WO1997036787A1

WO1997036787A1 - Infusion packages and methods for their manufacture

Info

Publication number: WO1997036787A1
Application number: PCT/GB1997/000885
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ian Michael Daines Gaylor; Alan George Kenney
Original assignee: Tetley Gb Limited
Priority date: 1996-03-29
Filing date: 1997-03-27
Publication date: 1997-10-09
Also published as: AU2172097A; GB9606721D0

Abstract

An infusion package has two pairs of drawstrings (4) which extend in opposite senses from respective anchoring points (5) in tabs (14) across the infusion containing compartment to generally opposed locations on the peripheral margin of the package where the drawstrings slidably engage and extend from the package. The free ends of the drawstrings are attached to tags (7, 8). In use, after infusion the tags are pulled in opposite directions away from the package. This causes the opposing side edges of the package to move towards each other, thereby compressing the package and expressing residual liquid therefrom. Methods and apparatus for manufacturing the infusion packages are also described.

Description

Tnfiision Packages and Methods for Their Manufacture

The present invention relates to infusion packages such as tea bags or coffee bags which contain a substance to be infused in a liquid. It also relates to methods and apparatus for manufacturing infusion packages . Tea bags are sealed porous bags containing tea leaves which are placed in boiling water in a cup or tea-pot, for example, in order to make tea. It is usual, particularly in the case where the bags are placed in a cup or mug, to remove the tea bags prior to the tea being drunk. However, when the tea bag is removed, it still contains liquid and thus tends to drip and leave liquid on any surface below it . This is undesirable in view of the strongly staining nature of tea (and other infusible substances) . It is usual therefore to squeeze the tea bag using a teaspoon, for example, to remove excess liquid from the tea bag. However, this method of removing the excess liquid from the tea bag is not particularly efficient or convenient. A number of methods have been proposed to overcome the above problem, and to provide an efficient and convenient method for removing the residual liquid from an infusion package such as a tea bag. One such approach is a 'squeezable' tea bag such as that proposed in O92/6903. In the infusion package of that document, a length of string extends into the interior of the infusion package through a seal between the panels of the package at a first location on the peripheral margin of the package and extends across the interior of the package to an anchoring point at a generally opposed location on the peripheral margin of the package and then returns across the package to exit through the margin seal at a second location on the peripheral margin on the same side edge of the package as the first location. The arrangement is such that pulling the ends of the string in generally opposed directions pulls the walls of the package together, thus causing it to collapse to express residual liquid therefrom.

It is an object of the invention to provide alternative and improved infusion packages from which residual liquid can be conveniently and efficiently removed after use, and methods and apparatus for the manufacture of those infusion packages.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an infusion package comprising porous panels sealed together to define an infusion containing compartment, the package having a first drawstring or drawstring pair which is anchored on or adjacent a first side edge of the package and which extends across the package to a second side edge of the package where it slidably engages the package and extends therefrom, and a second drawstring or drawstring pair which is anchored on or adjacent the second side edge of the package and extends in a generally opposite sense across the package to the first side edge where it slidably engages the package and extends therefrom, the arrangement being such that pulling external ends of the drawstrings in generally opposite directions draws the first and second side edges towards one another thereby at least partly collapsing the package and expressing liquid therefrom.

The drawstring arrangement of this first aspect of the present invention enables the infusion package to be squeezed by pulling the drawstrings in directions generally parallel to the direction in which they each extend across the interior of the package. This is in contrast to the infusion package of the preferred embodiments in WO92/6903, for example, in which the drawstrings are pulled in directions generally perpendicular to the direction in which they extend across the package. It is believed that this could provide a smoother squeezing action, and be less likely to damage the infusion package in use, particularly at the point where the drawstrings slidably engage and emerge from the package.

The locations of the drawstrings will depend on the shape of the infusion package in question. In the case of rectangular or square infusion packages, for example, the drawstrings preferably have respective anchoring points on or near opposing side edges of the package and extend, respectively, from their anchoring points across the package to the opposing side edge. Round infusion packages would have the drawstrings anchored in generally opposed locations on or near their curved peripheral margin.

