Device for preparing an infusion

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10e) for preparing an infusion, configured to hold and slide a connecting thread of a bag containing a product to be infused. The device comprises a body (11e) of general longitudinal shape and including a handle (12), a first bearing surface (13), an intermediate region (14) and a second bearing surface (15), the bearing surfaces (13, 15) being intended to bear on the edge of a container, the intermediate region (14) comprising a pressing wall (140c) including an opening (16d) for the passage of the connecting thread (3). The opening (16d) has the shape of an open longitudinal slot that extends from one end of the device opposite the handle (12) to the intermediate region (14), and the device comprises a wall (19) for retaining the bag forming, with the pressing wall (140c), a space (190) for receiving the bag.

Description

[0001] Device for preparing an infusion

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to the preparation of an infusion, and in particular, to the preparation of an infusion from a porous bag or perforated capsule. The present invention relates more particularly to a device for preparing an infusion, configured to ensure the holding and sliding of a connecting wire of an infusion bag or a perforated capsule. The present invention also relates to an infusion bag structure containing or intended to contain a product to be infused.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Many beverages are prepared by submerging an infused product in a liquid such as hot water for a period of time. For this purpose, the infused product may be placed in a porous reservoir, such as a porous bag or a perforated capsule often referred to as a "tea ball." Immersing the bag or capsule in the liquid allows the soluble elements of the infused product contained in the bag or capsule to diffuse into the liquid, producing the infusion. Generally, the longer the infused product is kept in the liquid, the stronger the infusion. However, with some infusions such as tea, it is generally best not to leave the infusion in the liquid for too long, to avoid the infusion being too strong or too bitter.

[0006] To facilitate control of the infusion time, the porous bag is usually attached to the end of a string, the opposite end of which is attached to a label. In this way, the bag can be immersed and removed from the liquid at any time without having to hold the bag or put fingers in the liquid, or without having to use an additional instrument such as a spoon. However, at the end of the infusion time, it is necessary to remove the bag from the liquid and drain it, which also requires an additional instrument such as a spoon to press the bag, and a container to place the bag once drained to prevent the residual liquid remaining in the bag from spreading around the bag.

[0007] Patent application EP 3 586 691 in the name of the applicant proposes a solution for simplifying the steps of removing and draining an infusion bag or a perforated capsule, and also for squeezing an infusion bag. More particularly and as illustrated in Figure 1, EP 3 586 691 discloses a device for preparing an infusion comprising a lid 1 configured to be placed on the edge of an opening of a container for preparing an infusion. The lid 1 comprises a retaining element 2 secured to an internal face of the lid, configured to ensure the holding and sliding of a connecting wire 3 coupled to a bag 4 containing a product to be infused. The retaining element 2 comprises a partition 5 secured to the internal face of the lid, which has an opening 6. After the wire has passed through the opening 6, the bag 4 can be pressed against the partition 5 by pulling on the wire, without having to remove the lid from the container.The cover 1 also comprises a locking member 7 cooperating with the wire 3 to lock the bag 4 in different adjustable positions, including after pressing the bag and without having to remove the cover from the container.

[0008] It also appears that the market for disposable or reusable infusion bags does not offer a bag capable of being pressed as proposed by EP 3 586 691. In particular, a tea bag marketed under the brand name Tetley ® is known which comprises a two-pronged connecting thread which penetrates the tea bag via a first edge thereof, then passes through the tea-receiving volume inside the bag to be attached to a second edge of the bag, opposite the first edge. By exerting traction on the two threads at the same time, while separating them, the second edge is brought back towards the first edge, which causes a sort of compression of the bag. Such a bag structure is however not perfectly suited to the device described by EP 3 586 691 which only provides for the pulling of the connecting thread without separating its two branches, and which uses a pressing partition.Such a bag structure is also not suitable for producing a reusable bag due to the presence of the thread in the tea receiving volume. It might therefore be desirable to provide an infusion bag structure that is more suitable for pressing than conventional bags. It might also be desirable to provide a device for preparing an infusion that allows anyone who does not have the lid of Figure 1 to benefit from the draining and optionally bag pressing function offered by such a lid. In particular, it might be desirable to provide a device for preparing an infusion that is compact, portable and, for example, usable during a trip. It might also be desirable to provide a device for preparing an infusion that can be produced simply and inexpensively.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010] Embodiments of the invention relate to a device for preparing an infusion, configured to ensure the holding and sliding of a connecting wire of a sachet containing a product to be infused, the device comprising a body of generally longitudinal shape along a longitudinal axis, the body comprising a handle, a first bearing surface, an intermediate region and a second bearing surface, the bearing surfaces being provided to bear on the edge of a container, the intermediate region comprising a pressing wall comprising an opening for the passage of the connecting wire, against which the sachet can be pressed by pulling on the connecting wire after having passed the connecting wire through the opening.The opening has the form of an open longitudinal slot which extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis from an end of the device opposite the handle to the intermediate region, and the device comprises a bag retaining wall forming with the pressing wall a bag receiving volume.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the device is configured such that when the first bearing surface and the second bearing surface are arranged on a container arranged on a horizontal surface, the pressing wall extends in a plane parallel or substantially parallel to the surface of a liquid present in the container.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the pressing wall has, along a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, a width greater than the width of the first bearing surface and the second bearing surface.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the width of the slot is chosen to allow the introduction into the slot of a chain of perforated capsules of the tea ball type.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the device comprises a member for locking the connecting wire making it possible to lock the bag in different adjustable positions, including after pressing the bag.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the part of the body comprising the handle and the first bearing surface has a circular section and is of a substantially cylindrical general shape.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the part of the body comprising the handle and the first bearing surface is hollow and has a distal end provided with a stopper.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the part of the body comprising the handle and the first support surface flares out and has a distal end forming a sort of foot thanks to which the device can be placed vertically on a horizontal surface, such as the surface of a table.

