.

When the infusion bags of the present invention are in a permanently collapsed state, they do not deform upon handling and preferably have a substantially rigid structure. When they take on an expanded state in the presence of water, they become deformable and preferably have a flexible structure (in other words, they lose the stiffness that they preferably have in a permanently compressed state).

The firmness of the infusion bags in a permanently compressed state can be expressed in terms of the Vickers hardness (H _v ). The Vickers hardness is a measure of the resistance of a specimen to plastic deformation.

The Vickers hardness test is an indentation test that includes

- 2 038770 presses into the indenter sample. The geometry of the indenter used in the Vickers hardness test is standardized (a 136 ° pyramidal diamond indenter that forms a square indentation). The indenter is pressed into the sample with a precisely controlled test force and then removed, leaving a square indentation on the surface of the sample. The area (A) of the indentation is determined on the assumption that the indentation has the same geometry as the indentor that formed it, and it can be determined by the formula: A = 24.5 h ² , where h is the indentation depth (in mm) ...

The Vickers hardness (H _v ) is a function of the test force divided by the surface area of the indentation and can be calculated using the following formula: Hv = F / A where F is the force applied to the indenter (in kgf) and A is the surface area the resulting print (in mm ² ).

The infusion bags are substantially rigid and have a Vickers hardness (H _v ) of at least 0.2, preferably at least 0.25, more preferably at least 0.3, and most preferably at least 0. 35. Preferably, the Vickers hardness (Hv) of the compressed infusion bags is less than 1, more preferably less than 0.9, even more preferably less than 0.8 and most preferably less than 0.75.

The time it takes for an infusion bag to go from compressed to expanded in the presence of hot water (eg, 90 to 100 ° C) is generally relatively short, typically a few seconds. Thus, the expandable infusion bag is especially suitable for brewable beverages prepared using hot water such as tea or herbal infusions. Consumers prefer to prepare these drinks as quickly and easily as possible, and the total brewing time is usually no more than 6 minutes. Thus, in the presence of hot water, the infusion bag preferably goes from collapsed to expanded state in no more than 30 seconds, more preferably no more than 20, most preferably no more than 10 seconds.

Expandable infusion bags are also suitable for brews made with cold water (such as Upton® Cold Brew iced tea bags). The brewing time for such beverages is usually longer than for hot beverages, for example, it can be 5 minutes or more. Consequently, the rapid transition of the infusion bag from the compressed state to the expanded state is less important from the point of view of the product's acceptability to the consumer. In the presence of cold water (for example, at a temperature of 15 to 25 ° C), the infusion bag preferably goes from compressed to expanded state in a time of no more than 240 seconds, more preferably no more than 180 seconds, even more preferably no more than 120 seconds, and most preferably no more than 90 s.

The transition of the expandable infusion bag from a permanently compressed state to an expanded state results in erratic movement. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the inventor believes that this movement improves the infusion efficiency of the infusion bag.

Expandable infusion bags preferably contain a beverage precursor. As used herein, the expression beverage precursor refers to a formulated composition suitable for preparing a beverage. To produce a beverage (i.e., a substantially potable aqueous composition that is suitable for human consumption), the beverage precursor can be contacted with an aqueous liquid such as water. This process is called brewing. During brewing, the beverage precursor typically releases certain soluble substances into the aqueous liquid, such as flavoring and / or aroma molecules.

The beverage precursor preferably contains plant material, with tea and / or herbal plant material being particularly preferred. As used herein, the expression tea plant material refers to dried leaf and / or stem material obtained from Camellia sinensis (i.e., leaf tea). The expression herbal plant material refers to a material that is commonly used as a precursor for herbal infusions. The herbal plant material is preferably selected from chamomile, cinnamon, elderberry, ginger, hibiscus, jasmine, lavender, lemongrass, mint, rooibos, rose hips, vanilla and verbena. The beverage precursor may additionally or alternatively contain fruit pieces (e.g., apple, blackcurrant, mango, peach, pineapple, raspberry, strawberry, and the like) and / or other flavoring ingredients (e.g., bergamot, citrus peel, synthetic flavor granules, and the like ). Preferably, the beverage precursor contains no plant material that requires pressure for optimal brewing. In particular, the beverage precursor preferably does not contain coffee-derived plant material (in particular ground coffee).