The drawstrings preferably act on more than one discrete point on the package when pulled. This arrangement spreads the pulling force exerted on the package by the drawstrings, thereby reducing the force exerted at specific points on the package. It also causes larger portions of the package (for example sections of the peripheral margin) to be drawn towards each other, thereby helping to ensure that a greater volume of the package is squeezed in use. The above arrangement can be achieved by, for example, providing pairs of drawstrings having respective anchoring points . The strings of each pair preferably extend generally parallel to one another, and can be arranged to cross over. Generally opposed drawstring pairs provide a particularly good squeezing action by virtue of the balanced force exerted by the four lengths of string. In the case of a rectangular or square package, the four strings preferably have anchoring points at or near opposing corners of the package. This arrangement can also be achieved in a generally round package having flattened side edges for the drawstring anchoring points. As an alternative to plural lengths of string for each pair of drawstrings, a single length of string may be arranged to extend from a first location on or near the side edge at which it slidably engages the package to its anchoring point, where a portion of the string extends generally parallel to the side edge, and to then return across the package to a second location on or near the side edge generally opposed to the anchoring point at which the string again slidably engages the package. In this arrangement the pair of drawstrings is defined by a single generally U-shaped length of string. The length of string extending parallel to the peripheral margin at the anchoring point spreads the force exerted by the string along the margin. The drawstrings can extend over the outside of the infusion package, but most preferably lie between the panels forming the package and extend across the tea containing compartment. This facilitates manufacture of the packages. It is also preferred in either case for the drawstrings to be lightly adhered to one panel of the package prior to use. This light adhesion can be used to retain the drawstrings in position during manufacture and helps to control the position of the drawstrings during transport and in their packaging. The adhesion should be such that it releases when the drawstrings are pulled in use (i.e. such that it does not interfere with the function of the package in use) . The drawstrings can be arranged to slidably engage the package by any suitable means, such as by passing under a staple (or other device or material) attached to the panels, or through an aperture in the panel or panels (although this is not preferred as it can be more difficult from a manufacturing point of view and can have a greater risk of damage to the panels in use) . In the case of drawstrings lying between the panels, the drawstrings are preferably arranged to pass slidably through the sealed peripheral margin where they enter and exit the infusion containing compartment . The strings can be made to slide more easily by relieving or interrupting the peripheral margin seal at the points where the strings pass between the panels. The drawstrings could be fixedly attached to the package at their anchoring points, for example by knotting, threading, stapling, gluing, etc., as is known in the art. The anchoring point could, alternatively, trap a loop of the drawstring in such a way that the loop cannot be pulled out of the package, but can be pulled around the anchoring point. If the drawstrings lie between the panels they are preferably restrained at their anchoring points by being held by or between sealed together portions of the panels. The drawstrings can for example be sealed in the peripheral margin seal, or be restrained by being looped around a sealed together region of the panels. A channel may be provided in the sealed together portions of the panels for the drawstring to lie in. In certain embodiments, the drawstrings are restrained at their anchoring points by tab means formed of a material such as card or plastic which is of greater rigidity than the porous panels of the package. This may provide manufacturing advantages. Further, a tab means can exert a force over a greater extent of the peripheral margin when the drawstrings are pulled.

Thus, according to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an infusion package having at least a pair of drawstrings arranged to cooperate with the porous walls of the package when pulled in opposite directions to cause at least partial collapse of the package, wherein the drawstrings are anchored in relation to the package by being secured to one or more tabs which in use transmit at least part of the pulling force of the strings to the walls of the package.

The tabs may be formed of any suitable material having greater rigidity than the porous walls. In this arrangement the or each pair of drawstrings can again comprise two separate lengths of string, or alternatively, two ends of a single length of string. The tab or tabs are preferably made of card or paper, of a type typically used to construct tags for infusion packages. The drawstring can be restrained by being fixed to the tab in any suitable manner known in the art, such as by gluing, or stapling. It can alternatively be looped or hooked over the tab, in which case the tab can have a groove or notch to help locate the string. In a particularly preferred arrangement the tab is formed from two layers and the drawstring is sealed between the layers in a manner known per se.

