JP2014509993A - Leaching pack and its manufacture - Google Patents

Abstract

  The present invention comprises only one sealed compartment (16), the compartment having a top (8) and a bottom (9) defined by two lateral seals (7) separated by a distance D. , A leaching pack with a distance D in the range of 40 to 70 mm, the compartment (16) comprising at least one side gusset (15), the side gusset (15) comprising two gusset panels (12) and 3 The present invention relates to a leaching pack consisting of two gusset folds (13, 14).

Description

  The present invention relates to an infusion packet, in particular a leaching pack containing a leachable substance such as tea, and an apparatus and method for producing such a brewing pack.

  To date, conventional leaching packs (eg, tea bags) are usually flat and have only one chamber, which is filled with leachable substances (eg, tea leaves, herbal mixture). Recently, two-chamber leaching packs such as those described in US Pat. No. 2,593,608 (A.G.F. Lamboldt) have become popular. In such a leaching pack, the leachable substance is placed in two chambers, and each chamber is bonded to the other at the base and the tip. This type of leaching pack is believed to speed up leaching by increasing the flow of water around the leachable material.

U.S. Pat.No. 2,593,608

  However, a disadvantage of the two-chamber leaching pack is that it requires significantly more pack material than a single-chamber counterpart. Thus, there is a need for a leachable pack that has the same leachability as a two-chamber leach pack but requires less pack material.

  In a first aspect, the invention comprises only one sealed compartment, the compartment having a top and bottom defined by two transverse seals separated by a distance D, the transverse seal being A leaching pack at both ends of the compartment, with a distance D in the range 40 to 70 mm, the compartment comprising at least one side gusset, the side gusset comprising two gusset panels and three gussets The present invention relates to a leaching pack consisting of folds.

  We wrap the leachable material in a single-chamber leaching pack with one or more side gussets and more space for the leachable material to move than in a conventional single-chamber leach pack, And / or has been found to improve the flow of water around the leachable material. This makes leaching faster and / or creates a more flavored leachate. In addition, or alternatively, it is anticipated that a single-chamber leaching pack with gussets will contain less leachable material per pack than a conventional single-chamber leaching pack. However, the same leaching ability can be achieved.

  The size of the leaching pack is such that it has the same outer dimensions as a conventional leaching pack. That is, consumers can conveniently use the present leaching pack in a conventional manner. Accordingly, the distance D separating the transverse seals is 40 to 70 mm, more preferably 45 to 65 mm, and most preferably 50 to 60 mm.

  It would be desirable to provide a single chamber leaching pack with one or more gussets that can be formed and filled at high production rates.

  Thus, in a second aspect, the invention comprises a longitudinal sealer for forming a web of pack material into a cylinder and means for leaching comprising means for pulling the tubular web past the outlet of the conduit An apparatus for producing a pack, wherein the outlet of the conduit has an external cross section with at least two vertices, the apparatus comprising at least one molded member for indenting the cylindrical web between the vertices And further comprising a sealing element for separating the tubular web into longitudinally spaced sections, the sealing element forming a transverse seal over the entire width of the recessed tubular web And a device adapted to have a distance D between successive transverse seals in the range of 40 to 70 mm.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides:
(a) sealing the pack material web to form a tubular web;
(b) pulling the tubular web along the conduit and passing it through the outlet of the conduit, the conduit outlet having a cross-section with at least two vertices;
(c) indenting the surface of the cylindrical web between the vertices and applying a crease to the pack material, the crease defining at least one gusset;
(d) forming a first lateral seal portion from end to end of the tubular web;
(e) feeding a batch of leachable material through a conduit into a tubular web;
(f) forming a second transverse seal portion from end to end of the cylindrical web;
Including
The first and second transverse seals define individual compartments into which a batch of leachable material enters, and the first and second transverse seals are formed to be separated by a distance D; The distance D relates to a method for producing a leaching pack from a web of pack material in the range of 40 to 70 mm.

