EP0876967A1 - Twin-compartment infusion bag, especially for tea - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a double-chamber infusion bag for a substance to be leached out by an infusion liquid, in particular tea, in which the chambers are closed at their head ends by a transverse heat seal (7, 8) and on at least one of their long sides by a longitudinal edge seal. In order to achieve successful leaching through a large, permeable surface, the longitudinal edge seal (19) is folded inwards. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a double chamber infusion bag for one by one Infusion liquid to be leached, especially tea, with two sides side by side, each containing a substance quantum their head ends with a cross heat seal and on at least one of them Longitudinal sides sealed by a longitudinal edge seal, the Bottom are connected to each other via a transverse fold and their Head ends are tacked together by a connection on which a thread is attached with a label.

Tea infusion bags are used in various forms. In particular, the use of double-chamber infusion bags enforced, the two adjacent to each other, side by side have lying chambers, each containing a quantity of dried and crushed tea leaves included. The two chambers are on the floor a cross fold, also called bottom fold, connected and connected closed at the head end by a connection at the one Thread is attached with a label. This is usually done in two Operations manufactured head closure fold formed by in a first The corners of the infusion bag are folded in one step The second step is the trapezoidal part that remains at the top is folded, whereupon the folded parts by a locking clip connected with the simultaneous attachment of a thread end will. The double chamber infusion bag thus constructed consists of one easily permeable material, which allows the infusion liquid, the leaching out substance to be leached, especially the tea, and the therein dissolve contained substances. In particular, this is filter paper material used.

Such a double-chamber infusion bag is from the German patent known to the applicant 1 001 944. One is made uniform for its manufacture forward moving filter paper web bulged at its edges, become equal quanta of the leached substance at regular intervals applied to the fabric and is made by folding the longitudinal edges a continuous tube is formed on the fabric. Then a two Cut off piece of tube containing substance quanta this piece is folded transversely so that two, one each, due to the transverse folding Chambers containing substance quantum arise, placed side by side will. The ends of the hose section or the ends that were still open both chambers are merged and together through a connection closed off from the folded corners and the one above folded trapezoidal end piece and the hammered locking clip is made of metal. With this closing, the resulting Infusion bag at the same time a thread attached to its free End carries a label, which is also held by a staple is connected to the thread. The disadvantage here is that the bag closure is complicated that many operations in mechanically difficult Technology is required and for attaching the thread to the bag and the label metal clips.

A double chamber infusion bag is known from DE 691 00 244 T2, its two chambers - unlike the embodiment described above - Completed against each other at the bottom rebate. For this are the two long sides by two edge seals and the head end and the bottom end of each chamber closed by a profile end seal, the head seal has a convex profile, while the bottom-side sealing with a concave profile is carried out to lateral To form extensions, the appropriate folding a W-shaped Form bottom fold. In the process for producing such Double chamber infusion bags are two pairs of single-layer filter paper webs, a total of four webs, made of heat-sealable filter paper material guided one above the other by means of running in the longitudinal direction Heat seals on the edges (edge seals) two tubular sheets to build. Before that, tea portions are placed on the at spaced intervals lower lane of each pair. With transverse heat seals between the tea portions after sealing the longitudinal edges Chambers formed and closed. Then the two tubular tracks with the chambers aligned with the existing ones Cross seals cut to separate the pairs of chambers and the chambers on the lower extensions are together welded while their upper ends are still left unconnected.

Finally, the two chambers forming the infusion bag are around 180 ° around each other, so that the upper ends of each pair of Chambers are brought together and sealed together can. The thread is also prepared with a heat seal or Adhesive attached to the top of the bag. The disadvantage here is that none Leaching of the tea can take place over the floor area of the chambers, because they are completely separated from each other by a heat seal. The for Leaching, i.e. the passage of liquid permeable bag areas are strong due to the all-round sealing reduced. In addition, the method of manufacture is technically complicated and complex, so that production on a high-speed machine only is difficult to do.

Also in the tea infusion bag described in DE 38 07 795 C2 separation of the chambers in the floor area by heat sealing made so that this known prey also disadvantages above available.

