WO1992012660A1

WO1992012660A1 - Compact dispensing system

Info

Publication number: WO1992012660A1
Application number: PCT/US1991/000588
Authority: WO
Inventors: Charles Richard Dawes
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1989-07-31
Filing date: 1991-01-28
Publication date: 1992-08-06
Anticipated expiration: 1993-07-28

Abstract

A compact dispensing system (10) provides a lid member (11) and a packaging enclosure (12), together defining a cavity with air tight seal due to tight mechanical interfit. A straining container (13), fitting within this cavity, defines its own internal cavity and in its bottom portion (17) has formed openings (18) capable of allowing a liquid to flow through. A disc member (16), sized to pass into the cavity within the straining container (13), has formed partially through its structure a slit (20). A bag member (14), suited for containing an edible substance, is capable of fitting within the cavity formed within the straining container (13). A string member (15) has one of its opposite ends structurally affixed to the bag member (14), and the other end is mechanically affixed to the disc member (16) by having a portion of the string member (15) pass through the slit (20).

Description

COMPACT DISPENSING SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention generally relates to food or edible material, including processes, compositions, and products. More specifically, the invention relates to foraminous material infusion type or foraminous containers per se, especially to containers having flow compeller means, such as a compressor. Very specifically, the present invention relates to a new and improved system design associated with the storage and/or utilization of any edible such as tea, coffee, soup, and the like. The edible is contained in a bag structure. A compact enclosure provides air tight packaging for the edible and its associated bag structure, including additional component parts, producing an efficient and unique package. Removal of the lid from the packaging enclosure of the invention allows the subsequent removal of a straining container, which contains the edible with its bag structure. The bag structure is attached to a first end of a string, and a disc member is affixed to the second or free end of the string. The disc member has dimensions that are compatible with a major opening appearing in the straining container, through which the bag structure can be removed. In addition, the straining container has formed through its bottom portion holes that allow the passage of a liquid squeezed from the bag structure in accordance with the invention.

BACKGROUND ART Prior art devices exist that relate to utilization of a tea bag in conjunction with various forms of packaging and/or containers. Such devices both relate to the utilization of a tea bag and to provision for means to assist in the implementation thereof, based upon both convenience and neatness.

Reference is herein made to the following prior art devices which are representative of the state of the prior art related to the present invention, to wit: United States Patent No. 2,199,406, dated May 7, 1940, issued to Olga Jablon; United States Patent No. 2,839,406, dated June 17, 1958, issued to Martin B. Steinthal; United States Patent No. 3,379,331 dated April 23, 1968, issued to Rosalind G. Kamlet? and United States Patent No. 3,935,318 dated January 27, 1976, issued to Sergio Milhailide.

Upon consideration of the above state of the art, it is evident that the present invention is not anticipated, taught or disclosed by the noted prior art or otherwise. In fact, the present invention seeks to address and otherwise overcome various problems not addressed by the prior art devices.

Therefore, it is a general object of the present invention to create a new and novel tea bag system that overcomes the various problems and disadvantages inherent in the prior art devices evidenced to date.

It is another object of the present invention to create a new and novel compact dispensing system, which is capable of having contained within one compact unit a packaging system for an individual tea bag or other edible contained within a bag. This dispensing system utilizes a straining container that is self-contained within and otherwise compatible with the packaging container of the system. The straining container has openings formed in its bottom, creating the ability for the user to compress all liquid out of the tea bag or other edible contained within the bag after it has been utilized in accordance with the invention. Such compression is accomplished by use of the dual functioning disc member, which is attached to the free end of a string attached to the bag. It is another object of the present invention to create a new and novel compact dispensing system which has the capability for reuse of the packaging enclosure and its lid to allow for a resealing of the container to provide an air tight, leak proof and sterile environment whereby a tea bag or other edible contained within a bag, once used, can be repackaged by the user for purposes of future reuse or disposal.

It is another object of the present invention to create a new and novel compact dispensing system wherein the disc member of the system is fabricated from a light density oam plastic such as Styrofoam or other comparable material capable of floating within a liquid so that, in the eventuality said disc member is accidentally dropped into the cup during utilization, said disc member readily floats on the surface of said liquid and is easily retrievable.

It is another object of the present invention to create a new and novel compact dispensing system wherein the disc member is capable of having implanted thereon data either of advertising and/or promotional nature, or otherwise.

It is another object of the present invention to create a new and novel compact dispensing system wherein the disc member is readily removable from the string by which said disc member is attached to the bag so as to allow for the selective retention and/or separation of said disc member from the bag.

