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EP 3 707 084 B1 |
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EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION |
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Mention of the grant of the patent: |
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03.03.2021 Bulletin 2021/09 |
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Date of filing: 22.10.2018 |
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International Patent Classification (IPC):
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International application number: |
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PCT/EP2018/078875 |
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International publication number: |
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WO 2019/091767 (16.05.2019 Gazette 2019/20) |
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TAG FOR A TEABAG
ETIKETT FÜR EINEN TEEBEUTEL
ÉTIQUETTE POUR UN SACHET DE THÉ
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Designated Contracting States: |
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AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL
NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
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Priority: |
09.11.2017 EP 17200724
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Date of publication of application: |
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16.09.2020 Bulletin 2020/38 |
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Proprietor: Unilever IP Holdings B.V. |
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3013 AL Rotterdam (NL) |
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Inventor: |
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- KING, Alexandra,Mary
Bedford
Bedfordshire MK44 1LQ (GB)
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Representative: Boerma, Caroline |
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Unilever N.V.
Unilever Patent Group Bronland 14
6708 WH Wageningen Bronland 14
6708 WH Wageningen (NL) |
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References cited: :
DE-U1- 29 806 279 US-A- 3 899 599
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US-A- 2 879 613 US-A- 4 880 110
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Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European
patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to
the European patent
granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall
not be deemed to
have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent
Convention).
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[0001] The present invention relates to a tag for a teabag.
Background
[0002] The use of teabags to prepare tea is common place. They provide the advantage over
the use of loose tealeaves that the leaves are dosed in the right amount adjusted
for one unit such as for one pot or for one cup. Removal of tea leaves after infusion
is convenient, and the process of infusion can be stopped when the desired level is
reached.
[0003] Teabags are often connected to a string, to which a tag is attached. Teabags exist
where no string is present between tag and teabag, but this results in practical complications
where the lid of the teapot is not closed properly, water leakage occurs and a messy
presentation, and difficult attachment and to the pot and removal from it, in particular
when this should be carried out with one hand. A string allows the tea bag to swirl
around in the hot water, thereby enhancing the infusion process. It also allows the
infusion process to take place over the entire volume of the pot, which helps justifying
the desired end point of the infusion. The connected tag may provide information about
the brand of the tea, the type of type, additional flavors, recommended infusion time
etc. and is therefore often in a 2-dimensional flat configuration. Another function
of the tag is that it helps to attach the string to the cup or to the tea pot. This
is desired, as when hot water is poured in the cup or pot the tag is pulled into the
cup or pot and needs to be removed with a finger from the resulting beverage, for
example when the time has come to stop the infusion process. This can be an unpleasant
if not painful experience for various reasons. The risk that the tag is pulled inside
the beverage is more likely when a tea pot is used, as the force of the water poured
into a large volume for a longer period of time is higher compared to the situation
when a cup is filled.
[0004] Securing the string connected to the teabag to the handle of a mug or pot often involves
turning the end of the string, including the tag, one or more times around the handle,
and suitably followed by a knot for optimal security. Despite this initial relief,
when the tea bag needs to be removed and transferred to a saucer, the scenario needs
to be reversed, with the complication that the string is wet and the knot invisible.
[0005] It can be envisioned, that these small inconveniences become more serious issues
when the tea is prepared in a restaurant setting. This holds true for the situation
that individual guests prepare their own pot or cup of tea using a tea bag and when
a waiter brings a pot of tea containing on or more tea bags, possibly to be removed
at the table.
[0006] US 2,879,613 discloses a tea bag tag connectible with a string to a tea bag.
US 4,880,110 relates generally to grasping means located at the end of retrieval means for tea
bags and similar infusion packages.
US 3,899,599 relates to an infusion bag for an infusible substance such as tea or the like comprising
a porous-walled container having a head portion reinforced by a flexible strip.
DE 298 06 279 U1 discloses tea bag tags that are designed to be attached to the can or cup rim or
handle.
[0007] A desire exists in the art, to provide a solution to attach the string of a tea bag
to the handle of a tea cup or especially to a tea pot, which is convenient to connect
and disconnect, preferably with one hand.
[0008] Surprisingly, this solution is provided by a tag according to claim 1.
In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method to attach a tea tag according
to the invention to a handle of a container.