Tests and Definitions As used herein, the term “comprising” is intended to encompass the terms “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of”. It should be noted that when specifying any range of values or amounts, any particular upper limit or amount can be associated with any particular lower limit or amount. The disclosure of the invention found in the specification covers all embodiments found in the claims when they are multiple dependent on each other, regardless of the fact that the claims may be multiple dependent or redundant. Must be considered to include.

Leachable material As used herein, the term “leachable material” refers to any leachable or soluble material that can be applied to a liquid to prepare a leachable liquid. This process is called brewing tea. The leachable material preferably consists of a plant material. For example, leachables can be extracted from Camellia sinensis, Aspalathus linearis, Mentha piperita, Matricaria recutita, and / or plants extracted from mixtures thereof. It may consist of a sex substance. In a preferred embodiment, the leachable material comprises tea solids.

Tea solids As used herein, the term `` tea solids '' refers to Camellia sinensis variation sinensis (Camellia sinensis var. Sinensis) and / or Camellia sinensis variation assamika (Camellia sinensis var. assamica) is a dry substance that can be extracted from the leaves of a plant. The leaves may be subjected to a so-called “fermentation” stage. In the fermentation stage, the leaves are oxidized by certain endogenous enzymes released in the early stages of “black tea” production. This oxidation may be further reinforced by the action of exogenous enzymes such as oxidases, laccases, and peroxides. Alternatively, the leaves may be partially fermented (“oolong tea”) or remain substantially unfermented (“green tea”).

Liquid Permeability As used herein, the terms “liquid permeable” and “permeable to liquid” are porous pack materials that are insoluble in water and that pass liquids, especially aqueous liquids. It can be used interchangeably to describe one having an opening. Suitable pack materials include nonwovens, wet laid non-wovens and wovens made of polymers or cellulose acid / polymer blends (e.g., cellulose or cellulose PP blends), or There is a perforated film. The pack material may be heat-sealable or non-heat-sealable. In certain embodiments, heat-sealable pack materials are preferred to facilitate leaching pack production at high speed. In other embodiments, non-heat-sealable pack materials are preferred because of biodegradability.

How to determine leaching characteristics Consumer surveys have shown that consumers use a wide range of methods to prepare leachate from leaching packs. For example, consumers have been found to use a “dynamic” leaching method that involves agitating, submerging, and crushing a leaching pack in hot water. As an alternative to these methods, it has been observed that many consumers use a “static” leaching method, ie leaching without agitation for a set time. In fact, many consumers use a mix of static and dynamic methods, for example, leave the leachate out and mix it immediately before removing the exudation pack, The pack is submerged for a few seconds and then the leachate is decocted.

  Mechanical "dynamic" and "static" procedures have been developed so that leaching characteristics can be determined in a reproducible manner. These methods control certain external factors that are known to affect leaching capacity (e.g., pack orientation, sinking width and speed, container size, stirring speed, etc.) It is possible to provide a repeatable method for comparing different leaching pack systems.

Dynamic Method The dynamic (continuously sinking) procedure is a laboratory simulation of the preparation of the exudate by the consumer, with stirring of the exudation pack.

apparatus
-Infusion packet dunker with dunking arm (stroke length: 130mm; stroke speed: sinking 60 times per minute)
-Spectrophotometer with continuous flow cell (path length 5mm)
-Compatible beaker with a discharge pipe at the bottom (capacity 400mL)
-Peristaltic pump (flow rate 60mL / min)
-Narrow bore tubing (inner diameter ~ 1 to 3mm)

procedure
1. Using a luminal tube, connect a compatible beaker to the spectrophotometer, liquid exits the beaker via the drain tube, travels to a continuous flow cell by a peristaltic pump, and returns to the beaker. The end of the tube carrying the flow returning from the spectrophotometer touches the side of the beaker above the liquid level.
2. Set the spectrophotometer to measure absorbance at 445 nm and specify the total leaching time and sampling frequency (eg, total leaching time 240 seconds, sampling frequency 1 sample every 5 seconds). Performs automatic zero point correction while pumping distilled water into the cell.
3. Install the leaching pack on the dunker with the dunking arm in the highest position (Note: When the dunking arm is in the highest position, the bottom of the leaching pack must be above the water level. (If the dunking arm is in the lowest position, the leaching pack must be fully immersed.)
4. Add 235 mL of hot water to the beaker and start the pump.
5. Wait a few moments for the system to stabilize and start the dunker and spectrophotometer.
6. At the end of the leaching time, stop the spectrophotometer, dunker and pump.
7. Rinse the instrument with distilled water.
8. Repeat this procedure as many times as necessary to obtain replicate data sets. A new leaching pack must be used each time. This procedure is preferably repeated at least twice (results are obtained three times).