In view of this prior art, the invention is based on the object , while avoiding the disadvantages mentioned, of developing a double-chamber infusion bag of the type described at the outset, in particular for tea, which meets all the requirements for successful leaching through large, permeable surfaces.

The task is solved according to the invention to an infusion bag of the type mentioned in that the longitudinal edge seal is folded inwards.

This will ensure successful leaching through the fold significantly increased surface area achieved. Preferably, the Infusion bags made of a heat-sealable fabric, in particular Filter paper web made, which is wrapped approximately in the center around its longitudinal axis or folded and using the longitudinal edge seal to form a tube shaped, which is divided into the two chambers by the transverse folding, the head ends closed by the cross heat seal and by a further transverse heat sealing as a closure connection with an inner, pull-out thread loop are connected, the longitudinal edge seal is folded inwards. Through these measures, one Double chamber infusion bag with the cross fold on the bottom with each other connected chambers both ensured successful leaching as also a technically simple lock connection of the chambers at the head end created with a surprisingly functional thread attachment. The fact that the longitudinal edge seal is folded inwards, the Double chamber infusion bag is kept smaller in width and is the Longitudinal seam given by the fold an increase in strength, wherein optical identity to known infusion bags and same dimensions be achieved.

Fig. 1

einen Doppelkammer-Aufgußbeutel im Abpackzustand, perspektivisch,

Fig. 2

den Doppelkammer-Aufgußbeutel der Fig. 1 im Gebrauchszustand,

Fig. 3

eine Ausführungsform eines Doppelkammer-Aufgußbeutels mit einer linksseitigen Längsrandsiegelung, perspektivisch,

Fig. 4

eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform eines Doppelkammer-Aufgußbeutels mit eingefalteter rechtsseitiger Längsrandsiegelung,

Fig. 5

einen Ausschnitt aus einem Doppelschlauch, der ein Zwischenstadium im Rahmen der Herstellung des Doppelkammer-Aufgußbeutels der Fig. 3 verdeutlicht, in schematischer Draufsicht,

Fig. 6

ein weiteres Zwischenstadium in schematischer Seitenansicht,

Fig. 7

eine Vorrichtung zum Herstellen, Füllen und Verschließen von Doppelkammer-Aufgußbeuteln, schematisch.

Further details, features and advantages of the subject matter of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the accompanying drawing, in which the double-chamber infusion bag according to the invention is shown schematically in several embodiments and an apparatus for producing, filling and closing the double-chamber infusion bag are shown schematically. The drawing shows:

Fig. 1

a double chamber infusion bag in the packed state, in perspective,

Fig. 2

1 in the state of use,

Fig. 3

an embodiment of a double-chamber infusion bag with a left-hand longitudinal edge seal, in perspective,

Fig. 4

a preferred embodiment of a double-chamber infusion bag with folded longitudinal edge seal on the right-hand side,

Fig. 5

3 shows a section of a double hose, which illustrates an intermediate stage in the course of the production of the double-chamber infusion bag of FIG. 3, in a schematic plan view,

Fig. 6

another intermediate stage in a schematic side view,

Fig. 7

a device for producing, filling and closing double-chamber infusion bags, schematically.

The double-chamber infusion bag 1 shown in FIG. 1 of the drawing has two, side by side adjacent chambers 2 and 3 on the bottom 4 are connected to each other via a W-shaped transverse fold 5 and each a predetermined amount of infusion to be leached out by an infusion liquid Contain substance, especially tea. The two chambers 2 and 3 are on its head end 6 by a transverse heat seal 7 or 8 closed.

Between the side by side adjacent chambers 2 and 3 an interior 9, in which a thread 10 is inserted in a meandering shape, a label 11 is attached to the outside of its free ends 12, 13. Of the meandering in the interior 9 between the two chambers 2 and 3 arranged Thread 10 accordingly forms at least one, in the exemplary embodiment several loops 14, which make it possible to use it in its entire length Packing condition between the two chambers "to hide".