Detailed description
[0009] The invention relates to a tag for a teabag. The tag is made from flexible material.
In order to provide a releasable connection with the handle of a tea pot, the tag
comprises at least two areas (2,3) that are separated from each other by a cut (4).
The adjacent areas (2,3) are located inside of the tag, in a manner, that a frame
(5) formed by part of the tag surrounds the areas (2,3). In this way, the two adjacent
areas (2,3) are both located within the outer edges or frame (5) of the tag (1). In
particular, the two adjacent areas (2,3) are both located within the frame (5) of
the tag (1) when the tag is positioned on a flat surface and kept flat (see figure
1). The frame (5) is then not interrupted by a cut. This configuration is preferably
provided when the areas (2,3) are defined by two longitudinal slits (7) running in
the longest dimension of the tag, preferably parallel to each other, and one cutting
line (4) that connects the two longitudinal slits, and preferably connects or intersects
them perpendicularly. The length of the cutting line (4) is preferably of between
2 and 0.4 cm, preferably between 12 and 8 mm. The cutting line (4) preferably has
the length equal to the distance between slits (7). This is best provided when a H-shaped
cut is provided in the tag, wherein the legs of the H run in the longest dimension
(length) of the tag. The slits (7) are preferably of between 4 and 1.5 cm, more preferably
of between 1.5 and 2.5 cm. Preferably, the adjacent areas (2,3) are rectangular and
connected to the tag via their edges (6) most distant
viz à viz each other.
The shape of the tag is preferably rectangular. This provides the optimal configuration
to allow the tag to be handled by one hand. The size of the tag is preferably such
that it fits in a packaging of a teabag without the need to crease it. To this end,
the length of the tag is preferably the length of a teabag or smaller. Preferably
the length (longest dimension) is of between 4 and 7 cm, more preferably between 5
and 6.5 cm. Preferably, the tea tag is rectangular. When the length of the tag becomes
too long, the tag cannot be properly handles with one hand. Moreover, the strength
required to maintain the tag on a handle of a teapot is related to the length of the
tag, and diminishes with bigger sizes. The width of the tag (short dimension) is preferably
of between 1 and 3 cm, more preferably 1.5 and 2.5 cm.
[0010] The adjacent areas (2,3) are partially separable from the tag. In this manner, the
adjacent areas (2, 3) become flexed outwardly of the surface of the tag. They remain
connected at their respective bases (6) to the tag. Partial separation from the tag
is provided for example by pinching the tag between thumb and index finger. With reference
to Figure 2 step 1, when the tag is pinched, the frame of the tag is drawn towards
the hand of the user (inwardly) whereas the adjacent areas (2,3) and the center area
of the tag (location of the crease line), move away from the hand of the user (outwardly).
The adjacent areas (2,3) in this case are not in the same plane of the surface of
the frame (5) of the tag (1) anymore. In this way the adjacent areas (2,3) separate
from the tag and 'open' the tag and form a beak to grab the handle of a tea pot (Figure
2 step 2 and step 3).
[0011] The tag according to the invention is resilient. To improve the resilient properties
of the tag, the tag preferably comprises material that is resilient or provides resilience
to the tag. Preferably the tag comprises a resilient or resilience providing coating,
a resilient layer or is prepared from a resilient material. Resilient coating (or
resilience providing coating) or resilient material optimally provides for the tag
and the adjacent areas (2,3), that have been opened upon pinching the tag by the user,
to return towards their original position within the tag, thereby providing the tag
to be pinched on the handle of the tea pot. Preferably the tag comprises a plastic
coating, a layer of plastic or is prepared from plastic. Plastic is known to the person
skilled in the art, and preferably comprises, more preferably consists of one or more
of polyethylene, polypropylene, polylactic acid. In addition to a layer of plastic
or a plastic coating a paper layer, such as cardboard, may be preferred. A plastic/paper
laminate is preferred. A preferred laminate structure is PLA/Paper/PP. A paper layer
is convenient to be printed with a brand name or information to be communicated to
the used. A tag, preferably a paper or cardboard tag, that comprises a coating, preferably
a resilient coating such as a plastic coating, is most preferred. The tag in this
case requires the bounce of the coating to provide the resilience. Information on
the tag could relate to the type of tea, the brewing time or the manner to use the
tea tag. To further facilitate the functionality of the tea tag, the tag preferably
comprises a crease line (8) running over the tag aligning the cut (4) between the
two adjacent areas (2,3). The crease line is provided in such a way, that when the
tag is pinched between fingers, the tag folds against the direction facilitated by
the crease line. When attached to the grip of a tea pot, the crease line enforces
the pinch of the tag around the handle of the teapot, by the creation of a movement
of the crease line area (e.g. tilt) away from the handle of the teapot and the short
outer edges of the tag slightly towards each other, thereby pressing the adjacent
areas (2,3) against the handle of the teapot.
