Disposable strainer with a squeezing mechanism
10264910 ยท 2019-04-23
Inventors
Cpc classification
A47J31/0636
HUMAN NECESSITIES
International classification
Abstract
A disposable strainer (1) for tea infusion comprises a base (10) and a deformable infusion container (11) with a moisture-permeable body (110) attached to the base (10). The base (10) is foldable, the disposable strainer (1) includes a squeezing mechanism (12) connected to the body (110) of the infusion container (11) and adapted to squeeze the infusion container (11) once the base (10) is folded, and the squeezing mechanism (12) consists in a first thread (121) adapted for drawing out of the disposable strainer (1).
Claims
1. A disposable strainer for infusing loose tea, which comprises a flat rigid base, an open top deformable infusion container with a moisture-permeable body, and a squeezing mechanism, the infusion container having an open inlet opening and a bottom, as well as a depth defined as a distance between the open inlet opening and the bottom of the infusion container, the base being configured to be horizontally placed over the edge of a vessel to cover an inlet opening of the vessel, the base having a through hole into the infusion container for filling an infusable material, an edge of an opening of the infusion container being fixed to the base around the perimeter of the through hole of the base to form a cup-shaped structure, such that the base extends perpendicular to the depth axis of the infusion container and the through hole of the base and the opening of the infusion container coincide, wherein the base consists of two portions delimited by a fold line which extends between said portions and crosses the base and the through hole of the base, wherein the base is foldable along the fold line such that the mentioned two portions are movable towards each other in a direction away from the bottom of the infusion container so as to adjoin each other, to close the through hole of the base and the opening of the infusion container, and thereby the base and the infusion container move from an unfolded state into a folded state, wherein, in the unfolded state, the through hole of the base and the opening of the infusion container are open and form together a cup-shaped structure, and, in the folded state, the base is folded along the fold line, the mentioned two portions adjoin each other and the through hole of the base and the opening of the infusion container are closed and form a single closed container, wherein the squeezing mechanism is connected to the body of the infusion container and consists of at least a first thread adapted to be partially drawn out of the disposable strainer, and the squeezing mechanism is adapted to squeeze the infusion container by drawing out the thread, at least the first thread is laid inside the body of the infusion container.
2. The disposable strainer according to claim 1, wherein the body of the infusion container is adapted to ensure freedom of movement of the first thread.
3. The disposable strainer according to claim 1, wherein the squeezing mechanism also comprises at least a second thread, adapted to be drawn out of the disposable strainer and to squeeze the infusion container.
4. The disposable strainer according to claim 3, wherein the second thread is laid inside the body of the infusion container, and wherein the body of the infusion container is adapted to ensure freedom of movement of the first thread and the second thread respectively.
5. The disposable strainer according to claim 4, wherein the body of the infusion container is composed of several layers or several components.
6. The disposable strainer according to one of claims 1-4, wherein the thread manifests a first end and a second end other than the first end, wherein the first end is fixed and is immovable, and wherein the second end is movable and is drawn during squeezing.
7. The disposable strainer according to one of claims 1-4, wherein the thread manifests a first end and a second end other than the first end, and wherein the first end and the second end are equally movable.
8. The disposable strainer according to claim 6, wherein the base comprises grooves, and wherein the movable second ends of the first and second threads respectively are adapted to pass through the grooves.
9. The disposable strainer according to claim 1, wherein the squeezing mechanism also comprises an additional means of keeping at least the first thread in a predetermined position relative to the base.
10. The disposable strainer according to claim 1, wherein the fold line crosses the center of the through hole of the base, so as to permit folding the base in half, and wherein the disposable strainer has a clamp on its base, the clamp being adapted to fix the base of the disposable strainer in a closed position with the infusion container in a closed state.
11. The disposable strainer according to claim 10, wherein the clamp comprises a pin and a notch adapted to interact by virtue of friction.
12. The disposable strainer according to claim 1, wherein an end of the thread of the squeezing mechanism comprises a holder.
Description
(1) Other distinguishing features and advantages of the invention are readily apparent from the description below which includes but is not limited to the following features, with reference to the figures attached:
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(14) As was mentioned before and shown in the
(15) The disposable strainer 1 comprises a base 10 and a deformable infusion container 11, a body 110 of which is moisture-permeable and is attached to the base 10.
