BACKGROUND ART The infusion bags relevant to this invention are those of the type which contain a quantity of substance enclosed in a membrane. Such bags are intended for infusion, for example, in a hot liquid, and may incorporate a handle to facilitate both the suspension of the bag in the liquid and the removal of the bag from the liquid. In some forms, the handle constitutes a short length of string stapled or glued to the bag. The free end of the bag may have a tag attached for easy handling.

The bag itself may take any number of configurations. The most common form of bag takes the form of a simple envelope or pouch, with walls of a thin porous paper-type material sealed on all margins (the"single-chambered"bag). Another form of bag comprises a short length of tubed infusion bag material, gauze or similar material. The free ends of the tube are fixed together so that the tube forms a loop which may be folded to any desired configuration (the"double-chambered"or"flowthrough"bag). This type of bag typically measures about 65 mm by 50 mm, including margins of approximately 5mm. In yet another form, the bag may be spherical or drop-shaped.

It is well recognised that infusion bags have gained immense popularity in recent years. In particular, infusion bags containing tea or herbs are in common use in many parts of the world and billions of such bags are sold every year.

While an infusion bag has many advantages and is generally convenient to use, it does suffer from two major drawbacks. The first arises after the bag has been immersed in the infusion liquid for the required period of time and it is desired to remove the bag from the liquid. It is invariably the case that residual liquid drips from the bag as it is withdrawn and care must be taken to ensure that the dripping liquid does not wet or stain surrounding surfaces or material.

The second drawback relates to the extraction of maximum flavour from the infusion bag.

Simple infusion is not always sufficient for this purpose. Where the infusion bag is provided with a handle, the bag may be stirred through the infusion liquid by using the

handle to oscillate (or"jiggle") the bag through the liquid and this can aid extraction.

However, this method can fall short of effecting maximum extraction.

Both drawbacks have been recognised and there have been attempts to overcome the drawbacks. For example, reference is made to the disclosure in US Patent No. 2,878,927 (Haley), in US Patent No. 3,327,550 (Christopher) and in US Patent No. 3,396, (Macrae et al). However, each of these attempts involves a combination of an external harness on the infusion bag coupled with complicated means for tightening the harness and squeezing the bag.

More effective is the improved infusion bag disclosed in Australian Patent Application No.

662099, where the bag is caused to collapse without the need for an external harness. This is achieved by a configuration whereby the flexible handle enters the bag at or near the apex of the bag and is secured at the base. Pulling on the flexible handle compresses the chamber of the bag by drawing the apex and base together, thus squeezing liquid from the chamber.

Although infusion bags have been successfully marketed using this principle, an effective infusion bag based on a different principle has been devised and is subject of the present invention.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, in a first aspect, this invention provides an infusion bag including at least one chamber for containing infusable material, the bag having: a perimeter around the chamber divided into first and second segments, and a flexible handle, the flexible handle entering the bag at an entry point at the perimeter and exiting the bag at an exit point at the perimeter, the first segment being defined by that part of the perimeter extending between the entry point and the exit point and the second segment comprising the remainder of the perimeter, wherein the flexible handle is secured in at least one location at the first segment and at least one location at the second segment, neither location being the entry point or the exit point.

The perimeter around the chamber will commonly comprise the outer edge of the bag.

However, in some embodiments, where there is a flange around some or all of the chamber, the perimeter will comprise the flange. As one example, in the case where the infusion bag

of the invention is formed from two sheets of porous heat sealable tea bag material, one overlaid on the other, and sealed along all open sides, so that a flange is formed around the chamber, the flange of the bag will typically define the perimeter. Similarly, in the example when the infusion bag of the invention is formed from a single sheet of porous material folded once and then heat sealed to close all open sides, so that a flange is formed on part way around the chamber, the remainder of the chamber being formed by the fold, the perimeter of the bag will be defined by the flange and the unflanged, folded edge.

In the case of the embodiments referred to in the preceding paragraph, if the bag of the invention has a pair of flexible handles each of which enters the inside of the bag through the flange in such a manner that a suitable length of the flexible handle may be pulled out through the seal when desired, and where each flexible handle passes through the inside of the bag to a securement location which is generally opposed to the entry point, it is preferred that not more than one of the generally opposed securement locations is fixed or anchored, the other or others being slidable.

As another example, in the case where the infusion bag of the invention is double- chambered, the bag being folded so that the chambers are aligned, one overlying the other, the perimeter of the bag will usually comprise the outer edge of the bag in assembled form.

Thus, viewing the bag in front elevation, the perimeter will trace the outline of one of the chambers. Since both chambers are aligned, the perimeter also traces the outline of the other chamber.

This first aspect of the invention preferably applies to infusion bags having a substantially flat chamber, with a perimeter which lies substantially in one plane only, such as rectangular, round, elliptical, square and triangular bags, and includes single-, double-and multi-chambered bags. Excluded from this embodiment of the invention are bags with a chamber having a perimeter which, when the bag is empty, does not lie in substantially one plane, such as bags with spherical chambers which do not have a planar flange and bags with tetrahedral chambers. The words"substantially flat"as used herein refer to chambers with a perimeter which lies substantially in one plane before infusable material is placed in the chamber. (In this regard, it is to be understood that perimeters which are crimped, pleated or the like are regarded as lying substantially in one plane.) However, it is to be understood that the bags of the invention, when containing infusable material in the chamber, will usually have depth in a second plane by reason of the bulk of the infusable

material or the configuration of double or multi chambered bags. Thus, for example, the invention in this embodiment is concerned with bags having one or more chambers with a planar flange or perimeter when empty, even though the chamber may be filled with such an amount of infusable material that the filled bag is spherical, but does not apply to spherical bags with no planar flange.

The flexible handle may be in one continuous piece or an endless loop or may comprise separate pieces, as explained below in connection with the drawings. The flexible handle may also take the form of two or more strands of a multi-stranded string, for example, the different strands being secured at different locations in the bag. There may be more than one flexible handle associated with the bag of the invention.

In some embodiments, the flexible handle includes a tag, with the tag entering the bag. In other embodiments, the flexible handle may have a tag which does not enter the bag attached to the flexible handle.

Although in relation to the first aspect this invention requires that the flexible handle is secured in at least one location at the first segment and at least one location at the second segment, neither location being the entry point or the exit point, it is to be understood that there may be additional securement locations. Preferably these are also at the first and second segments, but they may be located elsewhere.

It is to be understood that, although this invention requires in relation to the first aspect that the flexible handle is secured at least once at the first segment and at least once at the second segment, it is an option that the flexible handle may be secured also at the entry point and/or at the exit point.

In addition, although neither securement location at the first and second segments may be the entry point or the exit point, it is permissible for some of the securement location to be close to the entry and/or exit points, provided there is part of the relevant securement location that is not at the entry or exit point. Illustrations of this are in the drawings.

The flexible handle can be fixed or slidable at each securement location, depending on the number of securement locations and the configuration of the bag and having regard to the aim of the invention, namely, to compress the bag.

In some cases, the flexible handle will be fixed at one principal securement point, the other securement point or points being slidable and each acting as a pulley or channel or conduit

or race.

Preferably the flexible handle passes through the chamber after entering the bag at the entry point and before exiting the bag at the exit point. However, especially in the case of double- chambered bags, the flexible handle can avoid passing through one or both chambers, as may be seen from embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

Each of the entry and exit points may be associated with a tag, which may be attached to the bag at that point and designed for detachment before use. in this case, it is preferred that a certain amount of slack is allowed in the flexible handle, so that after detachment of the tags the slack portion of the handle may be drawn through the entry or exit point, as appropriate, before there is any compressing effect on the bag.

As has been mentioned, the bag of the invention may be multichambered. For example, the bag may be double-chambered, which is a form commonly known. However, the bag of the invention may take other multi-chambered configurations not previously known. As one example, the bag has a chamber which occupies the space of a standard single-chambered bag, but which has one or more additional heat sealed barriers which divide the chamber into a plurality of smaller chambers.

As another example, the chamber contains a smaller chamber within it, so that the smaller chamber nests in the larger.

To use the bag of the present invention, the flexible handle or handles (usually strings) may be used to suspend the bag in the infusing liquid until it is desired to remove the bag from the liquid. At that time, as the bag is lifted clear of the infusing liquid by means of the strings, the bag can be compressed by sliding the bag along the strings. This can be achieved, for example, by the user sliding two fingers of one hand down the strings towards the bag while at the same time holding the strings taut with the other hand. The user can interpose the external means for facilitating compression, such as a tag, as described above, if the bag of the invention has this feature.

In a second aspect, this invention provides an infusion bag including first and second chambers for containing infusion material, the first chamber being connected to the second chamber by connection means, the connection means including a channel, and a pair of flexible handles, wherein a portion of each flexible handle runs along or through at least part of the connection means.

Preferably, the first chamber overlies the second. However, this configuration is not absolutely necessary.

The bag of the invention in this second aspect may contain more than two chambers and if so, it is preferred that the chambers are stacked in series, each substantially overlying the next.

It is preferred that the chambers are separated one from the other, for example, by a heat sealed flange. However, it is within the scope of this invention that the two chambers (in the case of a two-chambered bag) or two or more of the chambers (in the case of bags having three or more chambers) are not separated into compartments. For example, the bag of the invention may be made from a long tube of infusion bag material, in which infusion material is contained; a"W"fold is formed transversely across the centre of the tube to result in two (interconnected) chambers, separated by the"W"fold.

The connection means may comprise any suitable means but is preferably a flange, preferably made from the same infusion bag material as the bag of the invention, joining one edge of the first chamber to one edge of the second chamber. Preferably, the flange is folded in a"W"shape, the centre of which provides a channel, along which a portion of the flexible handles may run. In this case, it is preferred that the fold is located on the transverse midline between the chambers. However, the fold may be located on another transverse line. Further, the fold may be at an angle or arc to the transverse line.

The connection means need not be continuous and may be made up of a number of pieces.

As another example, the connection means may comprise glue or other material joining or bridging the first and second chambers, preferably at the lower corner, either of the walls of the chambers themselves or of suitable parts of the flanges. The connection means need not be located at the lower part of the bag; the connection means may be located elsewhere between the chambers, but should be towards the lower part of the bag. Reference is made to the relevant accompanying drawings.

The connection means may also comprise, for example, stitching or equivalent joining the first chamber to the second, either via the chamber walls or via adjacent flanges.

The flexible handles may comprise two portions of a single length of handle, or may be separate. In either case, the flexible handle may form a sling around the connection means or channel or may run along part only of the connection means or channel. In another embodiment, the flexible handle may engage the connection means or channel in a suitable

manner.

Where the flexible handle runs along a channel, the invention is not limited to the case where the flexible handle runs along the centre of the channel. It is also contemplated that the handles may be contained in one or both walls of the channel. As a non-limiting example of this, the bag of the invention may be made up from two square single chambered bags, each having a chamber surrounded by a flange. A flexible handle may run along all or a portion of the flange along one side of the first bag. The flange along that one side of the first bag may be welded to the flange along one side of the second bag, the welded flanges forming the connection means. Rather than forming a"W"fold in the welded flange, the flexible handle runs inside all or a portion of one of the flanges which has been welded to the other, thus being contained within one of the channel walls.

As a variation of the example described above, a flexible handle may run along all or a portion of the flange along one side of the first bag and along one side of the second bag.

The flange along that one side of the first bag is welded to the flange along that one side of the second bag, the welded flanges forming the connection means. The flexible handles thus runs inside all or a portion of both of the flanges which have been welded to each other, thus being contained within two walls of a channel formed in the connection means.

Of course, where there is no channel, the flexible handle may run through or along a flange or other connection means.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, each flexible handle enters the bag of the invention at the top of the bag (the top being opposite the connection means) and passes between the chambers before running along some or all of the channel or connection means.

In a further preferred embodiment, each flexible handle enters the bag of the invention at the top of the bag, passes between the chambers, runs along some of the channel, then passes between the chambers again, being secured at the top of the bag, either slidable or nonslidably.

Each flexible handle may be secured at various locations in the bag. The passing of a flexible handle along all or part of the channel is regarded as securing of the flexible handle at that location. Generally, it is preferred that each flexible handle is slidable at each securement locations, although in some cases it may be desirable to have either or both flexible handles fixed or anchored at a securement location (separately or together), being

slidable at the other locations.

Each flexible handle may enter the bag at a separate entry point, or the entry points may be the same.

The invention applies to infusion bags having chambers of various shapes, such as rectangular, round, elliptical, square, and triangular bags, as well as three-dimensional shapes such as cubic and tetrahedral.

