U.S. patent application number 11/837803 was filed with the patent office on 2008-08-28 for infusion/strainer device and method for manufacturing the strainer.
Invention is credited to Yuval Amit.
Application Number | 20080206408 11/837803 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39589816 |
Filed Date | 2008-08-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080206408 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Amit; Yuval |
August 28, 2008 |
INFUSION/STRAINER DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE
STRAINER
Abstract
A straining/stirring device and a method for manufacturing a
straining device are provided. The straining device includes a
handle, a frame, which is positioned at an end of the handle, and a
compartment containing a medium to be strained. The compartment
includes a top porous surface and a bottom porous surface, and is
affixed to the frame. Further, the compartment is configured so as
to strain the medium through at least one of the top porous surface
and the bottom porous surface. The medium to be strained may
include a beverage, medicine, or soup ingredient. Accordingly, the
straining device provides a convenient apparatus for preparing a
beverage, a food, or a medicine, and for a variety of utensil
applications such as stirring or collecting and adding an
additive.
Inventors: |
Amit; Yuval; (Tel Aviv,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NIXON PEABODY, LLP
401 9TH STREET, NW, SUITE 900
WASHINGTON
DC
20004-2128
US
|
Family ID: |
39589816 |
Appl. No.: |
11/837803 |
Filed: |
August 13, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
29277510 |
Feb 28, 2007 |
D572522 |
|
|
11837803 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
426/82 ; 426/416;
426/421 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 19/16 20130101;
B65D 85/812 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
426/82 ; 426/416;
426/421 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/808 20060101
B65D085/808; B65B 29/02 20060101 B65B029/02 |
Claims
1. A strainer device comprising: a handle; a frame, which is
positioned at one end of the handle; and a compartment containing a
medium to be strained, wherein the compartment is affixed to the
frame; wherein the compartment comprises a top porous surface and a
bottom porous surface; and wherein the compartment is configured so
as to permit liquid to pass through the compartment via the top
porous surface and the bottom porous surface so as to strain the
medium.
2. The straining device according to claim 1, wherein the medium to
be strained is disposed between the top porous surface and the
bottom porous surface.
3. The straining device according to claim 2, wherein the top
porous surface and the bottom porous surface are sealed
together.
4. The straining device according to claim 3, wherein the seal
forms a peripheral seal section of the compartment, and wherein the
compartment is affixed to the frame via the peripheral seal
section.
5. The straining device according to claim 4, wherein the medium to
be strained comprises a beverage ingredient.
6. The straining device according to claim 1, wherein the handle
and frame are manufactured integrally as a single piece.
7. The straining device according to claim 6, wherein the handle
and frame comprise plastic material.
8. The straining device according to claim 1, wherein the frame and
the compartment form an assembly that is generally concave in shape
so as to contain additives thereupon.
9. The straining device according to claim 8, wherein the frame and
the compartment form an assembly comprising a concave portion of a
spoon.
10. The straining device according to claim 1, wherein the frame
and the handle comprise plastic material.
11. The straining device according to claim 1, wherein the medium
to be strained comprises one or a combination of tea, coffee,
cocoa, soup, sweetener, concentrate and medicine ingredient.
12. The straining device according to claim 1, wherein the
compartment comprises a teabag.
13. The straining device according to claim 12, wherein the teabag
has a shape conforming to the frame.
14. A method for manufacturing a straining device, the method
comprising: positioning a medium to be strained between a top
porous surface and a bottom porous surface; positioning the top
porous surface and the bottom porous surface so as to define a
compartment and affixing the top porous surface and the bottom
porous surface to each other, wherein the compartment is configured
so as to allow liquid to pass through the top porous surface and
the bottom porous surface; forming a frame and a handle; and
affixing the compartment to the frame such that the compartment is
supported by the frame.
15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the medium to be
strained comprises a beverage ingredient.
16. The method according to claim 14, wherein the medium to be
strained comprises one or combination of tea, coffee, soup, cocoa,
and medicine.
17. The method according to claim 14, wherein affixing the top
porous surface and the bottom porous surface to each other
comprises heat sealing affixing the top porous surface and the
bottom porous surface to each other so as to form a peripheral seal
section.
18. The method according to claim 17, wherein affixing the
compartment to the frame comprises heat-sealing the peripheral seal
section to the frame.
19. The method according to claim 14, wherein forming a frame and a
handle comprises integrally forming a frame and a handle from a
plastic material.
20. The method according to claim 19, wherein integrally forming
comprises injection molding or extruding the frame and handle in a
single manufacturing process.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. application Ser.
