WO2017137399A1 - Infusettes - Google Patents

Infusettes Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017137399A1
WO2017137399A1 PCT/EP2017/052652 EP2017052652W WO2017137399A1 WO 2017137399 A1 WO2017137399 A1 WO 2017137399A1 EP 2017052652 W EP2017052652 W EP 2017052652W WO 2017137399 A1 WO2017137399 A1 WO 2017137399A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
infusion
infusion packet
packet
packets
expandable
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2017/052652
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Fabio BENINATI
Original Assignee
Unilever Plc
Unilever N.V.
Conopco, Inc., D/B/A Unilever
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Unilever Plc, Unilever N.V., Conopco, Inc., D/B/A Unilever filed Critical Unilever Plc
Priority to PL17702666T priority Critical patent/PL3414188T3/pl
Priority to BR112018015073-8A priority patent/BR112018015073A2/pt
Priority to EA201891424A priority patent/EA037708B9/ru
Priority to CN201780010813.0A priority patent/CN108698756B/zh
Priority to US16/076,006 priority patent/US20200216258A1/en
Priority to JP2018539134A priority patent/JP2019504803A/ja
Priority to AU2017217607A priority patent/AU2017217607B2/en
Priority to EP17702666.3A priority patent/EP3414188B1/fr
Publication of WO2017137399A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017137399A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
    • B65D85/70—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for
    • B65D85/804—Disposable containers or packages with contents which are mixed, infused or dissolved in situ, i.e. without having been previously removed from the package
    • B65D85/808—Disposable containers or packages with contents which are mixed, infused or dissolved in situ, i.e. without having been previously removed from the package for immersion in the liquid to release part or all of their contents, e.g. tea bags
    • B65D85/8085—Disposable containers or packages with contents which are mixed, infused or dissolved in situ, i.e. without having been previously removed from the package for immersion in the liquid to release part or all of their contents, e.g. tea bags characterised by an outer package, e.g. wrappers or boxes for enclosing tea-bags
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
    • B65D85/70—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for
    • B65D85/804—Disposable containers or packages with contents which are mixed, infused or dissolved in situ, i.e. without having been previously removed from the package
    • B65D85/808—Disposable containers or packages with contents which are mixed, infused or dissolved in situ, i.e. without having been previously removed from the package for immersion in the liquid to release part or all of their contents, e.g. tea bags
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B5/00—Packaging individual articles in containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, jars
    • B65B5/04—Packaging single articles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B63/00—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on articles or materials to be packaged
    • B65B63/02—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on articles or materials to be packaged for compressing or compacting articles or materials prior to wrapping or insertion in containers or receptacles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
    • B65D77/04—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another
    • B65D77/048—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another the inner and outer containers being rigid and the outer container being of curved cross-section, e.g. cylindrical

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to infusion packets. More particularly, the present invention is directed towards infusion packets (such as tea bags) which expand to adopt a three-dimensional shape upon immersion in water.
  • infusion packets such as tea bags
  • infusion packets for instance tea bags
  • infusible material for instance tea leaves
  • infusion packets are usually packaged together in cartons for sale.
  • PG Tips pyramid tea bags are sold in cartons containing 20, 40, 80, 160 or 240 tea bags.
  • a drawback of providing three-dimensional infusion packets is that they have a larger volume than two dimensional packets and consequently cannot be packaged for sale as efficiently.
  • EP 0 053 204 discloses a tea bag with a generally tetrahedral shape that has at least one fold permitting its collapse to a flattened configuration. A pull means affixed to the bag facilitates unfolding of the bag.
  • WO 2013/174710 discloses an infusion packet comprising a gusset which is substantially flat prior to use, and can swell upon immersion in an infusion liquid such that it adopts a more three-dimensional shape.
  • EP 0 846 632 discloses a liquid-permeable flexible bag body that is folded so that it can easily be accommodated in an external pack, and unfolded at the time of extraction so that the bag body has its internal space enlarged.
  • the flattened (or unexpanded) format of such infusion packets is achieved by folding of the three-dimensional infusion packets in a defined manner.
  • the three-dimensional shape that the infusion packets are intended to adopt when in use will inevitably influence the shape of their flattened format.
  • the flattened format must be achievable via a relatively simple folding pattern.