Preferably, the weight of the beverage precursor is at least 1 g, since a smaller amount is difficult to accurately divide and dose. More preferably, the weight is at least 1.2 g, and most preferably at least 1.4 g. In addition, preferably the weight of the beverage precursor is less than 4 g, since large quantities become inconvenient for storage and / or handling. More preferably, the weight is less than 3.5 g and most preferably less than 3 g.

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The expandable infusion bag preferably has a first geometry in its permanently collapsed state and a second geometry in its expanded state. While the second geometry may be an extended version of the first geometry, the first and second geometries are preferably different. In other words, the infusion bag in a continuously collapsed state preferably has a particular geometric shape and transitions to an expanded state in which it assumes a different geometric shape.

For example, the infusion bag may have a substantially disc-shaped cylindrical configuration in the collapsed state (i.e., the first geometry is a cylinder) and then, upon addition of water, is transformed so that it has a substantially tetrahedral configuration in the expanded state (i.e. . the second geometric shape is a tetrahedron).

The first geometric shape preferably has a first facet and a second facet connected along a length (L), the cross-section along the length (L) being constant and having the same shape as the first and second facets. The first and second edges are preferably parallel to each other.

The first geometric shape is preferably a cylinder or a prism.

If the first geometric shape is a cylinder, the first face and the second face are circular or elliptical and are connected along a length (L) with a curved surface.

If the first geometric shape is a prism, then the first face and the second face are polygonal and are connected along length (L) by a plurality of connecting faces separated from each other by a plurality of connecting edges. Preferably, the connecting faces are square or rectangular (i.e., the prism is preferably a straight prism). However, it should be understood that in a less preferred configuration, the connecting faces may be parallelograms (i.e., the prism may be an oblique prism).

The first and second faces can have any simple polygonal shape (i.e., a shape in which the polygon boundary does not intersect itself); therefore, the polygonal shape can be concave or convex. Non-limiting examples of suitable polygonal shapes include: triangles, quadrangles, pentagons, hexagons, heptagons, octagons, nagons, decagons, and the like.

The geometric shape and dimensions of the infusion bag in its permanently collapsed state determine how efficiently a plurality of such bags can be packaged.

The first geometric shape preferably has a width (W), the width (W) being greater than or equal to the length (L).

Width (W) is the largest dimension of the first or second face in a plane perpendicular to length (L). For example, for a cylinder with a circular cross-section, the width (W) is the diameter of the circular cross-section, and for a cylinder with an elliptical cross-section, the width (W) is the major axis of the elliptical cross-section. Likewise, for a square prism, the width (W) is the diagonal of the square.

The length (L) of the cylindrical or prismatic infusion bag in a continuously collapsed state is preferably greater than 2 mm, more preferably greater than 3 mm and most preferably greater than 4 mm. The length (L) is preferably at most 20 mm, more preferably at most 18 mm, and most preferably at most 16 mm.

The width (W) of the cylindrical or prismatic infusion bag in a continuously collapsed state is preferably greater than 14 mm, more preferably greater than 17 mm and most preferably greater than 20 mm. The width (W) is preferably at most 45 mm, more preferably at most 40 mm, and most preferably at most 35 mm.

The expandable infusion bag in its expanded state preferably has a second geometric shape. As indicated above, this second geometric shape is preferably different from the first geometric shape.

An embodiment is not excluded in which the second geometry is substantially flat (eg, an infusion bag containing infusion disposed between square or circular sheets of porous material). However, such an embodiment is less preferred because it is believed that such infusion bags limit the movement of the insoluble material in substantially two dimensions, which limits the effectiveness of the infusion. In addition, the packaging of many such infusion bags is already relatively efficient due to their substantially flat state.

Thus, the second geometry is preferably three-dimensional. There is no particular limitation regarding the second geometric shape, and it can be any three-dimensional shape. However, it is desirable that infusion bags having a second geometric shape can be made to a large size easily. Thus, preferred examples of the second geometric shape include such shapes as tetrahedron, pyramid, hemisphere, sphere, cube, and the like. Particularly preferably, the second geometry is a sphere, hemisphere, tetrahedron, or pyramid.

