Patent Grant
10440984
The present invention generally relates to the manufacture of smoking products, and more particularly, to systems and methods for efficiently filling papers with ground plant matter.
Many of the chemical compounds synthesized by plants have been found to have favorable, enjoyable, or beneficial effects when consumed by humans. These effects can be either short-term or long-term, and they may impact a human's health, mental state, and/or other attributes. As a result, humans have taken to the consumption of plant-synthesized chemical compounds (also known as “phytochemicals”) for both medicinal and recreational purposes.
As a means for consuming phytochemicals, humans have adopted the practice of smoking, where plant matter containing phytochemicals, such as tobacco or Cannabis, is burned to produce inhalable smoke. Humans have created several devices to facilitate smoking, such as pipes or hookahs, but many prefer the convenience and experience of smoking a cigarette, which is produced by wrapping plant matter in a thin piece of paper rolled into a tube.
Pre-manufactured tobacco cigarettes are readily accessible to consumers in packs or cartons sold at stores around the world, however, many individuals prefer to roll their tobacco cigarettes for a number of reasons. Some prefer to roll their cigarettes because it is less expensive to purchase loose tobacco and wrapping paper than to purchase pre-manufactured cigarettes. Additionally, pre-manufactured cigarettes often contain controversial additives and chemicals to help them burn more evenly, so some individuals prefer to roll their own cigarettes to ensure that their cigarettes are free of unwanted additives and chemicals. Additives and chemicals are much less common in pre-manufactured Cannabis cigarettes. However, some individuals prefer to roll their own cigarettes, such as Cannabis cigarettes, to have greater control over the strain of Cannabis used to make the cigarette. Hand rolled Cannabis cigarettes are frequently less expensive than their pre-manufactured counterparts.
An individual may create a hand-rolled cigarette by first placing loose plant matter, such as tobacco or Cannabis, stock onto a sheet of rolling paper and then using his or her fingertips to wrap and seal the paper around the plant matter. An optional filter or crutch may then be placed on either end of the cigarette to enhance the smoking experience. Unfortunately, a hand-rolled cigarette's quality depends greatly on the preparer's skill and experience, and producing a cigarette with uniform plant matter density can be challenging. Uneven packing can result in an unevenly burning cigarette with a harsher and less enjoyable smoking experience.
Individuals can purchase wrapping papers that have been rolled into a conical or cylindrical shape that may include a crutch or a filter (known in certain instances as a “pre-roll paper” or “pre-rolled paper,” used interchangeably herein). Each pre-roll paper has one open end in which an individual may fill the pre-roll paper with plant matter to produce a cigarette. pre-roll papers, as well as machines used to roll cigarettes, offer convenient alternatives to hand-rolling a single cigarette, but both alternatives are inefficient for large-scale cigarette production. Both alternatives often fail to yield consistency among the cigarettes they produce, with the risk of an uneven burn.
Cannabis legalization is becoming more common around the world and in many places in the United States. Legal statutes now permit both recreational uses of Cannabis, and the demand for Cannabis-filled cigarettes continues to increase as the legal market size continues to grow. To meet the demand for Cannabis-filled cigarettes, Cannabis cultivators have begun filling pre-roll papers with Cannabis to produce Cannabis cigarettes referred to as “Pre-Rolls” that consumers may then purchase to avoid the need to produce their own Cannabis cigarettes. Large-scale production of Pre-Rolls is achieved with devices that use vibrations and gravity to shake ground Cannabis into the open ends of a plurality of pre-rolled papers. This method allows for Cannabis cultivators to fill many pre-rolled papers with Cannabis with greater speed than alternative methods. However, this vibration or shaking method does not ensure a consistent amount of Cannabis in each pre-rolled paper. Additionally, after ground Cannabis is placed into each pre-roll paper, the Cannabis must then be packed more tightly in each pre-roll paper, either by hand or a secondary machine or apparatus, to produce a high-quality Pre-Roll. This takes time and resources.
It would therefore be beneficial to provide a system and method for creating pre-rolls that fills and packs pre-rolled papers with plant matter more efficiently and with more consistent results.