  • the expandable infusion packets described in the prior art only have a very limited number of possible configurations in their unexpanded format.
  • the present invention relates to an expandable infusion packet, 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.
  • the present invention relates to a package comprising a plurality of expandable infusion packets according to the first aspect of the invention.
  • the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an expandable infusion packet according to the first aspect of the invention.
  • the present invention relates to an expandable infusion packet according to the first aspect of the invention obtainable by the method of the third aspect of the invention.
  • the present invention relates to an expandable infusion packet, 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.
  • the term "permanently compressed state” refers to a format which is intended to remain stable for an indefinite period of time.
  • the format of the infusion packet in itself is permanently compressed, and does not convert to an expanded state in the absence of water.
  • the infusion packet of the present invention does not rely on an envelope or similar secondary packaging to maintain its compressed format.
  • infusion packets of the present invention When the infusion packets of the present invention are in their permanently compressed state, they cannot be unfolded simply by gently pulling or handling their constituent material. This is in contrast to infusion packets which have been folded to achieve a flattened format, which readily adopt a more expanded format on being treated in this manner, even in the absence of water.
  • the infusion packet of the present invention converts to an expanded state in the presence of water. Both hot and cold water will elicit this conversion, although (all other parameters being equal) the time taken for the infusion packet to adopt the expanded state will usually be quicker in hot water than it is in cold water.
  • the expandable infusion packet is suitable for preparing both hot and cold beverages.
  • the infusion packets of the present invention are in their permanently compressed state they do not deform when handled and preferably have a substantially rigid structure.
  • they adopt their expanded state in the presence of water they become deformable and preferably have a flexible structure (in other words they lose the rigidity they preferably possess in their permanently compressed state).
  • the time taken for the infusion packet to convert from the compressed to the expanded state in the presence of hot water is typically relatively rapid, and will usually be a matter of seconds.
  • the expandable infusion packet is particularly suitable for brewing beverages which are prepared with hot water, for instance tea or herbal infusions. Consumers want to prepare such beverages as quickly and conveniently as possible, and the total brewing time is usually no more than 6 minutes.
  • the infusion packet preferably converts from the compressed to the expanded state in a time of no more than 30 seconds, more preferably no more than 20, most preferably no more than 10 seconds.
  • the expandable infusion packets are also appropriate for brewing beverages which are prepared with cold water (e.g. iced tea brewed from Lipton® Cold Brew tea bags).
  • the brewing time for such beverages is typically longer than for hot beverages, for example it may be 5 minutes or longer. Therefore, rapid conversion of the infusion packet from the compressed to the expanded state is less important as far as consumer acceptance of the product is concerned.
  • the infusion packet preferably converts from the compressed to the expanded state in a time of no more than 240 seconds, more preferably no more than 180 seconds, still more preferably no more than 120 seconds and most preferably no more than 90 seconds.
  • the expandable infusion packets preferably contain a beverage precursor.
  • the term "beverage precursor” refers to a fabricated composition suitable for preparing a beverage.
  • the beverage precursor may be contacted with an aqueous liquid such as water to provide a beverage (i.e. a substantially aqueous drinkable composition which is suitable for human consumption). This process is referred to as brewing.
  • a beverage precursor typically releases certain soluble substances into the aqueous liquid, e.g. flavour and/or aroma molecules.
  • the beverage precursor preferably comprises plant material, with tea and/or herb plant material being particularly preferred.
  • tea plant material refers to dried leaf and/or stem material derived from Camellia sinensis (i.e. "leaf tea”).
  • herb plant material refers to material which is commonly used as a precursor for herbal infusions.
  • the herb plant material is selected from chamomile, cinnamon, elderflower, ginger, hibiscus, jasmine, lavender, lemongrass, mint, rooibos, rosehip, vanilla and verbena.
  • the beverage precursor may additionally or alternatively comprise fruit pieces (e.g.
  • the beverage precursor preferably excludes plant material which requires pressure for optimum brewing.
  • the beverage precursor preferably excludes plant material derived from coffee (especially ground coffee).
  • the mass of the beverage precursor is at least 1 g, as smaller amounts are difficult to accurately portion and dose. More preferably the mass is at least 1 .2 g, and most preferably at least 1 .4 g. It is further preferred that the mass of the beverage precursor is less than 4 g, as larger amounts become inconvenient to store and/or handle. More preferably the mass is less than 3.5 g, and most preferably less than 3 g.