No. 29/277,510, filed Feb. 28, 2007, the entire disclosure of which
is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] Apparatuses and methods consistent with the present
invention relate generally to a staining or infusing devices and,
more particularly, to an improved straining device that may be used
for the preparation of various types of beverages and foods, such
as tea, coffee, soup, or the like.
[0004] 2. Related Art
[0005] It is often desirable to prepare an individual serving of a
beverage or a food, such as tea, coffee, soup, or the like, without
using cumbersome equipment such as coffee pots, tea pots,
microwaves, etc. It is also desirable to collect and add various
additives such as sweeteners or flavorings to such a beverage or a
food in order to enhance flavor. Further, it is often desirable to
stir or mix the serving being prepared. And, it is desirable to
prepare such an individual serving of a beverage or a food in a
simple, efficient, and rapid manner that minimizes the number of
utensils necessary for preparation and clean-up.
[0006] Strainers for individual beverage servings are known in the
art. Further, straining spoons for the preparation of beverages
have also been developed. For instance, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,946,652,
4,215,628, and 4,338,338 disclose various straining devices for
making beverages, such as tea. However, each of these prior art
devices may provide one benefit, but be lacking in other areas, and
none enables concurrent delivery of both the strained or infused
substance (tea, coffee, etc.) and additives (sugar, etc.) and
enable using the device for stirring.
[0007] The conventional straining devices suffer from numerous
long-standing but unresolved disadvantages. For example,
conventional straining spoons fail to efficiently dispense the
beverage ingredient that is pre-filled therein. Since only one of
the walls of conventional straining spoons has apertures formed
therein, such conventional straining spoons only permit the free
flow of liquid into and out of the compartment having the beverage
ingredient from a single side of the straining spoon. Additionally,
conventional straining spoons are complicated and expensive to
manufacture. Indeed, conventional straining spoons consist of
compartment defined by two walls with a beverage ingredient
pre-filled therebetween. But, such pre-filling methods are complex
and are relatively expensive to implement, thereby making it
prohibitive to be disposable.
[0008] Accordingly, there is a need for an infusion/straining
device which allows preparation of an individual serving of a
beverage or a food without using cumbersome equipment. There is
also a need for a straining device which allows for an increased
flow of liquid to/from the beverage ingredient and which thereby
allows the desired beverage or food to be prepared in a quick and
efficient manner. Lastly, there is a need for such a straining
device to be suitable for many of the purposes for which spoons are
typically employed, such as stirring and collecting and adding
various additives to a beverage or a food. Moreover, there is a
need for a straining device which is simple and inexpensive to
manufacture. Further, there is a need for an infusion/straining
device which can be manufactured using conventional beverage
strainers such as teabags and coffee bags, without requiring
complex and expensive pre-filling techniques or using electrical
machines in the beverage making process.
SUMMARY
[0009] The following summary is provided in order to provide a
basic understanding of some aspects and features of the invention.
This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention, and as
such it is not intended to particularly identify key or critical
elements of the invention, or to delineate the scope of the
invention. The sole purpose of this summary is to present some
concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the
more detailed description that is presented below.
[0010] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to an
infusion or straining device that addresses many of the problems
discussed above, and other needs which are not expressly mentioned
above. Also, the present invention is not required to overcome the
disadvantages described above, and an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention may not overcome any of the problems described
above.
[0011] In various embodiment of the invention, a disposable spoon
is provided which is pre-loaded with the substance for making a
beverage, such as tea leaves or coffee powder or particles. Unlike
conventional mechanical metallic tea strainers, the inventive
teaspoon is disposable and ready to use (i.e., the tea leaves are
pre-filled), and it can also be used as a conventional teaspoon to
add sweeteners or other additives. The inventive spoon may be
easily and cheaply manufactured using conventionally available
technology.
[0012] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a straining device comprising: a handle; a frame, which is
positioned an end of the handle; and a compartment, containing a
medium to be strained, wherein the compartment is supported by the
frame; wherein the compartment comprises a top porous surface;
wherein the compartment comprises a bottom porous surface; and
wherein the compartment is configured so as to dispense the medium
through at least one of the top porous surface and the bottom
porous surface.
[0013] The medium to be strained may be disposed between the top
porous surface and the bottom porous surface.
[0014] The medium to be strained may comprise a beverage
ingredient, tea, coffee, a food ingredient, instant soup powder, a
medicine ingredient, etc.
[0015] The top porous surface may be configured so as to generally
preclude sweetener granules from entering the compartment.
[0016] The frame may be formed around a border of the
compartment.
[0017] The frame and the compartment may form an assembly that is
generally concave in shape.