The flexible handles may comprise a single length of handle, one flexible handle continuing into the other, or may form an endless loop, or may comprise separate pieces, each of which may form an endless loop.

The flexible handle may also be dividable along all or part of its length or may take the form of two or more strands of a multi-stranded string, for example, the different strands being secured at different locations in the bag. There may be more than two flexible handles associated with the bag of the invention.

In some embodiments, the flexible handle includes a tag attached to its free end.

In some cases, the flexible handles will be fixed at one principal securement location, the other securement location or locations being slidable and each acting as a pulley or channel or conduit or race to assist in compressing the bag.

As has been mentioned, the bag of the invention may be multichambered. For example, the bag may have three chambers, folded so that the third chamber lies between the first and second chambers, to form an"e"shape in cross-section.

It will be appreciated that the chambers need not be completely separated from each other; the degree of separation will depend to a large extent on the nature of the material in the chambers.

In some embodiments of the second aspect of the invention, especially where the flexible handles enter the bag at points which are relatively close together, compression of the bag of the invention will take place in two directions: the bag will tend to compress both vertically and horizontally. In contrast, when there is a relatively wide distance between the entry points of the flexible handles, compression will be substantially vertically; in other words, the bag will tend to compress somewhat like turning a sock inside out. Of course, the bag of the invention would not actually turn inside out in normal operation, since this would require rupture of the bag. However, the general effect of compression of the bag of

the invention, in some of the embodiments, would be in this way.

The material from which the infusion bag of the invention is formed is preferably a highly porous material well known in the art, such as paper or polypropylene, but other suitable materials may be used.

The preferred material for the flexible handle is cotton string or packing string, although other materials are also within the scope of this invention. The flexible handle may be substantially inelastic or may have elastic qualities. One advantage of an elastic flexible handle may lie in assisting the user to know if the force applied to the flexible handle during use is adequate or excessive. For instance, if the outside surface of an elastic flexible handle is coloured with an appropriate colour, such as red, green or blue, for example, stretching the handle to an excessive extent can cause the colour to appear faded, thus alerting the user that excessive force is being used.

Another advantage of an elastic flexible handle is to act as a shock absorber or load diminisher. This can protect the bag from being torn by excessive force, or the string from breaking, for example.

The feature of an elastic flexible handle is itself novel and is included as an independent element in this invention.

When this specification speaks of securing the flexible handle"at"a location"at"the first and second segments, and of the flexible handle entering or exiting the bag at an entry or exit point"at"the perimeter, it is to be understood that the word"at"is intended to have its dictionary meaning of"towards"or"in the direction of'as well as meaning"on"or "through". Thus, in relation to the first aspect of this invention, the location or entry point may be on or through the perimeter segment or close to the perimeter segment. The handle may be secured within the walls of the flange (if present), within the chamber close to the flange or perimeter of the bag, between chambers or outside the bag. The criterion is that the location should be sufficiently close to the segment so that when a user draws on the flexible handle in an effective manner the perimeter segment in the region of the location is drawn inwardly towards or through the interior of the chamber.

The flexible handle may have free ends which lie outside the bag. Optionally, before use, the free ends may be stored within the bag, the bag having a detachable tag or the like to which one free end is attached or to which both free ends are attached.

It is also within the scope of this invention that the free ends lie within the bag, with a continuous portion of the flexible handle lying outside the bag. Optionally, before use, the continuous portion of the flexible handle may be stored substantially within the bag, and pulled out before or during use.

It is also within the scope of this invention that the free ends of the flexible handle lie outside the bag and a continuous portion of the flexible handle also lies outside the bag.

The manner of securing the flexible handles-e. g., string-to the bag includes any method which is effective and convenient, including the use of knots, staples, glue (including heat sealing), threading, hooks, clasps, tie-downs and the like. When it is desired to have the handle slidable at or through a particular location, it may be convenient to spot weld or line weld the bag at that location to form a pulley around which the handle can travel or be guided, for example. As another example, a portion of the handle may be slidable through a passageway, short cylinder, a grommet or ring. A passageway may be constructed by one or two lines of stitching or equivalent such as gluing, for example. A short cylinder, a grommet or ring may be formed, for example, from the same material as the bag, or from a different material. For example, a grommet may be formed by piercing bag material and rolling and sealing a finished edge around the aperture. As another example, a short cylinder may be formed from infusion bag material cut into a small strip, the longitudinal ends of which are joined to form a tube or cylinder, which is then affixed to the bag in a convenient manner. A cylinder may also be formed by folding part of the flange or perimeter and sealing the longitudinal edge. A cylinder may also be formed from two sheets (for example, of the same or different flange or walls of the same or different chambers) with two longitudinal seals. The flexible handle can slide through the tube or cylinder.

Where it is desired to have the string fixed at a particular location, the string may be heat sealed in the flange of the bag, or knotted, for example. Other methods of fixing the string will be apparent to the person skilled in the art, including but not limited to gluing and stitching, and are within the scope of this invention.

In the case where each flexible handle has a free end or two free ends lying outside the bag, it is preferred that a tag is attached to or incorporated in each such free end. Each tag may be made of paper, cardboard or other suitable material known in the art and may carry directions for use, trade marks or other information or indicia. The bag of the invention may be marketed with the tags joined to one another, there being a perforation or similar

weakness between the tags to permit detachment of the tags, one from the other. When the tags are joined together, and the flexible handle is divisible, detachment of one tag from the other may also assist in dividing the handle. Further, the tags, separately or together, may be attached to the bag and designed to be detached before use.

The tags may be of elastic or suitable deformable material, so that after an adequate amount of force has been applied to the handle by drawing on the tags, the tags will deform, this signalling to the user to refrain from applying more force.

There may be certain advantages in having a plurality of chambers in one bag. For example, not all the chambers need to contain the same infusable material. One or more may contain sugar or artificial sweetener, or spices or other flavouring agents, for example.

The infusion bag according to the invention may include external means to facilitate compression of the bag. For example, where the handle is a length of string it may be provided with a tag, button or similar device, slidably mounted on the string between the bag and the free end of the string, so that the device may be used to assist the compression by the user's fingers and to prevent wetting or scalding by contact with hot infusing liquid.

In this embodiment, the tag may be releasably fixed to the free end of the string so that the bag resembles a conventional bag, with the tag carrying the usual identifications or manufacturer's trade mark, for example. However, when the bag is to be compressed, the tag or a portion of the tag is released from the end of the string and is able to slide towards the base of the bag.

Where the string is multi-stranded and the strands are separated or more than one string is provided, it is preferred that the external means for facilitating compression of the bag, if used, are slidably mounted on all strands of the string or on all strings. However, it is contemplated that in some embodiments the external means, if used, will be mounted on one or more but not all strands or strings. Further, the external means may be slidably mounted on one or some of the strands or strings and nonslidably mounted on other strands or strings. The location of the external means may be at the end of a string or strand or between the end and the bag.

If desired, the bag may be manufactured so that the external means for facilitating compression of the bag (such as a tag or portion of a tag) are an integral part of the bag. For example, the tag may comprise a part of the bag as described in Australian Patent No.

118,215 (Salfisberg), with the zone where the tag joins the bag being weakened by

perforations or the like, so that the tag, with string attached, may be detached from the remainder of the bag before infusion. However, although detachment of the tag from the bag in Salfisberg results in opening of the chamber, it is preferred that in connection with the present invention detachment of the tag does not open the chambers.

To use the bag of the present invention, the flexible handles (usually strings) may be used to suspend the bag in the infusing liquid until it is desired to remove the bag from the liquid. At that time, as the bag is lifted clear of the infusing liquid by means of the strings, the bag can be compressed by sliding the bag along the strings. This can be achieved, for example, by the user sliding two fingers of one hand down the strings towards the bag while at the same time holding the strings taut with the other hand. The user can interpose the external means for facilitating compression, such as a tag, as described above, if the bag of the invention has this feature.

As another example, the bag can be compressed by pulling the flexible handles, each in an opposite direction. If external compression means are mounted on the handles, pulling the handles in opposite directions can cause the external compression means to slide down the handles and assist in compression.

This compression action, in any of the various forms described above, can remove a substantial portion of infusing liquid from the bag and may also have the effect of maximising extraction of flavour from the bag. It is found that once the compression of the bag is released, provided the bag is still above the surface of the infusing liquid, there is normally insufficient infusing liquid remaining in the bag to cause dripping. It will be appreciated that most infusion material and many materials used to make the infusion bags absorb liquid and are similar to a sponge, so that they react like a sponge when squeezed and released.

In a third aspect, this invention provides a method of manufacturing an infusion bag of the invention having a single chamber, comprising the steps of : (a) providing two sheets of suitable porous material; (b) depositing in a suitable position on one sheet a required dose of infusable material; (c) arranging a flexible handle in relation to the sheets so that when the bag is assembled the flexible handle will enter the bag at an entry point at the perimeter and exit the bag at an exit point at the perimeter;

(d) sealing the sheets to form a chamber in which the infusable material is contained; and (e) securing the flexible handle so that when the bag is assembled the flexible handle will be secured in at least one location at the segment of the perimeter between the entry point and the exit point, and in at least one location on the remaining perimeter, neither location being the entry point or the exit point.

In a fourth aspect, this invention provides a method of manufacturing an infusion bag of the invention having a single chamber, comprising the steps of : (a) providing one sheet of suitable porous material; (b) depositing in a suitable position on the sheet a required dose of infusable material; (c) arranging a flexible handle in relation to the sheet so that when the bag is assembled the flexible handle will enter the bag at an entry point at the perimeter and exit the bag at an exit point at the perimeter; (d) folding and sealing the sheet to form a chamber in which the infusable material is contained; and (e) securing the flexible handle so that when the bag is assembled the flexible handle will be secured in at least one location at the segment of the perimeter between the entry point and the exit point, and in at least one location on the remaining perimeter, neither location being the entry point or the exit point.

In these methods of the invention, some of the steps may be carried out simultaneously. In addition, the order of some of the steps may be changed. For example, securing of the flexible handle (step (e)) may be effected at the same time as folding and sealing the sheet or sheets (step (d)). In addition, the depositing of the infusable material may be carried out after arranging of the flexible handle.

To arrange a flexible handle, such as string or the like, in step (c), the sheet or sheets may be advanced over a flute to a stop, where a pair of strings or a loop of string (put in place by one or more mechanical fingers, for example) are caused to lie so that the string is located in the desired position.

In this and all the methods of manufacture of the bags of the invention, the flexible handle may be arranged and/or secured at any step, where practicable.

In this method of the invention, some of the steps may be carried out simultaneously. In

addition, the order of some of the steps may be changed. For example, securing of the flexible handle (step (e)) may be effected at the same time as sealing the sheet or sheets (step (d)). In addition, the depositing of the infusable material may be carried out after arranging of the flexible handle.

To arrange a flexible handle, such as string or the like, in step (c), the sheets may be advanced over a flute to a stop, where a pair of strings or a loop of string (put in place by one or more mechanical fingers, for example) are caused to lie so that the string is located in the desired position.

In a fifth aspect, this invention provides a method of manufacturing an infusion bag of the invention having a plurality of chambers, comprising the steps of : (a) depositing on a length of suitable porous material a required dose of infusable material; (b) arranging a flexible handle in relation to the material so that when the bag is assembled the flexible handle will enter the bag at an entry point at the perimeter and exit the bag at an exit point at the perimeter; (c) sealing the longitudinal edges of the length to form a tube; (d) cutting the tube into small tubes each adapted to provide the required number of infusion bag chambers; (e) sealing each end of each small tube; (f) optionally effecting one or more cross or other seals to each small tube to form the plurality of chambers; (g) securing the flexible handle so that when the bag is assembled the flexible handle will be secured in at least one location at the segment of the perimeter between the entry point and the exit point, and in at least one location on the remaining perimeter, neither location being the entry point or the exit point; (h) folding each small tube to form a bag having two or more leaves, each having a cross margin; and (i) sealing or attaching two or more leaves together at their cross margins.

In this method of the invention, some of the steps may be carried out simultaneously. In addition, the order of some of the steps may be changed. For example, the area of the tube to be sealed crosswise or otherwise in optional step (f) may include heat-fusible material.

When that is passed over a heated knife, the required seals may be formed and at the same time the small tubes may be separated one from the other (step (d)). As another example, steps (a) and (b) may be reversed.