The present invention contemplates compressing conventional infusion bags to achieve

- 4 038770 in such a configuration, in which the infusion bags are in a permanently compressed state. Non-limiting examples of common infusion bags include spherical or hemispherical infusion bags such as those described in EP 0811562 (Unilever), WO 2012/095247 (Unilever) or WO 2005/051797 (Tetley), and tetrahedral infusion bags. for example, as described in WO 95/01907 (Unilever), WO 2004/033303 (IMA SPA) or WO 2012/004169 (Unilever).

The expandable infusion bag preferably has a first geometry in its permanently collapsed state and a second geometry in its expanded state. While it is possible that the second geometry is an extended version of the first geometry, it is preferred that the first and second geometries are different. In other words, the infusion bag preferably has a certain geometric shape in a continuously collapsed state and transitions to an expanded state in which it has a different geometric shape.

The expandable infusion bag has a volume V _C in a continuously collapsed state and a volume VE in an expanded state. To achieve a significant reduction in the packaging space occupied by each compressed infusion bag without affecting the infusion efficiency, a significant increase in volume occurs when the bag changes from its permanently collapsed state to an expanded state upon addition of water. Therefore, VE is preferably at least 2VC, more preferably at least 2,5V _C and most preferably at least 3VC. With the addition of water, the expandable infusion bag must be able to efficiently transition from its permanently collapsed state to an expanded state. Thus, VE is preferably at most 10VC, more preferably at most 8VC, and most preferably at most 6VC.

The expandable infusion bag of the present invention can be made from any suitable material. Nonwovens are particularly preferred because the fibers of these materials generally have a relatively weak "memory" and therefore easily transition from a compressed state to an expanded state when water is added. Non-limiting examples of nonwovens include continuous filament nonwovens (e.g. PET, PLA, PP) and wet-formed nonwovens (e.g. cellulose / polymer blends containing cellulose and polymers such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene ( PE) or polyactide (PLA)).

In a second aspect, the invention relates to a package containing a plurality of expandable infusion bags according to the first aspect of the invention.

As mentioned above, the geometric shape of the expandable infusion pouch in its permanently collapsed state determines how efficiently a plurality of such pouches can be packaged. However, in the collapsed state, the infusion bags of the present invention require less storage space than in the expanded state, regardless of the particular geometric shape chosen.

The packaging configuration is not limited. From a cost point of view, the package chosen should preferably not be too complicated to manufacture. For simplicity, the packaging is preferably a tube or cardboard box. Another advantage of such packaging solutions is that the packaged product requires only a small amount of storage space in the consumer's home. In fact, the secondary packaging is preferably compact enough for the consumer to comfortably carry the infusion bags or store them at work.

Examples of such tubular packages include cardboard, plastic or metal tubes having a correspondingly shaped cross-section. For example, if, in a collapsed form, an expandable infusion bag has a triangular cross section, a plurality of such infusion bags can be efficiently packaged in a hollow tube having a triangular cross section. It is also contemplated that a tubular package can be formed around the squeezed infusion bags. For example, a plurality of compressed infusion bags can be stacked and packaged in a tube by wrapping them with a sheet of flexible packaging material (e.g., paper or plastic) around the stacked infusion bags around the circumference and sealing the abutting edges of the sheet (i.e. longitudinally such that the seam is substantially parallel to the length (L) of the compressed infusion bags).

In one preferred embodiment, the package is a tube and the first geometry is a cylinder (i.e., in a continuously collapsed state, the expandable infusion bag has a substantially disc-shaped cylindrical configuration).

The tube may not have the same cross-section as the expandable infusion bag. Thus, in embodiments in which the package is a tube and the first geometric shape is a cylinder, the tube may have a circular or elliptical cross section and therefore correspond to the cross section of the first geometric shape.

- 5 038770

Alternatively, the tube may have a cross-section that does not coincide with the cross-section of the first geometric shape. The space between the infusion bag and the tube in this embodiment is believed to facilitate removal of the infusion bag from the box (allowing the consumer to easily grip the curved surface of the infusion bag). A tube with a square or rectangular cross section is especially preferred because such boxes are easy to manufacture.