Thus according to one embodiment, there is provided an apparatus comprising an air current generator with an air outlet portion and an air intake portion, a channel configured to channel air current from the air outlet portion of the air current generator, means for holding at least one pre-rolled paper in the channel so that air current generated by the air current generator passes through all pre-rolled papers, and an opening configured to receive organic leafy material and introduce the organic leafy material received into the channel. Airflow from the air current generator provides organic leafy material to the opening, the channel, and the at least one pre-rolled paper in the channel.
According to a further embodiment, there is provided a method filling pre-roll papers comprising placing at least one pre-rolled paper in an airflow apparatus and inserting organic leafy material into the airflow apparatus while airflow is generated within the apparatus. Inserting organic leafy material into the airflow apparatus causes the organic leafy material to pack into the at least one pre-rolled paper.
According to another embodiment, there is provided an apparatus, comprising an air current generator, a channel configured to channel air current from the air current generator, at least one pre-rolled paper positioned in the channel so that air current generated by the air current generator passes through each pre-rolled paper, and an opening configured to receive organic leafy material and introduce the organic leafy material received into the channel. Airflow from the air current generator provides organic leafy material to the opening, the channel, and the at least one pre-rolled paper in the channel.
To the accomplishment of the preceding and related ends, certain illustrative aspects are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the claimed subject matter may be employed and the claimed subject matter is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features may become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
In this document, the words “embodiment,” “variant,” and similar expressions are used to refer to particular apparatus, process, or article of manufacture, and not necessarily to the same apparatus, process, or article of manufacture. Thus, “one embodiment” (or a similar expression) used in one place or context can refer to a particular apparatus, process, or article of manufacture; the same or a similar expression in a different place can refer to a different apparatus, process, or article of manufacture. The expression “alternative embodiment” and similar phrases are used to indicate one of a number of different possible embodiments. The number of possible embodiments is not necessarily limited to two or any other quantity.
The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment or variant described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or variants. All of the embodiments and variants described in this description are exemplary embodiments and variants provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the invention, and not to limit the scope of legal protection afforded the invention, which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.
The present design comprises a means for generating air current (called an “air current generator” herein), a means for retaining the air current generated by the air current generator within the apparatus so that the air current produced by the air current generator returns to the air current generator's air intake (such as by channeling the air current from the air output of the air current generator to the air intake of the air current generator), and a device holding pre-roll (or pre-rolled) papers within the system so that air passes through one end of the pre-roll papers and out of the other. In one embodiment, a circular air current generator design is presented, while in a second embodiment a linear air current generator arrangement is disclosed.
The apparatus is designed to circulate air current through, in one aspect, a closed loop so that the air current within the closed loop moves plant matter, and/or organic leafy material, such as tobacco or Cannabis, into at least one pre-roll paper. A resulting vacuum within the apparatus further condenses the plant matter so that the pre-roll paper and condensed plant matter result in consistently filled and packed cigarettes. The apparatus is comprised of a means for creating air current (an “air current generator”), a means for retaining the air current generated by the air current generator within the apparatus so that the air current produced by the air current generator returns to the air current generator's air intake (such as by channeling the air current from the air output of the air current generator to the air intake of the air current generator), and a means for holding pre-roll papers within the system so that air passes through one end of the pre-roll papers and out of the other.
A single pre-roll paper or a plurality of pre-roll papers may be positioned within the apparatus so that when the air current generator produces air current, the air current enters into the distal end of a positioned pre-roll papers (where a smoker will ultimately ignite the cigarette), passes through the length of the positioned pre-roll papers, and exits from the proximal end of the pre-roll papers (where a smoker would ultimately place his or her mouth to inhale through the cigarette). Pre-roll papers are positioned this way to enable the air current to carry plant matter within the apparatus into the distal end of a positioned pre-roll paper. Plant matter may then be captured in the positioned pre-roll paper, and air flowing through a pre-roll paper packs plant matter tightly. Additionally, as plant matter is packed tightly in each pre-roll paper, the difference in air pressure between the distal and proximal ends of the pre-roll paper results in a vacuum that enhances the apparatus's ability to tightly pack plant matter into each pre-roll paper.