[0012] The tag of the invention is preferably connected to a string (9). Such a string is
preferably connected to a teabag (10). It is an advantage of the present invention,
that the tag of the invention provides proper attachment of the tag to the handle
of the teapot, thereby connecting indirectly a teabag, via a string, to the handle
of the teapot, and allowing the teabag to whirl around in the pot for optimal infusion.
The string preferably has a length of between 10 and 25 cm, more preferably of between
12 and 20 cm, as measured between tag and bag. The teabag preferably is in the 'handbag
shape', wherein the teabag comprises a rectangular compartment filled with infusible
material and connected to each other at their top, where the string is connected as
well. The pyramid shape' can be used, but is less preferred as it might interfere
with proper packaging of the tag. The handbag configuration allows the tag to be positioned
aligned with the teabag. The tea bag preferably contains tea, but may comprise herbal
or other vegetal material, as known in the art. For bags for single servings, such
as for a cup, the amount of infusion material other than tea, such as mint, peppermint
or chamomile may preferably range from 1.5 grams to 3.5 grams, whereas for tea from
1.5 to 3, preferably 2 to 2.7 grams is preferred. Bags for a teapot comprise preferably
3 to 7 grams of infusible material, wherein 4 to 6 grams can be preferred, especially
when the infusible material is tea.
[0013] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method to connect a tag according
to the present invention to the handle of a container. A container is preferably a
tea pot but may be a cup. The method comprising the steps of:
- a) Pinching the tag between fingers, thereby allowing the adjacent areas (2,3) to
separate from the tag. By pinching, the center of the tag (crease line) and areas
(2,3) are allowed to move away from the user and adjacent areas (2,3) separate from
the tag.
- b) Positioning the separated areas (2,3) over the handle,
- c) Releasing the pinch of the fingers, thereby allowing the tag to release towards
its original configuration,
thereby connecting the tag to the handle.
[0014] The present invention provides a new and simple manner to attach a teabag to a teapot,
which provides the advantage that this can be carried out with one hand. Knotting
or fumbling of the string or the tag connected to it in existing configuration is
not needed. Disconnecting the tag from the handle can be carried out with one hand,
and as no knots or entanglements were needed, this is easily done. When the tag is
connected with the tea bag via a string, which is the most preferred configuration,
the dimension of the tag and the manner the tag pinches the handle of the pot allow
free whirling around of a tea bag in the pot. The inventor is not aware of any device
in the art that provides these advantages and overcomes the specific complication
in the art in this elegant manner.
[0015] The invention is now exemplified by the following non-limiting examples.
Examples
[0016] The invention is illustrated with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 shows a tag (1)
according to the invention, wherein the tag is connected to a string (9), thereby
connecting a teabag (10) filled with tea with the tea tag. The tag comprises two adjacent
areas (2) and (3) separated from each other by a cut (4) which are surrounded by a
frame, or outer area (5). The areas (2) and (3), are partially separable from the
tag, as they are cut via H-shaped cut (7) but are connected at their respective bases
(6). A crease line (8) directs folding of the tag in the direction opposite (downwards),
when the tag is attached to the handle of a pot. This increases the force of the pinch
of the tag on the handle of the pot. In Figure 1 the teabag (10) is indicated for
purposes of reference only and its shape and dimension may not represent a final teabag
shape, this also holds for the point where the string (9) is connected to the tea
bag (10).
[0017] Figure 2 illustrates the method to attach the tag of the invention to the handle
of a container, in this case a tea pot. In step 1 the outer (short) sides are pinched
towards each other in the direction of the hand of the user. As a result, the centre
area (crease line 8) of the tag and adjacent areas (2, 3) move away from the hand
of the user and the areas (2,3) separate from the tag . This allows the location of
the tag on the handle of the container in step 2. In step 3, the pinch of the hand
is released and the tag is allowed to return towards its original configuration, due
to its resilient character, in this way providing a pinch. The pinch force is increased
by the presence of the crease line (8), as the crease line (8) tilts the tag slightly
away from the handle of the container.