To arrange a flexible handle, such as string or the like, in step (b), the material may be advanced over a flute to a stop, where a pair of strings or a loop of string (put in place by one or more mechanical fingers, for example) are caused to lie so that the string is located in the desired position.

In a sixth aspect, this invention provides a further method of manufacturing an infusion bag of the invention having a plurality of chambers, comprising the steps of : (a) arranging a flexible handle on a length of suitable porous material in a suitable pattern so that when the bag is assembled the flexible handle will enter the bag at an entry point at the perimeter and exit the bag at an exit point at the perimeter; (b) depositing on the length of suitable porous material required doses of infusable material; (c) overlying the length of suitable porous material on which the flexible handle is arranged and the doses are deposited with a second length of suitable porous material; (d) forming seals between the two lengths of porous material to form chambers each containing one of the doses; (e) cutting the two lengths of suitable porous material into segments, each segment containing two or more chambers, as desired; and (f) assembling the segments into bags of the desired configuration.

In this method of the invention, some of the steps may be carried out simultaneously, such as the forming of the seals and the cutting into segments. In addition, the order of some of the steps may be changed, as will be apparent to one skilled in the art.

This invention provides in a seventh aspect a method of manufacturing an infusion bag of the invention having a plurality of chambers, comprising the steps of : (a) depositing on a length of suitable porous material a required dose of infusable material; (b) sealing the longitudinal edges of the length to form a tube; (c) cutting the tube into small tubes each adapted to provide the required number of infusion bag chambers;

(d) sealing each end of each small tube; (e) optionally effecting one or more cross or other seals to each small tube to form the plurality of chambers; (f) arranging flexible handles in relation to each small tube so that when the bag is assembled the flexible handles will run along all or a portion of connection means between a first chamber and a second chamber of the plurality of chambers; and (g) folding each small tube to form a bag having at least first and second chambers connected by connection means.

In this method of the invention, some of the steps may be carried out simultaneously. In addition, the order of some of the steps may be changed. For example, the area of the tube to be sealed crosswise or otherwise in optional step (e) may include heat-fusible material.

When that is passed over a heated knife, the required seals may be formed and at the same time the small tubes may be separated one from the other (step (c)). As a further example, steps (f) and (g) may be reversed.

To arrange a flexible handle, such as string or the like, in step (f), the material may be advanced over a flute to a stop, where a pair of strings or a loop of string (put in place by one or more mechanical fingers, for example) are caused to lie so that the string is located in the desired position.

This invention also provides, in an eighth aspect, a further method of manufacturing an infusion bag of the invention having a plurality of chambers, comprising the steps of : (a) arranging flexible handles on a length of suitable porous material in a suitable pattern so that when the bag is assembled the flexible handles run along all or a portion of connection means between first and second chambers; (b) depositing on the length of suitable porous material required doses of infusable material; (c) overlying the length of suitable porous material on which the flexible handle is arranged and the doses are deposited with a second length of suitable porous material; (d) forming seals between the two lengths of porous material to form chambers each containing one of the doses; (e) cutting the two lengths of suitable porous material into segments, each segment

containing two or more chambers, as desired; and (f) assembling the segments into bags of the desired configuration.

In this method of the invention, some of the steps may be carried out simultaneously, such as the forming of the seals and the cutting into segments. In addition, the order of some of the steps may be changed, as will be apparent to one skilled in the art.

This invention also provides, in an ninth aspect, a further method of manufacturing an infusion bag of the invention having two chambers, comprising the steps of : (a) connecting a first single-chambered bag to a second singlechambered bag by connection means; and (b) assembling the connected first and second single-chambered bags into a double- chambered bag of the desired configuration.

This invention also provides, in a tenth aspect, a further method of manufacturing an infusion bag of the invention having more than two chambers, comprising the steps of : (a) forming a series of single chambered bags, each being connected to at least one other by connection means; and (b) assembling the connected series of single-chambered bags into a multi-chambered bag of the desired configuration.

In connection with the methods of manufacture of single-chambered bags, these may be manufactured by a method comprising the steps of : (a) providing two sheets of suitable porous material; (b) depositing in a suitable position on one sheet a required dose of infusable material; (c) arranging a flexible handle in relation to the sheets so that when the bag is assembled the flexible handle will enter the bag at an entry point at the perimeter and exit the bag at an exit point at the perimeter; (d) sealing the sheets to form a chamber in which the infusable material is contained; and (e) securing the flexible handle so that when the bag is assembled the flexible handle will be secured in at least one location at the segment of the perimeter between the entry point and the exit point, and in at least one location on the remaining perimeter, neither location being the entry point or the exit point.

In this method, some of the steps may be carried out simultaneously. In addition, the order of some of the steps may be changed. For example, securing of the flexible handle (step (e)) may be effected at the same time as sealing the sheets (step (d)). In addition, the depositing of the infusable material may be carried out after arranging of the flexible handle.

To arrange a flexible handle, such as string or the like, in step (c), the sheets may be advanced over a flute to a stop, where a pair of strings or a loop of string (put in place by one or more mechanical fingers, for example) are caused to lie so that the string is located in the desired position.

In an eleventh aspect, the invention provides another method of manufacture of the single- chambered bags comprising the steps of : (a) providing one sheet of suitable porous material; (b) depositing in a suitable position on the sheet a required dose of infusable material; (c) arranging a flexible handle in relation to the sheet so that when the bag is assembled the flexible handle will enter the bag at an entry point at the perimeter and exit the bag at an exit point at the perimeter; (d) folding and sealing the sheet to form a chamber in which the infusable material is contained; and (e) securing the flexible handle so that when the bag is assembled the flexible handle will be secured in at least one location at the segment of the perimeter between the entry point and the exit point, and in at least one location on the remaining perimeter, neither location being the entry point or the exit point.

In this method, some of the steps may be carried out simultaneously. In addition, the order of some of the steps may be changed. For example, securing of the flexible handle (step (e)) may be effected at the same time as folding and sealing the sheet (step (d)). In addition, the depositing of the infusable material may be carried out after arranging of the flexible handle.

To arrange a flexible handle, such as string or the like, in step (c), the sheet may be advanced over a flute to a stop, where a pair of strings or a loop of string (put in place by one or more mechanical fingers, for example) are caused to lie so that the string is located in the desired position.

In these and all the methods of manufacture of the bags of the invention, the flexible handle may be arranged and/or secured at any step, where practicable.

As will be appreciated from the methods described above for making single chambered bags, these bags may be made with a flange surrounding the chamber, or with a flange only part way surrounding the chamber, the remainder of the edge of the bag consisting of a fold in the sheet of infusable material.

When connecting single chambered bags together, the connection may be made between two flanges, between a flange and a fold, or between two folds, for example.

The flexible handle may be located in one of the single chambered bags, or in more than one, or may be added after assembly of the single-chambered bags into a double-chambered bag or multi-chambered bag.

This invention also provides apparatus for carrying out the methods of the invention, one example of which is shown in the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS An explanation of some possible structures of infusion bags, as well as certain embodiments of the invention, are illustrated in the attached Drawings, in which: Figure A is a plan view of a prior art single-chambered infusion bag; Figure B is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B in Figure A; Figure C is a plan view of another prior art single-chambered infusion bag; Figure D is a perspective cross-sectional view of the bag of Figure C, taken along the lines D-D in Figure C; Figure E is a plan view of another prior art single-chambered infusion bag; Figure F is a cross-sectional perspective view of the bag in Figure E, taken along the lines F-F in Figure E; Figures G and H are plan views of dual-chambered infusion bags which are not known from the prior art; Figure I is a cross-sectional perspective view of the bags in Figures G and H, taken along the lines I-I of Figures G and H; Figure 1 is a plan sectional view of a first embodiment of a square infusion bag according

to the first aspect of the invention; Figure 2 is a plan sectional view of a second embodiment of a square bag; Figure 3 is a plan sectional view of a third embodiment; Figure 4 represents a plan sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 is a plan sectional view of a fifth embodiment; Figure 6 is a plan sectional view of a sixth embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 is a plan sectional view of a seventh embodiment; Figure 8 is a plan sectional view of an eighth embodiment of the invention, showing two tags joined together; Figures 9,10 and 11 are plan sectional views of ninth, tenth and eleventh embodiments, showing two tags joined together; Figure 12 is a plan sectional view of a circular bag according to the invention; Figures 13 to 19 illustrate different embodiments of round bags according to the invention; Figures 20 to 22 show in plan sectional view embodiments of a diamond-shaped bag according to the invention; Figures 23 to 33 show further embodiments of square or rectangular single-chambered bags according to the invention; Figure 34 shows an embodiment where the path of the flexible handle crosses; Figure 35 illustrates an embodiment of the invention where there are two separate flexible handles; Figure 36 shows an embodiment with external means to shield the fingers from hot infusing liquid, while Figure 37 shows one method of compressing the bag of Figure 36; Figure 38 shows a method of compressing the bag of the invention, for example, that illustrated in Figure 3; Figure 39 shows an embodiment where external means are provided to facilitate compression; Figure 40 shows another embodiment where means are provided to suspend the bag in a cup or the like, while Figure 41 is a side elevation of the bag of Figure 40;

Figures 42 and 43 show an embodiment where the bag has only one free end to the flexible handle; Figure 44 has a bag with two flexible handles; Figure 45 has an extra securement location with the path of the flexible handle crossing; Figure 46 shows a bag similar to that in Figure 14 but rectangular rather than round; Figure 47 shows a round bag with only one free end to the flexible handle and means to facilitate compression; Figure 48 has a bag in which the flexible handle is in sections; Figures 48 to 51 shows a bag having two coplanar chambers; Figures 52 and 53 illustrate embodiments of bags having two chambers, one contained wholly or partially within the other, Figure 52 being a sectional perspective view and Figure 53 being a sectional plan view; Figures 54 to 80 show various embodiments of double-chambered bags according to the invention, the bags in Figures 57,58,63 to 69 and 71 to 80 being illustrated in partially assembled form, before attaching one chamber to the other; Figures 81 and 82 illustrate an embodiment with four chambers; Figure 83 shows a double chambered bag according to the invention; Figure 84 shows another embodiment of a double chambered bag; Figures 85 and 86 show embodiments of single chambered bags which can be joined to form double chambered bags; Figures 87 and 88 show embodiments of double chambered bags; Figure 89 shows an embodiment of a multi-chambered bag; Figure 90 illustrates an embodiment of a triple chambered bag; Figures 91 to 94 show embodiments of double chambered bags; Figures 95 to 100 show various embodiments of double chambered bags in which there is an eyelet between the two chambers; Figures 101 to 103 show an embodiment of a double chambered bag of the invention; Figures 104 to 107 show an embodiment of another double chambered bag of the invention, with Figures 105 to 107 illustrating some variations in string location;

Figures 108 to 110 show another embodiment of a double chambered bag according to the invention; Figures 111 and 112 show a further embodiment, similar to that in Figure 79; Figures 113 and 114 illustrate a variation of the bag in Figure 111; Figures 115 and 116 illustrate a further variation of the bag in Figure 111; Figure 117 shows a further embodiment of a double chambered bag of the invention, with string location variations shown in Figures 118 to 120; Figure 121 shows an embodiment in which a double chambered bag is formed from a round chamber folded in half; Figures 122 and 123 show similar embodiments of double chambered bags formed by folding square chambers in half diagonally; Figures 124,125 and 126 show variations of double chambered bags according to the invention, with Figures 127 to 129 illustrating some different methods of string attachment; Figures 130 and 131A to D show another embodiment of a double chambered bag; Figure 132 shows yet another embodiment; Figures 133 to 135 illustrate variations of another embodiment; Figure 136 shows an embodiment in which there are two parts to the flexible handle; Figures 137 to 139 show more embodiments; Figures 140 to 142 illustrate embodiments in which the tags form part of the flexible handle entering the bag; Figures 143 and 144 show further embodiments; Figures 145 to 153 show embodiments relating to a double chambered version; Figure 154 illustrates a manufacturing detail; Figure 154a shows another manufacturing detail; Figure 155 shows an embodiment of apparatus suitable for manufacturing some of the bags of the invention; Figure 156 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an infusion bag according to the second aspect of the invention;

Figure 157 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the second aspect of the invention; Figure 158 is a perspective view of a third embodiment; Figure 159 represents a plan sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the second aspect of the invention; Figure 160 is a plan view of a fifth embodiment, showing the bag opened out; Figure 161 is a perspective view of the bag of Figure 160; Figure 162 is a perspective view of the bag of Figures 160 and 161, assembled; Figures 163 to 172 are views of further embodiments of the invention, showing the bag opened out; Figures 173 to 175 illustrate three views of a further embodiment according to the invention; Figures 176 to 178 show three views of yet another embodiment of a bag according to the invention; Figures 179 to 207 show further embodiments of bags according to the invention, Figures 179 to 181,183,184,186 to 195 and 199 to 207 in particular being plan views, in which only one chamber can be seen; Figure 208 shows an embodiment in plan view where the first chamber does not overlie the second; Figure 209 shows an embodiment in plan view where the first chamber and the second are opened out; Figures 210 to 213 are plan views of embodiments in which only one chamber can be seen; Figure 214 shows an embodiment in plan view where the first chamber and the second are opened out; Figures 215 and 216 are plan views of embodiments in which only one chamber can be seen; Figure 217 is a perspective view of a bag according to the invention; Figures 218 to 220 show embodiments of a further bag according to the invention; and

Figure 221 shows an embodiment in which the bag of the invention is made by joining two single-chambered bags.