[0018] The frame and the handle may comprise a plastic
material.
[0019] The frame and the compartment may form an assembly that
comprises a concave portion of a spoon.
[0020] The compartment may comprise a teabag.
[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a method for manufacturing a straining device, the
method comprising: positioning a medium to be strained between a
top porous surface and a bottom porous surface; positioning the top
porous surface and the bottom porous surface so as to define a
compartment, wherein the compartment is configured so as to
dispense the medium through at least one of the top porous surface
and the bottom porous surface; forming a frame and a handle; and
positioning the compartment relative to the frame such that the
compartment is supported by the frame.
[0022] The medium to be strained may comprise a beverage
ingredient, tea, coffee, a food ingredient, soup, a medicine
ingredient, etc.
[0023] The method may further comprise configuring the top porous
surface so as to generally preclude additive granules from entering
the compartment.
[0024] The method may comprise forming the frame around a border of
the compartment.
[0025] The method may comprise forming the frame and the
compartment into an assembly that is generally concave in
shape.
[0026] The frame and the handle may comprise a plastic
material.
[0027] Finally, the method may comprise configuring the frame and
the compartment into an assembly comprising a concave portion of a
spoon.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in, and
constitute a part of, this specification, exemplify the embodiments
of the present invention and, together with the description, serve
to explain and illustrate principles of the invention. The drawings
are intended to illustrate major features of the exemplary
embodiments in a diagrammatic manner. The drawings are not intended
to depict every feature of actual embodiments nor relative
dimensions of the depicted elements, and are not drawn to
scale.
[0029] The aspects of the present invention will become more
apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments thereof with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0030] FIG. 1 shows a top view of a straining device consistent
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of a straining device consistent
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 3 shows a side view of a straining device consistent
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 4A shows a cross-sectional view, while FIG. 4B shows an
exploded view of a straining device consistent with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a straining device
consistent with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
demonstrating use of the straining device to collect an
additive;
[0035] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a straining device
consistent with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
demonstrating use of the straining device to position an additive
over a beverage to be prepared;
[0036] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a straining device
consistent with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
immersed in a beverage for beverage preparation;
[0037] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a straining device
consistent with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
after the straining device has been immersed in a beverage and the
beverage has been prepared;
[0038] FIG. 9 shows a flow diagram of a method for manufacturing a
straining device consistent with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary
embodiments of the present invention, which are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to
like elements throughout. The exemplary embodiments provided below
are intended in all respects to be exemplary only, with the true
scope and spirit of the invention being defined by the following
claims.
[0040] FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4A and 4B show a top view, a bottom view, a
side view, a cross-sectional view, and an exploded view,
respectively, of a straining device 10 consistent with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4A
and 4B, the straining device 10 comprises an elongated handle 20,
which is formed so that it may be easily grasped by a user. The
surface of the handle 20 may be textured in a variety of different
patterns so as to enhance the grip of the handle 20, to provide an
ornamental design, or for both purposes.
[0041] The straining device 10 further comprises a frame 30, which
is positioned at an end of the handle 20. According to the present
invention, the frame 30 may be connected to the handle 20 by a
variety of different methods know in the art, or may be formed
integrally with the handle 20. In one embodiment the handle 20 and
frame 30 are manufactured by conventional plastic injection molding
as a single piece, in the same manufacturing process disposable
plastic spoons are made. Of course, the present invention is not
limited to plastic material and a wide variety of materials can be
used to form the handle 20 and the frame 30.
[0042] According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 2,
3, 4A and 4B, the straining device 10 comprises a compartment 40,
which is supported by the frame 30. The frame 30 may be formed
around a boarder of the compartment 40. As shown in FIG. 4B, the
compartment 40 is roughly oval in shape and is affixed to the
interior periphery of the frame 30. According to the exemplary
embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the compartment 40 has a
straining section 42, which contains the substance to be strained,
and a peripheral seal section 44, which seals the substance to be
strained and which is used to affix the compartment to the frame
30.
[0043] As shown in detail by FIGS. 4A and 4B, the compartment 40
comprises a top porous surface 43 and a bottom porous surface 46.
As shown in detail in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the compartment 40 is
configured such that a medium or substance 50 to be strained or
infused is disposed between the top porous surface 43 and the
bottom porous surface 46. In particular, the compartment 40 is
configured to hold the medium 50 therein. The top porous surface 43
and the bottom porous surface 46 are joined at the peripheral seal
section 44 by conventional methods, such as heat-seal or adhesive,
to thereby prevent any part of the medium 50 from exiting the
compartment 40.