(16) As it appears from the
(17) According to the invention: the base 10 is foldable, the disposable strainer 1 comprises a squeezing mechanism 12 connected to the body 110 of the infusion container 11 and adapted for squeezing of the infusion container 11 once the base 10 is folded, and the squeezing mechanism 12 comprises a first thread 121, adapted for drawing (along the arrow C in the
(18) The foldability of the base 10 (and the disposable strainer 1 in general) ensures (after the disposable strainer 1 is removed from the cup with the fresh drink) that the through hole 2 can be at least partly closed to retain the infused tea inside the infusion container 11 (at least partly closed). For this purpose, the base 10 is simply folded by a circular movement along the arrow B (
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(20) The squeezing mechanism 12 is principally consists in the first thread 121 adapted for drawing out of the disposable strainer 1.
(21) The first thread 121 is principally laid (principally in a free, i.e. untensioned state) at least partly inside the body 110 of the infusion container 11 (
(22) The base 10 principally comprises a fold line 100 (
(23) The squeezing mechanism 12 principally comprises at least a second thread 122 adapted for drawing (along the arrow C in the
(24) The first thread 121 is principally laid (principally in a free, i.e. untensioned state) inside the body 110 of the infusion container 11. The second thread 122 is principally laid (principally in a free, i.e. untensioned state) inside the body 110 of the infusion container 11. Under such conditions, the body 110 of the infusion container 11 is adapted to ensure freedom of movement of the first thread 121 and the second thread 122 (
(25) The body 110 of the infusion container 11 is principally composed of several layers (e.g. from two layers: a first (internal) layer 1111 facing toward the interior of the infusion container 11, and a second (external) layer 1112 facing outward relative to the infusion container 11, i.e. outside the disposable strainer 1 (
(26) The body 110 of the infusion container 11 can also be composed of several components (not shown).
(27) According to the first version of the disposable strainer 1, each thread from among: (a) the first thread 121; (b) the second thread 122, manifests a first end 1211, 1221 and a second end 1212, 1222 other than the first end 1211, 1221. Under such conditions, the first end 1211, 1221 is fixed in the base 10 and is immovable relative to the base 10, whereas the second end 1212, 1222 is movable relative to the base 10 and is drawn during squeezing.
(28) The
(29) According to the second version of the disposable strainer 1 (an alternative to the above-mentionned first version), each thread from among: (a) the first thread 121; (b) the second thread 122, manifests the first end 1211, 1221 and the second end 1212, 1222 other than the first end 1211, 1221. Under such conditions, the first end 1211, 1221 and the second end 1212, 1222 are movable (principally equally movable) relative to the base 10.
(30) This second version of the structure of the disposable strainer 1 is shown in the
(31) Both of the above versions of the disposable strainer 1 can have holders 123 at the movable ends of the threads of the squeezing mechanism 12: e.g. at the second end 1212 of the first thread 121 (
(32) The base 10 principally comprises grooves 101 (
(33) As it is shown in the
(34) The above useful feature ensures that the first thread 121 cannot be damaged during manipulations with the disposable strainer 1, in particular, during the packing of the same into boxes after manufacturing before shipment to the consumer. This helps improve the quality of the disposable strainer 1 for mass manufacture.
(35) The other advantage of said selective thread arrangement is that it does not require any additional means (for instance, positioning overlays) for keeping the first thread 121 in a selective position relative to the body 110 of the infusion container 11 for the best deformation of the same during squeezing. Elimination of such additional retention means makes the production of the disposable strainer 1 more convenient and time-efficient and reduces the weight and volume of the squeezing mechanism 12 to minimize the amount of material required to manufacture the disposable strainer 1 and to lower transportation costs related to the delivery of the disposable strainer 1 to the consumer (i.e. before the use of the disposable strainer 1) and consumer garbage removal for final disposal of the strainer 1 once it is used by the consumer.
(36) At least the first thread 121 is principally laid partly outside the body 110 of the infusion container 11.
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(38) The above useful feature helps improve the quality of the disposable strainer 1 for mass manufacture. Indeed, such configuration ensures that the first thread 121 avoids damage in case of accidental contact with the second (external) layer 1112 of, for instance, the finger of an operator engaged in packing the manufactured disposable strainer 1 or the user.