In the Drawings, like parts carry the same numbers for ease of reference.

Referring first to Figure A, bag 10 has chamber 11 surrounded on all four sides by flange 14. As can be seen from Figure B, chamber 11 has opposing chamber walls 13 and 13a which have been heat-sealed together around all margins to form flange 14. In Figure B, chamber 11 is shown slightly expanded, as if it contained infusable material.

Turning now to Figure C, bag 10 is formed with longitudinal seam 58 and heat-sealed flanges 14 at each end. Once again, chamber 11 is shown expanded as if it contained infusable material.

Bag 10 in Figure E is formed by folding a length of porous material at fold line 27 and forming a flange 14 around the other three sides. Once again, Figure F shows chamber 11 expanded as if it contained infusable material.

Figures G and H, because they are plan views, appear to be identical to Figures A and E. It is only when one considers Figure I that the two chambers 11 and 11 a can be seen.

Referring next to Figure 1, bag 10 is of conventional"singlechambered"type and has a chamber 11 with opposing walls (one of which is shown at 13, the other lying directly under wall 13 and being designated 13A). Chamber 11 contains tea leaves or other infusable material (not shown) which are deposited during manufacture, after which chamber 11 is sealed by heat sealing the perimeter of the walls 13 and 13A to form a continuous flange 14.

Suspension string 12 enters bag 10 by passing between walls 13 and 13A in flange 14 at entry point 15 and exits bag 10 by passing between walls 13 and 13A in flange 14 at exit point 16.

Thus the perimeter of bag 10 is divided into a first segment 17, lying between entry point 15 and exit point 16, and a second segment 18, being the remainder of the perimeter.

String 12, after passing through flange 14 and entry point 15, enters chamber 11 and extends to the lower left hand corner of bag 10, where string 12 is slidably secured by being heatsealed into flange 14 at location 19 in segment 18. String 12 next extends upwardly from location 19 to location 20 in segment 17, once again being slidably secured by heatsealing in flange 14. String 12 then extends downwardly to location 21, slidably

heatsealed in flange 14 in segment 18, before exiting the chamber 11 and the bag 10 at exit point 16.

Slack 22 and 23 in string 12 lies within chamber 11, to reduce the length of string 12 lying outside bag 10, while still allowing sufficient length in string 12 for convenient use.

Tags 30 and 31 are fixed to each end of string 12 to assist operation of bag 10. When tags 30 and 31 are pulled in opposite directions, string 12 can pull through flange 14.

The bag 10 in Figure 2 is similar to that in Figure 1, except that there are three different securement locations, namely location 24 in segment 18 and locations 25 and 26 in segment 17. String 12 is slidable at each location.

The bag in Figure 3 is similar to that in Figure 1, except that slidable securement locations 19,20 and 21 are not only heatsealed in flange 14 but also looped outside bag 10. In addition, slack 22 lies between entry point 15 and securement location 19, while slack 23 lies between securement location 21 and exit point 16.

The bag in Figure 4 has four slidable securement locations 32,33,34 and 35 on segment 17 and five slidable securement locations 36,37,38,39 and 40 on segment 18. In addition, 30 and 31 are detachable from string 12 so that they can be pushed down string 12 to aid compression if desired.

Turning now to Figures 5 and 6, bag 10 has flange 14 which extends around three sides only, the fourth side comprising fold line 27. Securement locations 19 and 21 are close to perimeter 18 and are established by gluing or heat sealing walls 13 and 13A of chamber 11 at those locations in such a manner that string 12 can slide at these locations. Securement location 20, also slidable, in perimeter 17 is established by securing a loop of string 12 at that location by heatsealing the loop in flange 14.

Bag 10 in Figure 6 differs from bag 10 in Figure 5 only in that flange 14 in Figure 6 is enlarged in the area of securement location 20 to increase the length of string 12 which is secured in flange 14 at this location. This, in turn, can help prevent detachment of string 12 from flange 14 during use. For aesthetic reasons, flange 14 is also rounded in the region of entry point 15 and exit point 16.

In Figure 7, bag 10 has securement locations 25 and 26 near perimeter 17 and 19 and 21 near perimeter 18, as well as an additional securement location 28 which is not at the perimeter 17/18. All securement locations are within chamber 11 and permit the sliding of

string 12.

In Figure 8, securement locations 19 and 21 lie at the lowermost corners of bag 10. In addition, securement location 20 is somewhat extended along perimeter segment 17. When bag 10 is marketed, tags 30 and 31 are joined. When the consumer uses bag 10, tag 30 is separated from tag 31 along perforated line 29.

The joined tags also feature in the bags of Figures 9,10 and 11.

The bag of Figure 9 in other respects is similar to that in Figure 5, with slack 22 and 23 in string 12, similar to that in Figure 3. As well as tags 30 and 31 being joined to each other, they are also joined to bag 10 along perforated line 41. This assists in presenting a neat appearance to bag 10 and ensures that all string 12 is contained within bag 10 before use, thus preventing string 12 from tangling.

The bag of Figure 10 is in other respects similar to that in Figure 4.

The bag of Figure 11 has elongated or extended slidable securement locations 19,20 and 21, formed by line welding or other suitable method. Separation of tags 30 and 31 is assisted by nicks 42 and 43.

With reference to Figure 12, bag 10 is of a round shape, with slidable securement locations 19 and 21 close to perimeter segment 18 and slidable location 20 in flange 14. Chamber 11 is flattened in shape in the region of location 20, to maximise the securing of string 12 at location 20. Tags 30 and 31 are joined together, as in Figure 11, for example.

The bag 10 in Figure 13 has slidable securement locations 19 and 21 within chamber 11, close to perimeter segment 18. Securement location 20 is within flange 14, chamber 11 being recessed around this area.

The bag 10 in Figure 14 is similar to that in Figure 13, except that in addition to securement locations 19,20 and 21, all of which permit string 12 to slide, there is an additional securement point at 44, which does not permit string 12 to slide. When operating this version of bag 10, when the user pulls tags 30 and 31 in opposite directions, string 12 will remain anchored at location 44, but will slide around the pivot points provided at locations 19,20 and 21, to squeeze bag 10.

Bag 10 in Figure 15 has a chamber 11 so shaped that string 12 is slidably secured at locations 19,20 and 21, as well at additional locations 45 and 46, all locations being in flange 14.

Chamber 11 in bag 10 in Figure 16 is also recessed so that location 20 is within flange 14.

However, locations 19 and 21 are in channels formed in flange 14, where chamber 11 is also recessed.

Channels are also formed to slidably secure string 12 in bag 10 of Figure 17, at 45 and 46.

Securement location 20 is within flange 14, while securement locations 19 and 21 are within chamber 11. String 12 has its free ends joined in a knot 47.

Figure 18 shows a round bag 10 which is similar to the square bag in Figure 2, except that tags 30 and 31 are joined together.

The bag 10 in Figure 19 has only two securement locations, namely location 19 close to perimeter segment 18 and location 20 close to perimeter segment 17. Both locations 19 and 20 are within flange 14.

Turning now to Figure 20, bag 10 is of diamond shape and has securement locations 25 and 26 within chamber 11, close to perimeter segment 17. Securement location 24 is within flange 14 and close to perimeter segment 18. Tag 30 is fixed to both free ends of string 12.

Bag 10 in Figure 21 has securement location 24 looped into flange 14 and securement locations 25 and 26 in channels formed in flange 14.

Bag 10 in Figure 22 has two strings, 12A and 12B, which are knotted together at 47 and which are both secured nonslidably at location 20 by glue, heatsealing or a patch. When squeezing this version of bag 10, a user can slide cone 48 down strings 12A and 12B while pulling on knot 47, this protecting the user's fingers from coming into contact with hot infusing fluid. While some of bag 10 may travel into cone 48 during this operation, it is the squeezing action of strings 12A and 12B which causes bag 10 to compress, not the drawing of bag 10 into cone 48.

More embodiments of single chambered bags according to the invention are shown in Figures 23 to 33.

Bag 10 in Figure 23 has elongated securement locations 19,20 and 21, all within chamber 11.

Bag 10 in Figure 24 has two securement locations 25 and 26 in perimeter segment 17 and two locations 19 and 21 in perimeter segment 18. There is an additional securement location 45 within chamber 11.

In Figure 25, bag 10 has channels in flange 14 through which string 12 can slide, securement locations being at 19,20 and 21.

Bag 10 in Figure 26 and bag 10 in Figure 33 has securement locations 24 at perimeter segment 18 and 25 and 26 at perimeter segment 17, as well as additional securement locations 45 and 46.

In Figure 27, bag 10 has an elongated securement location 24 at perimeter segment 18 and relatively elongated securement locations 25 and 26 at perimeter segment 17, as well as additional securement locations 45 and 46.

In Figure 28, bag 10 has elongated securement location 20 at perimeter segment 17 and elongated right-angle shaped securement locations 19 and 20 at perimeter 18.

Bag 10 in Figure 29 has securement location 20 in flange 14 at perimeter segment 17.

Securement locations 19 and 21 at perimeter segment 18 are each effected by capturing a loop of string 12 in chamber 11 (for example, by stitching). Slack 22 and 23 lie within chamber 11 before use.

In Figure 30, bag 10 has securement location 20 similar to that in Figure 29, except that string 12 enters chamber 11 immediately rather than travelling down flange 14, and there is no slack 22 and 23.

Bags 10 in Figures 31 to 33 are similar to some of those described above, with small variations.

Turning now to Figure 34, bag 10 has two flexible handles 12a and 12b. String 12a is secured slidably at securement location 20a at perimeter segment 17a (extending from entry point 15a to exit point 16a), as well as at securement locations 19a and 21a in perimeter segment 18a. Perimeter segment 18a extends from exit point 16a along the perimeter to the upper right hand corner of bag 10, down the right hand side of bag 10 to the lower right hand corner, across the bottom of bag 10 to the lower left hand corner, up the left hand side to the upper left hand corner and from there to entry point 15a.

Similarly, string 12b is secured slidably at securement location 20b at perimeter segment 17b (extending from entry point 15b to exit point 16b), as well as at securement locations 1. 9b and 21b in perimeter segment 18b. Perimeter segment 18b extends from exit point 16b along the perimeter to the upper right hand corner of bag 10, down the right hand side of bag 10 to the lower right hand corner, across the bottom of bag 10 to the lower left hand

corner, up the left hand side to the upper left hand corner and from there to entry point 15b.

Strings 12a and 12b do not have free ends carrying tags, but rather form endless loops 49a and 49b. In operating bag 10, the user can insert, say, the index finger in loop 49a and the middle finger of the same hand in loop 49b and pull both loops upwardly, while pushing down on bag 10 with the other hand, thus causing bag 10 to compress. Alternately, loops 49a and 49b may be pulled in opposite horizontal directions to effect compression. If desired, loops 49a and 49b may be joined together by suitable means.

Bag 10 in Figure 35 has string 12 crossed within chamber 11, to enhance the squeezing action when string 12 is used to compress bag 10.

Referring now to Figure 36, bag 10 has securement locations 19 and 21 formed by heatsealing walls 13 and 13a together to provide pivot points for string 12. Securement location 20 is formed by passing a loop 49 of string 12 through flange 14. Tags 30 and 31, joined together and having line of weakness 29, have eyelets 50 and 51 through which string 12 passes. Tags 30 and 31 are formed from cardboard folded into two to form two leaves, 30c and 30d as well as 31c and 31d.