Thus an air current generator capable of producing air current is provided. This air current generator may be a motorized fan, an air pump, or any other means for circulating air through the apparatus. The air current generator may include an air output portion from which air may move out of the air current generator and throughout the apparatus, and an air intake portion capable of receiving the air within the apparatus to perpetuate circulation of air within the apparatus. The air current generator may produce a steady air current throughout the apparatus, it may produce an air current of fluctuating intensity, or it may produce bursts of air current when desirable. The air current generator may also be equipped with an air intake capable of drawing in air from outside of the apparatus to increase air current and/or air pressure within the apparatus.
According to a further aspect, a means for retaining the air current generated by the air current generator within the apparatus is presented. Air flow may be achieved using one or more channels that direct air from the air outlet portion of the air current generator and back to air intake portion of the air current generator. Such air flow may be achieved using a single channel affixed on one end to the air outlet portion of the air current generator, and on an opposite end to the air intake portion of the air current generator so no air from the surrounding atmosphere may enter the apparatus where the channel is affixed to the air current generator. The channels may include passages, such as tubes or pipes made from plastic, metal, glass, or any other airtight material suitable for achieving the stated purpose.
The system may include a device or devices for holding pre-roll papers within the system, and may hold one or more pre-roll papers. Each pre-rolled paper may be held within the apparatus using a tray with one or more holes into which pre-rolled papers can be placed, and clamps may be provided to secure pre-rolled papers in a channel. Adhesives, sleeves or molds may be used to receive pre-rolled papers, and any other suitable holding device wherein air can pass through while maintaining a crutch or pre-rolled paper may be employed. The pre-rolled papers are held or maintained to allow air current produced by the air current generator to pass through each pre-rolled paper as the air cycles through the system. Airflow around each pre-rolled paper may be limited because reducing airflow around each pre-rolled paper results in a stronger vacuum within the system. However, varying vacuum strength may be desirable in certain instances, and the apparatus may enable some air to flow past each pre-rolled paper. Additionally, air valves may be placed throughout out the apparatus to facilitate the release of air or the addition of air, if desired or necessary.
The apparatus may be assembled so that the pre-rolled papers are located within a dedicated holding portion or element. Such a holding portion may be outfitted with an opening to place pre-rolled papers into the apparatus, such as a closable door or window. The holding portion may be detachable from the rest of the system. A detachable holding portion can enable users to insert pre-rolled papers into the holding portion with greater speed and efficiency. Additionally, each holding portion may be fitted to hold a single pre-rolled paper or a plurality of pre-rolled papers.
Plant matter may be introduced into the apparatus through the pre-rolled paper holding portion, such as by placing loose plant matter into the holding portion when pre-rolled paper is inserted into the holding portion, or by loosely placing plant matter into each pre-rolled paper before being placed into the holding portion of the apparatus. Alternatively, the apparatus may be equipped with a device or procedure for introducing loose plant matter into the system. Loose plant matter may be introduced into the apparatus through a filling duct antecedent in the path of air flow to the holding portion so that air current can draw loose plant matter introduced into the apparatus into pre-rolled paper positioned in the holding portion of the apparatus. This filling duct may act as an additional option for introducing air into or releasing air from the apparatus. Alternatively, the filling duct may be equipped with a cover, flap, plug, or other means of preventing air from moving in or out of the apparatus.
Also included is an embodiment directed to a linear, and not circular, system wherein air is similarly provided to the organic leafy material, the pre-rolled paper, and the holder to effectuate the even distribution and packing of the pre-rolled paper with organic leafy material. In this embodiment, the system allows introduction of organic material into the pre-rolled paper and airflow is employed to pack the organic leafy material into the pre-rolled paper(s). A holding device may be employed in this embodiment.
The present design produces filled and packed cigarettes by placing one pre-rolled paper or a plurality of pre-rolled papers into a holding portion of the apparatus, placing ground plant matter into the apparatus, and activating the air current generator to produce air current. The apparatus is designed such that air flows through the pre-rolled papers, and in one embodiment, circulates through the apparatus. Air current produced by the air current generator and circulating in this embodiment causes plant matter to move into the open distal end of the pre-rolled papers, where the distal end is the end of the completed cigarette where a smoker will ultimately ignite the cigarette. As ground plant matter accumulates in the pre-rolled papers, the system creates a difference in air pressure on either side of the pre-rolled papers, resulting in a vacuum within the apparatus. The resulting vacuum further compresses the plant matter inside the pre-roll papers. The air current generator can then be deactivated, and the cigarettes produced by packing plant matter into the pre-rolled papers can then be removed from the apparatus.