The or each tab can be located between the porous panels of the infusion package, for example either in the peripheral margin or infusion containing compartment, or alternatively positioned outside of the package. The tab may be fixed to the package, such as by sealing between the panels, gluing or sealing to one of the panels, stapling or other attachment methods. Alternatively, the tab can be loose, but arranged to abut a side edge of the package. For example, where the drawstring lies between the panels of the bag, the anchored end of the drawstring can extend slidably through the sealed peripheral margin and be anchored in one or more tabs located outside the package.

The or each tab is preferably arranged to exert a force over a substantial portion of the peripheral margin such that the squeezing force is spread along the peripheral margin.

The free ends of the drawstrings outside the packages are preferably attached to tags, to facilitate their handling by a user, as is well known in the art. Preferably, the same material is used for both the tags and tabs. Where the infusion package is arranged such that one or more tabs and one or more .tags can be adjacent prior to use (for example if they are located adjacent the same side edge of the package) , then most preferably the tabs and tags are formed integrally, but in such a manner that they can be readily separated in use. This again facilitates manufacturing. The web defining the tab and tag can be perforated or scored to allow separation prior to use. This arrangement is particularly suitable for use in conjunction with the first aspect of the invention since the tagged free end of one drawstring is located on the same side edge of the package as the anchoring point of the other drawstring.

Accordingly, viewed from a third aspect the invention provides a drawstring type infusion package comprising a tag associated with at least one side edge of the package, the tag being adapted to be separated into at least two portions, a first portion providing an anchoring tab for a first drawstring, and a second portion providing a gripping tag for pulling a second drawstring in use. There are preferably like tags on two opposing edges of the package with drawstrings extending there between. Again, the drawstrings may be separate string lengths or formed from a single string.

The drawstrings are preferably longer than the direct distance from their anchoring points to the points where they slidably engage the package, such that an 'excess' length of string which can be extended away from the package prior to use without collapsing the package is provided. This enables the package to be placed in a mug or cup, for example, with the free ends of the drawstrings hanging freely over the sides of the cup. The excess string may be retained on or in the package or tag prior to use, to avoid entanglement during manufacture and in packaging. The present invention also extends to methods and apparatus for manufacturing infusion packages.

Thus, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing tagged infusion packages comprising: providing a travelling web for forming successive packages,- the web having associated therewith two continuous strips of tag material for forming the tags, the strips being guided to travel on opposing side edges of the web and parallel to and at the same speed as the web; adhering a length of string to the web and one of its associated strips of tag material whilst the web and strip travel side-by- side, such that the length of string bridges the web and tag material, and adhering a further length of string to said web and its other associated strip of tag material whilst the web and strip travel side-by-side, such that the length of string bridges the web and tag material ,- dosing an infusible substance on the web,- forming a two- ply web having pockets containing the infusible substance with respective tag strips travelling on opposing sides of the two-ply web, with the lengths of string extending between the web and tag strips at spaced locations; and cutting the packets and tags from the selected webs and strips of tag material to form tagged infusion packages .

This aspect of the invention may provide an effective method and apparatus for manufacturing embodiments of infusion packages of the aspects of the invention discussed above. The method and apparatus run at a constant speed (the only discontinuous process is the dosing of the infusible substance) and as the tag material and web are continuous, any remaining waste after the tags and packages are cut out can be provided in a continuous, constant velocity strip.