It should be understood that a similar effect can be achieved with other forms of infusion bags. For example, an expandable infusion bag in which the first geometry is a hexagonal prism may be packaged in a tube having a square cross section, etc.

As stated above, the secondary packaging can be a cardboard box. The tubular configuration described above relates to a packaging solution for a stack of compressed infusion bags. In contrast, a carton provides a solution for wrapping layers or rows of compressed infusion bags (with each layer or row containing two or more compressed infusion bags). Thus, the squeezed infusion bags can be packaged independently of the first geometric shape of the infusion bags. For maximum packaging efficiency, the first geometric shape is preferably honeycomb. However, this is not an essential requirement and it is also possible to package more efficiently for non-honeycomb forms than for conventional uncompressed infusion bags. In addition, the space between rows of squeezed infusion bags having non-honeycomb shapes can facilitate easy removal of individual infusion bags from the box by the consumer.

In a preferred embodiment, the package is a cardboard box and the first geometry is a square or rectangular prism (i.e., in a permanently collapsed state, the expandable infusion bag has a prismatic configuration with a square or rectangular cross section).

In yet another preferred embodiment, the package is a cardboard box and the first geometry is a cylinder (i.e., the expandable infusion bag has a substantially disc-shaped cylindrical configuration when continuously collapsed). A box with a square or rectangular cross-section is particularly preferred since such boxes are easy to manufacture. The space between the rows of infusion bags and the carton is believed to facilitate removal of the infusion bag from the box (allowing the consumer to easily grip the curved surface of the infusion bag).

As discussed, the present invention contemplates compressing conventional infusion bags to obtain a configuration in which the infusion bags are continuously collapsed. This can be achieved by a method comprising the steps of (a) providing the infusion bag in an expanded state; (b) inserting the infusion bag into the matrix; (c) applying pressure to bring the infusion bag into a permanently squeezed state. The infusion bag provided in step (a) is preferably a conventional infusion bag and can be made by any known method. Tetrahedral infusion bags are particularly preferred.

The infusion bag provided in step (a) is inserted into the die. Preferably, the matrix is metallic, for example it can be easily made from steel.

The pressure applied in step (c) is preferably applied by means of a piston that is inserted into the die. Preferably, the piston is metallic, for example it can be easily made of aluminum. The dies and the piston are preferably made of different metals. Factors that affect the appropriate pressure applied in step (c) include the cross-sectional area of the matrix used in step (b), the type of material the infusion bag is made from, and the size / weight of the infusion bag. The pressure applied in step (c) is usually higher when a higher compression ratio is required and lower when a lower compression ratio is required.

It should be borne in mind that the amount of infusion contained in the infusion bag has a predetermined volume (for example, the volume occupied by 3 grams of the infused material will be greater than the volume occupied by 2 grams of the infused material). Generally, the more infusion material is in the infusion bag, the more volume the infusion material will occupy.

Thus, infusion bags containing more infusion will generally shrink less than infusion bags containing less infusion.

List of drawings

By way of example, the present invention is illustrated with reference to the following figures, in which:

- 6 038770 in Fig. 1a is a perspective view of an expandable infusion bag in a continuously collapsed state;

in fig. 1b is a perspective view of the expandable infusion bag of FIG. 1a in an expanded state;

in fig. 2a is a perspective view of a compressed infusion bag according to the invention, which is placed in a container ready for brewing;

in fig. 2b is an illustration of the infusion bag of FIG. 2a when water is added to the beverage preparation container;

in fig. 3a is a perspective view showing the arrangement of a plurality of compressed infusion bags;

in fig. 3b is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a package containing a plurality of squeezed infusion bags;

in fig. 3c is a perspective view showing an alternative embodiment of a package containing a plurality of compressed infusion bags;

in fig. 4 is a series of perspective views illustrating possible shapes for expandable infusion bags according to the present invention in their permanently collapsed state.

in fig. 5a is a perspective view of an infusion bag in a hemispherical expanded state;

in fig. 5b is a perspective view of an infusion bag in a cubic expanded state;

in fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a box containing a plurality of squeezed infusion bags;

in fig. 7 illustrates various arrangements of a plurality of compressed infusion bags;

in fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a carton containing a plurality of squeezed infusion bags.