1. Tag (1) to secure a string (9) of a tea bag (10) to a handle of a teapot, the tag
being flexible and resilient and comprising at least two adjacent areas (2,3) separated
by a cut (4) that are partially separable from the tag (1), and wherein the two adjacent
areas (2,3) are both located within the outer edges (5) of the tag (1).
2. Tag according to claim 1, wherein the adjacent areas are rectangular and connected
to the tag via their edges (6) most distant viz a viz each other.
3. Tag according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the areas are defined by two longitudinal slits
(7) running in the longest dimension of the tag, and one cutting line (4) that connects
the two longitudinal slits.
4. Tag according to claim 3, wherein the areas are defined by a H-shaped cut.
5. Tag according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tag is rectangular.
6. Tag according to claim 5, wherein the length of the tag is between 4 and 7 cm and
the width is between 1 and 3 cm.
7. Tag according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the tag comprises a resilient
coating, a resilience providing coating, a resilient layer, or wherein the tag is
made of resilient material.
8. Tag according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the tag comprises a plastic
coating, a cardboard layer and a plastic layer, or wherein the tag is made of plastic.
9. Tag according to claim 8, wherein plastic comprises one or more of polyethylene, polypropylene,
polylactic acid.
10. Tag according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the tag comprises a crease
line (8) running over the tag aligning the cut (4) between the two adjacent areas
(2,3).
11. Tag according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the tag is connected to a
string (9).
12. Tag according to claim 11, wherein the string is connected to a teabag (10).
13. Tag according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the string has a length of between 10 and
25 cm, preferably of between 12 and 20 cm, as measured between tag and bag.
14. Method to connect a tag according to anyone of claims 1 to 13 to the handle of a container,
the method comprising the steps of:
a) Pinching the tag between fingers, thereby allowing the areas (2,3) to separate
from the tag.
b) Positioning the separated areas (2,3) over the handle,
c) Releasing the pinch of the fingers, thereby allowing the tag to release towards
its original configuration,
thereby connecting the tag to the handle.
1. Etikett (1) zum Befestigen einer Schnur (9) eines Teebeutels (10) an einem Griff einer
Teekanne, wobei das Etikett flexibel und elastisch ist und mindestens zwei benachbarte
Bereiche (2, 3) umfasst, die durch einen Schnitt (4) getrennt sind und teilweise von
dem Etikett (1) trennbar sind und wobei sich die zwei benachbarten Bereiche (2, 3)
beide innerhalb der äußeren Ränder (5) des Etiketts (1) befinden.
2. Etikett nach Anspruch 1, wobei die benachbarten Bereiche rechteckig sind und über
ihre Ränder (6), die vis-a-vis am weitesten voneinander entfernt sind, mit dem Etikett
verbunden sind.
3. Etikett nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei die Bereiche definiert sind durch zwei Längsschlitze
(7), die in der längsten Abmessung des Etiketts verlaufen, und eine Schnittlinie (4),
die die beiden Längsschlitze verbindet.
4. Etikett nach Anspruch 3, wobei die Bereiche durch einen H-förmigen Schnitt definiert
sind.
5. Etikett nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Etikett rechteckig
ist.
6. Etikett nach Anspruch 5, wobei die Länge des Etiketts zwischen 4 und 7 cm liegt und
die Breite zwischen 1 und 3 cm liegt.
7. Etikett nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Etikett eine elastische
Beschichtung, eine Elastizität bereitstellende Beschichtung, eine elastische Schicht
umfasst oder wobei das Etikett aus elastischem Material ist.
8. Etikett nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Etikett eine Kunststoffbeschichtung,
eine Kartonschicht und eine Kunststoffschicht umfasst oder wobei das Etikett aus Kunststoff
ist.
9. Etikett nach Anspruch 8, wobei der Kunststoff einen oder mehrere von Polyethylen,
Polypropylen, Polymilchsäure umfasst.