[0018] Embodiments also relate to a combined infusion preparation unit, comprising an infusion preparation device as previously described, and a reservoir part delimiting a volume for receiving a product, material or object capable of various uses, in particular capable of receiving a certain quantity of a substance to be infused, the reservoir part comprising a lower face and a longitudinal rail secured to the lower face, the rail being shaped to penetrate and slide in the open longitudinal slot of the infusion preparation device, in order to allow the reservoir part to be fitted onto the infusion preparation device.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the second bearing surface of the infusion preparation device has two parallel beams or blades separated by the longitudinal slot and the lower face of the reservoir part comprises a longitudinal groove in which the longitudinal rail is arranged, the longitudinal rail dividing the longitudinal groove into two longitudinal half-grooves each receiving one of the two parallel beams or blades of the second bearing surface of the infusion preparation device, and a beam or blade arranged on the longitudinal rail perpendicular to it and parallel to the bottom of the longitudinal groove, to hold in the two longitudinal half-grooves the two parallel beams or blades of the second bearing surface of the infusion preparation device, when the reservoir part is fitted onto the infusion preparation device.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the beam or blade arranged on the longitudinal rail of the reservoir part, comprises a distal part in the form of a flexible blade which extends opposite the pressing wall of the device for preparing an infusion when the reservoir part is fitted thereon.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the distal part in the form of a flexible blade comprises at its end a bulge which cooperates with a hollow provided on the pressing wall of the device for preparing an infusion when the reservoir part is fitted thereon, such that the distal part in the form of a blade, the bulge and the hollow provided on the pressing wall together form a means of elastic locking of the fitting of the reservoir part on the device for preparing an infusion.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the reservoir part comprises an upper wall delimiting with its lower face the volume for receiving product, material or object, the upper wall of the reservoir part comes into contact with the retaining wall of the sachet when the reservoir part is fitted onto the device for preparing an infusion, the shape of the upper wall of the reservoir part coincides with the shape of the retaining wall of the sachet along the points of contact of the two walls, the lower face of the reservoir part comes into contact with the pressing wall when the reservoir part is fitted onto the device for preparing an infusion, and the shape of the lower face of the reservoir part coincides with the shape of the pressing wall along the points of contact of the two walls when the reservoir part is fitted onto the device for preparing an infusion.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the product, material or object reception volume delimited by the reservoir part coincides with the reception volume of the sachet of the infusion preparation device when the reservoir part is fitted onto the infusion preparation device, the reservoir part and the infusion preparation device together delimiting, when they are fitted together, a closed volume formed by the sum of the product, material or object reception volume of the reservoir part and the sachet reception volume of the infusion preparation device.

[0024] Embodiments also relate to an infusion assembly, comprising a device for preparing an infusion as described above or a combined infusion preparation as described above, an infusion bag containing or intended to contain a product to be infused, the bag comprising a proximal edge, a distal edge, a first lateral edge, a second lateral edge, and a connecting wire for immersing the bag in a liquid, the connecting wire comprising a first leg having one end attached to the bag and a second leg having one end attached to the bag, a first throat section extending along the first lateral edge of the bag, a second throat section extending along the second lateral edge of the bag, the first leg of the connecting wire extending into the first throat section and having its end attached to the distal edge of the bag,the second branch of the binding wire extending into the second throat section and having its end attached to the distal edge of the bag, such that pulling on the binding wire, when the proximal edge of the bag is resting against a pressing wall, brings the distal edge of the bag towards the proximal edge and causes the bag to be pressed.,

[0025] Embodiments also relate to a method of preparing an infusion, comprising steps of providing a container filled with a liquid, providing a sachet containing a product to be infused, coupled to a connecting wire, providing a device for preparing an infusion as previously described or a combined infusion preparation device as previously described, introducing the connecting wire into the opening of the device, placing the device above the container with the first bearing surface and the second bearing surface resting on the edge of the container, and locking the sachet in a position in which it is immersed in the liquid present in the container.

[0026] In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of pulling the binding wire so that the bag comes into contact with the pressing wall.

[0027] Embodiments also relate to an infusion bag containing or intended to contain a product to be infused, comprising a proximal edge, a distal edge, a first lateral edge, a second lateral edge, and a connecting wire for immersing the bag in a liquid, in which the connecting wire passes through a groove made in the bag and running all or part of the periphery of the bag, such that pulling on the wire, when the proximal edge of the bag is resting against a pressing wall, brings the distal edge of the bag towards the proximal edge and causes the bag to be pressed.

[0028] In one embodiment, the groove includes a first groove section extending along the first side edge, and a second groove section extending along the second side edge, and the binding wire includes a first leg that extends into the first groove section and has an end attached to the distal edge of the pouch, and a second leg that extends into the second groove section and has an end attached to the distal edge of the pouch.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the groove includes a third groove section extending along the distal edge of the pouch, the first leg of the binding wire extends into the first groove section and into a portion of the third groove where its end is attached to the distal edge of the pouch, and the second leg of the binding wire extends into the second groove section and into a portion of the third groove where its end is attached to the distal edge of the pouch.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the connecting wire is uninterrupted between its first and second branches, and extends entirely into the third groove where there is a point of attachment to the bag of the end of its first branch and a point of attachment to the bag of the end of its second branch, the two points of attachment being able to be combined.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the bag comprises a first and a second piece of a porous material assembled together, the groove being delimited by at least two assembly lines of the first and second pieces.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the first and second parts are not assembled along the proximal edge of the bag, to form an opening for introducing the product to be infused.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the bag comprises a closure means comprising a flap formed by a portion of the second piece which covers the first piece, and in which each branch of the connecting wire passes through the flap.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the bag comprises a closure means comprising first and second flexible rods or strips secured at their ends, the first rod or strip being secured to the first part, the second rod or strip being secured to the second part.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the bag comprises first and second pieces assembled by sewing, and has an overlock stitch which assembles the first and second pieces and extends inside the bag, the connecting thread crossing the overlock stitch at several points and extending alternately on two sides of the overlock stitch.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the bag includes a stitching line made a few millimeters from its edges to trap the overlock and prevent debris from the product to be infused from subsequently becoming lodged between the first or second pieces and the overlock.