  • the expandable infusion packet preferably has a first geometric shape in its permanently compressed state and a second geometric shape in its expanded state.
  • the second geometric shape is an expanded version of the first geometric shape, it is preferred that the first and second geometric shapes are distinct.
  • the infusion packet preferably has a particular geometric shape in the permanently compressed state, and converts to the expanded state wherein it adopts a different geometric shape.
  • the infusion packet could have an essentially disc-shaped, cylindrical conformation in the compressed state (i.e. the first geometric shape is a cylinder), and then, on the addition of water, convert so as to have an essentially tetrahedral conformation in the expanded state (i.e. the second geometric shape is a tetrahedron).
  • the first geometric shape preferably has a first face and a second face connected along a length (/.), wherein the cross-section along the length (L) is constant, and is the same shape as the first and second faces.
  • the first and second face are preferably parallel to one another.
  • the first geometric shape is a cylinder or a prism.
  • first geometric shape is a cylinder
  • first face and the second face are circular or elliptical, and are connected along the length (L) by a curved surface.
  • the first face and the second face are polygonal and are connected along the length (L) by a plurality of joining faces, which are delimited from one another by a plurality of joining edges.
  • the joining faces are preferably square or rectangular (i.e. the prism is preferably a right prism). Nevertheless, it will be appreciated that in a less preferred configuration the joining faces could be parallelograms (i.e. the prism could be an oblique prism).
  • the first and second faces can have any simple polygonal shape (i.e. a shape wherein the boundary of the polygon does not cross itself); as such the polygonal shape can be concave or convex.
  • suitable polygonal shapes include: triangles, quadrilaterals, pentagons, hexagons, heptagons, octagons, nonagons, decagons, or the like.
  • the geometry and dimensions of the infusion packet in its permanently compressed state will determine how efficiently a plurality of such packets can be packaged.
  • the first geometric shape preferably has a width (1/1/), wherein the width (1/1/) is greater than or equal to the length (/.).
  • the width (1/1/) is the widest dimension of the first or second face in a plane which is perpendicular to the length (/.).
  • the width (1/1/) is the diameter of the circular cross-section
  • the width (1/1/) represents the major axis of the elliptical cross- section.
  • the width (1/1/) represents the diagonal of the square cross-section.
  • the length (L) of the cylindrical or prismatic infusion packet in the permanently compressed state is preferably greater than 2 mm, more preferably greater than 3 mm, and most preferably greater than 4mm.
  • the length (L) is preferably no more than 20 mm, more preferably no more than 18 mm, and most preferably no more than 16 mm.
  • the width (l/l/) of the cylindrical or prismatic infusion packet in the permanently compressed state is preferably greater than 14 mm, more preferably greater than 17 mm, and most preferably greater than 20 mm.
  • the width (l/l/) is preferably no more than 45 mm, more preferably no more than 40 mm, and most preferably no more than 35 mm.
  • the expandable infusion packet preferably has a second geometric shape in its expanded state. As set out above, this second geometric shape is preferably a different shape to the first geometric shape.
  • the second geometric shape is essentially flat (e.g. an infusion packet comprising infusible material sandwiched between square or round sheets of porous material) is not precluded.
  • an embodiment is less preferred, since infusion packets of this type are believed to restrict the movement of the infusible material to substantially two dimensions, thereby limiting their infusion performance.
  • packaging a plurality of this type of infusion packets is already relatively efficient due to their essentially flat nature.
  • the second geometric shape is a three-dimensional shape. There is no particular limitation with regard to the second geometric shape, and it can be any three-dimensional shape. However, it is desirable that infusion packets having the second geometric shape can be readily manufactured on a large-scale.
  • the second geometric shape include shapes such as tetrahedral, pyramidal, hemispherical, spherical, cubic, and the like. It is particularly preferred that the second geometric shape is a sphere, a hemisphere, a tetrahedron or a pyramid.
  • the present invention envisages compressing conventional infusion packets so as to achieve a format wherein the infusion packets are in a permanently compressed state.
