Abstract:
A brewing sachet ( 1 ) for brewing tea or tea-like substances, has a fluid-permeable envelope ( 3 ) which contains the tea or the tea-like substances, and with a holding element ( 2 ) arranged on the envelope ( 3 ). In order for the brewing sachet ( 1 ) to also be suitable for take-away drinks or likewise, without a special external device being required for this, it is suggested to fasten a pull device ( 4 ) on the envelope ( 3 ). Furthermore, it is suggested for the holding element ( 2 ) to extend roughly to the lower edge of the envelope ( 3 ), in order to be able to press out the envelope ( 3 ).

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Applicant claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of German Application No. 10 2007 063 074.5 filed Dec. 21, 2007. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates to a brewing sachet for brewing tea or tea-like substances, with a fluid-permeable envelope which contains the tea or tea-like substances, and with a holding element arranged on the envelope. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Brewing sachets which are suspended into a hot fluid by way of a thread fastened on the upper side of the bag are known. The disadvantage of this, amongst other things, is that the thread may easily drop into the fluid. 
         [0004]    Other brewing sachets which relate to the type according to this invention, have no thread. Instead, they are provided with a strip of cardboard, which serves as a holding element and by way of which the sachet may be suspended on the edge of a vessel and may be located in the hot fluid. If one orders a brewed drink, such as in particular tea, in a cafeteria, then the person placing the order receives a cup, a mug, a small pot or a glass with hot water, into which a brewing sachet with tea or tea-like substances is immersed, or into which an attached brewing sachet may be immersed. In order for the tea to develop its optimal taste, the brewing sachet must be removed after a certain time, and placed on a provided saucer. 
         [0005]    In recent times, more and more fast-food restaurants and coffer bars are appearing, in which take-away drinks are bought in a disposable cup and are taken away for consumption. This is possible in a simple manner with coffee, but for taking away tea drinks, there exists of problem of being able to remove the brewing sachet from the fluid. Usually, when walking or driving an automobile, there is no possibility for putting down the brewing sachet or disposal of this. Moreover this would demand a cumbersome handling. 
         [0006]    For this reason, a mug lid for hot drinks has been suggested in the German utility model document DE 20 2005 008 816 U1, which has a cavity. A suspended brewing sachet is then pulled into the cavity of the lid. The disadvantage with regard to the lid is the fact that it must be manufactured in a complicated manner, which significantly renders the disposable cup more expensive. A further disadvantage is the fact that for manufacture, one requires more plastic material than for conventional lids, by which means the environment is burdened to a greater extent. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    It is therefore the object of the present invention, to suggest a brewing sachet for brewing tea or tea-like substances, with a fluid-permeable envelope which contains the tea or tea-like substance, and with a holding element arranged on the envelope, which is suitable for take-away drinks or likewise, without any special external device being required for this. 
         [0008]    This object is achieved in that a pull device is fastened on the envelope. The envelope with the tea or the tea-like substances may be pulled to the top by way of the pull device, and may thus be removed from the fluid. The brewing sachet itself thereby may advantageously remain suspended on the vessel. 
         [0009]    The object is furthermore achieved in that the holding element extends roughly up to the lower edge of the envelope. If, after the removal of the brewing sachet from a vessel, the holding element is pressed together at its side edges, then with this, the envelope with the tea or the tea-like substances is pressed out. In this manner, residual fluid exits from the brewing sachet and is used. A dripping of the brewing sachet is furthermore prevented. 
         [0010]    A thread is provided as an inexpensive pull device. 
         [0011]    A laminar body, in particular a cardboard strip, is provided as a holding element. The cardboard strip is likewise manufacturable in an inexpensive manner and may be printed with a characterization or other details. 
         [0012]    An opening for the leading through the thread is provided on the holding element. The opening forms a guide for the thread, which by way of this, may be pulled away from the vessel in roughly the radial direction. 
         [0013]    The holding element comprises a notch for firmly pinching the thread. The envelope may be held in a position outside the fluid in an improved manner by way of this. 
         [0014]    A holding tag is provided at the free end of the thread. The thread may be gripped in a secure manner by way of the holding tag. 
         [0015]    The holding tag may be releasably fastened on the holding element by way of the holding element having an adhesive agent for the holding tag. By way of this, it does not hang down on the holding element. 