To compress bag 10, as shown in Figure 37, loop 49 is pulled in opposite horizontal directions, as indicated by the arrows A and B, so that bag 10 squeezed by the pulling of string 12 against securement locations 19 and 21 in the direction of arrows C and D. In addition, but also tags 30/31 are caused to travel down string 12 so that leaves 30c, 31c and 30d, 31 d overlie the top of bag 10. This can provide a convenient shield with which to handle bag 10 without scalding.

Alternately, loop 49 may be pulled upwardly with one hand, while the other hand pushes down on tags 30/31 to effect squeezing of bag 10.

Figure 38 shows one manner of compressing the bag of the invention, for example, the bag of Figure 3. When tags 30 and 31 are pulled in the direction of arrows A and B, respectively, string 12 draws locations 19 and 20 at perimeter segment 18 and location 20 at perimeter segment 17 towards one another, this squeezing liquid 52 from bag 10.

In Figure 39, bag 10 has securement location 20 formed by heatsealing or gluing in flange 14 so that string 12 is not slidable at that point. Pulling upwardly on tag 30/31 (which in this embodiment is formed in one piece without weakness line 29) while pushing downwardly on external compression means 53 causes string 12 to draw securement

locations 19 and 21 towards location 20, this compressing bag 10. External means 53 can be used to shield the fingers from liquid and to extract the liquid (if any) left in bag 10.

External means 53 can add to the aesthetic appeal of bag 10, presenting a particularly neat appearance and providing ample surface area for the display of trade mark material, for example.

Bag 10 in Figure 40 is sold with tag 30 forming part of external means 53 which also provides a type of envelope around bag 10. String 12 passes through eyelets 50 and 51 so that the portion of string 12 represented by the dashed lines in Figure 40 lies on the underneath side of means 53.

To operate bag 10, tag 30 is detached from means 53 and string 12 is drawn upwardly until means 53 rests around bag 10 as shown in Figure 41. Means 53 may be opened out to rest on the mouth of a cup or mug, and so suspend bag 10 in infusing liquid. Means 53 may also be used to pick up bag 10 for disposal without contacting hot infusing liquid.

Bag 10 in Figures 42 and 43 has one free end of string 12 attached to tag 30, lying outside bag 10. The other free end is non-slidably secured at exit point 16, where it is overlaid with a piece of cardboard, plastic or paper 54 comprising a finger rest. As may be seen from Figure 43, to squeeze bag 10 the user may place a finger and thumb on finger rest 54 and pull on tag 30 with the other hand, causing liquid 52 to be squeezed from bag 10.

Referring to Figure 44, bag 10 has two flexible handles, 12a and 12b, as in Figure 39.

However, in this embodiment both strings 12a and 12b have securement locations at 19,20 and 21.

Bag 10 in Figure 45 has string 12 secured at locations 19,20 and 21, and also at location 36. Between location 20 and location 36, string 12 is twisted.

In Figure 46, bag 10 is similar to bag 10 in Figure 14, in having non-slidable securement location 44.

In Figure 47, bag 10 has flexible handle 12 with one free end attached to tag 30, the other end being fixed non-slidably at exit point 16. Shield 53 can slide down string 12 towards bag 10, so that bag 10 can be compressed by pulling on tag 30 while pushing on shield 53.

Bag 10 in Figure 48 has string 12 which is secured slidably at 19,20 and 21. String 12 has a joined segment at 21. As can be seen, the path of string 12 crosses within chamber 11.

In Figures 49,50 and 51, bag 10 has two chambers 1 la and llb, formed by weld line 55.

Obviously, more chambers could be formed by additional weld lines.

Mult-chambered bags are illustrated by Figures 52 and 53, which do not show details of the flexible handle and securement points, for simplicity of illustration. Bag 10 in Figure 52 has chamber 1 la within chamber 1 lb, the top of chamber 1 la being captured in flange 14. Bag 10 in Figure 53 has chamber 1 la free-floating within chamber 1 lb.

Turning now to Figures 54 to 62, bag 10 in Figure 54 is formed from a tube of infusable bag material folded into a"W"shape at 56 and having its open ends heat sealed at margin 57. String 12 enters bag 10 through flange 14 but does not enter chamber 1 la or 1 lb, instead being confined to the internal space between chambers 1 la and 1 lb. String 12 is secured slidably at 19 at the base of chamber l lb and at 21 at the base of chamber 1 la, as well as nonslidably at 20 in flange 14.

In bag 10 in Figure 55, string 12 enters chamber 1 la, being slidably secured at 19,20 and 21 in a similar fashion to some of the single-chambered bags already illustrated. String 12 does not enter chamber 1 lb. However, because chamber 1 lb is connected to chamber 1 la at the top and bottom of bag 10, when bag 10 is squeezed chamber 1 lb is compressed along with chamber 1A.

Bag 10 in Figure 56 is basically the same as bag 10 in Figure 55, except that securement location 20 is nonslidable.

Figures 57 to 59 show a method of manufacturing a bag similar to that in Figure 54, except that all securement locations are slidable, string 12 being fixed at exit point 16.

Turning now to Figure 60, which is a side elevation of a double-chambered bag according to the first aspect of the invention, bag 10 has two chambers 1 la and 1 lb which are not formally separated by a"W"fold as in the previous examples. Instead, flexible handle 12 enters the space between chambers 1 la and 1 b at entry point 15 and exits at exit point 16, being secured at location 19 at the base of bag 10, as well as at a further location at the top of bag 10, which further location cannot be seen in this side elevation.

In bag 10 of Figure 61, string 12 lies within chambers 1 la and 1 lb and not in the space between them. Otherwise, the securement locations of string 12 is the same in figure 61 as in figure 60.

In bag 10 of Figure 62, chambers 1 la and 1 lb are linked by"W"fold 56 and heat seals 59

and 60. String 12 enters bag 10 at entry point 15 between chambers 1 la and 1 lb and is secured at location 19 by being looped around part of"W"fold 56. String 12 then re-enters bag 10 between chambers 1 la and 1 lb and is secured at upper location 20 in either a slidable or fixed manner. String 12 then travels back down to"W"fold 56 where it is looped in a mirror reverse configuration to that already described. String 12 exits bag 10 at exit point 16.

Bag 10 in Figure 63 has two chambers 1 la and 1 lob, each surrounded by a flange 14a and 14b. Flanges 14a and 14b are joined along fold line 61. String 12 enters bag 10 at entry point 15 and exits at exit point 16. String 12 is secured at the perimeter around chamber 1 la at 19,20 and 21. Two loops of string 12 overlie part of flange 14 around chamber 1 lb.

A loop of string 12 also projects from the first segment 17. String slack 22 and 23 also lie within chamber 11 a.

Bag 10 in Figure 64 is basically the same as bag 10 in Figure 63, except that chambers 1 la and 1 lb are not surrounded by flanges. Instead, bag 10 is made in a traditional method of constructing a double chambered bag with longitudinal heatsealed or crimped seam 58, with chambers 1 la and l lb connected through W fold 56.

In the case of bags 10 in Figure 63 and 64, and this is also applicable to bags 10 in Figures 65 to 73, string 12 can travel through chamber 1 la or it can be secured on the face of chamber 1 la which will be covered by chamber 1 lb when bag 10 is assembled. In both cases, when tags 30 and 31 are used to squeeze bag 10, chamber l lb will be compressed along with chamber 1 la.

In Figure 65, bag 10 is similar to bag 10 in Figure 63, except that securement locations 19 and 21 are located in the corners of chamber 1 la. Similarly, bag 10 in Figure 66 has securement locations 19 and 21 in the corners of chamber 1 la.

Bag 10 in Figure 67 is similar to bag 10 in Figure 63, except that string 12 is secured at locations 24,25 and 26.

Bag 10 in Figure 68 is similar to bag 10 in Figure 64, except that string 12 is secured at locations 24,25 and 26.

Three similar versions of bag 10 are shown in Figures 69,70 and 71. Bag 10 in Figure 69 has chambers 11 a and 1 lb divided at fold line 61. However, neither flange 14a nor flange 14b separates chamber 1 la from chamber 1 lb. String 12 is secured by travelling around

heat seals at locations 19 and 21 and by being trapped in the heat sealed flange at location 20.

Bag 10 in Figure 70 is shown in the assembled position and differs from bag 10 in Figure 69 in that the heat sealing at locations 19 and 21 lie within chamber 1 la rather than on fold line 61. Bag 10 in Figure 71 has string 12 slidably secured in heat sealed flange 14a at locations 19 and 21, as well as at 20.

Bag 10 in Figure 72 is similar to bag 10 in Figure 63, except that there are several securement location, 32,33,34,35,36,37,39 and 40.

Bag 10 in Figure 73 is similar to that in Figure 72, except that it is constructed with a longitudinal seam 58 rather than each of the chambers 1 la and l lb being surrounded by flanges 14a and 14b.

Turning now to Figure 74, bag 10 has two chambers l la and 1 lob, surrounded by flanges 14a and 14b respectively. Bag 10 will be folded along fold line 61 during assembly so that chamber 11 la will overlie chamber 1 lob. String 12 is slidably secured at locations 19 and 21 and either slidably or non-slidably secured at location 20. When bag 10 is assembled, securement location 20 will lie between entry point 15 and exit point 16 on perimeter segment 17 while securement locations 19 and 21 will be at the other end of bag 10, on perimeter segment 18. String 12 may pass through chambers 1 la and 1 lb or may pass through one chamber and lie on the outside surface of the other, the outside surface being that which will be covered by the first chamber when the bag is assembled. If string 12 does not pass through either chamber 11 la or 1 lb, but lies on the outside of the chambers (to be between chambers 1 la and 1 lb when bag 10 is assembled), string 12 need to be secured in an appropriate manner at locations 19 and 21. As an example, string 12 may be secured at both locations 19 and 21 by a three-pronged staple, or at each of locations 19 and 21 by separate two pronged staples, or by gluing, stapling, etc.

Similarly, bag 10 in Figure 75 has two chambers 1 la and 1 lb each surrounded by a flange 14a and 14b respectively. Chambers 1 la and 1 lb are circular, being joined by neck 62. As in the case of bag 10 in Figure 74, string 12 is slidably secured at locations 19 and 21 and slidably or fixably secured at location 20, which will lie between entry point 15 and exit point 16 when bag 10 is folded along fold line 61.

Bag 10 in Figure 76 has a longitudinal seam 58 but otherwise is constructed similarly to bag 10 in Figure 74.

Bag 10 in Figure 77 has an elongated securement location 20, but otherwise is constructed similarly to bag 10 in Figure 74.

Bag 10 in Figure 78 has extra securement locations 25 and 26 which will be located at perimeter segment 17 when bag 10 is assembled.

Bag 10 in Figure 79 is similar to bag 10 in Figure 77, except that string 12 has a less elongated securement location 20.

Bag 10 in Figure 80, when assembled, has securement locations 25 and 26 in perimeter segment 17 and securement location 24 in perimeter segment 18.

Turning now to Figure 81, bag 10 has four chambers, 1 la, l lb, l lc and l ld. Each chamber is completed surrounded by a flange, respectively 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d. String 12 lies along the upper surface of chambers 1 la, 1 lb, 1 lc and 1 ld, or passes within those chambers, or lies on the upper surface of some chambers and passes within others. String 12 is secured, either by passing into and out of a relevant chamber, or by being secured in another appropriate manner, at locations 19,20 and 21. Bag 10, when folded in a W shape as illustrated in Figure 82, has securement location 20 located between entry point 15 and exit point 16 on bag 10.

Figure 83 illustrates a double chambered bag 10 which is similar to the double chambered bag in Figure 62 but in which securement locations 19 and 21 comprise less elongated loops in W fold 56 and in which string 12 is secured at location 20 by looping outside bag 20, through an edge seal along the upper margin of bag 10.

Bag 10 in this Figure may be compressed by a number of methods. In one method, tag 30 may be divided into two parts, each part being pulled in an opposite direction. In another method, tag 30 is held in one hand while the other hand slides down string 12. In yet another method, the loop formed at location 20 may be pulled upwardly away from bag 10.

The loop can also be widened to effect compression. In a further method, the loop at 20 and tag 30 may be pulled in opposite directions.

Turning now to Figure 84, bag 10 has an elongated chamber 11 surrounded by a flange 14.

String 12 is slidably secured at locations 25 and 26 which, when bag 10 is assembled, will lie between entry point 15 and exit point 16. String 12 is also slidably or non slidably secured at location 24 which, when bag 10 is assembled, will be located on perimeter segment 18.

