Patent Application
20190239563
The feature of convenience has infiltrated most commercial products in some form or another, and is especially important in products that are designed for use with consumables. However, convenience typically comes with a series of compromises that affect either the utility or the quality of the product in achieving an intended purpose. In particular, where the storage of degradable goods are involved, these compromises often can lead to compromised product for a consumer.
In this respect, products that are used for conveniently transporting small amounts of botanical materials (such as Cannabis or tobacco) for personal consumption are no different; where compromise in freshness has been necessary for the convenience of products customized/personalized for this utility. Currently, transporting small amounts of botanical material for personal consumption balances between (1) adapting products like re-sealable baggies, e.g., sandwich bags, that offer no customization for the specific utility but provide some level of moisture control and (2) paper bags/containers, or pouches made of canvas, polyester or leather that offer more customization in form and function, but suffer from moisture control problems.
As such, there remains a clear need for customized/personalized products designed for both convenient personal storage and transport of botanical materials that offer transport convenience as well as addressing concerns over
Accordingly, the present invention is directed to novel products designed for both convenient personal storage and transport of botanical materials that offer transport convenience as well as addressing concerns over storage freshness. The storage pouches of the present invention maintain an improved freshness seal by establishing a moisture control edge when the storage pouch is sealed in a closed position. In particular, the auto-latching multi-flex storage pouches of the present invention provide storage for botanical materials with enhanced moisture control, utilizing this moisture control edge.
As such, one aspect of the present invention provides an auto-latching multi-flex storage pouch for transporting botanical material with enhanced moisture control comprising a pouch formed by the directional folding of a sheet of pre-creased paper; a sealing flap that overlaps the opening of the pouch through a flap hinge crease located at the intersection of the sealing flap and the sheet of pre-creased paper; and at least one magnetic sealing closure unit comprising a matching magnetic pair capable of automatically latching the sealing flap wherein the first magnetic pole of the pair is positioned on or in the sealing flap and matches the second magnetic pole of the pair positioned on the sheet of pre-creased paper as to magnetically pair with the first magnetic pole of the pair when the sealing flap is positioned in the sealed position. The flap hinge creates a moisture control edge when the flap is in the sealed position, resulting in enhanced moisture control within the sealed pouch. In certain embodiments, the botanical material is Cannabis.
Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of advertising comprising the step of placing marketing materials on an auto-latching multi-flex storage pouch of the present invention.
Advantages of the present apparatus will be apparent from the following detailed description, which description should be considered in combination with the accompanying figures, which are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
Customized products of the present invention, designed for both convenient personal storage and transport of botanical materials, provide a substantial advantage over current alternatives. The storage pouches of the present invention are suitable for protecting the stored botanical material against moisture and preserving freshness by creating a freshness sealing edge at the flap hinge. The auto-latched storage pouch is created by the directional folding of a sheet of pre-creased paper, where the sealing flap is positioned with magnetic closure units so that closing of the sealing flap maintains an enhanced seal and results in improved freshness of the stored botanical material. Moreover, the auto-latching pouch seals on its own when the sealing flap is positioned within latching distance.
The present invention, including auto-latching multi-flex storage pouches, and related methods will be described with reference to the following definitions that, for convenience, are set forth below. Unless otherwise specified, the below terms used herein are defined as follows:
I. Definitions
As used herein, the term “a,” “an,” “the” and similar terms used in the context of the present invention (especially in the context of the claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and plural unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by the context.
The terms “auto” or “automatically” are used interchangeably herein, and are used to describe, with reference to a device or process, the characteristic of occurrence by itself with little or no direct human control.
The language “botanical material” is used herein to describe material derived from plants for consumption through smoking, chewing, or ingestion that has been cured by a process of drying and/or fermentation. The botanical material may be in loose form or package form, e.g., rolled form. In certain embodiments, the botanical material is selected from Cannabis or tobacco.
The term “Cannabis” is art-recognized, and describes a genus of flowering plant in the family Cannabaceae. Although the number of species within the genus is disputed, three species are often recognized: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica and Cannabis ruderalis. In certain embodiments, the Cannabis is medical grade. In certain embodiments, the Cannabis is recreational grade.
The language “directional folding” is used herein to describe the folding along pre-creased lines that show a preference for one direction over another direction.
