Infusion packet and its manufacture

Abstract

The present invention relates to an infusion packet comprising a single sealed compartment ( 16 ), the compartment having a top ( 8 ) and a bottom ( 9 ) defined by two transverse seals ( 7 ) that are separated by a distance D, the distance D being in the range of 40 to 70 mm, wherein the compartment comprises at least one side gusset ( 15 ), the side gusset ( 15 ) consisting of two gusset panels ( 12 ) and three gusset creases ( 13, 14 ).

1 . An infusion packet comprising a single sealed compartment ( 16 ), the compartment having a top ( 8 ) and a bottom ( 9 ) defined by two transverse seals ( 7 ) that are separated by a distance D, the transverse seals being at opposite ends of the compartment, the distance D being in the range of 40 to 70 mm, wherein the compartment ( 16 ) comprises at least one side gusset ( 15 ), the side gusset ( 15 ) consisting of two gusset panels ( 12 ) and three gusset creases ( 13 ,  14 ), and wherein the infusion packet consists of liquid-permeable packaging material that covers an area A of from 5000 to 10500 mm 2 . 
     
     
         2 . An infusion packet according to  claim 1  wherein the compartment ( 16 ) has two side gussets ( 15 ) and wherein each side gusset ( 15 ) consisting of two gusset panels ( 12 ) and three gusset creases ( 13 ,  14 ). 
     
     
         3 . An infusion packet according to  claim 1  wherein the transverse seals ( 7 ) defining the top ( 8 ) and bottom ( 9 ) of the compartment are substantially parallel to one another and the gusset creases ( 13 ,  14 ) are orientated such that they are substantially perpendicular to the transverse seals. 
     
     
         4 . An infusion packet according to  claim 1  wherein the infusion packet consists of liquid-permeable packaging material that covers an area A of from 5500 to 9000 mm 2 . 
     
     
         5 . An infusion packet according to  claim 1  wherein the compartment encloses a dose of infusible material comprising tea solids. 
     
     
         6 . Apparatus for producing infusion packets, the apparatus comprising a longitudinal sealer ( 23 ) for forming a web of packaging material into a tube and a means for drawing the tubular web past an outlet ( 24 ) of a conduit ( 21 ), wherein the outlet of the conduit has an external cross-section comprising at least two vertices ( 25 ) and wherein the apparatus comprises at least one forming member ( 26 ) for indenting the tubular web between the vertices ( 25 ) and additionally comprises sealing elements for compartmenting the tubular web at intervals along its length, wherein the sealing elements form transverse seals ( 7 ) across the width of the indented tubular web and are adapted such that the distance D between successive transverse seals is in the range of 40 to 70 mm. 
     
     
         7 . Apparatus according to  claim 6  wherein the at least two vertices ( 25 ) delimit a face. 
     
     
         8 . Apparatus according to  claim 6  wherein the web of packaging material is drawn along the exterior of the conduit by a guide element ( 22 ). 
     
     
         9 . Apparatus according to  claim 6  wherein the apparatus comprises a longitudinal sealer ( 23 ) adjacent to the conduit for forming the web of packaging material into a closed tube around the conduit. 
     
     
         10 . Apparatus according to  claim 6  wherein the conduit has an inlet ( 20 ) and an outlet ( 24 ), the inlet ( 20 ) having a circular cross-section both externally and internally, and wherein the conduit transitions from having the circular cross-section at the inlet ( 20 ) to having an external cross-section comprising at least two vertices ( 25 ) at the outlet ( 24 ). 
     
     
         11 . Apparatus according to  claim 6  wherein the apparatus comprises transverse sealing elements and cutting elements, preferably wherein the sealing and/or cutting elements are carried on at least one pair of rotors ( 27 ). 
     
     
         12 . A method of manufacturing an infusion packet from a web of liquid-permeable packaging material comprising the steps of:
 (a) sealing the web of packaging material to form a tubular web;   (b) drawing the tubular web along a conduit ( 21 ) and past an outlet ( 24 ) of the conduit, wherein the conduit outlet has a cross-section comprising at least two vertices ( 25 );   indenting a face of the tubular web between the vertices ( 25 ) to introduce creases ( 13 ,  14 ) into the packaging material, the creases defining at least one gusset ( 15 );   (d) forming a first transverse seal ( 7 ) across the tubular web;   (e) delivering a dose of infusible material ( 17 ) into the tubular web via the conduit; and   (f) forming a second transverse seal ( 7 ) across the tubular web, wherein the first and second transverse seals define an individual compartment ( 16 ) that contains a dose of infusible material,   (g) separating the compartments defined by the transverse seals into individual infusion packets by severing the web at the seals,   wherein the first and second transverse seals are formed such that they are separated by a distance D, the distance D being in the range of 40 to 70 mm, and wherein the infusion packet consists of packaging material that covers an area A of from 5000 to 10500 mm 2 .   
     
     
         13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . A method according to  claim 12  wherein the sealing and severing of the web are performed at separate stations. 
     
     
         15 . A method according to  claim 12  wherein the tubular web is drawn along the conduit at a substantially uniform speed. 
     
     
         16 . (canceled)