Bags 10 in Figures 85 and 86 in fact comprise 2 single chambered bags 10a and 10b which can be assembled to form a double chambered bag. In the case of bag 10 in figure 85, string 12a is continued into bag lOb. Bag 10a can be joined to bag 10b by connecting bag 10a to 10b at strategic locations around flanges 14a and 14b or by various other means which will be apparent to one skilled in the art.

While string 12a continues into bag 10b in Figure 85, in Figure 86 string 12a is not connected to string 12b, bags 10a and 10b being entirely independent.

Bag 10 in Figure 87 is a double chambered bag in which string 12 travels through or is connected on the upper surface of chamber 1 la and not chamber 1 lb. When chamber 1 la is joined to chamber 1 lb, for example by heat sealing flange 14b to flange 14a at entry point 15, pulling on tag 30 will enable both chambers 1 la and 1 lb to be compressed. String 12 is fixed to flange 14a at exit point 16, in a non-slidable manner.

Bag 10 in Figure 88 has string 12 secured at locations 19 and 21 by being slidable in channels formed at those locations. String 12 is fixed non-slidably at exit point 16 and can slide through a channel in flange 14a at entry point 15. String 12 can also slide through a channel in flange 14b at location 20. When bag 10 is assembled, location 20 will lie between entry point 15 and exit point 16.

Bag 10 in Figure 89 has four chambers, 11 la, l lb, l lc and l ld. String 12 is secured at locations 19,20 and 21. When bag 10 is assembled, location 20 will lie between entry point 15 and exit point 16 on perimeter segment 17.

Bag 10 in Figure 90 has resemblance to bag 10 in Figure 77, except that bag 10 in Figure 90 has an extra chamber lie. When bag 10 is assembled, the leaf containing chamber lie can be folded inside the leaves containing chambers 1 la and 1 lb so that, although string 12 does not enter or lie over chamber lie, use of tag 30 to compress bag 10 will also result in some compression of chamber lie. When bag 10 in Figure 90 is assembled, it will form a "e"shape.

Figure 91 shows bag 10 with two chambers, 1 la and 1 lb. String 12 enters bag 10 at entry point 15, travels through chamber 1 la to securement location 19 near the base of chamber 1 la, travels through chamber 1 la to securement location 20, and travels through chamber 1 la and chamber 1 lb to exit point 16. When bag 10 is assembled, securement location 20 will lie on perimeter segment 17 between entry point 15 and exit point 16. Instead of travelling through chamber 11 a and/or chamber 1 lb, string 12 may lie on the upper surface

of the relevant chamber, so that when chamber 1 lb overlies chamber 1 la, string 12 is wholly or partially in the space between the two chambers.

Figure 92 illustrates an embodiment of a double chambered bag (when assembled) in which some of securement location 20 is close to entry point 15 and exit point 16, there being a substantial part of securement location 20 which is not at entry point 15 or exit point 16.

Figure 93 is a further illustration of this aspect. Securement locations 25 and 26 run along what will be the upper margin of flange 14 when bag 10 is assembled and overlap entry point 15 and exit point 16, respectively. In bag 10 in Figure 93, securement location 24 is either slidable or non-slidable, depending on the heat seal at that location.

In Figure 94, securement locations 25 and 26 do not extend closely to entry point 15 and exit point 16 (when bag 10 is assembled) as in bag 10 in Figure 93. Instead, string 12 exits bag 10 before re-entering bag 10, leaving a loop of string outside bag 10 in each case.

Figure 95 is a plan view of a double chambered bag having an eyelet 63, while Figure 96 is a side cross-sectional view taken along the lines 96-96 of Figure 95. String 12 may lie along the upper side of chamber 11 from entry point 15 to eyelet 63 and from exit point 16 to eyelet 63, then, after passing through eyelet 63, can lie on the under part of chamber 11.

This is most easily seen in Figure 96. Alternately, string 12 can lie on the under side of chamber 11 from entry point 15 to isle at 63 and from entry point 16 to eyelet 63 and then on the upper surface of chamber 11 to securement location 20.

Bag 10 in Figure 97 is constructed the same as that in Figures 95 and 96. However, string 12 passes through eyelet 63 and then back up to securement location 20 at perimeter segment 17.

Figures 98,99 and 100 are different views of the same bag 10, Figure 98 being a plan view showing chamber 11 opened out, Figure 99 being a cross-sectional side elevation and Figure 100 being a plan view of bag 10 when assembled. String 12 travels from entry point 15 through chamber 11 until string 12 exits chamber 11 at eyelet 63. Thereafter, string 12 loops around chamber 11 and re-enters eyelet 63 to lie on the upper face of the rest of chamber 11 to securement location 20. This procedure is reversed for string 12 to exit point 16.

Turning now to Figures 101 to 103, bag 10 in Figure 101, shown in plan view with chambers 1 la and 1 lob opened out, has string 12 secured at locations 19,20 and 21. Figure

102 is a side elevation of the bag of Figure 101. To assemble bag 10, chamber 1 la is folded towards chamber 1 lb along fold line 61 until the angle X is zero degrees or almost zero degrees. Chambers 1 la and 1 lb are then secured together in a desired manner.

Bag 10, shown in opened out plan view in Figure 104, has two chambers, 1 la and 1 lb.

String 12 is located at locations 19,20 and 21.

Bag 10 of Figure 104 can be secured in various manners, such as those illustrated in sectional side view in Figures 105,106 and 107. In Figure 107, string 12 lies on the upper surface of chamber 1 la and will be covered by chamber l lb when bag 10 is assembled.

Bag 10 in Figure 106 shows the variation in which string 12 lies on the upper surface of chamber 1 la between entry point 15, securement location 19 and securement location 20.

String 12 passes through chamber 11 a at securement location 20 to the opposite side of chamber 1 la and travels down the underneath surface of chamber 1 la from securement location 20 to securement location 21 and back to exit point 16. Securement locations 19 and 21 are shown schematically in Figures 105 and 106; string 12 is secured to bag 10 at those locations, although not apparent from the Figure.

Another arrangement for the bag of Figure 104 is shown in Figure 107, in which string 12 enters chamber 11 a at entry point 15, travels down to securement location 19 near the base of chamber 11 a, travels back up through chamber 11 a to securement location 20 and back down through chamber 1 la to securement location 21, lastly travelling through chamber 11 a to exit point 16.

Bag 10 in Figure 108 is similar to bag 10 in Figure 104, except that string 12 is located in and around chamber 1 lb rather than in and around chamber 11 a. As can be seen best in Figure 110, bag 10 in Figure 108 is assembled by folding along foldline 61 and foldline 61 appears at the top of bag 10 in the assembled form. Figures 109 and 110 shows string 12 as travelling through chamber 1 lb, in a similar manner to bag 10 in Figure 107. It will be readily appreciated that the string location described in relation to Figures 105 and 106 can also be adapted to bag 10 in Figure 108, the string being located over or around chamber 1 lb, rather than chamber 1 la.

Bag 10 in Figure 111 is almost identical to bag 10 in Figure 79, but the side elevation of bag 10 in Figure 112 shows the location of string 12, namely through chambers 11 a and llb.

An alternate arrangement is shown in Figures 113 and 114. Figure 114 shows how string 12 is located on the upper surface of chambers 1 la and 1 lb, being appropriately secured at locations 19 and 20 (location 21 not shown in this side elevation).

Bag 10 in Figure 115 is also very similar to bag 10 in Figure 79. However, in bag 10 in Figure 115, it will be noticed that string 12 forms a loop at location 20 which lies outside bag 10. While string 12 can be arranged through or around bag 10 in various ways, a side elevation of bag 10 in Figure 116 shows one of those methods of arrangement, in which string 12 lies around the outside of chambers 1 la and 1 lb and does not penetrate either chamber. Although securement locations 19,20 and 21 do not appear to touch the rest of bag 10, string 12 is in fact secured in suitable fashion at these locations.

Bag 10 in Figure 117 has some resemblance to bag 10 in Figure 78. However, in bag 10 of Figure 117, string 12 is looped at securement location 20, securement location 20 being regarded as extending along perimeter segment 17 between entry point 15 and exit point 16.

There are additional securement locations at 25,26,36 and 37.

In the sectional side elevation of bag 10 in Figure 118, it will be seen that string 112 lies around the outside of both chambers 11 a and 1 lob before looping around string 12 at location 20.

Figure 119 shows a variation of the arrangement in Figure 118. In the case of Figure 119, string 12 lies on the upper surface of the chambers 1 la and 1 lb before travelling through chambers l lb and 11 la.

In Figure 120, string 12 lies only on the upper surface of chambers 1 la and 1 lb.

All three Figures 118,119 and 120 are intended to be sectional side elevations taken through the longitudinal mid-point of bag 10 in Figure 117 and consequently only about half of string 12 is illustrated in Figures 118 to 120.

It will be appreciated that because string 12 is looped around its ends at location 20, pulling on tags 30 and 31 will cause loop 20 to bear down on bag 10 and assist the compression action.

Bag 10 in Figure 121 is made from a circular chamber 11 surrounded by a flange 14, string 12 being secured by winding around heat sealing at locations 19,20,21 and 24. Bag 10 is folded around fold line 61 to form a double chambered bag.

Turning now to Figure 122, string 12 is secured in channels formed in flange 14 at 19 and 21, so that string 12 is slidable at those locations, and is non-slidably secured by an adhesive patch at location 20. The single chamber 11 is folded diagonally at foldline 61, so that the bag formed is a double chambered bag.

In the case of bag 10 in Figure 123, there are two chambers, 1 la and 1 lob. String 12, as well as being slidably secured in channels at locations 19 and 21, can also slide through flange 14 at locations 45 and 46.

Bag 10 in Figure 124 has two chambers, 1 la and 1 lob. String 12 is secured at locations 19, 20 and 25 and optionally at locations 21 and 36. Folding bag 10 along fold line 61 will form a double chambered bag, perimeter segment 17 running from entry point 15 to exit point 16 along the top of the formed bag.

Bag 10 in Figure 125 is very similar to bag 10 in Figure 124, the difference being the projection of string 12 out of the bag at locations 20 and 25. Bag 10 in Figure 126 is also similar, the difference being that bag 10 in Figure 126 has a single chamber 11 rather than chambers 11 a and I I b as in Figures 124 and 125.

A perspective view of bag 10 according to either of Figures 125 or 126 is shown in Figure 127. Figure 127 shows how string 12 can lie on the upper surface of chamber 1 la/l lb (Figure 125) or 11 (Figure 126) from entry point 15 to securement location 25, after which string 12 lies on the opposite side of the chamber 1 la/1 lb or 11, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 127.

Bag 10 in Figure 128 has string 12 lying on one side of chamber 1 la/l lb, there being appropriate securement locations, despite the schematic appearance of Figure 128.

Bag 10 in Figure 129 has string 12 wholly contained within chambers 1 la/l lb or 11.

Bag 10 in Figure 130 has string 12 secured at location 20 as well as at locations 19 and 21.

When bag 10 is folded along fold line 61, securement location 20 will lie between entry point 15 and exit point 16. Before using tags 30 and 31 to compress bag 10, tag 30 may be detached from tag 31 along perforation 29.

Figures 131A to 131D show in side elevation various different ways in which string 12 can be arranged through or around chamber 11. Thus, as shown in Figures 131A, string 12 can pass through chamber 11 from entry point 15 to securement location 19, where string 11 exits bag 10 to lie on the underneath side of chamber 11 to location 20, the arrangement

through 21 to exit point 16 being mirror reversed to that described.

As illustrated in Figure 131B, string 12 can have the arrangement described for Figure 131A until one reaches securement location 19. Thereafter, string 12 re-enters chamber 11 to securement location 20.

In the arrangement shown in Figure 131C, string 12 lies on the underside of chamber 11 between entry point 15 and securement location 19, at which stage string 12, being suitably secured at location 19, wraps around to the upper surface of chamber 11, to location 20.

In the arrangement in Figure 131D, string 12 lies on the upper surface of chamber 11 from entry point 15 to securement location 19 and then enters chamber 11 to securement location 20.

In the case of bag 10 in Figure 132, string 12 travels from entry point 15 on the under surface of chamber 11 to securement location 19, where it wraps around chamber 11 and travels on the upper surface of chamber 11 to securement location 20. This arrangement is mirror reversed for the remainder of the bag.

Bag 10 in Figure 132 has external compression means 53 which can slide down string 12.

String 12 is attached to tag 30 by adhesive 64 and 65.