The term “enhanced” as used herein in the language “enhanced moisture control,” is used to describe an improvement with respect to existing customized product options such as paper bags/containers, or pouches made of canvas, polyester or leather that offer customization in form and function, but suffer from moisture control problems. In certain embodiments, the improvement in moisture control is greater than about 10%, e.g., greater than about 20%, e.g., greater than about 30%, e.g., greater than about 40%, e.g., greater than about 50%, e.g., greater than about 60%, e.g., greater than about 70%, e.g., greater than about 80%, e.g., greater than about 90%, e.g., greater than about 100%.
The language “magnetic sealing closure unit” is used herein to describe a matching pair of magnets (i.e., a matching magnetic pair used to close and seal the auto-latching multi-flex storage pouches of the invention), wherein each member of the pair is referred to herein as a first magnetic pole and a second magnetic pole.
The language “multi-flex” is used herein to describe the ability to fold and comport an item into multiple carrying orientations, e.g., for control and manipulation of botanical material.
The term “pouch” is used herein to describe a small flexible receptacle for housing/storing botanical material. It is formed in the present invention by the directional folding of a sheet of pre-creased paper.
The term “latching” is used herein to describe the fastening of two matching components to achieve a tight association, e.g., suitable for sealing together the two matching components, e.g., suitable for sealing a sealing flap to the pouch formed in the auto-latching multi-flex storage pouches of the present invention. In the embodiments of the present invention, the act of latching has a distance component in which latching may occur, referred to herein as “latching distance.” In certain embodiments of the invention, auto-latching may occur within this latching distance. For example, given the orientation of the sealing flap of the auto-latching multi-flex storage pouches of the invention in its natural closed (but unsealed) position, resulting from the pre-creased arrangement of the sheet of paper, the sealing flap may be positioned within the latching distance and automatically latch.
The language “sealed position” is used herein in reference to the sealing flap, and describes the sealing flap in the position of latched to the formed pouch.
The term “paper” is art-recognized, and is used herein to describe material manufactured in thin sheets from the pulp of wood or other fibrous substances. The paper of the present invention may be treated to achieve properties suitable to achieve the functions of the auto-latching multi-flex storage pouches of the present invention, including for example, incorporating plasticizers, coatings and lamination. In certain embodiments, the paper is chromo paper.
The language “chromo paper” is art-recognized, and is used to describe an opaque one side coated paper suitable for color printing. In certain embodiments, chromo paper is brushed with China clay (kaolin) on one side to give it a glossy and smooth finish.
II. Auto-Latching Multi-Flex Storage Pouches of the Invention
One embodiment of the present invention provides an auto-latching multi-flex storage pouch for transporting botanical material with enhanced moisture control comprising
a pouch formed by the directional folding of a sheet of pre-creased paper;
a sealing flap that overlaps the opening of the pouch through a flap hinge crease located at the intersection of the sealing flap and the sheet of pre-creased paper; and
at least one magnetic sealing closure unit comprising a matching magnetic pair capable of automatically latching the sealing flap wherein the first magnetic pole of the pair is positioned on or in the sealing flap and matches the second magnetic pole of the pair positioned on the sheet of pre-creased paper as to magnetically pair with the first magnetic pole of the pair when the sealing flap is positioned in the sealed position (or within the latching distance)v, and
wherein the flap hinge creates a moisture control edge when the flap is in the sealed position, resulting in enhanced moisture control within the sealed pouch.
The auto-latching multi-flex storage pouches of the present invention are durable and reusable storage vessels designed for both convenient personal storage and transport of botanical materials. The auto-latching multi-flex storage pouches of the present invention offer transport convenience as well as addressing concerns over storage freshness.
In certain embodiments of the invention, the botanical material is Cannabis.
In certain embodiments of the invention, the botanical material is tobacco.
In certain embodiments of the invention, the botanical material is stored in loose form.
In certain embodiments of the invention, the botanical material is stored in rolled form, e.g. joint or cigarette.
In certain embodiments of the invention, the sheet of pre-creased paper comprises laminated paper, e.g., matte lamination. In particular embodiments, the laminated paper is characterized by matte lamination.
In certain embodiments of the invention, auto-latching multi-flex storage pouch of the present invention is designed with a slim profile, e.g., suitable for storage in a pocket. In certain embodiments, the auto-latching multi-flex storage pouch is designed to fit in a pocket, e.g., a pants pocket.
In certain embodiments of the invention, the paper is characterized by artistic designs, e.g., useful for marketing.
In certain embodiments of the invention, the paper is characterized by artistic designs useful for marketing, e.g., marketing other products. In certain embodiments, the marketing materials are placed on the outside of the auto-latching multi-flex storage pouch when the sealing flap is positioned in the sealed position. In certain embodiments, the marketing materials are placed on the inside of the auto-latching multi-flex storage pouch when the sealing flap is positioned in the sealed position, and is visible upon unfolding of the pouch formed by the directional folding of a sheet of pre-creased paper.