Static method It is also possible to measure "static" leaching. In “static” leaching, the brewing pack is not submerged, except when the brewing pack is first immersed in liquid at the beginning. For convenience, the same procedure and apparatus as described above can be used without moving the dunker. Alternatively, a leaching pack may be suspended using a clamp attached to a retort stand. This procedure is preferably repeated at least 5 times (results are obtained 6 times). A new leaching pack must be used each time.

  Certain embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings.

It is a figure of the web of the pack material which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a rear surface perspective view of the partially completed pack which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2b is a front perspective view of the partially completed pack of FIG. 2a. FIG. 2b is a cross-sectional view from above of the partially completed pack of FIG. 2a. It is a front perspective view which shows the step which forms the pack for leaching which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a front perspective view which shows the step which forms the pack for leaching which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a front perspective view which shows the step which forms the pack for leaching which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a front perspective view which shows the step which forms the pack for leaching which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a front perspective view which shows the step which forms the pack for leaching which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the apparatus for producing the leaching pack which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view from above of one possible embodiment of the conduit outlet of the apparatus of FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view from above of one possible embodiment of the conduit outlet of the apparatus of FIG.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram of a web of pack material according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which an elongated web 1 made of a liquid-permeable pack material is moving in the Z direction. The pack material web has a width W. A length L corresponding to one pack is indicated by a boundary line 2. However, the length of the web may be indefinite. One leaching pack consists of a part of an elongated web, with side margins 3 along the edges and end margins 4, 5 on both sides of the border 2.

One leaching pack is made of a pack material covering the area A. Area A is a convenient criterion for the amount of pack material required to form each leaching pack. To minimize environmental impact, it is desirable to limit the amount of pack material used to form each leaching pack. However, it is not desirable to limit the amount of pack material such that the leaching capacity of the leaching pack decreases. Therefore, in order to balance the leaching capacity and environmental impact, one leaching pack according invention, 10500Mm ² from 5000, more preferably 9000 mm ² from 5500, most preferably, from 6000 7500 mm ² area A It is preferable that it consists of a pack material which covers.

  In a preferred embodiment, each leaching pack consists of a substantially rectangular portion of an elongated web. Here, the area A is equal to the length L of the pack multiplied by the width W of the web (that is, A = L × W). For convenience, the leaching pack preferably fits in a cup and / or mug. Therefore, it is desirable that the length L is not too long. However, the leaching pack must also be large enough to contain enough leachable material to make a flavorful drink. Accordingly, the length L of the pack is preferably 44 to 80 mm, more preferably 48 to 75 mm, and most preferably 52 to 70 mm. Preferably, the web width W is 90 to 160 mm, more preferably 95 to 140 mm, and most preferably 100 to 125 mm.

  In the completed pack according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the longitudinal seal 6 comprises a side margin 3 (see FIG. 2c). In a particularly preferred embodiment, the longitudinal seal 6 may be a fin seal or a lap seal.

  The transverse seal 7 defines the top 8 and bottom 9 of the finished pack (see FIG. 3d). The transverse seal portion includes end margins 4 and 5 of the pack material web. In a preferred embodiment, the transverse seals 7 are formed to be parallel to each other and perpendicular to the longitudinal seal 6.

  The pack has a front surface and a rear surface. In the preferred embodiment, the front surface comprises one front panel 10 and the rear surface comprises two rear panels 11.

  At least one gusset has been introduced. The gusset includes a gusset panel 12 that is delimited by gusset folds formed along lines 13 and 14. The gusset preferably extends substantially longitudinally between the transverse seals 7 that define the top 8 and bottom 9 of the finished pack.