Bag 10 in Figure 134 can have its string arranged as shown in Figures 133 and 135. (Other string arrangements will be apparent to one skilled in the art.) String 12 is secured by travelling around a heat sealed pivot point at location 20 and is suitably secured at locations 19 and 21. In the variation shown in Figure 133, string 12 is substantially contained within chamber 11, except where string 12 exits the bag at securement locations 19 and 21. An alternate arrangement is shown in Figure 135, where string 12 lies on the underside of chamber 11 between entry point 15 and securement location 19. Thereafter, string 12 wraps around to the upper side of chamber 11 until securement location 20, which is formed by suitable means on the upper surface of chamber 11.

Bag 19 in Figure 136 shows an embodiment of the invention in which the flexible handle is in separate pieces. Thus, bag 10 in Figure 136 has strings 12a and 12b. String 12a enters bag 10 at entry point 15 and is fixably secured by an adhesive patch or by being trapped in flange 14 at location 20. String 12b enters bag 10 at point 16 and is also fixably secured at 20. String 12a is slidably secured at location 19, whilst string 12b is slidably secured at location 21.

Bag 10 in Figure 137 has a single string 12, one end of which terminates in tag 30, and the other end of which terminates in a loop 66, the free end of which is fixed by patch 64.

String 12 is slidable at locations 19,20 and 21. As an alternative, loop 66 could be joined to part of string 12, rather than being fixed to bag 10, in which case string 12 could be slidable at exit point 16.

Turning now to Figure 138, this shows how slack 67 and 68 may be stored within tags 30 and 31, respectively, until it is desired to compress bag 10, whereupon pulling tags 30 and 31 away from chamber 11 will enable slack 67 and 68 to slide out of tags 30 and 31.

Further pulling will cause bag 10 to compress. In this embodiment, string 12 has its ends tied together by knot 47.

Bag 10 in Figure 138 includes external compression means 53 which can slide down string 12 to assist in compression.

In Figure 139, bag 10 has a double length of string 12, with both length or strands being secured at locations 19,20 and 21. Bag 10 in Figure 139 can be operated by pulling tag 30 with one hand while pulling loop 66 with the other.

The looped end 66 of string 12 in Figure 139 may be fixed non-slidably at exit point 16, or both strands may be slidable. As another alternative, one strand may be fixed and the other slidable at exit point 16. Especially where loop 66 is non slidably fixed at exit point 16, tag 30 may be divided along perforation 29 to form two tags, one attached to each strand or piece of string 12. Bag 10 can then be compressed by pulling the tags in opposite directions.

Bag 10 in Figure 140 illustrates an embodiment in which string 12 includes tags 30 and 31, which have projections 69 and 70 which enter bag 10. String 12 is attached to projection 69 and 70 by heat seal or glue patches 64 and 65, respectively.

Figure 141 shows one option for making tag 30 from paper or lightweight cardboard. Tag 30 may be constructed from a piece of card shaped as shown in the left hand drawing in Figure 141 which is then folded about fold line 61 to form tag 30 shown in the right hand drawing of Figure 141.

Figure 142 shows an embodiment of bag 10 in which slack 67 and 68 in string 12 is stored in projections 69 and 70, respectively.

Bag 10 in Figure 143 is similar to bag 10 in Figure 138, with slack 67 and 68 being stored in tags 30 and 31. The difference is that string 12 is not knotted together at 47 in the bag of

Figure 143 and there is no external compression means 53.

Bag 10 in Figure 144 shows the option of including knot 47 in the bag of Figure 143.

Turning now to bag 10 in Figure 145, this is a version of the double-chambered bag of the invention, showing projections from tags 30 and 31 entering bag 10.

Figures 146 to 153 are sectional side views of bag 10 in Figure 145, showing projections 69 and 70 in different positions in bag 10. In Figure 146, both projections 69 and 70 lie in the space formed between chambers 1 la and 1 lb. In Figure 147, projection 69 enters chamber 1 la while projection 70 enters chamber 1 lb. In Figure 148, projection 69 lies on the outside surface of chamber 1 la while projection 70 lies on the outside surface of chamber 1 lb. In Figure 69, both projections 69 (and 70 not shown) enter chamber 1 la. In Figure 150, projection 69 enters chamber 1 la while projection 70 enters the space formed between chamber 11 la and chamber 1 Ib.

In Figure 151, both projection 69 and 70 (not shown) lie on the outside surface of chamber 1 la. In Figure 152, projection 69 lies on the outside surface of chamber 1 la while projection 70 enters chamber 1 la. In Figure 153, projection 69 enters chamber 1 la while projection 70 lies on the outside surface of chamber 1 lb.

Turning now to Figure 154, this shows in plan view a continuous web of infusion bag material on which string 12 has been arranged, so that each bag segment, indicated at 10, has string 12 entering at entry point 15 and exiting at exit point 16. In this embodiment, a second layer of infusion bag material has been caused to lie over the first web after the arranging of string 12. (Infusion material is omitted for clarity.) At the same time as overlying the second layer, string 12 has been fixed nonslidably at entry point 15, and attached to tag 30 at exit point 16, tag 30 being detachable from the web of infusion bag material. In addition, string 12 has been secured slidably at locations 19 and 20.

When the first and second layers of material are severed at cut lines 71, a number of single chambered bags according to the invention will result.

Figure 154a shows in plan view the way in which singlechambered bags 10 may be manufactured in pairs and joined to form double chambered bags. Infusion material has been omitted for clarity. String 12 enters chamber 11 at entry point 15 and exits at exit point 16. String 12 outside of entry point 15 is joined to tag 30. String 12 is slidably secured at locations 19 and 20.

Cutting between each chamber 11, at cut lines 71 and 72, will result in a number of single chambered bags according to the invention.

Alternately, cutting along cut lines 71 only will result in pairs of bags according to the invention, each pair of which may be folded along what would have been cut line 72 to form double chambered bags.

Illustrated in Figure 155 is a non-limiting example of apparatus for manufacturing some of the bags of the present invention. (The numerals used in this Figure are different from those used in the other Figures.) The apparatus in Figure 155 is capable of continually making bags according to the invention, the apparatus 99 forming the bags in a direction from B to A. As a web of infusion bag material 143 travels from point B towards point A, pulley 113 causes fingers 115 to deposit string 156 from reel 157 to lie on web 143 as indicated at C.

Infusion material such as tea in hopper 131 is fed to dosing wheel 132 which deposits small mounds of tea on web 143. In the set-up illustrated, dosing wheel 132 deposits mounds 160 in pairs transversely on web 143. Dosing wheel 132 rotates on axle 117.

Rollers 118 and 119 cause a second web of infusion bag material 144 to wind over roller 122 and overlie mounds 60 and deposited string 156 on web 143. Rollers 118 and 119 also operate as heat welders and seal string 156 and mounds 60 into single or double-chambered portions between web 143 and 144 which are then formed into bags, either simultaneously or by subsequent operation.

Referring now to Figure 156, bag 10 is of conventional"doublechambered"type being formed from a tube of infusable bag material folded into a"W"shape at 56. Chambers 1 lA and 11B are joined together at the outer ends of top margin 57 by patches 64 and 65, being glue or heat seals at those locations.

Chambers 1 lA and 11B contain tea leaves or other infusable material (not shown) which are deposited during manufacture.

Suspension strings 12A and 12B (which together form a continuous length) enter bag 10 at entry points 15 and 16, respectively, and pass between chambers 1 lA and 1 nib. Chambers 11A and 11B are separate from one another at entry points 15 and 16 and thus strings 12A and 12B can slide freely at those points. However, strings 12a and 12B are confined to margin 57 by patches 64 and 65.

Strings 12A and 12B next pass out of bag 10 at side margins 74 and 75, respectively and

run along channel 73 in connection means 72. String 12A meets string 12B in channel 73; as has been mentioned, string 12A forms a continuous length with string 12B.

Tags 30 and 31 are fixed to each end of strings 12A and 12B to assist operation of bag 10.

When tags 30 and 31 are pulled in opposite directions, strings 12A and 12B bear against patches 64 and 65; bag 10 is compressed by continual pulling on strings 12A and 12B, so that channel 73 and margin 57 are drawn towards each other.

Turning now to Figure 157, bag 10 in Figure 157 is formed from a tube of infusable bag material folded into a"W"shape at 56 and having its open ends heat sealed at margin 57.

String 12A enters bag 10 through flange 14 and passes between chambers 1 la and 1 lb.

String 12A passes slidably along part of channel 73 at 19, being located in the channel wall at the base of chamber 1 lb. String 12B passes slidably along part of channel 73 at 21, being located in the channel wall at the base of chamber 11 a.

As well, string 12A joins string 12B, being secured nonslidably at 20 in flange 14.

In bag 10 in Figure 158, strings 12A and 12B enter chamber 1 la, being slidably secured at 19 and 21 in channel 73, and also being slidably secured at 20.

Neither string 12A nor string 12B enters chamber 1 lb. However, because chamber 1 lb is connected to chamber 1 la at the top and bottom of bag 10, when bag 10 is squeezed chamber 1 lb is compressed along with chamber 1 la.

Bag 10 in Figure 159 is basically the same as bag 10 in Figure 157, except that securement location 20 is nonslidable.

Figures 160 to 162 show different views of a bag similar to that in Figure 158, except that string 12B is fixed at entry point 16.

In bag 10 of Figure 163, chambers 1 la and 1 lb are linked by"W"fold 56 (not visible) and are surrounded by flanges 14a and 14b. String 12A enters bag 10 at entry point 15 between chambers 1 la and 1 lb and is secured at location 19 by being looped around part of channel 73. String 12A then re-enters bag 10 between chambers 1 la and l lob and is secured at upper location 20 in either a slidable or fixed manner. String 12B then travels back down to channel 73 where it is looped in a mirror reverse configuration to that already described.

String 12B enters bag 10 at entry point 16.

Bag 10 in Figure 164 is basically the same as bag 10 in Figure 162, except that chambers

1 la and 1 lb are not surrounded by flanges. Instead, bag 10 is made in a traditional method of constructing a double chambered bag with longitudinal heatsealed or crimped seam 58, with chambers 1 la and 1 I b connected through W fold 56.

In the case of bags 10 in Figures 163 and 164, and this is also applicable to bags 10 in Figures 165 to 172, strings 12A and 12B can travel through chamber 1 la or they can be secured on the face of chamber 1 la which will be covered by chamber 1 lb when bag 10 is assembled. In both cases, when tags 30 and 31 are used to squeeze bag 10, chamber 1 lb will be compressed along with chamber 11 a.

In Figure 165, bag 10 is similar to bag 10 in Figure 163, except that securement locations 19 and 21 are located in the corners of chamber 1 la. Similarly, bag 10 in Figure 166 has securement locations 19 and 21 in the corners of chamber 1 la.

Bag 10 in Figure 167 is similar to bag 10 in Figure 163, except that strings 12A and 12B are secured at locations 25 and 26 and meet where they run along channel 73 at 24.

Bag 10 in Figure 168 is similar to bag 10 in Figure 164, except that strings 12A and 12B are secured at locations 25 and 26 and meet where they run along channel 73 at 24.

Similar versions of bag 10 are shown in Figures 169 and 170. Bag 10 in Figure 169 has chambers 1 la and 1 lb divided by"W"fold 56. However, neither flange 14a nor flange 14b separates chamber 1 la from chamber 1 lb. String 12A travels around a heat seal at location 19 and is trapped in the heat sealed flange at location 20. String 12B runs around a heat seal at location 21 and is also trapped in the heat sealed flange at location 20, where it joins string 12A.

Bag 10 in Figure 170 differs from bag 10 in Figure 169 in that flanges 14A and 14b separate chambers 1 la from 1 lb and form the connection means. Bag 10 in Figure 170 has strings 12A and 12B slidably secured in heat sealed flange 14a at locations 19 and 21, as well as at 20.

Bag 10 in Figure 171 is similar to bag 10 in Figure 163, except that there are several securement location, 32,33,34,35,36,37,39 and 40.

Bag 10 in Figure 172 is similar to that in Figure 171, except that it is constructed with a longitudinal seam 58 rather than each of the chambers 11 la and 1 lb being surrounded by flanges 14a and 14b.

Figures 173,174 and 175 are different views of the same bag 10, Figure 173 being a plan view showing chambers 1 la and 1 lb opened out, Figure 174 being a cross-sectional side elevation and Figure 175 being a plan view of bag 10 when assembled. String 12A travels from entry point 15 through chamber 1 la until string 12A exits chamber 1 la at eyelet 63.

Thereafter, string 12A loops around chamber 11 a and re-enters eyelet 63 to lie on the upper face of the rest of chamber 1 la to securement location 20. This procedure is reversed for string 12B to entry point 16.