  • conventional infusion packets include spherical or hemispherical infusion packets such as those described in EP 081 1562 (Unilever), WO 2012/095247 (Unilever) or WO 2005/051797 (Tetley), and tetrahedral-shaped infusion packets such as those described in WO 95/01907 (Unilever), WO 2004/033303 (I.M.A. SPA), or WO 2012/004169 (Unilever).
  • the expandable infusion packet preferably has a first geometric shape in its permanently compressed state and a second geometric shape in its expanded state. Although it is possible for the second geometric shape to be an expanded version of the first geometric shape, it is preferred that the first and second geometric shapes are distinct.
  • the infusion packet preferably has a particular geometric shape in the permanently compressed state, and converts to the expanded state wherein it has a different geometric shape.
  • the expandable infusion packet has a volume Vc in the permanently compressed state and a volume VE in the expanded state. In order achieve a significant reduction in the packaging space occupied by each compressed infusion packet without impacting infusion performance, a significant increase in volume occurs when the infusion packet converts from its permanently compressed state to its expanded state on the addition of water.
  • VE is preferably at least 2Vc, more preferably at least 2.5Vc, and most preferably at least 3Vc.
  • the expandable infusion packet should be able to convert from its permanently compressed state to its expanded state in an efficient manner on the addition of water.
  • VE is preferably no more than 10Vc, more preferably no more than 8Vc, and most preferably no more than 6Vc.
  • the expandable infusion packet of the present invention can be made from any suitable material.
  • Non-woven materials are particularly preferred, since these materials typically have relatively little "memory" in the fibres, and therefore readily convert from the compressed state to the expanded state on the addition of water.
  • Non-limiting examples of non-woven materials include non-woven materials made with continuous filaments (e.g. PET, PLA, PP) and wet laid non-woven materials (e.g. cellulose/polymer blends comprising cellulose and polymers such as PP, PE, or PLA).
  • the invention in a second aspect, relates to a package comprising a plurality of expandable infusion packets according to the first aspect of the invention.
  • the geometry of the expandable infusion packet in its permanently compressed state will determine how efficiently a plurality of such packets can be packaged. Nevertheless, the infusion packets of the present invention will require less storage space in their compressed state than in their expanded state, regardless of the particular geometry chosen.
  • the format of the package is not limited. For cost reasons, it is preferred that the package chosen is not overly complicated to manufacture. From the standpoint of simplicity, it is preferred that the package is a tube or a carton. A further benefit of such packaging solutions is that the packaged product only requires a small amount of storage space in the consumer's home. Indeed, it is preferred that the secondary packaging is sufficiently compact that the infusion packets can be conveniently carried around by the consumer or kept at work.
  • tubular packages include cardboard, plastic, or metallic tubes having an appropriately shaped cross-section.
  • a hollow tube having a triangular cross-section could efficiently package a plurality of such infusion packets.
  • the tubular package could be formed around the compressed infusion packets.
  • a plurality of compressed infusion packets could be arranged in a stack, and packaged in a tubular manner by way of a sheet of flexible packaging material (e.g. paper or plastic) being wrapped around the stacked infusion packets in a circumferential manner and sealed where the edges of the sheet meet (i.e. in a longitudinal direction such that the seal is essentially parallel to the length (L) of the compressed infusion packets).
  • the package is a tube and the first geometric shape is a cylinder (i.e. the expandable infusion packet has an essentially disc-shaped, cylindrical conformation in the permanently compressed state).
  • the tube does not need to have the same cross-section as the expandable infusion packet.
  • the tube may have a circular or elliptical cross-section and hence match the cross-section of the first geometric shape.
  • the tube may have a cross-section which does not match that of the first geometric shape.
  • the space between the infusion packet and the tube in such an embodiment is believed to facilitate removal of the infusion packet from the carton (by allowing the consumer to easily grip the curved surface of the infusion packet).
  • a tube with a square or rectangular cross-section is particularly preferred, since such cartons are easily manufactured.
  • an expandable infusion packet wherein the first geometric shape is a hexagonal prism could be packaged in a tube having a square cross-section, etc.
  • the secondary packaging can be a carton.
  • the tubular format described above relates to a packaging solution for a stack of compressed infusion packets.