[0037] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0038] Embodiments of a device for preparing an infusion, a combined infusion preparation device and an infusion bag according to the invention will be described in the following without limitation, in relation to the attached figures among which:

[0039] - figure 1 shows a device for preparing an infusion according to the prior art,

[0040] - figure 2 is a bottom view of a device for preparing an infusion according to the invention,

[0041] - figure 3 shows a use of the device of figure 2,

[0042] - figure 4 shows another use of the device of figure 2, - figure 5 is a bottom view of a variant of the device of figure 2,

[0043] - figure 6 is a bottom view of another variant of the device of figure 2,

[0044] - figure 7 is a bottom view of another variant of the device of figure 2,

[0045] - figure 8 is a bottom view of another variant of the device of figure 2,

[0046] - figure 9 and figure 10 are respectively bottom and top views of another variant of the device of figure 2,

[0047] - figure 11 shows a use of the device of figures 9, 10,

[0048] - figure 12 shows another use of the device of figures 9, 10,

[0049] - figure 13 shows another use of the device of figures 9, 10,

[0050] - figure 14 shows another use of the device of figures 9, 10,

[0051] - figure 15A and figure 15B show in a front view and a rear view an embodiment of an infusion bag according to the invention,

[0052] - figure 16 shows a variant of the bag of figures 15 A, 15B,

[0053] - figure 17 shows another variant of the bag of figures 15 A, 15B,

[0054] - figure 18 shows another variant of the bag of figures 15 A, 15B,

[0055] - figure 19A and figure 19B show another variant of the bag of figures 15 A, 15B,

[0056] - figure 20 shows a detail of the bag of figures 19 A, 19B,

[0057] - figure 21 shows another variant of the bag of figures 15 A, 15B,

[0058] - figure 22 shows another variant of the bag of figures 15 A, 15B,

[0059] - Figure 23A, Figure 23B, Figure 23C, Figure 23D, Figure 23E, Figure 23F, Figure 23G, Figure 23H, Figure 23I, Figure 23J, Figure 23K illustrate a method of manufacturing the sachet of Figure 16,

[0060] - figures 24 and 25 show a combined infusion preparation unit according to the invention before fitting together two parts constituting it,

[0061] - figures 26, 27 show the combined infusion preparation unit according to the invention after fitting the two parts constituting it, and

[0062] - Figure 28 is an expanded view of part of Figure 27.

[0063] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] Figure 2 is a bottom view of a device 10 for preparing an infusion according to the invention, configured to ensure the holding and sliding of a connecting wire 3 of a sachet 4 containing a product to be infused.

[0065] The device 10 comprises a body 11 of generally longitudinal shape which comprises, along a longitudinal axis LL' and going from one end of the device to the other, a handle 12, a first bearing surface 13, an intermediate region 14 and a second bearing surface 15. The bearing surfaces 13, 15 are provided to come to bear on the edge of a container. The intermediate region 14 comprises a pressing wall 140 comprising an opening 16 for the passage of the connecting wire 3 and against which the bag 4 can be pressed by pulling on the connecting wire 3 after having passed the connecting wire through the opening 16. The pressing wall 140 is oriented in a horizontal plane corresponding here to the plane of FIG. 2, which includes the longitudinal axis LL' and a transverse axis TT' perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LL'.This horizontal plane is defined as being a plane parallel, or substantially parallel to within a few degrees, to the surface of the liquid in which an infusion is to be prepared.

[0066] The opening 16 is here in the form of a slot oriented along the longitudinal axis LL', to allow the passage of a label 5 fixed to the end of the connecting wire 3.

[0067] In Figure 2, the lower face of the pressing wall 140 is flat, but could also be of a concave shape adapted to the shape of a bag. Similarly, the first bearing surface 13 and the second bearing surface 15 are flat, but could be of a shape suitable for a particular shape of a container rim. Also, the lower face of the handle 12 is flat but any raised shape could also be retained, in particular for decorative reasons.

[0068] The upper faces of the handle 12, of the first bearing surface 13, of the intermediate region 14 and of the second bearing surface 15, not visible in FIG. 2, may also be flat or have any relief shape that may be desired, in particular for decorative reasons.

[0069] As also shown in Figure 2, the body 11 of the device 10 may also comprise connecting regions 17a, 17b, 17c extending between, respectively, the handle 12 and the first bearing surface 13, the first bearing surface 13 and the intermediate region 14, the intermediate region 14 and the second bearing surface 15, which may be of any width or shape. The device 10 may also comprise extensions 17d, 17e extending respectively beyond the second bearing surface 15 and the handle 12.

[0070] Figure 3 shows an example of use of the device 10 in association with a container 8 containing a liquid 9. The body 11 of the device 10 seen in profile here has flat upper and lower faces, including in its region forming the handle 12. The surfaces 13, 15 bear on the edge of the container 8 and more particularly on two opposite sections of the edge of the container. The device 10 is arranged in the horizontal plane as defined above and the pressing wall 140 extends parallel to the surface of the liquid or substantially parallel if the container is placed on a support which is not horizontal or has an edge of irregular shape. The connecting wire 3 passes through the slot 16 and the bag 4 is immersed in the liquid 9. At its other end, the wire 3 is wound around the handle 12, to lock the bag 4 in the position shown.In Figure 4, the user unlocked the wire 3, then pulled on the wire to raise the bag 4 until it came to rest against the pressing wall 14. The user then rewound the wire 3 around the handle 12, to lock the bag in the draining position. These operations can be carried out while the device 10 is still placed on the container.

[0071] Figure 5 is a bottom view of a particularly simple and inexpensive embodiment 10a of the device, in which the body 11a has the shape of a flat stick in which the orifice 16 has been made, here in the form of a longitudinal slot. The different regions of the stick 11a fulfill the aforementioned functions, respectively the functions of handle 12, first bearing surface 13, intermediate region 14 and second bearing surface 15. The pressing wall 140 is the part of the stick 11a which extends around the slot 16.

[0072] Figure 6 is a bottom view of an embodiment 10b of the device which differs from embodiment 10a in that the body 11b, still in the form of a flat stick, has two notches 180, 181 made in the handle 12, facilitating the winding and blocking of the connecting wire 3 around the handle 12. In a variant, the notches are replaced by a peripheral groove or groove made in the handle 12.

[0073] Figure 7 is a bottom view of an embodiment 10c of the device which differs from embodiment 10b in that the body 11c, still in the form of a flat stick, comprises a pressing wall 140c of greater width and therefore of greater surface area than the pressing wall of the device 10b, obtained here by a widening of the intermediate region 14 of the stick along the transverse axis TT'.