This aspect of the present invention is especially suited to multi-lane manufacture of infusion packages (i.e. in which a plurality of substantially identical lanes manufacturing the infusion packages run side-by- side in parallel) . In this case, it is particularly preferred if the tag strip associated with adjacent sides of the webs in adjacent lanes is in the form of a single tag strip which is then cut longitudinally to provide respective tags for the infusion packages provided by adjacent lanes. The tag strip may be formed into a two ply strip with the string fixed therebetween. The lengths of string may be adhered to both strips of tag material associated with the web, such that the strings bridge the web and both strips of tag material . This is a convenient method of manufacturing infusion packages with the drawstrings anchored in tabs and having tags attached to their other, free ends.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing tagged infusion packages of the type formed from a web having an infusion containing pocket defined therein and having a length of string joining the tag and package, comprising: providing a continuous travelling web for forming successive packages,- adhering a continuous length of string to a surface of the web which will become an inner surface of the package in a direction generally parallel to the length of the web,- forming the web into a tube,- dosing an infusible substance within the tube,- sealing the tube substantially transverse to its length at spaced apart locations in alternate orthogonal planes to form tetrahedral infusion containing pockets containing portions of the string,- adhering to the web at spaced apart locations, between adjacent infusion containing pockets, portions of tag material lying in the same plane as the respective transverse seals, in such a way that the tag portions overlie a portion of the string enclosed by at least one of the adjacent infusion containing pockets,- and cutting the pockets and tags from the sealed web and tag portions to form tagged tetrahedral infusion packages. A number of preferred embodiments of above aspects of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1-12 show embodiments of the infusion packages,-

Figure 13 shows a method and apparatus for manufacturing the infusion package of Figure 12 ,- and Figure 14 shows a method and apparatus for manufacturing the infusion package of Figures 7 and 8.

Like reference numerals are used to denote like features throughout the drawings . Figure 1 shows an infusion package 1 having an infusion containing compartment 2 which is sealed around its peripheral margin and encloses infusible substance 3. The infusible substance 3 can comprise, for example, tea, coffee, herbal infusions and the like. The infusion containing compartment 2 is formed from panels of porous material, such as paper, as is well known in the art .

The infusion package 1 also includes two pairs of drawstrings 4 which extend in opposite senses from respective anchoring points 5 across the infusion containing compartment 3 to points 6 at generally opposed locations on the peripheral margin where the drawstrings 4 slidably engage and extend from the package. The free ends of the drawstrings are attached to tags 1 , 8 . As shown, the drawstrings extend from their attachment points and lightly engage the tags in a tortuous fashion prior to use. This provides an excess length of string which permits the tags to be extended away from the package 1 without collapsing it. The tags 7, 8 are made from paper or card, as is known in the ar .

The drawstrings can be retained at the anchoring points 5 by any suitable means known in the art which restrains movement of the anchored ends of the strings relative to the package when the strings are pulled in use. They can for example be glued, stapled or knotted to the panels of the package, or, preferably, they can be sealed between the panels. In this latter case, a patch may be secured (for example by an adhesive backing or by heat sealing) to the infusion package over the anchoring points to strengthen the retention of the string in the seal .

The drawstrings can be arranged to slidably engage the package at the points 6 by any suitable means known in the art. If the strings lie between the panels, then they can be arranged to extend slidably through the peripheral margin between the panels. The margin seal may be relieved for this purpose.

In Figure 1, as shown, the strings lie within the infusion containing compartment between the panels of the package and are not sewn or threaded through the panels at any point intermediate the points 5, 6.

In use, the tags 7, 8 are firstly extended away from the package such that the excess length of string contained therein is extended without collapsing the package. This enables the package 1 to be placed in the infusing liquid with the tags 7, 8 kept out of the liquid. Once infusion has been completed, the tags 7, 8 are then pulled in opposite directions 9, 10, respectively, away from the package. As the strings are pulled, they slide at the point 6 relative to the package, but since they are restrained at the anchoring points 5, pulling on the respective pairs of drawstrings in opposite directions causes the anchoring points and thus the opposing side edges of the package to move towards each other, thereby compressing the package and expressing residual liquid therefrom. In this way, excess liquid can be squeezed from the infusion package after use, thereby helping to avoid dripping.