FIG. 1a shows an expandable infusion bag according to the invention in its permanently collapsed state. The compressed infusion bag (1) is cylindrical and has a circular cross-section. In this configuration, the infusion bag has a circular first facet (2) and a circular second facet (which is opposite the first facet and therefore not visible in FIG. 1a) connected along a length (L) by a curved surface (4). The cross section along length (L) is constant and has the same shape as the first and second faces (i.e., circular). In the illustrated embodiment, the width (W) is the diameter of the circular cross-section.

FIG. 1b shows the infusion bag of FIG. 1a in its expanded state. The expanded infusion bag (5) has taken a three-dimensional tetrahedral shape. Thus, in its expanded state, the infusion bag has a different shape than in its collapsed state. The three-dimensional expanded state provides free space for the insoluble material (6) to move within the infusion bag (5), which is believed to improve infusion efficiency.

FIG. 2 shows the transition of an expandable infusion bag of the present invention from its permanently collapsed state to an expanded state. This transition occurs under the conditions that the consumer typically uses to prepare an infusion from a conventional infusion bag.

FIG. 2a shows an infusion bag prior to brewing. The squeezed infusion bag (1) is placed in a container (7), which is suitable for receiving some hot water (in this case, a mug). To prepare a beverage from a compressed infusion bag, the consumer adds hot water to the container. In the presence of water (8), the infusion bag goes into an expanded state. The volume of water used by consumers to prepare a beverage from a conventional infusion bag varies and is not constant from place to place. Thus, it is preferred that the volume of water that causes the infusion bag to go from its permanently compressed state to an expanded state is not very large, although it should be understood that this volume is usually greater than VE (100 ml of water is usually sufficient). FIG. 2b shows an infusion bag during brewing. The infusion bag is here in an expanded state (5) and has taken on a three-dimensional tetrahedral shape.

As shown in FIG. 3, the compressed infusion bags of the present invention can be conveniently packaged.

FIG. 3a shows a plurality of squeezed infusion bags (1) stacked on top of each other. Since the infusion bags are regular in the collapsed state, this arrangement results in a configuration with a constant cross-section (in this case, a circular cross-section).

FIG. 3b shows a possible packaging method for a plurality of compressed infusion bags (1). Stack of expandable infusion bags held together by secondary packaging

- 7 038770 (9). FIG. 3b, this secondary package (9) is tubular and in the form of a sheet (eg paper or plastic) that runs around the infusion bags in a circle and is sealed where the edges meet.

FIG. 3c shows an alternative method of packaging a plurality of compressed infusion bags (1). FIG. 3c, the secondary packaging (9) is a cardboard tube having a square cross section. This carton is in the shape of a square prism. Although the compressed infusion bags do not fill the entire volume of the carton, the packaging efficiency is further enhanced (i.e., a box designed to accommodate an equivalent number of conventional infusion bags having an expanded configuration will have a significantly larger volume).

Although not illustrated, it will be understood that other secondary packaging configurations are possible (eg, cardboard or plastic tubes, etc.).

The shape of the expandable infusion bag in its permanently collapsed state may be prismatic. FIG. 4 shows some possible prismatic configurations.

FIG. 4a, the compressed infusion bag is in the shape of a triangular prism. In this configuration, the first and second edges of the infusion bag are triangular and connected along the length (L) by three rectangular connecting edges (11), which are separated from each other by three connecting ribs (12). In this embodiment, the width (W) is the distance between two adjacent triangular vertices.

FIG. 4b, the compressed infusion bag is a square prism. In this configuration, the first and second sides of the infusion bag are square and connected along the length (L) by four rectangular connecting edges (11), which are separated from each other by four connecting ribs (12). In this embodiment, the width (W) is a square diagonal.

FIG. 4c and 4d show two possible hexagonal prism configurations for a squeezed infusion bag. In both cases, the first and second edges of the infusion bag are hexagonal and are connected along the length (L) by six rectangular connecting edges (11), which are separated from each other by six connecting edges (12). The compressed infusion bag of FIG. 4c has a convex hexagonal cross-section, while the compressed infusion bag 4d has an L-shaped concave hexagonal cross-section.

The shape of the expandable infusion bag in its expanded state is not limited and can be any geometric shape. FIG. 5 shows some possible configurations.