         [0016]    The pressing-together of the holding element and the pressing-out of the envelope which is effected by way of this, are simplified by way of providing at least one, preferably two vertically extending crimps, for the holding element. Furthermore, with this, the brewing sachet adapts better to the usually arcuate wall of vessels. 
         [0017]    The envelope in its upper region comprises a capillary brake, in particular a weld seam, which prevents the rising of fluid. By way of this, one avoids fluid getting to the upper edge of the vessel via the envelope, from running down the outer vessel wall, and leading to a mess. 
         [0018]    The brewing sachet according to the invention is in particular suitable for a drink for taking away. With regard to drinks for take-away, the drink is mostly filled into a disposable cup, for example of cardboard or polystyrene, and closed with a plastic lid which may comprise a drinking opening. The drink may not be so easily spilt with the lid, and is kept hotter for longer. The brewing sachet is suspended into such a disposable cup, thereafter hot water is filled into the cup, and then closed with a fitting closure lid. With this, the holding element is arranged on the outer wall of the cup, and the envelope with the tea or the tea-like substances is arranged in the inside of the cup. After the brewing time is completed, the holding tag is released and thus the thread is pulled out. By way of this, the envelope in the inside of the cup is pulled upwards out of the fluid and pressed at the same time. The thread is pinched into the notch and thus fixed, by which means the envelope remains outside the fluid surface. 
         [0019]    The brewing sachet according to the invention is further in particular suitable for small tea pots. Small tea pots are often used in restaurants and hotels. With this use, the brewing sachet is suspended into the small tea pot, wherein the holding element is arranged on the outer wall, and the envelope with the tea or tea-like substances is arranged in the inside of the small tea pot. After the suspension, water is added and the small tea pot is closed with the associated lid. After the brewing time is completed, the holding tag is released and the thread is pulled out with this. By way of this, the envelope in the inside of the small tea pot is pulled upwards out of the fluid and at the same time is pressed out. The thread is pinched into the notch and thus fixed, by which means the envelope remains outside the fluid surface. 
         [0020]    The brewing sachet according to the invention is furthermore suitable for cups and mugs of porcelain or ceramic. Often, such vessels are used at the bar. For this application, the brewing sachet is suspended into the vessel of porcelain or ceramic, and hot water is then filled into the vessel. With this, the holding element is arranged on the outer wall of the porcelain cup or glass cup, and the envelope with the tea or the tea-like substances is arranged in the inside. After the extraction time is completed, the holding element is gripped and the brewing sachet is removed from the porcelain cup or the glass cup. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         [0021]    The invention is described by way of example with reference to a drawing, with regard to one embodiment example, wherein further advantageous details may be deduced from the figures in the drawing. Parts which are the same with regard to their function are thereby provided with the same reference numerals 
           [0022]    The drawings represent in: 
           [0023]      FIG. 1  a perspective rear view of the brewing sachet; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  a perspective front view of the brewing sachet suspended into a cup; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  a perspective rear view of the brewing sachet of  FIG. 2  which is suspended into a cup; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  a perspective rear view of the brewing sachet which is suspended into a cup, with an envelope which is pulled up; 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  a brewing sachet suspended into a cup, in a vertical section; 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  a brewing sachet suspended into a cup, with a pulled-up envelope, in a vertical section; 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  a brewing sachet suspended into a cup with a lid; 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  a brewing sachet suspended into a cup with a lid, in a vertical section; 
           [0031]      FIG. 9  a brewing sachet suspended into a cup with a lid, with a pulled-up envelope, in a vertical section; and 
           [0032]      FIG. 10  a perspective section of the brewing sachet suspended into a small tea pot. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0033]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective rear view of a preferred embodiment of the brewing sachet  1  according to the invention. The brewing sachet  1  comprises an elongate, bag-like and water-permeable envelope  3  which contains tea or tea-like, aromatic substances. The envelope  3  is closed at its lower side and consists of filter paper or a gauze material. A holding element  2  which consist of a strip of cardboard is arranged on the envelope  3 . The holding element  2  has different functions. Its lower end is designed in an arched manner, by which means an aesthetic effect is achieved. The other end is turned over to the rear, and thus forms a closure tab  14  which closes the envelope  3  at its upper side. 