To complete the double chamber infusion bag 1 described so far, it is necessary to connect the two chambers 2 and 3 at their head ends connect to. This lock connection of chambers 2 and 3 is made by a transverse heat seal 15, which in FIG Drawing is shown hatched and in an additional process step is created after that already with the transverse heat seals 7 and 8 provided head ends 6 of the chambers mechanically have been put together. To bring out the thread ends 12 and 13 from the interior 9 to the outside, the transverse heat seal 15 carried out such that two channel-like, Areas 16, 17 spaced apart from one another are free for thread passage stay.

To enable easy connection to the label 11, this is made from a roof-like folded label strip, the shape of which Fig. 2 of the drawing can be seen. The thread ends 12 and 13 are from the sides against each other introduced into the fold of the label 11 and attached there by heat sealing. The ones under the heat seal themselves Extending roof surfaces of the label 11 remain free and can according to Art a rider on the head end 6 of the bag when inside Thread loop 14 are placed, as shown in FIG. 1 of the drawing. The user can then easily move the tab, i.e. the label 11, Pull off the bag 1 and thread through the channel-like areas 16 and 17 pull out of the interior 9 until the loop 14 on the middle Area of the transverse heat seal 15 comes to rest. This is how a suspension eyelet 18 formed by the user of the bag 1 For example, can be hung over the spout of the teapot, so that the bag 1 hung in the teapot perfectly leached by the Water is accessible from all sides.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 of the drawing Tea bag is different from the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 on the left side a longitudinal edge seal 19 is provided, which results from the Manufacturing process results, the following using the example of a two-lane Production described with reference to Figures 4, 5 and 6 in more detail becomes. An essential characteristic of the bag in the embodiment 3 also results from the fact that the right in the drawing Longitudinal edge 20 from a longitudinal fold of the base of the manufacture Strip of material.

Starting basis of the figures 4, 5 and 6 of the drawing resulting process for producing, filling and sealing Double chamber infusion bags 1 according to that in Fig. 3 of the drawing The embodiment shown is a heat-sealable filter paper web 21, which is used to form a double hose to about four times the bag width B is broadened. In the bag 1 shown, the width is Filter paper web about B = 180 mm. It is carried by a roll of material 22 pulled a pulling device (Fig. 7) and as an initially flat track - if necessary after bulging their edges - fed a metering device 23 for tea. Positioned substance quanta 24 (FIG. 5), ie Pile of tea, evenly spaced in two rows parallel to each other deposited on the filter paper web 21. The filter paper web 21 becomes then by folding the longitudinal edges over a not shown Fitting a hose made by the longitudinal edges towards the inside Be turned over until they touch each other or overlap slightly. The longitudinal edges are made by means of heat sealing rollers 25 with each other and with the corresponding part of the Filter paper web 21 connected and becomes a center-to-center heat seal 26 about 10mm wide. There is now a double hose which is then cut into two individual tubes 28 by a slitter 27, 29 is cut by a longitudinal cut in the central longitudinal heat seal 26 is carried out. Due to the longitudinal cut, each one later emerges finished double chamber bag a longitudinal edge seal 19 and through folding the edges of the underlying filter paper web 21 after inside the longitudinal fold 20 on the other side of the bag, as shown in FIG. 3 the drawing is shown.

In a preferred embodiment shown in the drawing in FIG. 4 of a double-chamber tea infusion bag 39 is the longitudinal edge seal 19 folded inside, as the dashed lines show. The tea bag is therefore smaller in width, with the longitudinal seam being folded Experiencing an increase in their strength. Visually, identity becomes familiar Infusion bags of the same dimensions achieved. The device is for this Einfalter 40 provided.