[0074] Figure 8 is a bottom view of an embodiment 10d of the device which differs from embodiment 10c in that the body 11d, still in the form of a flat stick, has an opening in the form of an open longitudinal slot 16d which extends from one end of the device opposite the handle 12, here the end of the bearing surface 15, to the pressing wall 140c. Such an open slot 16d facilitates the introduction of the connecting wire 3 into the slot by passing through the end of the slot without having to pass the label 5 of the bag into the slot. This embodiment also makes it possible to use the device 10d with a perforated capsule such as a tea ball, connected to a chain at the end of which there is a fixing or gripping means such as a hook.It then becomes possible to engage the chain in the slot 16d without having to pass the fixing or gripping means through it, and it is then not necessary to increase the width of the slot to allow the passage of this element.

[0075] Figures 9, 10 are top and bottom views of an embodiment 10e of the device which differs from embodiment 10d in that a wall 19 for retaining the bag, forming a sort of “cover” is assembled on the rear face of the body 11e of the device 10e, above the pressing wall 140c. The retaining wall 19 connects two edges of the pressing wall 140c and forms with it a volume 190 for receiving the bag. The wall 19 can be assembled by gluing to the body 11e but the assembly can also be made from a single block, for example by injection of a thermoplastic material or by 3D printing. As another modification compared to embodiment 10d, the locking member formed by the notches 180, 181 is replaced by a locking member comprising a cylindrical protuberance 182 fixed on the front face of the body 11e.The protuberance 182 comprises, near the body 1, a part 183 of smaller diameter forming an annular groove or throat 184 in which the connecting wire can be wound.

[0076] Figure 11 shows an example of use of the device 10e similar to the example of Figure 3, in association with a container 8 containing a liquid 9. The device 10e is horizontal or substantially horizontal, the surfaces 13, 15 bearing on the edge of the container 8. The pressing wall 140c is itself horizontal or substantially horizontal. The connecting wire 3 passes through the slot 16d, passes through the receiving volume 190 delimited by the wall 19, and the bag 4 is immersed in the liquid 9. At its other end, the wire 3 is wound in the groove 184, to lock the bag 4 in the position shown.

[0077] As illustrated in Figure 12, the user can then unlock the wire 3, then pull on the wire until the bag 4 is housed in the receiving volume 190. An additional pull on the wire makes it possible to place the bag 4 in a pressing situation, the bag being pressed against the pressing wall 14 and against the wall 19. The user can also choose to leave the bag in a draining situation. Then, the user rewinds the wire 3 in the groove 184, to lock the bag in the receiving volume 190.

[0078] These operations can be carried out while the device 10e is placed on the container or after removing it from the container. Alternatively, the bag can be placed in the receiving volume 190 before the infusion step. In this case, as shown in Figure 13, the device can be immersed leaving the handle 12 outside the container, the section 13 resting on the edge of the container while the end of the section 15 rests on the bottom of the container. The bag 4 is then infused while remaining in the receiving volume 190. For such use, the device will preferably be made of a material with low thermal conductivity, such as wood or plastic.

[0079] In Figure 14, the user has carried out the operations described in relation to Figure 12, then placed the device 10e on a horizontal support, for example a table. Due to the slight inclination of the device 10e, linked to the presence of the wall 19, a small quantity of the liquid 9 resulting from the draining of the bag is collected by the wall 19 and remains in the receiving volume 190. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the device which has just been described is susceptible to various other variants, embodiments and applications. In one embodiment, the pressing wall, defined as the region extending around the opening 16, could be substantially vertical, like the partition 5 of the cover shown in Figure 1.It will, however, be clear to those skilled in the art in light of the embodiments described above that the horizontal arrangement of the pressing wall has various advantages, in particular that of making it possible to produce a device with a very simple structure and which is inexpensive to produce.

[0080] The device for preparing an infusion can be made with any type of material (wood, ceramic, glass, metal, plastic, etc.). As mentioned above, it can also be used with a perforated capsule (tea or infusion ball) in which the connecting element, instead of being a thread, is a chain or cord. In this case, the pressing function will not be usable and the device will be used as a means of immersion, withdrawal of liquid and draining.

[0081] The length of the body 11, 11a to 11c may be of the order of a few centimeters to ten or even twenty centimeters depending on the size of the container with which the use of the device 10 is envisaged. In the embodiment shown in Figures 9 and 10, the receiving volume 190 may be adapted to receive an infusion bag or a perforated capsule. The same applies to the locking member (180, 181, 182, 183) which may be adapted to lock a chain in different positions.

[0082] The device just described is compact and can be placed in a cover or case to be taken along on a trip. It constitutes an alternative or a complement to the lid described by EP 3 586 691. It can be presented to tea lovers as a "tea spoon" and, in certain embodiments, be made of a noble material, metallic or not, or on the contrary be made at very low cost in a plastic material.

[0083] Figure 15A and Figure 15B show in a front view and a rear view an embodiment of an infusion bag 20a according to the invention, capable of being pressed against the pressing wall 140, 140c of the device which has just been described, or against the internal partition 5 of a cover of the type shown in Figure 1. The bag produced here is intended to be reusable, and must therefore have an opening for introducing or extracting the tea or other product to be infused.

[0084] The bag 20a comprises a left lateral edge 21a, a right lateral edge 21b, a distal edge 21c and a proximal edge 21d. The edges 21a, 21b, 21d are here rectilinear while the distal edge 21c is of rounded shape, here substantially semi-circular.

[0085] The bag is attached to a connecting wire 3 which passes through a groove 30 made in the bag, the groove being closed and forming a channel for guiding the wire. The groove 30 extends here along the lateral edge 21a where it forms a first groove section 30(a), along the lateral edge 21b where it forms a second groove section 30(b), and along the distal edge 21c where it forms a third groove section 30(c).

[0086] The wire 3 comprises a first branch 3a which penetrates the groove section 30(a) and a second branch 3b which penetrates the groove section 30(b). The branch 3a, after passing through the groove section 30(a), penetrates the groove section 30(c) extending along the distal edge 21c, until reaching a point 33. Similarly, the branch 3b, after passing through the groove section 30(b), penetrates the groove section 30(c) until reaching the point 33. The point 33 is for example located in the middle of the groove section 30(c). Point 33 is optionally but preferably a point of attachment of each branch 3a, 3b of the wire to the bag, made by sewing, gluing or welding, making it possible to balance or “symmetrize” the tensile force applied by each branch 3a, 3b on the distal edge of the bag when the bag must be pressed.