         [0034]    With the shown embodiment of the brewing sachet  1 , the holding element  2  extents roughly to the lower edge of the envelope  3 . By way of this, one may press out the envelope  3  with its aromatic substance in a particularly simple manner by way of pressing together the holding element  2  at its two side edges. In order to simplify the pressing-out, the holding element  2  has two vertically running crimps  12 . 
         [0035]    Furthermore, a square opening  5  with a notch  56  is present on the holding element  2 . The opening  5  is partly covered by the closure tab  14  and a region of the envelope  3 . A thread  4  is led through the opening  5  from the front side. The other end of the thread  4  is fastened on the lower side of the envelope  3 . The envelope  3  with the aroma substances may be pulled to the top by the thread, and may thus be removed from the fluid. The thread  4  is firmly clamped by way of the notch  6 , and thus the envelope  3  is fixed in the pulled-up position. The type of notch  6  is however not limited as is represented in  FIG. 1 . In another embodiment which is not shown, the notch  6  is for example located at the upper edge of the holding element  2 . 
         [0036]    The envelope  3  at its upper region furthermore comprises a welding seam  11  which serves as a capillary brake and thus prevents the rising of fluid. By way of this, one avoids fluid from getting to the edge of the vessel (not shown) by way of the envelope  3 , and running down its outer side in an annoying manner. 
         [0037]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective front view of the brewing sachet  1  which is suspended into a cup  15 . With regard to the cup  15 , it is the case of a disposable cup of cardboard, as is used for example in fast-food restaurants and coffee shops. The brewing sachet  1  is suspended into the cup  15  by way of the holding element  2 , for brewing, wherein its wall is located between the envelope  3  and the holding element  2 . The holding element  2  thereby has an additional function as a grip, so that after the brewing, the hot and wet envelope does not need to be touched for moving or for the removal. 
         [0038]      FIG. 2  furthermore shows the one end of the thread  4 . This is fastened on the lower side of the (not visible) envelope  3  and is led through the opening  5  to the front side of the brewing sachet  1 . A square holding tag  7  of paper or thin cardboard is fastened at the end of the thread  4 . The thread  4  may be better gripped and pulled by way of the holding tag  7 . 
         [0039]    The holding element  2  in the upper region comprises an opening  5 . The opening  5  is covered on the rear side of the holding element  2  partly by the tab  14  and the envelope  3 . An adhesive element  9  is arranged in this region of the opening  5  which is covered by the closure tab  14  and the envelope  3 . The holding tag  7  may be arranged on the holding element  2  in a releasably adhesive manner by way of this adhesive element. In  FIG. 2  however, the holding tag  7  hangs on the thread  4  and is not fastened on the holding element  2 . The opening  5  comprises a notch  6 . The thread  4  is firmly pinched into this notch  6 . 
         [0040]    The holding element  2  comprises two crimps  12  running from its upper edge to its lower edge. The holding element  2  may be creased slightly downwards along this crimp  12 . By way of this, the brewing sachet  1  adapts well to the curvature of the wall of the cup. 
         [0041]    The front side of the holding element  2  is printed with a characterization  10 . Numerous other details or advertisements may be printed on account of the large surface of the holding element  2 . Moreover, the holding tag may additionally be printed. 
         [0042]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective rear view of the brewing sachet  1  of  FIG. 2 , which is suspended into the cup  15 . Here, it is represented how the envelope  3  is located in the inside of the cup  15 , and the holding element  2  is located on its outer wall. The thread  4  which is partly visible through the transparent envelope  3 , is located between the inner wall of the cup  15  and the envelope  3 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective rear view of the brewing sachet  1  suspended into a cup, as in  FIG. 3 , but with the envelope  3  pulled up. It is particularly the case with take-away drinks, that there is often no possibility, after the brewing, of removing a tea bag out of the drinking vessel and of disposing of it. With the brewing sachet  1 , this does not need to be removed from the shown cup  15  or any other vessel. Instead of this, after the desired brewing time, one pulls on the thread  4 . The envelope  3  is pulled upwards on account of the exerted pulling force, and is thus taken out of a fluid (not shown). The brewing sachet  1  itself thereby remains suspended on the cup  15 , and may remain there. The envelope is furthermore pressed together by the thread  4  by the exerted pulling force, and thus the drinking fluid is pressed out of the brewing sachet. 