FIG. 5a, the expanded infusion bag (5) has a three-dimensional hemispherical shape, and in FIG. 5b, when expanded, it has a cubic shape.

It should be understood that there is no specific relationship between the shape of the expandable infusion bag in its collapsed state and its expanded shape. In particular, an infusion bag having any of the expanded shapes shown in FIGS. 1b, 5a, and 5b can be compressed to obtain any of the configurations shown in FIGS. 1a, 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d.

The shape of the compressed infusion bag can be used as a marker to help the consumer identify the product in question. For example, a number of products are often marketed by a specific manufacturer (eg green tea, black tea, fruit and herbal infusions, and the like). Typically, each element in the range uses the same infusion bag (eg tetrahedral). Each type of product is sold in a separate package (for example, in a box containing a certain number of infusion bags), and the information provided on the package identifies the specific type of product. The present invention allows each product in the assortment to have a different shape in a permanently compressed state (while maintaining the overall shape in an expanded state). For example, infusion bags containing black tea may be in the shape of a cylinder, while those containing green tea may be in the shape of a hexagonal prism, and so on. Thus, even if the compressed infusion bags have been removed from the packaging in which they were sold, the consumer will still be able to visually identify each product in the range.

FIG. 6 shows a possible packaging method for a plurality of compressed infusion bags. In this figure, several squeezed infusion bags (1) are placed inside the carton (15). The square cross-section of the infusion bags (1) means that they are arranged in a honeycomb pattern, which results in a very efficient use of the interior space inside the box.

FIG. 7 shows the various arrangements of a plurality of compressed infusion bags. FIG. 7a shows a plurality of squeezed infusion bags (1) having a hexagonal cross-section that are stacked on top of each other. The regular shape of these infusion bags when compressed means that the stack of infusion bags has a constant cross-section. The stack of expandable infusion bags can be packaged to maintain this location (eg, similar to that shown in FIG. 3b).

FIG. 7b shows an alternative arrangement of squeezed infusion bags (1) having 8,038,770 hexagonal cross-sections. In this arrangement, the squeezed infusion bags are placed in one layer. The regular hexagonal cross-section of the infusion bags (1) means that they are arranged in a honeycomb pattern. The layer of expandable infusion bags can be packaged in such a way as to maintain this position (for example, by packing them in a cardboard box).

FIG. 8 shows a possible packaging method for a plurality of compressed infusion bags. In this figure, several squeezed infusion bags (1) are located inside the carton (15). The circular cross-section of the infusion bags (1) means that they are not arranged in a honeycomb pattern. However, the compressed infusion bags are still very tightly packed, and at the same time, the small space around the compressed infusion bags allows the consumer to easily remove the individual infusion bag by grasping its curved surface.

Although not illustrated, it should be understood that the final packaging arrangement may contain multiple layers of compressed infusion bags. In fact, it is also contemplated that, in a compressed configuration, each layer of infusion bags may have a different shape. For example, the first layer may consist of infusion bags having a hexagonal cross-section, while the second layer may consist of infusion bags having a square cross-section.

Examples of

A commercially available PG Tips pyramid tea bag (bag weight 2.9 g) was provided. The expanded shape of this tea bag was essentially tetrahedral (rib length 65 mm). The expanded volume (V _E ) of the tea bag was 32365 mm ³ .

The tea bag was inserted into a steel matrix having the shape of a hollow cylinder and brought into a permanently compressed state by applying a pressure of 4200 kPa through an aluminum piston that slid inside the cylindrical matrix, thereby compressing the tea bag. The shape of this tea bag, when continuously compressed, was substantially cylindrical (with a circular cross-section). The width (W) of the compressed cylindrical shape of the tea bag was 32 mm and the length (L) was 5 mm. The volume (V _C ) of the tea bag when continuously compressed was 4021 mm ³ . The calculated density of the continuously compressed tea bag was 0.72 g / cm ³ .