  • a carton provides a solution for packaging layers or rows of the compressed infusion packets (wherein each layer or row comprises two or more compressed infusion packets). It is possible to package compressed infusion packets in this manner regardless of the first geometric shape of such infusion packets. For maximum packaging efficiency, it is preferred that the first geometric shape tessalates. Nevertheless, this is not an essential requirement, and non-tessalating shapes will also be packaged more efficiently that conventional non-compressed infusion packets. Furthermore, the space between rows of compressed infusion packets having non- tessalating shapes may facilitate convenient removal of the individual infusion packets from the carton by the consumer.
  • the package is a carton and the first geometric shape is a square or rectangular prism (i.e. the expandable infusion packet has a prismatic conformation with a square or rectangular cross-section in the permanently compressed state).
  • the package is a carton and the first geometric shape is a cylinder (i.e. the expandable infusion packet has an essentially disc-shapes, cylindrical conformation in the permanently compressed state).
  • a carton with a square or rectangular cross-section is particularly preferred, since such cartons are easily manufactured. The space between the rows of infusion packets and the carton is believed to facilitate removal of the infusion packet from the carton (by allowing the consumer to easily grip the curved surface of the infusion packet).
  • the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an expandable infusion packet according to the first aspect of the invention.
  • the invention relates to a method comprising the following steps:
  • step (c) applying pressure so as to convert the infusion packet to a permanently compressed state.
  • the present invention envisages compressing conventional infusion packets so as to achieve a format wherein the infusion packets are in a permanently compressed state.
  • the infusion packet provided in step (a) is preferably a conventional infusion packet, and can be manufactured by any known method. Tetrahedral-shaped infusion packets are particularly preferred.
  • the infusion packet provided in step (a) is inserted into a die.
  • the die is metallic, for example it can conveniently be made of steel.
  • the pressure applied in step (c) is preferably from 3000 to 4200 kPa, more preferably from 3100 to 4100 kPa. Factors which influence the appropriate pressure include the type of material the infusion packet is made from and the size/weight of the infusion packet. The pressure applied in step (c) will typically be higher where a greater degree of compression is desired, and lower where a smaller degree of compression is desired.
  • the pressure is preferably applied via a piston which fits into the die.
  • the piston is metallic, for example it can conveniently be made of aluminium.
  • the die and the piston are preferably made from different metals.
  • the amount of infusible material contained within the infusion packet has a given volume (e.g. the volume occupied by 3 g of infusible material will be greater than that occupied by 2 g of infusible material).
  • the more infusible material contained within the infusion packet the greater the volume occupied by that infusible material.
  • infusion packets comprising higher amounts of infusible material will typically be compressed to a lesser degree than infusion packets comprising lower amounts of infusible material.
  • the present invention relates to an expandable infusion packet according to the first aspect of the invention wherein the expandable infusion packet is obtainable by the method of the third aspect of the invention.
  • an expandable infusion packet 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
  • the expandable infusion packet being obtainable by a process comprising the steps of: (a) providing an infusion packet in an expanded state; (b) inserting the infusion packet in a die; (c) applying pressure so as to convert the infusion packet to a permanently compressed state.
  • Figure 1 a is a perspective view of an expandable infusion packet in a permanently compressed state
  • Figure 1 b is a perspective view of the expandable infusion packet of Figure 1 a in an expanded state
  • Figure 2a is a perspective view of a compressed infusion packet according to the invention which has been placed in a receptacle ready for brewing;
  • Figure 2b is a representation of the infusion packet of Figure 2a once water has been added to the receptacle so as to prepare a beverage;
  • Figure 3a is a perspective view showing an arrangement of a plurality of compressed infusion packets
  • Figure 3b is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a package comprising a plurality of compressed infusion packets
  • Figure 3c is a perspective view showing an alternative embodiment of a package comprising a plurality of compressed infusion packets
  • Figure 4 shows a series of perspective views illustrating possible shapes for expandable infusion bags according to the present invention in their permanently compressed state.
  • Figure 5a is a perspective view of an infusion packet with a hemispherical expanded state;
  • Figure 5b is a perspective view of an infusion packet with a cubic expanded state
  • Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a carton comprising a plurality of compressed infusion packets
  • Figure 7 illustrates different arrangements a plurality of compressed infusion packets
  • Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a carton comprising a plurality of compressed infusion packets.
  • Figure 1 a shows an expandable infusion packet according to the invention in its permanently compressed state.