Figure 2 shows a variant on the infusion package of Figure 1, in which the lengths of string 4 cross over each other as they extend across the infusion containing compartment .

Figure 3 shows a generally similar infusion package to that of Figure 1 but with a generally round infusion containing compartment 2. The peripheral margin is flattened in the region of the tags 7, 8 as this allows the strings to exit the package along pre-cut edges of the porous material forming the infusion containing compartment 2 during manufacture. It is also easier to profile the tags 7, 8 to match the flattened peripheral margin profile of the package.

Figure 4 shows a further embodiment which is similar to that shown in Figure 1, but the pairs of drawstrings are each in the form of a continuous length of string 11 which has a generally U-shaped layout within the infusion package. The strings 11 are anchored to the package by having portions of their length 12 which extend parallel to the peripheral margin of the package at the anchoring points sealed within the peripheral margin of the package . As shown in Figure 4 , in this embodiment the drawstrings are lightly adhered in a tortuous fashion to the inside surfaces of the panels of the package within the infusion containing compartment 3 to provide an "excess" length of string.

Figure 4 shows the packages as they could be produced during manufacture. The packages are produced in plural parallel lanes 13 with initially a web of tag material therebetween. The tag material is severed to provide individual tags when the final infusion packages are cut from the web.

Figure 5 shows an infusion package in accordance with Figure 4, except having a generally round infusion containing compartment 2.

Figures 6A and 6B show a further embodiment of an infusion package which operates on the same general principle as the package of Figure 1, but has the drawstrings 4 anchored in tabs 14 which are located outside the infusion containing compartment. The string can be attached to the tabs 14 by any suitable means, for example by sealing between two leaves of the tab material 14. As can be seen from Figure 6A (which shows the infusion package during manufacture and prior to cutting into its final form) the tabs 14 are formed as part of the tags 7, 8, but are adapted to be separable therefrom in use, as shown in Figure 6B (which shows the infusion package in a partially squeezed state) .

The tabs 14 are a convenient way of anchoring the string at the anchoring points, and, as can be seen from Figures 6A and 6B, the tabs can be arranged to extend along a portion of the peripheral margin such that the force exerted by the string is spread along the peripheral margin of the package. In Figures 6a and 6b the drawstrings 4 again extend internally between the sealed side edges of the package. As in these embodiments the tabs 14 are immersed in the infusing liquid in use, they should preferably be constructed of materials appropriate to such use, as is know in the art.

Figures 7 and 8 show a further embodiment of an infusion package which is similar to Figures 6a and 6b, but has a three dimensional tetrahedral infusion containing compartment. The opposed side edges provided with the tabs 14 and tags 7, 8 are therefore perpendicular to one another. Figure 8 shows the package prior to use, and Figure 7 shows the package in a partially squeezed state.

In Figures 6 and 7 excess string is stored in the infusion containing compartment in a manner similar to Figure 4. It may alternately be stored in the tags in a manner similar to Figure 1.

Figures 9 and 10 show further alternative embodiments of an infusion package in which the string is again anchored by tabs 14. Figure 9 shows a rectangular infusion containing compartment, whereas Figure 10 shows the same arrangement with a round infusion containing compartment. In. these embodiments drawstrings 15 are provided which extend from anchoring points 5 in tab 14 on the outside of the package. The strings extend across the outside of the package to a further tab 16 which traps them slidably in respect of the outside surface of the package at points 6. The strings then extend tortuously within tag 17 to which their free ends are firmly attached.