[0044] Moreover, the compartment 40 is configured such that, when
the compartment 40 is immersed in a liquid, for example, the medium
50 may be strained into the liquid through at least one of the top
porous surface 43 and the bottom porous surface 46, to thereby
effect the preparation of a beverage or a food. The exemplary
embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B allows for an increased flow of
liquid to/from the medium 50 by allowing liquid to flow through the
compartment 40 and thereby allow the beverage or food to be
prepared in a quick and efficient manner.
[0045] The top porous surface 43 and the bottom porous surface 46
may be comprised of, for example, porous silk, muslin, paper,
nylon, plastic, etc., but the present invention is not limited to
these materials. Indeed, the top porous surface 43 and the bottom
porous surface 46 can comprise any porous material which permits
the free flow of liquid into and out of the compartment 40 when the
compartment 40 is immersed in a liquid, but nevertheless preclude
the particles of the medium 50 from escaping from the compartment
40 prior to immersion of the compartment 40 in the liquid. In one
embodiment of the invention, the top porous surface 43 and the
bottom porous surface 46 is made of material that is conventionally
used for the production of conventional teabags. In one embodiment
the entire compartment 40 is made using conventional technology
used for the manufacture of teabags, except that the shape of the
compartment is designed so that the peripheral seal section 44
matches the shape of the frame 30. Such a design drastically
reduces the manufacturing costs of the inventive straining device.
Moreover, when the compartment 40 is manufactured using
conventional teabag manufacturing techniques and the handle and
frame are manufactured using conventional techniques for
manufacturing disposable plastic spoons, the combined elements
result is a straining device that is easy and cheap to manufacture
so that it is readily disposable upon a single use.
[0046] Consistent with the present invention, the medium 50 may
comprise a dry, powdered, gel-like, or granulated beverage
ingredient or food ingredient such as tea, coffee, cocoa,
dehydrated soup, spices and leaves, or the like, but the present
invention is not limited thereto. In fact, the medium 50 may
comprise any type of ingredient, including but not limited to a
beverage ingredient, a food ingredient, or a medicine ingredient,
that can be strained through a porous surface.
[0047] According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 2,
3, 4A and 4B, the straining device 10, as a whole, is generally
spoon-like in shape. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4A and 4B, the
frame 30/compartment 40 assembly is generally concave in shape,
thereby retaining the spoon-like appearance and function of the
device. Accordingly, the straining device 10 is configured to
collect and hold solid material, including additives such as sugar
particles, sweeteners, and salt, therein, while also allowing
liquid to pass through the top porous surface 43 and the bottom
porous surface 46.
[0048] As such, the straining device 10 may not only be used to
dispense a medium 50, but may also be used to collect and hold an
additive in the frame 30/compartment 40 assembly, and to provide
such an additive to the beverage or food being prepared
concurrently with straining the substance 50. An exemplary
procedure describing use of the straining device 10 to prepare a
beverage is illustrated sequentially in FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8.
[0049] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an exemplary straining
device 10 used to collect and hold an additive 70. As shown in FIG.
5, the additive 70 is disposed on the top porous surface 43, and
the top porous surface 43 generally precludes the additive 70 from
entering the compartment 40.
[0050] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the exemplary straining
and stirring device 10 used to position the additive 70 over a
beverage to be prepared. As shown in FIG. 6, the frame
30/compartment 40 assembly is generally concave in shape and is
configured to hold the additive 70 until the compartment 40 is
immersed in the beverage.
[0051] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the exemplary straining
and stirring device 10 immersed in a beverage for beverage
preparation. As depicted in FIG. 7, the additive 70 (previously
shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6) has been added to the beverage and is
no longer disposed on the top porous surface 53. Moreover, as the
spoon 10 is stirred in the beverage, as illustrated by arrow 15,
the medium 50 is strained into the beverage. According to the
exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the straining device 10 may
be stirred so as to conveniently and concurrently strain the medium
50 and dispense the additive 70 throughout the beverage liquid with
the same motion.
[0052] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the exemplary straining
device 10 after the straining device 10 has been immersed in the
beverage, stirred, and the beverage has been prepared. As shown in
FIG. 8, the present invention obviates the need for cumbersome
equipment to prepare the desired beverage. Further, as shown in
FIG. 8, the exemplary straining device 10 obviates the need for
both a teabag, or the like (to dispense a desired medium) and a
separate utensil to collect and add a desired additive to a
beverage to be prepared. To the contrary, only the
infusing/straining device 10 is needed to infuse/strain the medium
50, to add the additive 70, and to mix both into the liquid to
provide the beverage, thus making beverage preparation easier, more
convenient, more efficient, and less expensive. When the straining
device 10 is manufactured according to the embodiments disclosed
herein the device is disposable after the preparation of the
beverage.