[0087] The bag 20a is made here from a front piece 22 and a rear piece 23 made of a porous material, which have been assembled together. This material can be paper and in particular a paper gauze, a heat-sealed paper fiber, a fabric such as silk, cotton, nylon or a porous plastic. The assembly of the two pieces can be done by sewing, gluing, welding, depending on the type of material used. In the embodiment shown, the groove 30 is delimited by two assembly lines 31, 32 of the pieces 22, 23, made by sewing, gluing or welding. Line 31 comprises line sections 31(a), 31(c), 31(b) and line 32 comprises line sections 32(a), 32(c), 32(b). Line sections 31(a), 32(a) delimit throat section 30(a), line sections 31(b), 32(b) delimit throat section 30(b), and line sections 31(c), 32(c) delimit throat section 30(c).

[0088] The parts 22 and 23 are thus assembled around the entire periphery of the bag with the exception of the proximal edge 21d where they can be moved away from each other to introduce the product to be infused.

[0089] Furthermore, the part 23 has an extension 24 of its surface which is folded over the part 22 to form a flap 24 (figure 15 A) which prevents the product to be infused from leaving the bag during the infusion phase. At the proximal end of the lateral edge 3a, the flap 24 has an orifice 25a allowing the branch 3a of the connecting wire to pass through the flap 24 to enter the throat section 30(a). Similarly, at the proximal end of the lateral edge 3b, the flap 24 has an orifice 25b allowing the branch 3b to pass through the flap 24 to enter the throat section 30(b). In one embodiment, the connecting wire 3 is not cut at the attachment point 33 and the branches 3a, 3b form a single uninterrupted wire. Outside the bag, the distal ends of the branches 3a, 3b are attached together and their attachment point is for example provided with a label 5.The bag 20a has the advantage of providing effective pressing of the product it contains when the thread 3 is pulled in a direction opposite to that of the bag, while the proximal edge 21d of the bag is in abutment against a pressing surface or wall of the type previously described. In this case, the branch 3a slides in the groove section 30(a) and in a part of the groove section 30(c) and pulls the attachment point 33 towards the proximal edge 21d, while the branch 3b slides in the groove section 30(b) and in a part of the groove section 30(c) and also pulls the attachment point 33 towards the proximal edge 21d, causing the bag to fold and press against the partition or pressing wall.

[0090] In an embodiment 20b of the bag shown in Figure 16, the flap 24 has a single orifice 25 through which the branches 3a and 3b of the wire 3 pass. The orifice 25 is for example arranged halfway between the lateral edges 21a, 21b, i.e. in the center of the proximal edge 21d. The branch 3a of the connecting wire extends under the flap 24 and over substantially half the length of the proximal edge 21d before entering the groove section 30(a). Similarly, the branch 3b of the connecting wire extends under the flap 24 and over substantially half the length of the proximal edge 21d before entering the groove section 30(b).

[0091] In an embodiment 20c of the bag shown in Figure 17, the wire 3 enters the groove section 30(a) where it forms the proximal end of the branch 3a, extends to the end of the groove section 30(a) where it is fixed to the parts 22, 23 forming the bag by a fixing point 33a. Then, the wire 3 extends into the groove section 30(c) where it forms a branch 3c connecting the branches 3a, 3b, until reaching the end of the groove section 30(c) where it is fixed to the parts 22, 23 by a fixing point 33b. The wire then passes through the groove section 30(b) where it forms the proximal end of the branch 3b and then emerges outside the bag. In other words, branch 3a of the thread is attached to the bag at point 33a and branch 3b is attached to the bag at point 33b. The connecting branch 3c is attached at both ends at points 33a and 33b.When the thread 3 is pulled in a direction opposite to that of the bag, while the proximal edge 21d of the bag is resting against a pressing surface or wall, the branch 3a pulls the attachment point 33a towards the proximal edge 21d and the branch 3b pulls the attachment point 33b towards the proximal edge 21d, causing the lateral edges of the bag to fold against the partition or pressing wall. Simultaneously, the connecting branch 3c pulls the distal edge of the bag towards the partition or pressing wall. In one embodiment, and in particular when the material used to make the bag is substantially rigid, the connecting branch 3c could be omitted.

[0092] Figure 18 shows a variant 20d of the bag 20a of Figures 15A, 15B in which the bag 20d is rectangular in shape, the distal edge 21c of the bag being straight. The bag has the attachment point 33 of the branches 3a, 3b of the connecting wire but could also have the two attachment points 33a, 33b of the embodiment 20c of Figure 17. The branches 3a, 3b of the wire penetrate the bag on each side of the proximal edge 21d of the bag but could also penetrate the bag in the center of the proximal edge, as in the embodiment 20b of Figure 16.

[0093] Figures 19A, 19B show an embodiment 20e of the bag in which the flap 24 is replaced by two flexible rods or strips 220, 230 arranged side by side, for example strips made of wood such as bamboo, or of plastic. As shown in Figure 19B, pressure exerted on the ends of the strips 220, 230 causes them to deform and move apart, allowing the product to be infused to be introduced or removed. When the pressure is released, the bag closes and the strips return to their initial shape shown in Figure 19A.

[0094] Figure 20 shows an example of a method for attaching the two strips 220, 230 to the bag. The proximal edge of the part 22 has an extension 22' which surrounds the strip 220 and is folded over the part 22 to be attached to the part 22 by means of a sewing, gluing or welding line 221. Similarly, the proximal edge of the part 23 has an extension 23' which surrounds the strip 230 and is folded over the part 23 to be attached to the part 23 by means of a sewing, gluing or welding line 231.

[0095] Figure 21 shows an embodiment 20f of the bag without the groove section 30(c). A rod 240 attached to the bag is provided along the distal edge 21 of the bag. The branch 3a of the connecting wire extends only in the groove section 30(a) and its end is attached to the bag or the rod 240. Similarly, the branch 3b of the connecting wire extends only in the groove section 30(b) and its end is attached to the bag or the rod. The rod 240 may be arranged in a groove adapted to its shape and section, or be attached to the bag after assembling the side edges 21a, 21b.

