Infusion/strainer device and method for manufacturing the strainer

Abstract

A straining / stirring device and a method for manufacturing a straining device are provided. The straining device includes a handle, a frame, which is positioned at an end of the handle, and a compartment containing a medium to be strained. The compartment includes a top porous surface and a bottom porous surface, and is affixed to the frame. Further, the compartment is configured so as to strain the medium through at least one of the top porous surface and the bottom porous surface. The medium to be strained may include a beverage, medicine, or soup ingredient. Accordingly, the straining device provides a convenient apparatus for preparing a beverage, a food, or a medicine, and for a variety of utensil applications such as stirring or collecting and adding an additive.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority from U.S. application Ser. No. 29 / 277,510, filed Feb. 28, 2007, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]Apparatuses and methods consistent with the present invention relate generally to a staining or infusing devices and, more particularly, to an improved straining device that may be used for the preparation of various types of beverages and foods, such as tea, coffee, soup, or the like.[0004]2. Related Art[0005]It is often desirable to prepare an individual serving of a beverage or a food, such as tea, coffee, soup, or the like, without using cumbersome equipment such as coffee pots, tea pots, microwaves, etc. It is also desirable to collect and add various additives such as sweeteners or flavorings to such a beverage or a food in order to enhance flavor. Further, it is often desirable to stir or mix the serving being prepared. And, it is desirable to...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is about an infusion or straining device that addresses problems with conventional strainers. The device has a disposable spoon that is pre-loaded with a substance for making a beverage, such as tea or coffee, and can also be used as a regular spoon. The spoon has a compartment with a top and bottom porous surface that can dispense the medium through the porous surfaces. The device also has a frame and handle, and the compartment is supported by the frame. The device can be easily and cheaply manufactured using conventionally available technology. The technical effects of the invention include providing a convenient and efficient solution for making beverages, as well as addressing common strainer issues."

Problems solved by technology

However, each of these prior art devices may provide one benefit, but be lacking in other areas, and none enables concurrent delivery of both the strained or infused substance (tea, coffee, etc.) and additives (sugar, etc.) and enable using the device for stirring.

The conventional straining devices suffer from numerous long-standing but unresolved disadvantages.

For example, conventional straining spoons fail to efficiently dispense the beverage ingredient that is pre-filled therein.

Since only one of the walls of conventional straining spoons has apertures formed therein, such conventional straining spoons only permit the free flow of liquid into and out of the compartment having the beverage ingredient from a single side of the straining spoon.

Additionally, conventional straining spoons are complicated and expensive to manufacture.

But, such pre-filling methods are complex and are relatively expensive to implement, thereby making it prohibitive to be disposable.

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