  The finished pack comprises at least one side gusset 15 and preferably has two side gussets 15. The side gusset 15 includes two gusset panels 12 and three gusset folds (two outer folds 13 and one central fold 14). In the preferred embodiment, each side gusset 15 separates the front and back panels. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the width of each gusset panel 12 is 15 mm or less, and the total width of each side gusset 15 (i.e. the distance between the two outer folds 13 when the gusset is fully opened) is 30 mm or less. . Preferably, each gusset panel 12 has a width of 3 to 12 mm, more preferably 4 to 8 mm. Preferably, the total width of each side gusset 15 is 6 to 20 mm, more preferably 8 to 16 mm.

  FIGS. 2a to 2c show three different views of the partially completed pack after forming the longitudinal seal 6 and the two side gussets 15 for each preferred embodiment. FIG. 2a shows a perspective view from the back of the pack, with the longitudinal seal 6 passing vertically between the two rear panels 11 at the rear surface. FIG. 2b shows a perspective view of the same pack as seen from the front. FIG. 2 c shows a cross-section of the partially completed pack from above, showing compartment 16. The compartment 16 is defined by a front surface with a front panel 10, a rear surface with two rear panels 11 joined by a longitudinal seal 6, and two side gussets 15. Each side gusset 15 includes two gusset panels 12. The side margin 3 (FIG. 1) is incorporated in the longitudinal seal 6 which is a fin seal in this embodiment. Each side gusset 15 has an “M” shape, and includes two gusset panels 12, two outer folds 13, and one central fold 14. The outer fold line 13 defines a boundary between the gusset panel 12 and the front panel 10 or the rear panel 11. On the other hand, the central fold line 14 defines a boundary between the two gusset panels 12.

  Figures 3a to 3e are a series of perspective views showing a series of process steps. These steps can be performed to form a leaching pack as the continuous web 1 of liquid permeable pack material passes through a continuous working station. In the first station, the side margins 3 of the web are sealed to each other by the longitudinal seal 6 to make the web into a cylindrical shape (FIG. 3a). At the second station, the cylindrical web is recessed to crease defining one or more gussets. For example, FIG. 3b shows a preferred embodiment in which two “M” shaped side gussets 15 are placed in a cylindrical web. The web moves vertically (downward) to the sealing area. In the sealing area, transverse seals 7 are formed that define individual packs. The transverse seal is formed to define the bottom 9 of the current pack above the seal and the top 8 of the previous pack below the seal (FIG. 3c). The dosing device feeds a batch of leachable material 17 into the cylindrical web, and another transverse seal 7 is present at the top 8 of the current pack and the bottom of the next pack, as shown in FIG. 9 is defined. Thus, the cylindrical web is filled with the leachable substance 17 for administration when formed into a chain-like pack defined by the transverse seal 7. The chain-like packs are then divided into individual packs as shown in FIG. 3e by cutting the web along the boundary line 2 at the transverse seal 7. In an alternative embodiment, instead of sequentially sealing and cutting, these can be performed in a single operation.

  The leaching pack according to the invention comprises a compartment 16, which has a top 8 and a bottom 9. The top 8 and bottom 9 are defined by two lateral seals 7 separated by a distance D. The seal portion is formed at both end portions of the partition 16. From the viewpoint of convenience in use, the leaching pack according to the present invention is the same size as the conventional leaching pack. The leaching pack preferably fits in a cup and / or mug. Accordingly, the distance D is 40 to 70 mm, more preferably 45 to 65 mm, and most preferably 50 to 60 mm. Preferably, the leaching pack can contain enough leachable material to produce a flavorful drink. In certain preferred embodiments, the leaching pack contains 1.0 to 3.8 grams of leachable material, more preferably 1.3 to 3.4 grams, and more preferably 1.6 to 3.0 grams.