Holding apparatus 113 is shown in simplified form as two lines but may represent any type of holding apparatus. Variations of the holding apparatus are discussed herein. In essence, the holding apparatus holds and maintains the pre-rolled paper at a beneficial orientation to receive organic leafy material and enable the packing of such material in the system shown. As may be appreciated, various such holding arrangements may be employed.
The air current generator 105 is in one embodiment a motorized fan that draws in air from outside of the apparatus as well as from the intake channel 108 of the apparatus and generates air current that is released through the outlet portion 106 of the air current generator 105 to circulate throughout the apparatus. In alternative embodiments, the air current generator 105 may be include different airflow generation devices, with the general ability to receive air and force air through a tube or other channel. Air pumps and compressors, for example, may be employed.
The holding portion 108 shown is
In the embodiment of
While shown as rectangular elements in
The holding apparatus, holding portions, and holding elements may receive organic leafy material and may offer outlets such that unused product cycles back through the apparatus, or product that does not fall into the pre-rolled papers may simply collect at the top of the holder or otherwise in the holder. An even distribution of product may or may not be achieved, and thus more product may be added to fill unfilled rolling papers. Additionally, the various embodiments provided herein include holding trays or holding apparatus for the unfilled rolling papers. To provide an even distribution of material, it may be beneficial to provide a mechanism to shake or vibrate the papers contained in such holding devices, causing the product to settle further in using gravity. Such a shaking device may shake the holding apparatus horizontally and may be on a timer, may be controller operated, or may occur on a predetermined basis, such as when all product has been distributed to and passed to the unfilled rolling papers. Various modes and devices used for shaking may be employed, such as placement on a shaking table having openings allowing air and product to pass through, and even manual shaking devices. Such shaking preferably facilitates settlement of product in the unfilled rolling papers.
Filling of the unfilled rolling papers may employ the air current generator or may be done by hand. Further, product may be individually funneled or directed to the various pre-rolled papers being maintained in the flow of air. And other forms may be employed, such as a circular, square, or other shape holder, a conical or funnel shaped holder intake region, multiple funnels for collecting and hopefully evenly distributing product, or otherwise. The present design contemplates effectively and efficiently distributing organic leafy material into each and every pre-rolled paper in the arrangement, with unused product either being further circulated in this embodiment or retrieved after airflow application ceases.
An air inlet, such as inlet 507 or inlet 557, is provided with air current chamber 505 and air current chamber 555 to intake air. Air current generators 505 and 555 may again be a motorized air pump, motorized fan, or other air blowing device. Air taken into inlet 507 or inlet 557 blows through the respective channel, the holding arrangement and each pre-rolled paper provided and out though outlet passages 520 and 570.
Thus according to one embodiment, there is provided an apparatus comprising an air current generator with an air outlet portion and an air intake portion, a channel configured to channel air current from the air outlet portion of the air current generator, means for holding at least one pre-rolled paper in the channel so that air current generated by the air current generator passes through all pre-rolled papers, and an opening configured to receive organic leafy material and introduce the organic leafy material received into the channel. Airflow from the air current generator provides organic leafy material to the opening, the channel, and the at least one pre-rolled paper in the channel.
According to a further embodiment, there is provided a method filling pre-roll papers comprising placing at least one pre-rolled paper in an airflow apparatus and inserting organic leafy material into the airflow apparatus while airflow is generated within the apparatus. Inserting organic leafy material into the airflow apparatus causes the organic leafy material to pack into the at least one pre-rolled paper.
According to another embodiment, there is provided an apparatus, comprising an air current generator, a channel configured to channel air current from the air current generator, at least one pre-rolled paper positioned in the channel so that air current generated by the air current generator passes through each pre-rolled paper, and an opening configured to receive organic leafy material and introduce the organic leafy material received into the channel. Airflow from the air current generator provides organic leafy material to the opening, the channel, and the at least one pre-rolled paper in the channel.
What has been described above includes examples of one or more embodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the aforementioned embodiments, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of various embodiments are possible. Accordingly, the described embodiments are intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4422810 | Boring | Dec 1983 | A |
| 20150232288 | De Jager | Aug 2015 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| WO-2014206710 | Dec 2014 | WO |