It is another object of the present invention to create a new and novel compact dispensing system which provides a convenient disposable means whereby a utilized bag can be discarded without dripping or staining the surrounding environment in which it has been utilized.

It is another object of the present invention to create a new and novel compact dispensing system wherein there is achieved efficiencies in design and implementation inherent in the invention and not set forth in the prior art. The objects and advantages of the invention are set forth in part herein and in part will be obvious here from, or may be learned by practice of the invention, the same being realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations pointed out in the appended claims.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to anew and improved system design associated with the storage and/or utilization of any edible such as tea, coffee, soups, and the like. A compact enclosure, which is capable of providing air tight packaging for the edible contained within a bag structure, along with its component parts, achieves efficiency and uniqueness with regard to utilization of the edible. In use, removal of the lid of the packaging enclosure allows for the removal of the straining container and edible contained therein within the bag structure. The bag structure is attached to a first end of a string, the free end of which is affixed to a disc member whose dimensions are compatible with the opening appearing in the straining container contained within the packaging enclosure. The straining container has formed through the bottom portion thereof holes to allow for the passage of a liquid squeezed from said bag structure in accordance with the invention.

According to the invention, a compact dispensing system is capable of providing air tight packaging. The system includes a lid member and a packaging enclosure defining a cavity. The packaging enclosure is capable of mechanical inter-fit in an air tight manner with said lid member.

Further, a straining container is capable of mechanical inter-fit within the cavity formed in the packaging enclosure and, additionally, the straining container defines there within its own cavity, which is sized so as not to prevent a mechanical inter-fit between the packing enclosure and the lid member. The straining container has formed within the bottom portion of its structure openings capable of allowing the flow of liquid therethrough. A disc member is capable of passing into the cavity formed within the straining container and has formed partially through its structure a slit. A bag member is capable of containing therein an edible substance and, in addition, the bag member is capable of being contained within the cavity formed within the straining container. A string member has one of its opposite ends structurally affixed to the bag member, and the other end is mechanically affixed to the disc member by having a portion of the string member pass through the slit formed through the disc member.

The accompanying drawings referred to herein and constituting a part hereof are illustrative of the invention but not restrictive thereof, and together with the description serve to explain the principals of the invention.

The invention consists in the novel parts, constructions, arrangements, combinations and improvements herein shown and described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a three dimensional perspective view of the compact dispensing system constructed in accordance with the invention evidencing a tea bag intact within said packaging system constructed in accordance with this invention.

Figure 2 is an exploded three dimensional perspective view evidencing the individual components of said compact dispensing system constructed in accordance with the invention.

Figure 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along lines 3—3 of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of a tea bag after utilization as it would be placed into the compact dispensing system's straining container for straining in accordance with the invention. Figure 5 is a perspective view of a stirring rod with flavor supplement contained within it.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of an insert fitting between the straining container and packaging enclosure.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Referring now more particularly to the embodiment of the above invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 presents a three dimensional perspective view of the compact dispensing system constructed in accordance with the invention, same being generally indicated by numerical designation 10.

Additionally, and as set forth in Figure 2 of the drawings, there is depicted an exploded three dimensional perspective view of compact dispensing system 10 as illustrated in Figure 1. However, the individualized components have been removed from compact dispensing system 10 as depicted in Figure 1 and are illustrated in their individualized capacities. As depicted in Figure 2, compact dispensing system 10 comprises, in the preferred embodiment therein set forth, six individualized components, same being to wit: a lid member 11 which forms the cover to packing enclosure 12, straining container 13, a portion of edible material such as tea bag 14, string member 15 and disc member 16.

In keeping with the invention, lid member 11 is capable of mechanical inter-fit with packing enclosure 12 so as to provide an air tight seal. The inter-fit allows the lid member to be selectively removed from packing enclosure 12. One function achieved by such selective removal is to permit access to the remaining components of compact dispensing system 10 which initially are packaged therein, as illustrated in Figure 3. Another function, in the alternative, is to permit the compact dispensing system 10 to be utilized in accordance with the invention after the utilization of tea bag 14 so as to provide a compact and unique air tight storage and/or disposable means. Thus, the compact dispensing system 10 permits a utilized tea bag to be conveniently retained for future reuse in an air tight environment or to be packaged so as to be thrown away without staining, dripping upon, or otherwise disturbing the surroundings in which said compact dispensing system 10 is utilized.

