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 method of providing an infusion comprising the steps of: 
 placing a liquid in a container;    immersing a package of an infusible substance in the liquid, the package comprising an elongate structure of a liquid permeable material containing an amount of 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 and stirring of the package, the upper portion being continuous and uniform with the lower portion, the elongate structure being dimensioned such that the amount of the infusible substance contained therein swells to substantially fill the lower portion when it is immersed in the liquid thereby causing the lower portion of the elongate structure to form a rod like structure and the package to be imparted with a stiffness sufficient to facilitate stirring of the liquid by the package;    gripping the package at its upper portion; and    stirring the package whilst immersed in the liquid so as to form the infusion.    
   
   
       2 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the infusible substance is selected from tea leaves, coffee and herbs.  
   
   
       3 . A method according to  claim 2  wherein the infusible substance is tea in an amount of 5 to 7 g per package.  
   
   
       4 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the liquid permeable material is a paper specifically adapted for the purpose of use in packages of infusible material.  
   
   
       5 . A method according to  claim 1  having a length which in use either accommodates drinking vessels or tea pots.  
   
   
       6 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the elongate structure is a tube.  
   
   
       7 . A method according to  claim 6  wherein the upper portion of the structure which projects out of a liquid in use has a tag affixed thereto.  
   
   
       8 . A method according to  claim 7  wherein the tag comprises a single planar sheet.  
   
   
       9 . A method according to  claim 7  wherein the tag comprises a sheet which is folded so as to present opposing planar surfaces arrayed around the structure.  
   
   
       10 . A method according to  claim 7  wherein the tag bears indicia.