[0096] Figure 22 shows a variant 20g of the sachet 20b of Figure 16, in which the sachet 20g is triangular in shape, the distal edge 21c forming only one point located at the apex of the triangle. The groove 30 extends along the lateral edge 21a where it forms the first groove section 30(a) and along the lateral edge 21b where it forms the second groove section 30(b), the sachet being devoid of the third groove section 30(c) described above. The branches 3a, 3b of the connecting wire extend respectively in the groove sections 30(a), 30(b) and their ends are attached to the sachet by the attachment point 33 provided here at the apex of the triangle.

[0097] It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the bag just described is susceptible to numerous other variants and embodiments. Although the embodiments previously described relate to a reusable bag, it is within the scope of those skilled in the art to use the teaching just disclosed to adapt these embodiments to the production of a disposable bag. With reference, for example, to Figure 16 or Figure 17, a disposable bag can be produced industrially by assembling the parts 22 and 23 by gluing or welding. In this case, the flap 24 is no longer necessary. The assembly of the bag can, for example, be carried out in accordance with the following method:

[0098] - arrangement of part 23 on an assembly surface which may be concave in its center,

[0099] - arrangement of the connecting wire 3 at the periphery of the part 23 with the exception of point 25 in the center of the proximal edge 21d of the part 23, where the branches 3a, 3b of the wire 3 extend beyond the future bag,

[0100] - deposit in the center of room 23 a quantity of product to be infused,

[0101] - arrangement of room 22 on room 23,

[0102] - assembly of the parts 21, 22 by producing at least the aforementioned assembly lines 31, 32 on either side of the wire 3, except at the point 25 where the wire exits, the wire thus being trapped in the groove delimited by these assembly lines, and

[0103] - production on the distal edge 21c of the bag of at least one point 33 for fixing the connecting wire to the bag as shown in figure 16, or two fixing points 33a, 33b as shown in figure 17. A plurality of fixing points can also be provided, or even a fixing strip which stiffens the distal edge of the bag.

[0104] A bag according to the invention can also be made by hand, by sewing, with a quality fabric, to obtain a bag that can be used many times. As an example, a method of handcrafting the bag 20b of Figure 16 is illustrated in Figures 23A to 23K.

[0105] During a step illustrated in Figure 23A, an operator cuts the part 22 to the desired shape, to obtain the lateral edges 21a, 21b, the proximal edge 21d and the distal edge 21c, here of semi-circular shape.

[0106] During a step illustrated in Figure 23B, the operator cuts the part 23 so that it has the same shape as the part 22 but by adding a portion of fabric 24 intended to form the flap. The operator can optionally create by sewing a reinforcement zone 250 at a location where the orifice 25 through which the branches 3a and 3b of the connecting thread will pass will be subsequently created. The proximal edge 21d of the part 22 as well as the transverse edge of the portion of fabric 25 can also be reinforced by overcasting, this not being shown for the sake of readability of the figures.

[0107] During a step illustrated in Figure 23C, the operator folds the fabric portion 24 over the part 23, along a fold line 234 shown in Figure 23B, corresponding to the proximal edge 21d of the future bag. During a step illustrated by a sectional view in Figure 23D, the operator places the part 22 above the part 23, leaving the fabric portion 24 folded over the part 23. The fabric portion 24 therefore extends between the two parts 22, 23.

[0108] During a step illustrated in Figure 23E, the operator sews a line 31 for assembling the pieces along the edges 21a, 21c, 21b, a few millimeters from these, until reaching the proximal edge 21d. The edges of the fabric portion 24 are sewn with the edges 21a, 21b of the pieces 22 and 23.

[0109] During a step illustrated in Figure 23F, the operator performs an overlock stitch 310, using an overlocker, along the edges 21a, 21c, 21b until reaching the proximal edge 21d. The overlock stitch 310 forms a reinforcement zone which extends in width from the assembly line 31 to the outer edge of the bag structure 20b being formed.

[0110] During a step illustrated in Figure 23G, the operator inserts the connecting thread 3 into the overlock 310 by means of a sewing needle 40, crossing the overlock 310 several times so as to make back and forth movements above and below the overlock 310. The needle 40 crosses the edges of the pieces 22, 23 as well as at certain points the edge of the portion of fabric 24 present between the pieces 22, 23. In Figure 23G only the portions of thread 3 which pass above the overlock appear, the portions of thread 3 which are not visible extending under the overlock. During this step or later, the operator also sews the attachment point 33 allowing the thread 3 to be attached to the pieces 22, 23 near the distal edge 21c of each.

[0111] At the end of this step, the operator obtains two free ends 3a, 3b of the thread 3, the end 3a penetrating the overlock 310 near the point of intersection of the lateral edge 21a and the proximal edge 21d, while the end 3b enters the overlock 310 near the point of intersection of the lateral edge 21b and the proximal edge 21d.

[0112] During a step illustrated in Figure 23H, the operator lifts the free part of the fabric portion 24, the edges of which are sewn to the pieces 22, 23. By means of the needle 40, the operator passes the ends 3a, 3b of the thread 3 through the reinforcement zone 250, thereby creating the orifice 25, which can therefore in practice be much smaller than that shown. At the end of this step, the ends 3a, 3b are inside the bag structure 20b being formed.

[0113] During a step illustrated in Figure 231, the bag 20b is turned over on itself so that the inside of the bag becomes the outside of the bag and vice versa. The portion of fabric 24 is found on the outside of the bag, where it forms the flap 24. The ends 3a, 3b of the connecting thread are found on the outside of the bag and pass through the flap 24. The assembly line 31 is found at the periphery of the bag. The overlock 310, in which the thread 3 can slide, is found inside the bag where it forms a sort of internal peripheral bead. During a finishing step illustrated in Figure 23J, the operator sews a new assembly line 32 a few millimeters from the edges 21a, 21c, 21b of the bag. The assembly line 32 covers a portion of the edges of the flap 24 and delimits, with the assembly line 31, the groove 30 previously described, which comprises the groove sections 30(a), 30(c), 30(b) (figure 16).Thus, the overlock 310 is trapped in the groove 30. This assembly line 32, although optional for the cohesion of the bag structure, which is ensured by the overlock 310, makes it possible to prevent debris from the product to be infused from subsequently becoming lodged between the parts 22, 23 and the internal bead formed by the overlock 310.