In further keeping with the invention, straining container 13 is structured so as to allow for its mechanical inter-fit within the dimensions of packing enclosure 12. It is envisioned within the scope of this invention for straining container 13 to be of a similar geometrical configuration to that of packing enclosure 12. However, straining container 13 has dimensions slightly less in size than the comparable dimensions of packing enclosure 12, such that straining container 13 can be compatibly placed within packing enclosure 12 as illustrated in Figure 3. As further shown in the drawings, straining container 13 and packing enclosure 12 both are conical in shape, in furtherance of the cooperation noted above.

As further illustrated in Figures 2, 3, and 4, straining container 13 has formed through its bottom surface 17 openings 18, so as to allow for the passage therethrough of a liquid. As further illustrated in Figure 2, tea bag 14 has affixed to it a first end of a string member 15. The second and opposite end of string member 15, which is not structurally affixed to tea bag 14, is structurally affixed to disc member 16 by having the second, loose end of string member 15 threaded through slit 20, which is formed through disc member 16. The disc member 16 is of a shape, design and dimensions compatible with straining container 13, such that, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, disc member 16 is capable of placement within straining container 13. Thus, the disc member is able to be pressed against tea bag 14 (Figure 4) so as to cause liquid within tea bag 14 to be drained or extracted therefrom. The openings 18 in the bottom of the strainer enable this liquid to pass through openings 18 and into cup 19, as illustrated in Figure 4.

It should be further noted that, in keeping with the invention, disc member 16, in its preferred embodiment, is to be fabricated from a low density, air filled foam plastic such as Styrofoam or any other material of lower density than water and, therefore, generally capable of floating within a liquid. It is within the scope of this invention not to limit the material from which disc member 16 is fashioned to that of only Styrofoam.

Furthermore, it should be noted that disc member 16 can be structurally affixed to string member 15 in any manner or fashion well known within the prior art. However, the preferred method is as illustrated in Figure 2, which utilizes slit 20 formed within disc member 16. This method of attachment supports the detachability of disc member 16 from string member 15 and is consist with and in keeping with the invention, whereby imprinted data upon disc member 16 can be utilized for advertising or a promotional basis or addressed to having collectible items depicted thereon.

An optional feature of the dispensing system 10 is a stirring rod 22, shown in Figure 5. This rod is formed of a resilient, flexible material such as a plastic. The rod may have a hollow core, which permits a flavor supplement such as, sugar, creamer or synthetic sweetener to be contained within it. This rod, with or without such flavor supplement, can be included in the dispensing system 10 by bending or winding it into a generally circular or ring-like shape, as shown in phantom as rod 23 in Figure 5. The rod 23 is placed into enclosure 12, between the inner side wall of this enclosure and the outer side wall of straining container 13. The relative sizes of the enclosure 12 and straining container 13 may be selected to ensure that sufficient space is present to accommodate a rod 22 in circular configuration 23. hen the dispensing system 10 is in use, the rod provides an optional means of supplying its flavor supplement, as well as serving as a means for stirring the liquid in cup 19. The flexible, resilient nature of the rod permits it to recover a straight shape after being removed from confinement between the packaging enclosure and straining container. A flavor supplement within the rod is automatically dispensed by dissolving into the liquid. Prior to being dispensed, the supplement may be bound within the rod by a water soluble membrane plug in the end of the rod, or by being mixed with a water soluble binder. Thus, the plug, binder, or other retaining means will dissolve and free the supplement when the rod is used. However, a plug is the preferred means of retention. It permits the second, opposite end of the rod to be sealed by a non-soluble plug, giving to the user a choice of which end of the rod to immerse in the liquid. Hence, the user can choose either to dispense or not dispense the flavor supplement.

As another alternative, the rod may contain two or more supplements, each in a separate area of the rod and each separated from the others by soluble membrane plugs or frangible walls. Then, the user has the choice of dispensing any or all supplements separately by selectively immersing one or more chosen ends of the rod, or by squeezing the rod to rupture a frangible membrane. In the same way, the sides of the rod may be foraminous and the supplements contained therein may be separately encased in frangible membrane coverings. In this latter case, the user would merely squeeze the rod in the area of the desired supplement, fracturing the membrane and freeing the supplement to be dissolved into the liquid through the foraminous walls of the rod. Although the package for flavor supplements has been disclosed to be in the shape of a rod or tube, other package shapes and types can be used. For example, a paper bag or sugar or creamer can be placed -lo¬

in the packaging enclosure or straining container, for use by conventionally tearing open such bag.

