Tea bag cozy

Abstract

An infusion system for processing a brewing material includes a pouch configured to contain a brewing material, a sealable packet configured to house the pouch, and an attachment member coupled with the pouch and the packet.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60 / 728,153, filed Oct. 18, 2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.STATEMENT AS TO RIGHTS TO INVENTIONS MADE UNDER FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not applicable REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING,” A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISK. [0003] Not applicable BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0004] The present invention generally relates to infusion systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to tea bag packaging systems, and to methods for using and constructing such systems. [0005] Since the advent of the tea bag, many tea drinkers have enjoyed the convenience and pleasant ritual of brewing their own cup. Certain tea packaging and distribution companies are known to sell tea bags in individually wrapped airtight packets to insure freshness and prevent...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] The present invention provides infusion devices for processing a brewing material that are well suited for ensuring a clean and efficient tea drinking experience. Advantageously, the present infusion systems allow a tea drinker to pull a used tea bag back into a packet after the brewing process is completed. Thus, the unsightly used tea bag can be put out of sight. The present systems therefore provide a tea drinker with an additional level of control over the tea brewing process, and also provide the drinker with a pleasant ritual to the brewing process. Marketing logos and other brand promotions can be placed on the packet, and thus the present invention can provide a fresh marketing focus. A tea bag manufacturer or distributor using the present invention will enjoy competitive advantages over other tea companies. Moreover, the present invention can be implemented in conjunction with existing, high-speed manufacturing machines, and thus is particularly useful for minimizing any cost and complexity associated with manufacture.

[0008] In some embodiments, the present invention provides tea bags that can be packaged or distributed in individually wrapped in airtight water-proof packets, which are ideal for restaurants, hotels, and home. Such packets insure freshness and reduce the chance for contamination, and allow a used tea bag to be attractively hidden. These packets also provide a beautiful surface upon which to convey image and brand identity via colorful logos and the like.

Problems solved by technology

However, after steeping the brewing material in hot water, the tea drinker is often left with a messy and soggy used tea bag.

Images