In use, the tag 17 is detached from tabs 14, 16 and the excess string within the tag 17 is extended to allow the infusion package to the infused. After infusion, the tag 17 is torn in half along perforated centre line 18 and the ends of the strings 15 pulled in generally opposed directions which by virtue of the anchoring of the strings at the points 5 and their sliding at the points 6 causes the package to collapse. Figures 11 and 12 show further embodiments of infusion package. In these embodiments the drawstrings are formed by a single length of string 19 which extends in a generally U-shaped layout within the infusion containing compartment and is anchored by being looped around a tab 14 which lies between the panels of the package and is fixed to the package adjacent its peripheral margin. In Figure 11 the package is shown having excess string retained within the tag 17, whereas in Figure 12 the package is shown having excess string retained within the infusion containing compartment 3. In both packages, in use, the tag 17 is firstly extended away from the package to extend the excess string and then, after infusion it is torn in half along perforated centre line 18 to provide two separate tags, one fixed to each drawstring. The ends of the drawstrings are then pulled apart in generally opposed directions which by virtue of the loop of the string retained around the tab 14, pulls the tab 14 and therefore the base of the package towards the generally opposed side of the package to cause it to collapse.

It can be seen from Figure 12 that the drawstrings extend within the infusion containing package 3 and lie between the porous panels forming the package. It can also be seen from Figure 12 that the infusion containing compartment can be formed by folding a single piece of porous material in half and sealing it around its free edges .

The tab 14 is fixed to the package by any suitable means known in the art. It can conveniently, as shown in Figure 12, be sealed between the panels of the package to retain it in the package. Figure 13 shows a method and apparatus for manufacturing the infusion package of Figure 12. A continuous web of porous tissue 21 is fed horizontally into the machine from reel 22. Two continuous strips of tag material 23, 24 are fed from reels 25, 26 and pass under roller 27 to place one strip at each side of the tissue. The strips are guided to travel parallel to and at the same speed as the tissue 21. A continuous length of string 28 is fed from reel 29 and formed into a zig-zag pattern by oscillating arm 30. The string 28 is lightly and releasably adhered to the web of tissue and tag strips by rollers 31, 32, in such a way that the string bridges the tag strips and web.

A further narrow strip of tag material 33 is fed from reel 34 near the centre of the continuous web 21 and laid on the web 21 to cover the string 28.

Tea or other infusible substance 35 is then dosed from a hopper 36 and applied to the web 21 by a drum 27. The tissue 21 and tag strip 25 are guided so that they are folded before passing through a pair of sealing rollers 38, 39 which seal the web and tags together to form tea bags 40. Finally, a cutting roller 41 perforates the tag 42 into two portions and severs the complete tea bag 43 from the web 21. Figure 14 shows a method and apparatus for manufacturing the infusion package of Figures 7 and 8. A continuous web of tissue is fed from a reel 51 over a roller 52 and wraps around a funnel 53, through which tea 54 is dosed at the correct intervals, to form a tube .

Continuous lengths of string 55, 56 are fed from reels 57, 58 through oscillating guide arms 59, 60 and lightly adhered to the web by roller 61.

Rectangular portions 64, 65 of tag material are applied to rotating arms 66, 67 from reels 62, 63. Arms 66 and 67 are heated and cooperate with similar arms 68, 69 to apply the tag material to the web and at the same time to seal together portions of tissue at alternately perpendicular panels 70, 71. This produces a continuous line of tetrahedral tea bags joined by panels of tag material . Two pairs of rotating arms 72, 73, 74, 75 incorporate cutting edges 76 which produce interrupted cuts 77 on the tags which separate anchoring tabs 14 from the main tags 8.

Further pairs of cooperating rotating arms 78, 79, 80, 81 having cutting edges 82 sever the tags to allow individual tea bags 83 to fall from the machine.

Claims

1. An infusion package having at least a pair of drawstrings arranged to cooperate with the porous walls

5 of the package when pulled in opposite directions to cause at least partial collapse of the package, wherein the drawstrings are anchored in relation to the package by being secured to one or more tabs which in use transmit at least part of the pulling force of the 10 strings to the walls of the package.

2. An infusion package as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tab or tabs are made of card or paper.

15 3. An infusion package as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the or each tab is located between the porous walls of the infusion package.

4. An infusion package as claimed in claim 1 or 2 , 20 wherein the or each tab is positioned outside of the package .

5. An infusion package as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each tab is arranged to

25 exert a force over an elongate portion of the peripheral margin of the package when the drawstrings are pulled.

