Package of an infusible substance

Abstract

A package ( 10 ) of an infusible substance, typically tea or coffee, is disclosed. This package ( 10 ) preferably comprises a tubular structure ( 17 ) of a liquid permeable material which contains the infusible substance. The structure has a lower portion ( 11 ) and an upper portion ( 12 ) and is sealed at a lower end ( 13 ) and an upper end ( 14 ) in a manner such that when the lower portion ( 11 ) is immersed in a liquid, the infusible substance is retained substantially within the structure ( 17 ) whilst the liquid permeates the infusible substance and the upper portion ( 12 ) projects out of the liquid to facilitate gripping thereof. In this way, the package ( 10 ) containing tea leaves, may be immersed, for example, in a cup of hot water to produce tea.

1 . A package of an infusible substance comprising an elongate structure of a liquid permeable material containing an infusible substance, the structure having a lower portion and an upper portion and being sealed at a lower end and an upper end in a manner such that when the lower portion is immersed in a liquid, the infusible substance is retained substantially within the structure whilst the liquid permeates the infusible substance and the upper portion projects out of the liquid to facilitate gripping thereof.  
     
     
         2 . A package of an infusible substance according to  claim 1  wherein the infusible substance is selected from tea leaves, coffee and herbs.  
     
     
         3 . A package of an infusible substance according to  claim 2  wherein the infusible substance is tea in an amount of 5 to 7 g per package.  
     
     
         4 . A package of an infusible substance according to any one of  claims 1  to  3  wherein the liquid permeable material is a paper specifically adapted for the purpose of use in packages of infusible material.  
     
     
         5 . A package of an infusible substance according to  claim 1  wherein the elongate structure is dimensioned such that swelling of the substance when it is immersed in the liquid results in the formation of a rod like structure.  
     
     
         6 . A package of an infusible substance according to any one of  claims 1  to  5  having a length which in use either accommodates drinking vessels or tea pots.  
     
     
         7 . A package of an infusible substance according to any one of  claims 1  to  6  wherein the elongate structure is a tube.  
     
     
         8 . A package of an infusible substance according to  claim 7  wherein the upper portion of the structure which projects out of a liquid in use has a tag affixed thereto.  
     
     
         9 . A package of an infusible substance according to  claim 8  wherein the tag comprises a single planar sheet.  
     
     
         10 . A package of an infusible substance according to  claim 8  wherein the tag comprises a sheet which is folded so as to present opposing planar surfaces arrayed around the structure.  
     
     
         11 . A package of an infusible substance according to any one of  claims 8  to  10  wherein the tag bears indicia.