In the running direction behind the Einfalter 40 there is a device for cross sealing with heat sealing rollers 30, which are the endless, lengthways closed and containing substance quanta 24 at intervals Individual tubes 28 and 29 at such intervals in pieces of tubing the same length in the transverse direction that each Hose piece in the two individual hoses 28 and 29 two substance quanta Contains 24 and each to a double chamber infusion bag can be shaped subsequently. Every two Substantial quantum is therefore a cross heat seal 31 over both Single hoses 28 and 29 performed and is then with a Cross cutter 32 in the middle of each cross heat seal 31 a cut performed to form the two pieces of hose, from which in the further Course of the procedure two double chamber bags parallel to each other in the two-lane processing can be produced. They are for the formation of the Pieces of tubing serving double-chamber infusion bags are so dimensioned and preformed that after a side-by-side laying described below of the tube pieces forming the chambers, their head ends 6 with one another be made to coincide with a closure connection of the chambers to be able to execute with each other. Before that, however, is the interpretation of one Thread for label attachment and making a W-shaped Bottom rebate required.

In the running direction behind the described device for cutting off Pieces of hose with the cross cutter 32 is a device 33 for laying out and cutting the thread 10 in the longitudinal direction arranged with a Device 34 cooperates to form the W-shaped bottom fold 5. This has a folding sword 35 for each of the two individual tubes 28 and 29 on, which by moving down the hose pieces in presses in a die located underneath and thereby the die Substance quanta 24 containing tube parts side by side and the W-shaped bottom fold 5 forms as a cross fold. In this The two chambers of each are already in the manufacturing stage Hose piece side by side and the head ends of the chambers are each other adjacent. With mutually movable mold jaws 36 Head ends 6 of the chambers including the one located in the interior 9 Thread jammed together and for the further process steps held.

Then a cross seal is made with a plier-like tool 37 the head ends 6 of the two chambers performed, these Heat sealing is carried out so that the two channel-like, to each other spaced areas 16 and 17 remain free for threading. Of the Thread 10 is therefore free to move and not sealed in and can be pulled out on the outside.

In the subsequent device 38 for attaching the The label 11 on the thread 10 first finds a roof-shaped fold of the Label strip and then an introduction of the two thread ends of the Sides against each other in the fold of the label so that their fastening there can be carried out by heat sealing such that the roof surfaces of the label 11 extending underneath remain free and can be placed on the bag head like a rider. On At this point there are two double-chamber infusion bags in two-web processing completed, the side by side fed a carton filling can be.

Reference list

1

Double chamber tea bags

2nd

chamber

3rd

chamber

4th

ground

5

W-shaped cross fold

6

Headboard

7

Heat seal across

8th

Heat seal across

9

inner space

10th

thread

11

label

12th

Thread end

13

Thread end

14

Thread loops

15

transverse heat seal

16

channel-like area

17th

channel-like area

18th

Suspension eyelet

19th

Longitudinal edge sealing

20th

Longitudinal folding

21

Filter paper web

22

Roll of material

23

Dosing device

24th

Substance quanta

25th

Heat sealing rollers

26

Medium-length heat seal

27

Slitter

28

Single hose

29

Single hose

30th

Heat sealing rollers

31

Cross heat seal

32

Cross cutter

33

Laying out device of thread

34

Institution for the formation of the Bottom rebate

35

Folding sword

36

Shaped jaws

37

plier-like heat seal tool

38

Attachment device of the thread on the label

39

Double chamber tea infusion bag

40

Einfalter

Claims (2)

Double-chamber infusion bag for a substance to be leached out by an infusion liquid, in particular tea, with two side by side, each containing a quantity of substance (24), at the head ends by a transverse heat seal (7, 8) and on at least one of its long sides a longitudinal edge seal (19) closed chambers (2, 3) which are connected to one another at the bottom (4) via a transverse fold (5) and whose head ends (6) are attached to one another by a connection on which a thread (10) with a label (11) is attached,
characterized by
that the longitudinal edge seal (19) is folded inwards. Double chamber infusion bag according to claim 1, characterized in that it is made from a heat-sealable fabric, in particular Filter paper web (21) is made, which is approximately centered about its longitudinal axis is folded or folded (20) and by means of the longitudinal edge seal (19) is formed into a tube, which by the transverse fold (5) in two Chambers (2, 3) is divided, the head ends by the cross heat seal (7, 8) closed and by another transverse Heat sealing as a lock connection with an internal, pull-out Thread loop (14) are connected, the longitudinal edge seal (19) is folded inwards.

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