6. An infusion package as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the free ends of the

30 drawstrings outside the package are attached to tags, and the same material is used for both the tags and tabs .

7. An infusion package as claimed in any one of the ^■35 preceding claims, wherein the free ends of the drawstrings outside the package are attached to tags, and the tabs and tags are formed integrally in such a manner that they can be readily separated in use.

8. An infusion package as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pair of drawstrings comprises the two ends of a single continuous length of string.

9. A drawstring type infusion package comprising a tag associated with at least one side edge of the package, the tag being adapted to be separated into at least two portions, a first portion providing an anchoring tab for a first drawstring, and a second portion providing a gripping tag for pulling a second drawstring in use.

10. An infusion package as claimed in claim 9, wherein there are like tags on two opposing edges of the package with drawstrings extending therebetween.

11. An infusion package comprising porous panels sealed together to define an infusion containing compartment, the package having a first drawstring or drawstring pair which is anchored on or adjacent a first side edge of the package and which extends across the package to a second side edge of the package where it slidably engages the package and extends therefrom, and a ^second drawstring or drawstring pair which is anchored on or adjacent the second side edge of the package and extends in a generally opposite sense to the first drawstring or drawstring pair across the package to the first side edge where it slidably engages the package and extends therefrom, the arrangement being such that pulling external ends of the drawstrings in generally opposite directions draws the first and second side edges towards one another thereby at least partly collapsing the package and expressing liquid therefrom.

12. An infusion package as claimed in claim ll, wherein the first drawstring or drawstring pair and the second drawstring or drawstring pair each act on more than one discrete point on the package when pulled.

5 13. An infusion package as claimed in claim 12, comprising pairs of drawstrings which extend generally parallel to one another and having respective anchoring points

0 14. An infusion package as claimed in claim 12, wherein each drawstring comprises a single length of string which extends from a first location on or near the side edge at which it slidably engages the package to its anchoring point, where a portion of the string extends 5 generally parallel to the side edge of the package, and then returns across the package to a second location on or near the s de edge generally opposed to the anchoring pomt at which the string again slidably engages the package 0

15 An infusion package as claimed any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the drawstrings are restrained at their anchoring points by tab means formed of a material which is of greater rigidity than the porous panels of 5 the package.

16. A method for manufacturing tagged infusion packages comprising: providing a travelling web for forming successive packages,- the web having associated therewith 0 two continuous strips of tag material for forming the tags, the strips being guided to travel on opposing s de edges of the web and parallel to and at the same speed as the web; adhering a length of string to the web and one of its associated strips of tag material whilst the ~5 web and strip travel side-by-side, such that the length of string bridges the web and tag material, and adhering a further length of string to sa d web and its other associated strip of tag material whilst the web and strip travel side-by-side, such that the length of string bridges the web and tag material; dosing an infusible substance on the web; forming a two-ply web having pockets containing the infusible substance with respective tag strips travelling on opposing sides of the two-ply web, with the lengths of string extending between the web and tag strips at spaced locations; and cutting the packets and tags from the selected webs and strips of tag material to form tagged infusion packages.

17. A method for manufacturing tagged infusion packages of the type formed from a web having an infusion containing pocket defined therein and having a length of string joining the tag and package, comprising: providing a continuous travelling web for forming successive packages; adhering a continuous length of string to a surface of the web which will become an inner surface of the package in a direction generally parallel to the length of the web; forming the web into a tube,- dosing an infusible substance within the tube; sealing the tube substantially transverse to its length at spaced apart locations in alternate orthogonal planes to form tetrahedral infusion containing pockets containing portions of the string,- adhering to the web at spaced apart locations, between adjacent infusion containing pockets, portions of tag material lying in the same plane as the respective transverse seals, in such a way that the tag portions overlie a portion of the string enclosed by at least one of the adjacent infusion containing pockets,- and cutting the pockets and tags from the sealed web and tag portions to form tagged tetrahedral infusion packages.