Turning now to Figures 176 to 178, bag 10 in Figure 176, shown in plan view with chambers 1 la and l lb opened out, has string 12A secured at locations 19 and 20. Figure 177 is a side elevation of the bag of Figure 176. To assemble bag 10, chamber 1 la is folded towards chamber 1 lb along fold line 61 until the angle X is zero degrees or almost zero degrees. Chambers 1 la and 1 lb are then secured together in a desired manner.

Figure 179 shows in plan view a double chambered bag 10 having round chambers 11 a and 1 lb (1 lb not visible), strings 12A and 12B running along channel 73. Tag 30 is joined to tag 31 along perforated line 29 and tags 30 and 31 may be separated before compressing bag 10. Heatsealing at the region between entry points 15 and 16 serves to hold chambers 1 la and 1 lb together. Strings 12A and 12b are slidable through the heatsealing.

Bag 10 in Figure 180 has triangular chambers 1 la and 1 lb (not visible) and otherwise is similar to bag 10 in Figure 179.

Figure 181 shows bag 10 having triangular chambers 1 la and 1 lb and glue patches 64 and 65 holding the chambers together.

In Figure 182, bag 10 has tetrahedral chambers 1 la and 1 lb, with strings 12A and 12b running through a cylinder in"W"fold 56. Bag 10 would be assembled before use, so that chambers 1 la and 1 lb are joined at their top margins, as shown in the plan view of Figure 183.

Figure 184 shows a different variation of the bag 10 of Figure 180, with strings 12A and 12B joining between entry point 15 and tag 30.

Bag 10 of Figure 185 has cubic chambers 1 la and 1 lb. Apart form the shape of these chambers, bag 10 in Figure 185 is similar to bag 10 in Figure 156. Patches 64 and 65 have been omitted from the illustration in Figure 185, but would be included to connect chamber 1 la to chamber 1 lb and restrain strings 12A and 12B to margin 57.

Figure 186 shows how strings 12A and 12B need not be constrained within margin 57, however. In this Figure, bag 10 has means 76 and 77 which serve to guide strings 12A and 12B, respectively. Means 76 and 77 may take various forms, such as staples, eyelets, grommets, etc. As another variation, means 76 and 77 could consist of lacing of strings 12A and 12B respectively along some or all of the vertical sides of bag 10.

In Figure 187, strings 12A and 12B are secured at 19 by glue or a staple, etc, in a nonslidable manner.

In Figure 188, patches 64 and 65 which join chamber 1 la to chamber 1 lb are elongated along part of the vertical sides of bag 10, for added strength when strings 12A and 12B are pulled to compress bag 10. Because the distance between the entry points of strings 12A and 12B into bag 10 is relatively wide, when bag 10 is compressed, the squeezing will take place more vertically than horizontally (similar to turning out a sock).

In Figure 189, strings 12A and 12B pass through patches 64 and 65 in a slidable manner, for example, through a channel formed for the purpose in each patch or because of the nature of the heat seal or glue used.

In Figure 190, tags 30 and 31 are connected to bag 10 but can be disconnected before use.

In addition, slack 22 and 23 in strings 12A and 12B respectively are stored in bag 10, either between chambers 11 la and 1 lb, or in either chamber, to prevent tangling before use.

Bag 10 in Figure 191 has a heatsealed or glued portion 78 which continues along the whole of margin 57, strings 12A and/or 12B being slidable through portion 78. Chambers 11 a and 1 lb are joined together by portion 78.

In Figure 192, chambers 11 la and 1 lb are joined not only by elongated patches 64 and 65 but also by"T"shaped portion 79, which also serves as a guide to strings 12A and 12B.

Bag 10 in Figure 193 has small corner patches 64 and 65 and additional guide patches 80 and 81. Strings 12A and 12B may both pass slidably through patches 80 and 81, or one may be anchored nonslidably.

In Figure 194, bag 10 has a glued or heatsealed portion 78 which extends not only along margin 57 but also to a further extent between chambers 1 la and 1 lob. Strings 12A and 12b pass slidably through portion 78. Because of the wide distance between entry points 15 and 16 and the fact that strings 12A and 12B are held closely together in the middle of bag 10, when bag 10 is compressed the squeezing action will take place both vertically and

horizontally.

Bag 10 in Figure 195 includes additional heat seals or glued areas 59 and 60 to act as guides for strings 12A and 12B.

Figures 196 to 198 show in side elevation how string 12A or 12B (12A is illustrated) may run through the middle of channel 73 (Figure 196), or in a tube formed at the top of"W" fold 56 (Figure 197) or through a side wall of"W"fold 56 (Figure 198).

Turning now to Figure 199, patches 64 and 65 are shown extending vertically and horizontally at upper corners of bag 10. In addition, strings 12A and 12B run along channel 73 until they enter the space between chambers 1 la and 1 lob at location 19, where string 12A also joins string 12B. String 12A/12B may be to be anchored or slidable at location 19.

Because of the narrow distance between entry points 15 and 16, when bag 10 is compressed the squeezing action will take place both vertically and horizontally.

Bag 10 in Figure 200 is a further development of bag 10 in Figure 199, since strings 12A and 12B not only enter the space between chambers 1 la and l lb after running along channel 73, but also travel up towards margin 57 to meet at patch 59, being a heat seal or glue, etc, between chambers 1 la and l lb.

Figure 201 shows how bag 10 can have strings 12A and 12B joined in loop 49, which can act as a convenient means for pulling strings 12A and 12B when compressing bag 10. In this embodiment, string 12A ends at location 19, where it is anchored by glue or the like, and string 12B ends at location 21, where it is anchored by the same means.

Figure 202 shows an embodiment of bag 10 where strings 12A and 12B do not loop from the inside of bag 10 to the outside before running along channel 73, but instead stay within the confines of bag 10. Strings 12A and 12B pass between chambers 1 la and l lob and then penetrate"W"fold 56 to loop along channel 73. Because of the relatively wide distance between the entry points of strings 12A and 12B, when bag 10 is compressed, the squeezing action will be similar to turning out a sock.

In Figure 203, strings 12A and 12B do not join, but are independent. String 12A travels from tag 30 through margin 57 (being guided by patches 64 and 65), between chambers 1 la and 1 lb to run along a flange forming connection means 72. String 12A then passes back up between chambers 1 la and 1 lb to be anchored by patch 64. String 12B follows a similar route from tag 31 to patch 65.

Turning now to Figure 204, while string 12B is joined to tag 30, string 12A terminates at patch 79. String 12A is anchored nonslidably at patch 79, while string 12B can slide through patch 79.

Bag 10 in Figure 205 is similar to bag 10 in Figures 160 to 162, except that instead of securement location 20 being near margin 57, strings 12A/12B meet and can pivot around patch 82.

In Figure 206, bag 10 has separate strings 12A and 12B which do not join.

In Figure 207, each of strings 12A and 12B forms an endless loop, passing through (either slidably or nonslidably) patches 83 and 84 which also serve to connect chamber 1 la to chamber llb.

Figure 208 shows both chambers 1 la and 1 lb, lying in substantially the same plane. This is an example of the bag of the invention where the first chamber does not overlie the second.

Both strings 12A and 12B run along connection means or flange 72.

Figure 209 shows an example of the bag of the invention where the chambers are opened out. During manufacture, chamber 1 la would be separated from chamber 1 lb by folding along connection means 72 and adding heatsealing or other means to restrain strings 12a and 12b to run along connection means 72. In the finished bag, chamber 1 la will overlie chamber l lb (not shown).

In Figure 210, strings 12A and 12B cross as shown to meet at location 20, where they may be slidable or anchored. Strings 12A and 12B may be joined together (or be strands of a multi-stranded string) outside bag 10 and until they reach locations 19 and 21, when they separate.

In Figure 211, strings 12A and 12B join to form loop 49, which can be used to pull strings 12A and 12B. Alternately, tags 30 and 31, which are presented removably attached to bag 10, may be detached from bag 10, separated by tearing along perforated line 29, and used to pull strings 12a and 12B in opposite directions.

Figure 212 shows an embodiment where strings 12A and 12B meet to run along connection means 72, having entered bag 10 through a vertical side. In addition, further strings 12C and 12D join to loop around string 12A. To compress bag 10, one pulls on tag 31 and on tag 30. Optionally, strings 12A and 12B are joined or part of a two-stranded string outside bag 10 form tag 30 to entry points 15 and 16, and separate within bag 10.

In Figure 213, each of strings 12A and 12B runs along substantially the whole length of connection means 72 before being joined to tags 30 and 31 by knotting.

Bag 10 in Figure 214 is similar to bag 10 in Figure 209, except that strings 12A and 12B cross.

In Figure 215, strings 12A and 12B meet and loop back into the space between chambers 1 la and 1 lb, where they pass through a loop formed by the joining of strings 12c and 12D.

This bag can be compressed in a similar manner to that described for Figure 212.

Figure 216 also has some similarities to Figure 212, except that strings 12A and 12B are independent of each other. Strings 12A and 12B may each have strands which are joined outside bag 10, as in the case of Figure 212.

In bag 10 of Figure 217, chambers 1 la and 1 lb are linked by"W"fold 56 and heat seals 59 and 60. String 12A enters bag 10 at entry point 15 between chambers 1 la and 1 lb and loops around part of channel 73. String 12A then re-enters bag 10 between chambers 1 la and 1 lob and is secured at upper location 20 in either a slidable or fixed manner, where it joins string 12B. String 12B then travels back down to channel 73 it is looped in a mirror reverse configuration to that already described. String 12 exits bag 10 at point 16.

Bag 10 in Figure 218 has patches 64 and 65 connecting chamber 1 la to chamber 1 lb (see Figures 219 and 220, which are side elevations of two versions of bag 10 in Figure 218).

Strings 12A and 12B can pivot around patches 83 and 84 joining chambers 1 la to 1 lb (Figure 220) or can pass through patches 83 and 84 (Figure 219).

Figure 221 shows in side elevation how a single-chambered bag lOa can be joined to a single-chambered bag 1 Ob in a head-to-toe configuration. Each of bags 1 Oa and 1 Ob has a fold line 27a and 27b, respectively, around part of chamber 11 la and 1 lb, a flange 14 surrounding the remainder of chamber 1 la and l lb, respectively. Flange 14 of bag lOa is joined by glue or heatsealing or other means to fold line 27b of bag 1 Ob.

Strings 12A (and 12B, not shown) is shown as entering bag lOa and may do so in flange 14 or within chamber 1 la.

It will be appreciated from the foregoing that this aspect of the invention includes multi- chambered bags made from a plurality of bags according to the invention.

From the embodiments described above, it will be seen that some of those embodiments may be broadly described as relating to an infusion bag having a flexible handle which

enters the bag at an entry point and exits the bag at an exit point, the flexible handle being secured at a location on a first margin of the bag and also secured at a location on a second margin generally opposing the first margin, neither location being the entry point or the exit point.

Some of the embodiments of the invention may be broadly described as relating to an infusion bag having a flexible handle which is secured to the bag at a principal securement location on a first margin of the bag, there being a second securement location on a generally opposed second margin of the bag, the flexible handle entering and exiting the bag at the first margin.

It will also be appreciated from the foregoing that this invention includes multi-chambered bags made from a plurality of bags according to the invention.

In some embodiments, especially where the entry and exit points for the flexible handle are relatively close together, compression of the bag of the invention will take place in two directions: the bag will tend to compress both vertically and horizontally. In contrast, when there is a relatively wide distance between the entry and the exit points, compression will be substantially vertically; in other words, the bag will tend to compress as if the second segment was attempting to pull through the first segment, somewhat like turning a sock inside out. Of course, the bag of the invention would not actually turn inside out in normal operation, since this would require rupture of the bag. However, the general effect of compression of the bag of the invention, in some of the embodiments described, would be in this way.

As has been explained, in some embodiments the bag can be compressed by pulling the flexible handles, each in an opposite direction. If external compression means are mounted on the handles, pulling the handles in opposite directions can cause the external compression means to slide down the handles and assist in compression.

It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that other embodiments of the infusion bag of the invention may be manufactured in a similar or different manner and that the above embodiments are not limiting on the scope of the invention. In particular, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that in many cases features from some embodiments in the drawings may be incorporated in or exchanged for other features in other embodiments.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The invention has application as an improvement in relation to infusion bags, especially squeezable infusion bags, for which there is already a proven consumer demand.

The invention provides various forms of improved bags, as well as improved manufacturing methods and manufacturing apparatus and represents a significant step forward in the art.