(39) The other advantage of said selective arrangement of the first thread 121 (ensured by the predetermined positioning of the points where the first thread 121 enters and exits the body 110 of the infusion container 11 on the side of the first internal layer 1111) is that it does not require any additional means (for instance, positioning overlays) for keeping the first thread 121 in a selective position relative to the body 110 of the infusion container 11 for the best deformation of the same during squeezing. Elimination of such additional retention means makes the production of the disposable strainer 1 more convenient and time-efficient and reduces the weight and volume of the squeezing mechanism 12 to minimize the amount of material required to manufacture the disposable strainer 1 and to lower transportation costs related to the delivery of the disposable strainer 1 to the consumer (i.e. before the use of the disposable strainer 1) and consumer garbage removal for final disposal of the strainer 1 once it is used by the consumer.
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(41) The above useful feature ensures that individual segments of at least the first thread 121 can be selectively arranged relative to the body 110 of the infusion container 11. This serves to expand functional capabilities of the squeezing mechanism by facilitating predetermined pressure distribution along the body 10 of the infusion container.
(42) Furthermore, this feature allows to simplify the structure of the body 110 of the infusion container 11 in the areas where at least the first thread 121 is not laid, to ultimately simplify the disposable strainer 1 manufacturing process.
(43) Finally, by analogy with the example shown in the
(44) The examples in the
(45) Each of the examples from the
(46) The base 10 principally manifests a composite structure, i.e. it comprises at least a first element 102 and a second element 103 adapted to fix the infusion container 11 to the base 10 (
(47) The above feature serves to simplify the assembly of the disposable strainer 1 in mass manufacture.
(48) The first element 102 and the second element 103 are principally adapted to fix at least the first end 1211 of the first thread 121 to the base 10 (
(49) The above feature serves to simplify the assembly of the disposable strainer 1 with the guaranteed quality of fixation of at least the first end 1211 of the first thread 121 to the base 10.
(50) The disposable strainer 1 can have a clamp on its base 10, said clamp adapted to fix the base 10 of the disposable strainer 1 in a closed position (with the infusion container 11 in a closed state). As it is shown in the
(51) The disposable strainer 1 can principally have a squeezing mechanism 12 with a varying pattern of distribution of threads (
(52) The squeezing mechanism 12 principally comprises an additional means 124 (e.g. an additional overlay) of keeping at least the first thread 121 in a predetermined position (
(53) The above useful feature ensures that at least the first thread 121 is reliably kept (especially where it lies completely outside the body 110 of the infusion container 11, as shown in the example in the
(54) Several other examples (not shown) of the device (i.e. the disposable strainer) according to the invention, operation and advantages of the same are described below.
(55) The device consists in a rigid base which is placed over the edge of a vessel with water and has a fold line going across said base, a moisture-permeable infusion container attached to said base and a squeezing mechanism of threads.
(56) A various number of threads can also be utilized in the squeezing mechanism, and they can be arranged inside the body of the infusion container in a different manner. One end of each thread is fixed, while the other end is movable and drawn during squeezing. A version wherein the threads remain movable on both ends and end in holders, instead of being fixed in the body of the base, is also possible. The threads can be attached to the infusion section only or pass through the grooves in the body of the base.
(57) The moisture-permeable infusion container can have several layers or be comprised of several components to fashion the same into a shape. The squeezing threads are located between the layers of the container or at the overlaps of the components. For all purposes, the container is built so as to ensure freedom of movement of the threads.
(58) In addition, the base of the device can have a clamp which allows to fix the strainer in the folded position.
(59) The claimed device can be produced in different volume and design. The rigid base may be of any shape and have horizontal projections to better hold onto the edges of the vessel with water or to make wide and strong enough the areas adjacent to the fold line. The infusion container can be produced in different volume and in different depths to facilitate tea infusion in various dishes.
(60) The fold line in the rigid base may be manufactured as a groove, as a perforation line or have troughs or other corresponding features.
(61) The device works as follows (
(62) Therefore, a version of the claimed invention is a disposable strainer for infusing tea comprising a rigid base with a fold line along which the base of the strainer is folded once infusion is complete, an easily deformable moisture-permeable infusion container and a squeezing mechanism of threads laid inside the body of the moisture-permeable container of the strainer, which allows by threads drawing to squeeze the infused tea inside the strainer once it is folded.
(63) The device can have a moisture-permeable infusion container comprised of several layers or components.
(64) The device can have the squeezing mechanism with a various number of threads.