[0114] In a step illustrated in Figure 23K, the manufacture of the bag 20b is completed, the distal ends of the branches 3a, 3b of the connecting wire can be tied together and can receive a label 5 or any other means facilitating the handling of the connecting wire.

[0115] Figures 24, 25 are rear and front perspective views of an embodiment 10f of the device for preparing an infusion which differs from the embodiment 10e previously described in that the part of the body 11f of the device 10f comprising the handle 12 and the first bearing surface 13, has a circular section and is of a substantially cylindrical general shape. This part of the body 11f comprising the handle 12 and the first bearing surface 13 is here hollow and has a distal end 17e provided with a stopper 18 (figure 26). Of course, this part could also be hollow without being cylindrical in shape. This hollow part can for example allow a reserve of tea, or other substance (sugar, infusion bag, etc.) to be stored.In addition, the distal end 17e of this part of the body l lf flares out and forms a sort of foot by which the device can be placed vertically on a horizontal surface, such as the surface of a table, when not in use.

[0116] According to another aspect of the present invention shown in Figures 24 and 25, there is advantageously provided a combined infusion preparation device, comprising the device 10f and a reservoir part 50 which is shown detached from the device 10f in Figures 24, 25 but can be fitted onto it, as shown in Figures 26, 27 and 28.

[0117] This reservoir part delimits a volume for receiving products, materials or objects that can be used for various purposes. In particular, it can hold a certain quantity of substance to be infused, a spare tea bag, or on the contrary a used tea bag.

[0118] The reservoir part comprises a lower face 540 and a longitudinal rail 516 secured to the lower face, shaped to penetrate and slide in the open longitudinal slot 16d of the device 10f, in order to allow the reservoir part to be fitted onto the infusion preparation device.

[0119] In the figures, it can be seen that the open longitudinal slot 16d causes two parallel beams or blades 15a, 15b to appear in the second bearing surface 15 of the device, separated by the longitudinal slot 16d. In relation to this characteristic, the lower face 540 of the reservoir part 50 comprises a longitudinal groove 515 in which the longitudinal rail 516 is arranged, such that the longitudinal rail divides the longitudinal groove 515 into two longitudinal half-grooves 515a, 515b, and each longitudinal half-groove 515a, 515b receives one of the two beams or blades 15a, 15b of the second bearing surface 15 of the device 10f.

[0120] The reservoir part 50 also comprises a beam or blade 51, the proximal part 510 of which is arranged on the longitudinal rail 516 perpendicular to the latter and parallel to the bottom of the longitudinal groove 515, to hold in the two half-grooves 515a, 515b the two parallel beams or blades 15a, 15b of the second bearing surface 15 of the device 10f, when the reservoir part is fitted onto the device for preparing an infusion.

[0121] The beam or blade 51 extends beyond the proximal part 510 arranged on the longitudinal rail 516, and has a distal part 520 in the form of a flexible blade which extends opposite the pressing wall 140, 140c of the device 10f when the reservoir part is fitted thereon (figures 26 to 28).

[0122] This distal portion 520 in the form of a flexible blade comprises at its end 530 a disc-shaped widening carrying a bulge 531 which cooperates with a hollow 141 (figure 24) provided on the pressing wall 140c of the device 10f when the reservoir part is fitted thereon. Thus, the distal portion 520 in the form of a blade, the bulge 531 and the hollow 141 provided on the pressing wall together form a means of elastic locking of the fitting of the reservoir part 50 on the device 10f.

[0123] In the embodiment shown, the reservoir part 50 comprises an upper wall 59 delimiting with its lower face 540 the volume for receiving product, material or object, the upper wall 59 of the reservoir part comes into contact with the wall 19 for retaining the sachet when the reservoir part is fitted onto the device for preparing an infusion, and the shape of the upper wall 59 of the reservoir part 50 coincides with the shape of the wall 19 for retaining the sachet along the points of contact of the two walls.Similarly, the lower face 540 of the reservoir part 50 comes into contact with the pressing wall 140, 140c when the reservoir part is fitted onto the infusion preparation device, and the shape of the lower face 540 of the reservoir part 50 coincides with the shape of the pressing wall 140, 140c along the contact points of the two walls when the reservoir part is fitted onto the infusion preparation device.

[0124] Thus, as can be clearly seen in Figures 26 and 27, the product, material or object receiving volume delimited by the reservoir part 50 coincides with the volume 190 for receiving the bag of the device 10f when the reservoir part 50 is fitted onto the device 10f. The reservoir part 50 and the device 10f therefore together delimit, when they are fitted together, a closed volume formed by the sum of the product, material or object receiving volume of the reservoir part 50 and the bag receiving volume 190 of the device 10f.

[0125] It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the device just described is susceptible to various other variants, embodiments and applications. It can be produced at lower cost by injection of thermoplastic material or by 3D printing. In one application, it makes it possible to offer tea lovers a “travel kit” containing everything necessary to prepare at least one or two cups of tea.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Device (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f) for preparing an infusion, configured to ensure the holding and sliding of a connecting wire (3) of a bag (4) containing a product to be infused, the device comprising a body (11, 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f) of generally longitudinal shape along a longitudinal axis (LL'), the body comprising a handle (12), a first bearing surface (13), an intermediate region (14) and a second bearing surface (15), the bearing surfaces (13, 15) being provided to bear on the edge of a container (8), the intermediate region (14) comprising a pressing wall (140, 140c) having an opening (16, 16d) for the passage of the connecting wire (3), against which the bag (4) can be pressed by pulling the connecting wire (3) after passing the connecting wire through the opening (16, 16d),characterized in that the opening (16) has the shape of an open longitudinal slot (16d) which extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis (LL') from one end of the device opposite the handle (12) to the intermediate region (14), and in that it comprises a wall (19) for retaining the bag forming with the pressing wall (140c) a volume (190) for receiving the bag., 2. Device (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e) according to claim 1, configured so that when the first bearing surface (13) and the second bearing surface (15) are arranged on a container arranged on a horizontal surface, the pressing wall (140, 140c) extends in a plane parallel or substantially parallel to the surface of a liquid present in the container.