Referring to Figure 6, a planar or sheet-like insert 24 optionally can be included between the walls of the packaging enclosure and straining container. The function and purpose of the insert may include serving as a stirring rod, bearing instructions, displaying a message, or serving as a handle to the straining container. If the insert 24 is to serve as a stirring rod, it may be an elongated strip of sheet plastic having a longitudinally dished configuration. When such an insert strip 24 is folded or wound transversely to the longitudinally dished configuration, it tends to wind into a thin coil 25, shown in phantom in Figure 6. This coil 25 is suitable for placement in the compact dispensing system. However, when the coil is removed and straightened, the memory in the plastic causes the strip to return to straight configuration, and the dishing provides structural rigidity. Thus, this insert 24 serves as a stirring rod with a combination of compactness when stored within the system and strength and rigidity when removed from storage and placed in use. If the insert is merely to bear instructions or a message, then it is acceptable that it be formed from paper, which can be wound into a compact coil 25 without the need for the mentioned dished configuration. If the insert is to serve as a handle to the straining container, it may be folded around the lip of the container, and its two free ends can be held by hand; or the insert could engage the straining container through a hole. Any of the inserts 24 differ from the stirring rods 22 by being more compactly stored in the space between packaging enclosure 13 and straining container 13.

Although specific shapes, contours, and geometric figures for the various components of compact dispensing system 10 are illustrated in the drawings, nothing herein should be construed as to limit the invention to those particular, illustrated shapes, contours and geometric figures. Rather, any variations thereon are possible as long as the interrelationship between components as described above are maintained.

More particularly, in place of having lid member 11 be circular, packing enclosure 12 be cylindrical, straining container 13 be cylindrical, and disc member 16 be circular, it is within the scope of this invention that lid member 11, packing enclosure 12, straining container 13 and disc 16 could define rectangular shapes, triangular shapes, square shapes, pentagonal shapes, hexagonal shapes, etc. The invention is not limited to any one specific shape. However, what is inherent in the invention is the compatible interrelationship, as far as shape is concerned, of lid member 11, packing enclosure 12, straining container 13 and disc member 16.

Although the description relating to the preferred embodiment of the invention has addressed itself to its utilization with a tea bag, nothing herein contained should be considered to so limit the scope of the invention to be applicable only to tea. More particularly, the scope of this invention contemplates that any substance that can be commercially exploited in place of tea can be contained in the bag 14. By way of example and not limitation, alternative substances include instant or ground coffee, instant soups or any other food product that merely needs to be mixed with liquid for its preparation.

The preceding description and accompanying drawings relate primarily to a specific embodiment of the invention, and the invention in its broader aspect should not be so limited to one specific embodiment as herein shown and described. Rather, departures may be made within the scope of the accompanying claims without departing from the principals of the invention and without sacrificing its chief advantages.

Claims

1. A compact dispensing system capable of providing air tight packaging, comprising: (a) a lid member; (b) a packaging enclosure defining a cavity wherein said packaging enclosure is capable of mechanical inter-fit in an air tight manner with said lid member;

(c) a straining container capable of mechanical inter-fit within the cavity formed in said packaging enclosure and additionally defining there within its own cavity and sized so as not to prevent the mechanical inter- fit between said packaging enclosure and said lid member, said straining container having formed within the bottom portion of its structure openings capable of allowing for the flow of liquid therethrough;

(d) a disc member capable of passing into the cavity formed within said straining container and having formed partially through its structure a slit;

(e) a bag member capable of containing therein an edible substance, said bag member capable of being contained within the cavity formed within said straining container; and

(f) a string member having one end thereof structurally affixed to said bag member and the other end thereof mechanically affixed to said disc member by having said string member pass through the slit formed through said disc member.

2. A compact dispensing system as defined in Claim 1, wherein said packaging enclosure defines a truncated conical shape.

3. A compact dispensing system as defined in Claim 2, wherein said disc member is of a circular configuration.

4. A compact dispensing system as defined in Claim 3, wherein said disc member is fabricated from floatable material.

5. A compact dispensing system as defined in Claim 1, wherein the edible substance contained in said bag member is tea.

6. A compact dispensing system as defined in Claim 1, wherein the edible substance contained in said bag member is soup.

7. A compact dispensing system as defined in Claim 1, further comprising: an elongated member capable of assuming either straight of coiled configuration and sized to be received in the cavity of said packing enclosure when in coiled position.

8. The compact dispensing system as defined in Claim 7, wherein said elongated member defines a central cavity, and further comprising a flavor supplement contained within said central cavity.

9. The compact dispensing system as defined in Claim 7, wherein said elongated member comprises a strip of resilient sheet material having shape memory, wherein said strip has a longitudinally dished surface, such that the elongated member forms a thin coil when folded transversely to the elongated direction and reforms its elongated, dished configuration when uncoiled.

10. The compact dispensing system defined in Claim 1, further comprising a package containing a flavor supplement receivable within said packaging enclosure.