  • the compressed infusion packet (1 ) is cylindrical and has a circular cross-section.
  • the infusion packet has a circular first face (2) and circular second face (which is opposite the first face, and thus not visible in Figure 1 a) connected along a length (L) by a curved surface (4).
  • the cross-section along the length (L) is constant, and is the same shape as the first and second faces (i.e. circular).
  • the width (W) is the diameter of the circular cross-section.
  • Figure 1 b shows the infusion packet of Figure 1 a in its expanded state.
  • the expanded infusion packet (5) has adopted a three-dimensional tetrahedral shape. As such, the infusion packet has a different shape in its expanded state than it had in its compressed state.
  • the three-dimensional expanded state allows the infusible material (6) room to move within the infusion packet (5), which is believed to improve infusion performance.
  • Figure 2 illustrates the conversion of an expandable infusion packet according to the present invention from its permanently compressed state to its expanded state. This conversion occurs under the conditions typically used by a consumer to prepare an infusion from a conventional infusion packet.
  • Figure 2a shows the infusion packet prior to the start of brewing.
  • the compressed infusion packet (1 ) has been placed in a receptacle (7) which is suitable for receiving a quantity of hot water (in this case a mug).
  • a quantity of hot water in this case a mug.
  • the infusion packet converts to an expanded state in the presence of water (8).
  • the volume of water used by consumers to prepare a beverage from a conventional infusion packet varies, and is not constant from one geography to another. Thus, it is preferably that the volume of water that will cause the infusion packet to convert from its permanently compressed state to its expanded state is not very large, although it will be appreciated that this volume is typically greater than VE (100 ml of water will usually be sufficient).
  • Figure 2b shows the infusion packet during brewing.
  • the infusion packet is now in its expanded state (5), and has adopted a three-dimensional tetrahedral shape.
  • the compressed infusion packets of the present invention can be conveniently packaged.
  • Figure 3a shows a plurality of compressed infusion packets (1 ), which have been stacked one on top of the other. Since the infusion packets have a regular shape in the compressed state, this arrangement results in a format with a constant cross-section (in this case, a circular cross-section).
  • Figure 3b shows a possible way of packaging a plurality of compressed infusion packets (1 ).
  • the stack of expandable infusion packets is kept together by secondary packaging (9).
  • this secondary packaging (9) is tubular and takes the form of a sheet (e.g. formed of paper or plastic) which extends around the infusion packets in a circumferential manner and is sealed where its edges meet.
  • Figure 3c shows an alternative way of packaging a plurality of compressed infusion packets (1 ).
  • the secondary packaging (9) is a cardboard tube having a square cross-section. This carton has the form of a square prism.
  • the shape of the expandable infusion packet in its permanently compressed state may be prismatic.
  • Figure 4 shows some possible prismatic configurations.
  • the compressed infusion packet has the form of a triangular prism.
  • the first and second faces of the infusion packet are triangular, and are connected along the length (L) by three rectangular joining faces (11 ), which are delimited from one another by three joining edges (12).
  • the width (W) is the distance between two adjacent vertices of the triangular cross-section.
  • the compressed infusion packet is a square prism.
  • the first and second faces of the infusion packet are square, and are connected along the length (L) by four rectangular joining faces (11 ), which are delimited from one another by four joining edges (12).
  • the width (W) is the diagonal of the square cross- section.
  • Figures 4c and 4d illustrate two possible hexagonal prism configurations for the compressed infusion packet.
  • the first and second faces of the infusion packet are hexagonal, and are connected along the length (L) by six rectangular joining faces (11 ), which are delimited from one another by six joining edges (12).
  • the compressed infusion packet of Figure 4c has a convex hexagonal cross-section
  • the compressed infusion packet of 4d has an L-shaped concave hexagonal cross-section.
  • the shape of the expandable infusion packet in its expanded state is not limited, and can be any geometric shape.
  • Figure 5 shows some possible configurations.
  • the expanded infusion packet (5) has a three-dimensional hemispherical shape, whilst in Figure 5b it has a cubic shape in its expanded form.
  • an infusion packet having any one of the expanded shapes shown in Figures 1 b, 5a and 5b can be compressed so as to have any one of the configurations shown in Figures 1 a, 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d.