3. Device (10c, 10d, 10e) according to one of claims 1 and 2, in which the pressing wall (140c) has, along a transverse axis (TT') perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (LL'), a width greater than the width of the first bearing surface (13) and of the second bearing surface (15).

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the width of the slot is chosen to allow the introduction into the slot of a chain of perforated capsules of the tea ball type.

5. Device (10b, 10c, 10d, 10e) according to one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a member (180, 181, 182, 183) for blocking the connecting wire (3) making it possible to block the bag in different adjustable positions, including after pressing the bag.

6. Device (10f) according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which the part of the body (10f) comprising the handle (12) and the first bearing surface (13) has a circular section and is of a substantially cylindrical general shape.

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which the part of the body (11f) comprising the handle (12) and the first bearing surface (13) is hollow and has a distal end (17e) provided with a stopper (18).

8. Device according to one of claims 6 and 7, in which the part of the body (1 If) comprising the handle (12) and the first support surface (13) flares out and has a distal end (17e) forming a sort of foot thanks to which the device can be placed vertically on a horizontal surface, such as the surface of a table.

9. Combined infusion preparation unit, comprising: - a device (1 Of) for preparing an infusion according to one of claims 1 to 8, and - a reservoir part (50) delimiting a volume for receiving a product, material or object capable of various uses, in particular capable of receiving a certain quantity of a substance to be infused, the reservoir part comprising a lower face (540) and a longitudinal rail (516) integral with the lower face (540), the rail being shaped to penetrate and slide in the open longitudinal slot (16d) of the device (10f) for preparing an infusion, in order to allow the reservoir part to be fitted onto the device for preparing an infusion.

10. A handset according to claim 9, wherein: - the second support surface (15) of the device (1 Of) for preparing an infusion has two parallel beams or blades (15a, 15b) separated by the longitudinal slot (16d), - the lower face (540) of the reservoir part (50) comprises: - a longitudinal groove (515) in which the longitudinal rail (516) is arranged, the longitudinal rail dividing the longitudinal groove (515) into two longitudinal half-grooves (515a, 515b) each receiving one of the two parallel beams or blades (15a, 15b) of the second bearing surface (15) of the device (1 Of) for preparing an infusion, and - a beam or blade (51, 510) arranged on the longitudinal rail (516) perpendicular to it and parallel to the bottom of the longitudinal groove (515), to hold in the two longitudinal half-grooves (515a, 515b) the two parallel beams or blades (15a, 15b) of the second bearing surface (15) of the device for preparing an infusion, when the reservoir part is fitted onto the device for preparing an infusion.

11. Combined according to claim 10, in which the beam or blade (51, 510) arranged on the longitudinal rail (516) of the reservoir part, comprises a distal part (520) in the form of a flexible blade which extends opposite the pressing wall (140, 140c) of the device for preparing an infusion when the reservoir part is fitted thereon.

12. Combined according to claim 11, in which the distal part (520) in the form of a flexible blade comprises at its end (530) a bulge (531) which cooperates with a hollow (141) provided on the pressing wall (140, 140c) of the device for preparing an infusion when the reservoir part is fitted thereon, so that the distal part (520) in the form of a blade, the bulge (531) and the hollow (141) provided on the pressing wall together form a means of elastic locking of the reservoir part's fitting on the infusion preparation device.

13. Combined according to one of claims 9 to 12, in which - the reservoir part (50) comprises an upper wall (59) delimiting with its lower face (540) the volume for receiving product, material or object, - the upper wall (59) of the reservoir part comes into contact with the wall (19) retaining the bag when the reservoir part is fitted onto the infusion preparation device, - the shape of the upper wall (59) of the reservoir part (50) coincides with the shape of the wall (19) retaining the bag along the contact points of the two walls, - the lower face (540) of the reservoir part (50) comes into contact with the pressing wall (140, 140c) when the reservoir part is fitted onto the infusion preparation device, and - the shape of the lower face (540) of the reservoir part (50) coincides with the shape of the pressing wall (140, 140c) along the contact points of the two walls when the reservoir part is fitted onto the infusion preparation device.

14. Combined according to one of claims 9 to 13, in which the product, material or object receiving volume delimited by the reservoir part (50) coincides with the bag receiving volume (190) of the infusion preparation device when the reservoir part is fitted onto the infusion preparation device, the reservoir part and the infusion preparation device together delimiting, when they are fitted together, a closed volume formed by the sum of the product, material or object receiving volume of the reservoir part and the bag receiving volume of the infusion preparation device.

15. Infusion set, including: - a device (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e) for preparing an infusion according to one of claims 1 to 8 or a combined device for preparing an infusion according to one of claims 9 to 15, and - an infusion bag (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, 20f, 20g) containing or intended to contain a product to be infused, the bag comprising: - a proximal edge (21d), a distal edge (21c), a first lateral edge (21a), a second lateral edge (21b), and a connecting wire (3) for immersing the sachet in a liquid, the connecting wire (3) comprising a first branch (3a) having one end attached to the sachet and a second branch (3b) having one end attached to the sachet, - a first throat section (30(a)) extending along the first lateral edge (21a) of the bag, - a second throat section (30(b)) extending along the second side edge (21b) of the bag, - the first branch (3a) of the connecting wire extending into the first groove section (30(a)) and having its end attached (33, 33a) to the distal edge (21c) of the bag, - the second branch (3b) of the connecting wire extending into the second throat section (30(b)) and having its end attached (33, 33b) to the distal edge (21c) of the bag, such that a pull on the connecting wire (3), when the proximal edge (21d) of the bag is resting against a pressing wall, brings the distal edge (21c) of the bag towards the proximal edge (21d) and causes the bag to be pressed.

16. Method for preparing an infusion, comprising steps consisting of: - provide a container (8) filled with a liquid (9), - provide a bag (4) containing a product to be infused, coupled with a connecting wire (3), - providing a device (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e) for preparing an infusion according to one of claims 1 to 8 or a combined device for preparing an infusion according to one of claims 9 to 14, - insert the connecting wire into the opening (16, 16d) of the device, - placing the device above the container with the first support surface (13) and the second support surface (15) resting on the edge of the container, and - lock the bag (4) in a position in which it is immersed in the liquid present in the container.

17. Method according to claim 16, comprising the step of pulling on the connecting wire (3) so that the bag (4) comes into contact with the pressing wall (140, 140c).

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