The Vickers hardness (Hv) of a continuously squeezed tea bag was determined. Measurements were carried out on an Instron universal testing machine (type 5500R) with Bluehill2 ™ software (version 2.17). The sample was placed on a base plate and the indenter was lowered by hand until it came close to the surface of the sample. A preload cycle was performed with a displacement of 1 mm / min until a load of 0.1 N was measured, after which an auto-calibration was performed for displacement and load. Force (in kgf) and displacement (in mm) were measured during the indentation loading and unloading cycles. The loading cycle was performed with an offset of 2 mm / min until the tip of the indenter was pushed into the sample to a depth of 2.5 mm. The unloading cycle was performed with an offset of 2 mm / min until the load returned to zero. The permanently compressed tea bag had a Vickers hardness Hv of 0.46.

A continuously squeezed tea bag was placed in an empty cup and 200 ml of hot water was added. The tea bag expanded into an expanded shape in seconds. In addition, this transition caused the tea bag to sink. This movement facilitated rapid infusion of the tea leaves contained in the tea bag without requiring stirring or any shaking of the tea bag.

For comparison, an uncompressed, commercially available pyramid-shaped PG Tips tea bag (bag weight 2.9 g) was added to an empty cup and 200 ml of hot water was added. The addition of water caused the tea bag to flatten temporarily. In addition, when the water addition was completed, the tea bag floated rather than a donkey and was essentially stationary during the infusion. The lack of movement meant that the tea leaves contained in the tea bag did not brew as quickly.

The bulk density of the loose leaf tea mixture contained in the expanded (or uncompressed) PG Tips pyramid tea bag was determined to be 0.46 g / cm ³ . The bulk density of the compressed leaf tea blend was estimated to be 0.97 g / cm ³ . This was determined by placing a known mass of the loose leaf tea mixture in the same steel matrix that was used to make the compressed tea bag, applying a pressure of 4200 kPa to the loose leaf tea mixture, and then calculating the volume of the loose tea after the pressure was applied. It can be seen that the bulk density of the loose leaf tea in the compressed tea bag is significantly higher than that of the loose leaf tea in the expanded (uncompressed) tea bag.

Claims (15)

CLAIM 1. Expandable infusion bag containing the precursor of the drink, while the infusion bag in the absence of contact with water is in a permanently compressed state, achieved as a result of pressing the specified packet, and is made with the possibility of transition to an expanded de- 9 038770 formable state on contact with water, wherein the infusion bag has a density of at least 0.5 g / cm ³ when in a continuously compressed state, and the infusion bag is substantially rigid and has a Vickers hardness (Hv) of at least 0.2 when continuously compressed. 2. The expandable infusion pouch of claim 1, which has a density of at least 0.6 g / cm ³ when in a continuously collapsed state. 3. The expandable infusion pouch according to claim 1 or 2, which is substantially rigid and has a Vickers hardness (Hv) of at least 0.25 when continuously collapsed. 4. The expandable infusion bag of claim 3, which has a Vickers hardness (Hv) of 0.3 to 0.8 when in a continuously collapsed state. 5. An expandable infusion bag according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the beverage precursor has a bulk density (p _uncompressed ) in an uncompressed state and a bulk density (p _compressed ) in a compressed state, wherein the bulk density (p _compressed ) of the beverage precursor in the compressed state is greater than the bulk density (p _uncompressed ) of the beverage precursor in the uncompressed state by 1.5-3 times. 6. The expandable infusion bag of claim 5, wherein the bulk density (p _compressed ) of the compressed beverage precursor is 1.8 to 2.6 times the bulk density (p _uncompressed ) of the beverage precursor when uncompressed. 7. An expandable infusion bag according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the beverage precursor comprises leaf tea. 8. An expandable infusion bag according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which has a volume VC in a continuously collapsed state and a volume VE in an expanded state, the VE being from 2VC to 10VC. 9. An expandable infusion bag according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which has a first geometric shape in its permanently collapsed state and a second geometric shape in its expanded state, the first and second geometric shapes being different. 10. The expandable infusion bag of claim 9, wherein the first geometric shape is a cylinder. 11. The expandable infusion bag of claim 9, wherein the first geometric shape is a prism. 12. An expandable infusion bag according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the second geometric shape is a sphere, hemisphere, tetrahedron, or pyramid. 13. An expandable infusion bag according to any one of claims 1 to 12, which is made of nonwoven fabric. 14. A package containing a plurality of expandable infusion bags according to any one of claims 1-13. 15. A package according to claim 14, which is a tube or cardboard box.