  • the shape of the infusion packet in its compressed state could be used as a code help consumers identify the appropriate product.
  • a range of products are often sold by a particular manufacturer (such as green tea, black tea, fruit and herbal infusions, etc.).
  • each member of the range uses the same shaped infusion packet (e.g. tetrahedral).
  • Each type of product is sold in a separate package (e.g. a carton containing a certain number of infusion packets), and the information provided on the package identifies the particular product type.
  • the present invention allows each product in the range to have a different shape in the permanently compressed state (whilst still maintaining a common shape in the expanded state).
  • infusion packets containing black tea could have the form of a cylinder, whilst those containing green tea could have the form of a hexagonal prism, and so on.
  • Figure 6 shows a possible way of packaging a plurality of compressed infusion packets.
  • a number of compressed infusion packets (1 ) are arranged inside a cardboard carton (15).
  • the square cross-section of the infusion packets (1 ) means that they tessalate, thus resulting in a very efficient use of the internal space within the carton.
  • Figure 7 illustrates different arrangements a plurality of compressed infusion packets.
  • Figure 7a shows a plurality of compressed infusion packets (1 ) having a hexagonal cross-section which have been stacked one on top of the other.
  • the regular shape of these infusion packets in the compressed state means that the stack of infusion packets has a constant cross-section.
  • the stack of expandable infusion packets can be packaged so as to maintain this arrangement (e.g. in a similar manner to that illustrated for in Figure 3b).
  • Figure 7b shows an alternative arrangement of compressed infusion packets (1 ) having a hexagonal cross-section.
  • the compressed infusion packets are arranged in a single layer.
  • the regular hexagonal cross-section of the infusion packets (1 ) means that they tessalate.
  • the layer of expandable infusion packets can be packaged so as to maintain this arrangement (e.g. by packaging them in a cardboard carton).
  • Figure 8 shows a possible way of packaging a plurality of compressed infusion packets.
  • a number of compressed infusion packets (1 ) are arranged inside a cardboard carton (15).
  • the circular cross-section of the infusion packets (1 ) means that they do not tessalate.
  • the compressed infusion packets are still very efficiently packaged, whilst the small amount of space around the compressed infusion packets allows the consumer to easily remove an individual infusion packet by gripping the curved surface thereof.
  • the final packaging arrangement could comprise multiple layers of the compressed infusion packets. Indeed, it is also envisaged that each layer of infusion packets could have a different shape in the compressed format. For example, a first layer could consist of infusion packets having a hexagonal cross-section, with a second layer consisting of infusion packets having a square cross-section.
  • a commercially available PG Tips pyramid tea bag (bag weight -2.9 g) was provided.
  • the shape of this tea bag in the expanded state was essentially tetrahedral (edge length -65 mm).
  • the volume of the tea bag in the expanded state (VE) was -32365 mm 3 .
  • the tea bag was inserted into a steel die having the form of a hollow cylinder and converted into a permanently compressed state by applying 500 psi (-3447 kPa) pressure via an aluminium piston that slides within the cylindrical die thereby compressing the tea bag.
  • the shape of this tea bag in the permanently compressed state was essentially cylindrical (with a circular cross-section).
  • the width (W) of the compressed cylindrical format of the tea bag was -34 mm, and the length (L) was -7.5 mm.
  • the volume of the tea bag in the permanently compressed state (Vc) was -6809 mm 3 .
  • the permanently compressed tea bag was placed in an empty cup, and 200 ml of hot water was added.
  • the tea bag converted to its expanded form in a matter of seconds. Moreover, this conversion caused the tea bag to "tumble". This movement facilitates rapid brewing of the tea leaves contained within the tea bag without the need for stirring or otherwise agitating the tea bag.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Making Beverages (AREA)
  • Infusion, Injection, And Reservoir Apparatuses (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne une infusette expansible (1, 5), à l'état comprimé en permanence en l'absence d'eau et qui passe à l'état expansé en présence d'eau.