(65) The device can have the squeezing mechanism with a varying pattern of distribution of threads.
(66) The device can have the squeezing mechanism consisting of threads, one end of each thread being fixed and immovable and the other being movable and drawn during squeezing.
(67) The device can have the squeezing mechanism consisting of threads, both ends of each thread being equally movable.
(68) The device can have holders at the movable ends of the threads of the squeezing mechanism.
(69) The device can have the squeezing mechanism attached to the rigid base of the strainer, which immovable ends of the threads are fixed in a body of the rigid base, and movable ends are passed through grooves in the body of the rigid base of the strainer.
(70) The device can be manufactured: the rigid base from a solid and easily flexible material, for example, from plastic, from cardboard or similar materials; and the infusion container from an easily compressible and moisture-permeable material, for example, nylon, filter paper and other materials ensuring an operation of the device.
(71) The device can have a clamp on the rigid base of the strainer allowing to fix the rigid base of the strainer in the folded position.
(72) The device can have the rigid base where the fold line is marked by perforation, by groove, by trough, by combination of these features or by another corresponding method.
(73) Mass manufacture of the claimed disposable strainer will enable the consumer to enjoy the convenience of ready-made tea bags combined with a wide choice of loose tea varieties depending on the desired quantity and quality.
(74) Furthermore, the said strainer is good marketing tool for loose tea manufacturers because the production of such strainer will contribute to a boost in loose tea sales, whereas low production costs of the said strainer will make it possible to bundle it with a pack of tea as an added-value bonus for the consumer.
(75) Besides, the rigid base of the strainer may be used as an advertising vehicle.
(76) Also, the benefits of the claimed device are minimum effort required to manufacture the said device, low costs, portability and an option to use eco-friendly materials for its production.
(77) In view of the above, one skilled in the domain of disposable means comprising a filtering element and used for making drinks, namely, for infusing tea or other extracts by virtue of filtering (i.e. soaking or straining) liquid (for instance, water) through said filtering element, understands that: the term rigid base and/or equivalent term rigid base of a solid and easily flexible material are clear and unequivocal definitions of the base of the disposable strainer which manifests selective physical parameters (properties) that at the same time guarantee conformity to the following limitations: keeping the shape of the base unchanged after manufacture, in particular, in transit to the end consumer, keeping the shape of the base unchanged after the infusion container is submerged in liquid throughout the infusion process (in particular, tea infusion) by filtering (i.e. soaking or straining) liquid (for instance, water) through the body of the infusion container, keeping the shape of the base unchanged after the infusion container is removed from the liquid once the infusion is ready and before disposal of the strainer, foldability of the base, in particular, along the fold line, once the user applies pressure to said base, said pressure not exceeding the maximum force of the two finger of one hand, e.g. the thumb and the index finger of the right hand of a right-handed user, wherein said fingers move toward each other, to close the infusion container so as to retain the infused tea inside the infusion container, keeping the shape of the base unchanged, including keeping the shape of the base unchanged after it has been folded as the result of the squeezing mechanism operation, i.e. after deformation of the body of the infusion container for tea squeezing by drawing the threads of the squeezing mechanism out of the disposable strainer; the term easily deformable infusion container and/or equivalent term infusion container of an easily compressible material are clear and unequivocal definitions of the infusion container of the disposable strainer which manifests selective physical parameters (properties) that at the same time guarantee conformity to the following limitations: the infusion container must be capable of the first change (deformation) of its geometric shape (volume) from its original state (characteristic of the body of the infusion container before base folding) to the intermediate state (characteristic of the body of the infusion container after base folding before operation of the squeezing mechanism), keeping in mind that such first change (deformation) of the geometric shape of the infusion container takes place once the user applies pressure to said base, said pressure not exceeding the maximum force of the two finger of one hand, e.g. the thumb and the index finger of the right hand of a right-handed user, wherein said fingers move toward each other, to close the infusion container so as to retain the infused tea inside the infusion container, the infusion container must be capable of the second change (deformation) of its geometric shape (volume) from the intermediate state (characteristic of the body of the infusion container after base folding before operation of the squeezing mechanism) to the final state (characteristic of the body of the infusion container after operation of the squeezing mechanism), keeping in mind that such second change (deformation) of the geometric shape of the infusion container takes place once each thread of the squeezing is drawn (by the user's hand, gripping each thread between two fingers) out of the disposable strainer.