Device for the squeezing and disposal of teabags

Abstract

The invention is intended to solve the problem of squeezing and recycling of individual tea bags after their use, to enhance the aesthetic component of the process, as well as to be used as an advertising, information medium. In its original static state, the device has an elongated shape, presumably of a rectangular flat plate. After the device is folded in half, i.e. after the completion of its operation cycle, it acquires a different shape, presumably of a triangular, with four legs (the number is optional), fixing it to a surface, for example, a table. The used bag will be located inside the device, on any of its planes. Due to its low cost, a one-time and widespread use of the device is foreseen.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A teabag squeezer and recycler, characterized by a prolate form, such as rectangular, in its static condition. However, it may take any other form and has a slot at its center (or slightly shifted from the center) against its long sides, as well as on the right or on the left side—a slot half the width of the device (or less). The slot is randomly shaped, as a cone, for instance. The slot can be located on both the left and the right side of the device. At the end of the slot (according to the device width), a creasing can be made rectilinearly against the slot, defining the direction for further folding of the device in half (in two parts). The parts in their turn may not necessarily be of the same length.
 Additionally, starting from the creasing to either side or to both sides simultaneously, special cut-outs can be made, originating from the creasing center and directed to any side against the long sides of the device. At both ends of the devices, at each of its sides against the long sides, the legs and the device bottom are cut out. They are of the random size and geometrical shape, while the bottom can also be provided with a creasing at the point of its folding, made by any conventional method. Also, the bottom may have a slot in its center, or in any other place. The bottom slot, in its turn, is randomly shaped. All cut-outs are made in a way, ensuring that at the end of the operation cycle, they are combined with the device bottom, forming a closed object of a triangular or any other shape with a used tea bag inside, standing on four feet (the number is optional), or just lying on one of the flat sides of the surface, for example, on a table. Also, in close proximity to the legs of the device, protruding guide ways are foreseen in both planes to help determine the direction of liquid drainage and minimize the risk of spilling. The guide ways may be randomly shaped and sized, made in any quantity, using any conventional method. 
 
     
     
         2 . The device described in  claim 1 , is characterized by the presence of a cut-out on both left and right sides of any shape and any size, which can be shifted in any direction in relation to the long sides of the device. 
     
     
         3 . The device described in  claim 2 , is characterized by the presence of a creasing, located immediately after the cut and up to the end of the opposite side of the device, which is rectilinear to the cut-out and defines the direction of the folding. 
     
     
         4 . The device described in  claim 3 , represented by a flat plate of a random, mainly elongated shape. 
     
     
         5 . The device described in  claim 4 , characterized by the fact that any of the planes can be used in a direct contact with a tea bag, since the device can bend freely to any side, and in case of the protruding parts—allowing for their interconnection in the folded state. 
     
     
         6 . The device described in  claim 5 , characterized by the presence of legs, on which the device is standing, and the bottom, locking the device in a folded, closed position, as well as keeping the bag inside the device. 
     
     
         7 . The device described in  claim 6 , characterized by the fact that any of the sides or planes can be used as an advertising or information medium of any content, or signs, applied by any conventional materials using any conventional methods. 
     
     
         8 . The device described in  claim 7 , produced mainly of the paper or any other suitable material, coated with laminating film, conventionally used in food industry, or with any other substitute material or method. 
     
     
         9 . The device described in  claim 8 , produced mainly using the printing equipment or any other conventional methods, using any other suitable equipment. 
     
     
         10 . The device described in  claim 9 , characterized by the presence of a creasing at any of the sides or at both sides simultaneously, as well as cut-outs, originating from the center of a creasing directed to any side against the long sides of the device. Thus, the solution of an individual design of the device is given.