10. Etikett nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Etikett eine Falzlinie
(8) umfasst, die über dem Etikett verläuft und den Schnitt (4) zwischen den beiden
benachbarten Bereichen (2, 3) ausrichtet.
11. Etikett nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Etikett mit einer
Schnur (9) verbunden ist.
12. Etikett nach Anspruch 11, wobei die Schnur mit einem Teebeutel (10) verbunden ist.
13. Etikett nach Anspruch 11 oder 12, wobei die Schnur eine Länge zwischen 10 und 25 cm,
bevorzugt zwischen 12 und 20 cm aufweist, gemessen zwischen Etikett und Beutel.
14. Verfahren zum Verbinden eines Etiketts nach irgendeinem der Ansprüche 1 bis 13 mit
dem Griff eines Behälters, wobei das Verfahren die folgenden Schritte umfasst:
a) Einklemmen des Etiketts zwischen Fingern, wodurch sich die Bereiche (2, 3) von
dem Etikett absondern lassen,
b) Positionieren der getrennten Bereiche (2, 3) über dem Griff,
c) Lösen des Kniffs der Finger, wodurch sich das Etikett in Richtung seiner ursprünglichen
Konfiguration freisetzen lässt.
wodurch das Etikett mit dem Griff verbunden wird.
1. Etiquette (1) pour fixer une ficelle (9) d'un sachet de thé (10) à une anse d'une
théière, l'étiquette étant flexible et résiliente et comprenant au moins deux zones
adjacentes (2, 3) séparées par une entaille (4) qui sont partiellement séparables
de l'étiquette (1), et dans laquelle les deux zones adjacentes (2, 3) sont toutes
les deux disposées dans les bords externes (5) de l'étiquette (1).
2. Etiquette selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle les zones adjacentes sont rectangulaires
et connectées à l'étiquette via leurs bords (6) les plus distants les uns des autres.
3. Etiquette selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans laquelle les zones sont définies par
deux fentes longitudinales (7) courant sur la dimension la plus longue de l'étiquette,
et une ligne d'entaille (4) qui connecte les deux fentes longitudinales.
4. Etiquette selon la revendication 3, dans laquelle les zones sont définies par une
entaille en forme de H.
5. Etiquette selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle l'étiquette
est rectangulaire.
6. Etiquette selon la revendication 5, dans laquelle la longueur de l'étiquette est de
4 à 7 cm et la largeur est de 1 à 3 cm.
7. Etiquette selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle l'étiquette
comprend un revêtement résilient, un revêtement fournissant une résilience, une couche
résiliente, ou dans laquelle l'étiquette est constituée de matériau résilient.
8. Etiquette selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle l'étiquette
comprend un revêtement plastique, une couche de carton, et une couche plastique, ou
dans laquelle l'étiquette est constituée de plastique.
9. Etiquette selon la revendication 8, dans laquelle du plastique comprend un ou plusieurs
de polyéthylène, polypropylène, poly(acide lactique).
10. Etiquette selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle l'étiquette
comprend une ligne de pliure (8) courant sur l'étiquette alignant l'entaille (4) entre
les deux zones adjacentes (2, 3).
11. Etiquette selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle l'étiquette
est connectée à une ficelle (9).
12. Etiquette selon la revendication 11, dans lequel la ficelle est connectée à un sachet
de thé (10).
13. Etiquette selon la revendication 11 ou 12, dans laquelle la ficelle présente une longueur
de 10 à 25 cm, de préférence de 12 à 20 cm, comme mesurée entre l'étiquette et le
sachet.
14. Procédé pour connecter une étiquette selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à
13 à l'anse d'un récipient, le procédé comprenant les étapes de :
a) serrage du sachet entre les doigts, laissant ainsi les zones (2, 3) se séparer
de l'étiquette
b) positionnement des zones séparées (2, 3) sur l'anse,
c) libération du serrage des doigts, laissant par-là l'étiquette se libérer vers sa
configuration d'origine,
connectant par-là l'étiquette à l'anse.
![](https://data.epo.org/publication-server/image?imagePath=2021/09/DOC/EPNWB1/EP18786367NWB1/imgf0001)
![](https://data.epo.org/publication-server/image?imagePath=2021/09/DOC/EPNWB1/EP18786367NWB1/imgf0002)
REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION
This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only.
It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has
been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and
the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.
Patent documents cited in the description