         [0044]      FIG. 5  shows a brewing sachet  1  suspended into a cup, in a vertical section. The holding element  2  with the envelope  3  arranged thereon may be recognized in the representation. The envelope  3  contains tea (not shown) which is to be brewed in a fluid. With regard to the fluid, the surface  16  is represented dashed. The envelope  3  immerses partly into the fluid. A thread  4  is fastened in the region of the lower side of the envelope  3  of the brewing sachet  1 , and is led through the opening  5  and exits at the front side. The holding tag  7  is fastened on the exiting end of the thread  4 . One pulls on the holding tag  7  from the front side of the holding element  2 , for removing the envelope with the tea, out of the fluid. In this manner, the envelope  3  is moved upwards by the thread  4 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 6  shows a brewing sachet suspended into a cup  15 , with a pulled-up envelope  3  in the vertical section. The thread  4  with the holding tag  7  is pulled downwards (for comparison see  FIG. 5 ) and is firmly held in this position by way of pinching in the notch  6  (not shown). The envelope  3  is located outside the fluid surface  16 , without the brewing sachet  1  having to be removed from the cup  15  for this. The envelope  3  with the tea located therein is furthermore pressed out by way of pulling on the thread  4 , and excess fluid is dispensed into the cup  15 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 7  shows a brewing sachet  1  which is suspended into a cup  15  with a lid  17 . The represented cup  15  is a disposable cup of cardboard or polystyrene, as is used for drinks for take-away (tea to go). The cup  15  is closed with a lid of plastic  17 , so that a drink (not visible) may not be spilled after the filling, and furthermore may be kept warmer longer. The brewing sachet  1  according to the invention thereby remains suspended into the cup  15 . The holding tag  7  is fastened on the holding element  2 . The thread  4  runs between the upper edge of the cup  15  and the lid  17 , into the inside of the cup  15 . After the extraction time is completed, the holding tag  7  is released from the holding element  2 , and one pulls on the thread  4 . By way of this, the (not visible) envelope  3  in the inside of the cup  15  is pulled upwards out of the (non visible) fluid and pressed at the same time. The lid  17  here may remain on the cup  15 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 8  shows a brewing sachet  1  suspended into a cup  15  with a lid  17 , in the vertical section. The lid  17  on its upper side comprises a drinks opening  19 . The thread  4  runs from the lower side of the envelope  3  along the inner wall of the cup  15 , and is led to the outside below the lid  17 . The holding tag  7  is fastened at the exiting end of the thread  4 . One pulls on the holding tag  7  for removing the envelope  3  with the tea out of the fluid. In this manner, the envelope  3  is move upwards by the thread  4 . The lid  17  here may remain on the cup  15 . A section of the envelope  3  is located between the placed-on lid  17 , and the upper edge of the cup  15 . A secure closure of the lid is possible despite this, since no tea is located in this section 
         [0048]      FIG. 9  shows a brewing sachet  1  with a pulled-up envelope  3 , and which is suspended into a cup  15  with a lid  17 , in a vertical section. The thread  4  with the holding tag  7  is pulled downwards and in this position is firmly held by way of clamping in the notch  6  (not shown), and by way of the lid  17 . The envelope  3  is located above the fluid surface  16  without the lid  17  having to be removed from the cup  15  for this. 
         [0049]      FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of the brewing sachet  1  suspended in a small tea pot  18 . The brewing sachet  1  according to the invention is suitable for all types of drinking vessels and also for preparation vessels, such as a small tea pot  18  for example. Small tea pots  18 , as represented in  FIG. 10 , are often used in restaurants and hotels. The brewing sachet  1  is suspended into the small tea pot  18  similarly as with a cup  15  (see  FIGS. 1 to 9 ), wherein the holding element  2  is arranged on the outer wall, and the envelope  3  with the tea (not shown) is arranged in the inside of the small tea pot  18 . 
       LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
       [0000]    
       
           1  brewing sachet 
           2  holding element 
           3  envelope 
           4  thread 
           5  opening 
           6  notches 
           7  holding tag 
           9  adhesive means 
           10  lettering 
           11  weld seam 
           12  crimp 
           14  tab 
           15  cup 
           16  fluid surface 
           17  lid 
           18  tea cup 
           19  drinking opening.