The Dexter Corporation

Ahlstrom Windsor Locks, LLC

Peter C Scott

Helen Viazmensky

Nicholas Wolcheck, Jr

A multi-phase, non-heat seal tea bag web material is provided with a pattern on either the top or bottom phases. The top phase is formed from fibers, such as hardwood, that provide a tighter or more dense fibrous phase than the vegetable fibers used in the base phase. Patterning can be provided during web formation by using a knuckled wire or by applying a fluid jet against the top of the web material. The sifting characteristics of the multi-phase web material are comparable to or better than that exhibited by single phase material.

Nonwoven web material for infusion packaging and method of making same

A porous web material for making infusion packages having enhanced mechanical seam integrity is obtained by treating the entire fibrous web material with an aqueous emulsion of a hydrophobic agent selected from the group consisting of high molecular weight cross-linked acrylic polymers, silicones, fluorohydrocarbons, paraffins, alkyl ketene dimers and stearylated materials. The hydrophobic agent, which may also act as a strength imparting binder, is preferably applied as a saturating treatment. The treated web is subsequently dried to insolublize the agent on the web. The web exhibits no appreciable water climb when measured using water at a temperature of about 100.degree. C. and no substantial loss of infusion characteristics while providing less than 10 percent failure in a mechanical seam therein when exposed to boiling water.

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Enfield, CT, United States of America

Peter C Scott