  FIG. 4 shows a preferred embodiment of an apparatus for producing a leaching pack according to the present invention. This device has only one production path, which is supplied with leachable substance 17 by means of a dispenser (not shown). A web 1 of pack material is fed to a forming guide located near the inlet 20 of the conduit 21. The conduit inlet 20 preferably has a circular cross section. The web now has a cylindrical shape outside the conduit and is pulled down the tube by one or more guide elements 22. Meanwhile, the side margins on both sides of the web are sealed together longitudinally by the longitudinal sealer 23. In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal seal 23 is adjacent to the conduit, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, the longitudinal seal 23 comprises a pair of heating and pressure rollers. This heating and pressure roller welds the side margins together to form a longitudinal fin seal.

  The tubular web is pulled along the conduit 21, preferably by one or more guide elements 22, and passes through the outlet 24 of the conduit.

  The conduit outlet 24 has an inner cross section and an outer cross section, which may be the same shape (see FIG. 5a) or different shapes (see FIG. 5b). Specifically, it is preferred that the conduit outlet 24 has an outer cross section with at least two vertices 25. In a preferred embodiment, the conduit transitions from having a circular cross section at the inlet (both outer and inner) to a state having an outer cross section with at least two vertices 25 at the outlet. More preferably, the outer cross section of the conduit outlet comprises at least two vertices 25 that delimit a surface, and in a particularly preferred embodiment as shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, the conduit outlet has a rectangular outer cross section. In order to maximize the flow of leachable material through the conduit, it is preferred that the inner cross-section of the conduit outlet is the same shape as the outer cross-section, for example as shown in FIG. 5a. It may be desirable to prevent leachable material from depositing at the apex of the inner cross section of the conduit outlet. Thus, in certain other embodiments, the inner cross section of the conduit outlet may have fewer vertices than the outer cross section, for example as shown in FIG. 5b.

  The tubular web is indented by at least one forming member 26 between the vertices 25. The molded member 26 is preferably positioned adjacent to the conduit outlet 24. For example, FIGS. 4, 5a and 5b show a preferred embodiment, in which the cylindrical web is recessed by two molded members 26, each molded member being a “M” shaped side gusset. (Fig. 2 is a partially completed pack made using the device shown in Fig. 4, after gusseting, but with compartments in the cylindrical web Shows the previous one).

  In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the recessed web is pulled vertically (downward) to the sealing area. In the sealing area, the device comprises a transverse sealing element for dividing the tubular web into sections along its length. The transverse sealing element forms a continuous transverse seal 7 over the entire width of the recessed cylindrical web. More preferably, the advance of the tubular web 1 moving forward at a substantially constant speed and the timing of the sealing element is such that the distance D between successive transverse seals is in the range of 40 to 70 mm. Is adjusted to be in the range of 40 to 65 mm, most preferably in the range of 50 to 60 mm.

  The recessed cylindrical web is filled with one batch of leachable material when formed into a chain of packs defined by the transverse seal 7. In a preferred embodiment, the dosing device delivers leachable material through a conduit such that each sealed compartment comprises a dose of leachable material. The tubular web divided into compartments is then divided into individual packs by cutting the web at the transverse seal 7. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a cutting element is attached to a pair of rotors 27, and the rotor removes the filled leaching pack as it travels along the production path. A recess 28 is provided for receiving.

  In a particularly preferred embodiment, the sealing elements are attached to the first pair of rotors, the cutting elements are attached to the second pair of rotors, and both the first and second pairs of rotors are filled. A recessed portion 28 is provided for accommodating the filled leaching pack when the leaching pack is advanced along the production path.

  In an alternative embodiment, instead of sequentially performing the sealing operation and the cutting operation, the sealing and cutting can be performed in a single operation. In such an embodiment, the sealing element and the cutting element may preferably be attached to one rotor pair.

(Example)
The leaching characteristics of a conventional two-chamber leaching pack (Pack DC) and the leaching pack according to the present invention (Pack G) were investigated using both the dynamic procedure (sunk continuously) and the static procedure described above. The total leaching time was 240 seconds and the sampling frequency was 1 sample every 5 seconds. The results are shown in Table 1. The leaching capacity for static leaching is the average of 3 data sets, while the leaching capacity for dynamic leaching is the average of 2 data sets.