[0053] According to the exemplary embodiments described above, the
size and capacity of the frame 30/compartment 40 assembly are
dimensioned so as to accommodate approximately a teaspoon volume
therein. However, the present invention is not limited to this
exemplary size and capacity and the frame 30/compartment 40
assembly may be dimensioned so as to accommodate a variety of
different volumes such as a tablespoon, 25 milliliters, or the
like, in accordance with the medium desired to be strained.
[0054] Likewise, as described in the exemplary embodiments
presented above, the straining device 10 is generally spoon-like in
shape, but the present invention is not limited thereto. To the
contrary, the straining device 10 may comprise a variety of shapes
such as a handle and frame which are generally flat, rather than
curved in shape. Further, the frame/compartment assembly may
comprise a variety of shapes consistent with the present invention,
such as rectangular, square, oval, or circular shapes. Also, the
frame 30/compartment 40 assembly is not limited to being concave in
shape, rather, the frame 30/compartment 40 assembly may comprise
any shape so long as it is configured to collect and add an
additive to a beverage.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 9, an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention provides a method for manufacturing a straining device.
In operation S100, a medium to be strained/infused is positioned
between a top porous surface and a bottom porous surface. Then, in
operation S200, the top porous surface and the bottom porous
surface are positioned so as to define a compartment and are sealed
together by forming the peripheral seal section. As noted above,
the peripheral seal section may be made using heat seal or other
methods. According to the exemplary embodiment referenced in FIG.
9, the compartment is configured as to strain the medium by
allowing liquid to flow through the top porous surface and the
bottom porous surface.
[0056] In operation S300, a frame and a handle are formed. In one
embodiment the frame and handle are formed in a single plastic
molding or extracting process. Finally, in operation S400, the
compartment is positioned and affixed to the frame, such that the
compartment is supported by the frame. For example, the peripheral
seal section may be heat sealed or adhered to the frame.
Additionally, the frame and the compartment assembly may be
configured so as to comprise a concave portion of a spoon, so as to
enable dispensing of additives concurrent with straining the
medium. In one embodiment, the compartment is affixed to the frame
using heat-seal operation.
[0057] As indicated above, to form a disposable straining spoon,
the frame and handle are made in one plastic injection mold, while
the compartment is made using conventional materials used for
production of conventional teabags. The compartment is then
heat-sealed or adhered to the plastic frame.
[0058] According to the exemplary method referenced in FIG. 9, the
medium to be strained may comprise a beverage ingredient, for
instance, such as tea, coffee, cocoa, etc. Alternatively, the
medium to be strained may comprise a food ingredient such as a
soup, or a medicine ingredient. Further, according to this
exemplary method, the top surface may be configured so as to
generally preclude sugar granules from entering the
compartment.
[0059] As can be understood from the above description, the
inventive straining and/or stirring device has several advantages
and provide benefits not attainable by the devices of the prior
art. Notably, the inventive device is easy and cheap to
manufacture, making it conveniently disposable. The particular
design of the inventive device also enables it to be used to
concurrently perform dual functions. For example, when the device
is a spoon used for making tea or coffee, the spoon is used both to
dispense additives, such as sweetener, and to strain the tea at one
single action. Moreover, the particular design of the spoon enables
the straining to be performed efficiently, as during stirring of
the liquid with the spoon, the liquid is able to pass through the
compartment so as to strain the flavoring contained within the
compartment. While some prior art device may be able to provide
some of the benefits listed here, none is able to provide all of
these benefits in the manner provided by the inventive device and
at the same time be manufactured cost effectively to be
disposable.
[0060] The present invention has been described in relation to
particular examples, which are intended in all respects to be
illustrative rather than restrictive. Various other implementations
of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from
consideration of the specification and practice of the invention
disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and
examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and
spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.
Notably, in the description and claims the terms infusing and
straining are used rather loosely and interchangeably. It is
understood that the action depends on the beverage's substance and
form, i.e., whether in crushed leaves, powder, granulate form,
etc.). Similarly, the term additive is used to include any additive
that may be added to the substance that is already included in the
device, e.g., sweeteners, salt, etc. Also, while in the various
embodiments an oval-shaped spoon is shown, the device may be made
as any utensil and have other shapes. For example, the device may
be formed as a spoon having a distinguished shape so as to enable
easy recognition and distinction from a standard spoon.
* * * * *