PCT/EP2017/052652 2016-02-11 2017-02-07 Infusettes WO2017137399A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL17702666T PL3414188T3 (pl) 2016-02-11 2017-02-07 Pakiety do zaparzania
BR112018015073-8A BR112018015073A2 (pt) 2016-02-11 2017-02-07 embalagens de infusão expansível, embalagem e método para a fabricação de uma embalagem de infusão expansível
EA201891424A EA037708B9 (ru) 2016-02-11 2017-02-07 Пакетики для настаивания
CN201780010813.0A CN108698756B (zh) 2016-02-11 2017-02-07 浸泡包
US16/076,006 US20200216258A1 (en) 2016-02-11 2017-02-07 Infusion packets
JP2018539134A JP2019504803A (ja) 2016-02-11 2017-02-07 浸出パケット
AU2017217607A AU2017217607B2 (en) 2016-02-11 2017-02-07 Infusion packets
EP17702666.3A EP3414188B1 (fr) 2016-02-11 2017-02-07 Sachets d'infusion

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP16155223.7 2016-02-11
EP16155223 2016-02-11

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2017137399A1 true WO2017137399A1 (fr) 2017-08-17

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PCT/EP2017/052652 WO2017137399A1 (fr) 2016-02-11 2017-02-07 Infusettes

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Country Link
US (1) US20200216258A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP3414188B1 (fr)
JP (1) JP2019504803A (fr)
CN (1) CN108698756B (fr)
AU (1) AU2017217607B2 (fr)
BR (1) BR112018015073A2 (fr)
EA (1) EA037708B9 (fr)
PL (1) PL3414188T3 (fr)
WO (1) WO2017137399A1 (fr)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3808184A1 (fr) * 2019-10-18 2021-04-21 Ming Hwang Lin Infuseur à forme décorative et ses procédés de fabrication
WO2023054737A1 (fr) 2020-09-29 2023-04-06 안병열 Sachet de thé

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EP0811562A1 (fr) 1996-06-04 1997-12-10 Unilever Plc Sachet d'infusion
EP0846632A1 (fr) 1996-12-06 1998-06-10 Fuso Sangyo Kabushiki Kaisha Récipient flexible et permeable avec une étiquette
WO2004033303A1 (fr) 2002-10-09 2004-04-22 I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.P.A. Machine et procede de fabrication de sachets filtrants de forme tetraedrique pour produits d'infusion
WO2005051797A1 (fr) 2003-11-24 2005-06-09 Tetley Gb Limited Emballages pour infusion
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EP0053204A1 (fr) 1980-11-14 1982-06-09 Unilever N.V. Sachet à infusions et procédé pour le réaliser
DE3307046A1 (de) * 1983-02-28 1984-08-30 Erich 6053 Obertshausen Emge Filterbeutel mit feingemahlenem kaffee, fuer die schnelle tasse zwischendurch
WO1995001907A2 (fr) 1993-07-08 1995-01-19 Unilever Plc Appareil et procedes de production de sachets
EP0811562A1 (fr) 1996-06-04 1997-12-10 Unilever Plc Sachet d'infusion
EP0846632A1 (fr) 1996-12-06 1998-06-10 Fuso Sangyo Kabushiki Kaisha Récipient flexible et permeable avec une étiquette
DE29621889U1 (de) * 1996-12-17 1997-02-13 Holthoff, Martin, 47652 Weeze Aufgußbeutel zur Zubereitung eines Kaffeegetränkes
WO2004033303A1 (fr) 2002-10-09 2004-04-22 I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.P.A. Machine et procede de fabrication de sachets filtrants de forme tetraedrique pour produits d'infusion
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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3808184A1 (fr) * 2019-10-18 2021-04-21 Ming Hwang Lin Infuseur à forme décorative et ses procédés de fabrication
WO2023054737A1 (fr) 2020-09-29 2023-04-06 안병열 Sachet de thé

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AU2017217607A1 (en) 2018-08-09
EA201891424A1 (ru) 2019-02-28
EA037708B1 (ru) 2021-05-13
CN108698756A (zh) 2018-10-23
US20200216258A1 (en) 2020-07-09
EA037708B9 (ru) 2021-12-15
CN108698756B (zh) 2020-01-10
JP2019504803A (ja) 2019-02-21
EP3414188A1 (fr) 2018-12-19
PL3414188T3 (pl) 2020-05-18
EP3414188B1 (fr) 2019-10-30
AU2017217607B2 (en) 2020-02-06
BR112018015073A2 (pt) 2018-12-11

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