Pack DC and Pack G have similar apparent sizes (ie, both were approximately 40 mm multiplied by 60 mm when viewed from the front). The pack DC is made of a filter material having an area A of about 14270 mm ² . Pack G has two side gussets and is made of filter material with an area A of approximately 7680 mm ² . D was about 52 mm. All packs contained about 2g of Lipton Yellow Label Tea.

  The results show that the leaching characteristics of Pack G are comparable to Pack DC.

7 Lateral seal
8 Top of compartment
9 Bottom of compartment
12 Gusset panel
13, 14 Gusset crease
15 Side gusset
16 compartments
17 Leachable substances
20 Conduit entrance
21 conduit
22 Guidance elements
23 Longitudinal seal
24 conduit outlet
25 vertices
26 Molded parts
27 Rotor

Claims (16)

  Comprising only one sealed compartment (16), said compartment having a top (8) and a bottom (9) defined by two lateral seals (7) separated by a distance D; Directional seals are leaching packs at both ends of the compartment, and the distance D is in the range of 40 to 70 mm, the compartment (16) comprising at least one side gusset (15), the side gusset (15) is a leaching pack consisting of two gusset panels (12) and three gusset folds (13, 14).   The compartment (16) has two side gussets (15), each side gusset (15) consisting of two gusset panels (12) and three gusset folds (13, 14). Leaching pack.   The lateral seals (7) defining the top (8) and the bottom (9) of the compartment are substantially parallel to each other, and the gusset folds (13, 14) are the lateral seals The infusion pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pack is directed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the portion. The leaching pack of liquid permeable pack material covering the area A of 10500Mm ² from 5000, leaching pack according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   5. The brewing pack according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the compartment wraps one leaching substance made of tea solids.   A leaching pack comprising a longitudinal seal (23) for forming a web of pack material into a cylinder and means for pulling said tubular web past the outlet (24) of a conduit (21). An apparatus for producing, wherein the outlet of the conduit has an external cross section with at least two vertices (25), the apparatus being recessed in the tubular web between the vertices (25). At least one molding member (26) for attaching the sealing member, and further comprising a sealing element for separating the tubular web into a longitudinally spaced section, the sealing element having the recess A device that forms a transverse seal (7) over the entire width of the tubular web and is adapted to have a distance D between successive transverse seals in the range of 40 to 70 mm.   The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the at least two vertices (25) delimit a face.   8. A device according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the web of pack material is pulled by a guide element (22) along the outside of the conduit.   9. The device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the device comprises a longitudinal seal (23) adjacent to the conduit and forms the pack material web into a cylinder closed around the conduit. Equipment.   The conduit has an inlet (20) and an outlet (24), the inlet (20) has a circular cross section on both the outer and inner sides, and the conduit has the circular cross section at the inlet (20). 10. A device according to any one of claims 6 to 9, transitioning from a state to a state having an outer cross-section with at least two vertices (25) at the outlet (24).   11. The device according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein said device comprises a transverse sealing element and a cutting element, said sealing element and / or cutting element being attached to at least a pair of rotors (27). The device described in 1. (a) sealing the pack material web to form a tubular web;
(b) pulling the tubular web along a conduit (21) and passing through the outlet (24) of the conduit, the conduit outlet having a cross section with at least two vertices (25) When,
(c) forming a dent in the surface of the cylindrical web between the vertices (25), and applying folds (13, 14) to the pack material, wherein the folds include at least one gusset (15). Defining, and
(d) forming a first lateral seal (7) from end to end of the tubular web;
(e) feeding one batch of leachable material (17) into the tubular web through the conduit;
(f) forming a second transverse seal (7) from end to end of the tubular web;
Including
The first and second lateral seals define individual compartments (16) into which a single dose of leachable material enters, the first and second lateral seals being a distance D A method for producing a leaching pack from a pack material web, wherein the pack is formed at a distance and the distance D is in the range of 40 to 70 mm. (g) a further step of separating the compartments defined by the transverse seals into individual brewing packs by cutting the web at the seals;
The method of claim 12 comprising:   14. The method of claim 13, wherein sealing and cutting the web is performed at separate stations.   15. A method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the tubular web is pulled at a substantially constant speed along the conduit.   16. A method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the pack material is permeable to liquids.