It should be readily understood by the ordinarily skilled artisan in light of the disclosure provided herein that an auto-latching multi-flex storage pouch constructed in accordance with the present invention can be manufactured in a variety of shapes and sizes. Moreover, in certain embodiments of the present invention, and by no means intended to limit the auto-latching multi-flex storage pouches of the present invention in terms of design or construction, e.g., material composition, the auto-latching multi-flex storage pouch may be formed from paper (e.g., chromo paper), adhesive (e.g., glue), lamination (e.g., matte lamination), and magnets, as well as other suitable materials or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the materials can be transparent, translucent, or opaque, and may be colored in any instance.
In certain embodiments of the invention, the sheet of pre-creased paper comprises chromo paper.
A. Pouch
The present invention provides an auto-latching multi-flex storage pouch for transporting botanical material with enhanced moisture control comprising a pouch formed by the directional folding of a sheet of pre-creased paper. The sheet of pre-creased paper is designed to facilitate directional folding multi-flex orientation of the sheet. The multi-flex feature allows the positioning of the sheet of pre-creased paper in a variety of multi-flex orientations, including a cone or funnel, a tray (e.g., a rolling tray), or as a pouch.
The directional folding of the sheet of pre-creased paper is designed to form a storage pocket to house the botanical material. In certain embodiments, the botanical material is Cannabis. In certain alternative embodiments, the botanical material is tobacco. In certain embodiment, the botanical material is stored in loose form. In certain alternative embodiments, the botanical material is stored in rolled form, e.g. joint or cigarette.
The shape of the pouch directly corresponds to the shape of the sheet of pre-creased paper and the orientation of directional folding on the sheet of pre-creased paper. In particular, the auto-latching multi-flex storage pouches, and the corresponding shape of the sheet of pre-creased paper, may be any shape sufficient to achieve the intended purpose of convenient personal storage and transport while maintaining enhanced moisture control.
In certain embodiments, the sheet of pre-creased paper is designed to facilitate directional folding multi-flex orientation of the sheet as a cone or funnel suitable for handling or transferring stored botanical material to a rolling paper receptacle.
In certain embodiments, the sheet of pre-creased paper is designed to facilitate directional folding multi-flex orientation of the sheet as a tray (e.g., a rolling tray, i.e., a portable folding rolling tray) suitable for handling or transferring stored botanical material to a rolling paper receptacle, including providing a surface for rolling the rolling paper receptacle.
B. Sealing Flap
The present invention provides an auto-latching multi-flex storage pouch for transporting botanical material with enhanced moisture control comprising a sealing flap that overlaps the opening of the pouch through a flap hinge crease located at the intersection of the sealing flap and the sheet of pre-creased paper.
The storage pouches of the present invention maintain an improved freshness seal by establishing a moisture control edge when the storage pouch is sealed in a closed position. In particular, the auto-latching multi-flex storage pouches provide storage for botanical materials with enhanced moisture control, utilizing this moisture control edge. Moreover, the flap hinge creates a moisture control edge (e.g., at or near the flap hinge) when the flap is in the sealed position, resulting in enhanced moisture control within the sealed pouch.
The sealing flap comprises at least one first magnetic pole of a magnetic sealing closure unit capable of automatically latching the sealing flap with the sheet of pre-creased paper when the first magnetic pole of the pair is positioned on or in the sealing flap and matches the second magnetic pole of the pair positioned on the sheet of pre-creased paper, i.e., to magnetically pair with the first magnetic pole of the pair when the sealing flap is positioned in the sealed position.
In certain embodiments of the invention, the auto-latching multi-flex storage pouches comprise two magnetic sealing closure units.
In certain embodiments of the invention, the first magnetic pole is positioned internally within the sealing flap, e.g., positioned within a folded double layer of paper that forms the sealing flap.. In a particular embodiment, the magnets are held fixed within the sealing flap by an adhesive, e.g., glue.
In certain embodiments of the invention, the first magnetic pole is positioned externally on the surface of the sealing flap. In a particular embodiment, the magnets are held fixed on the surface of the sealing flap by an adhesive, e.g., glue.
C. Magnetic Sealing Closure Unit
The present invention provides an auto-latching multi-flex storage pouch for transporting botanical material with enhanced moisture control comprising at least one magnetic sealing closure unit comprising a matching magnetic pair. The matching magnetic pair is capable of automatically latching the sealing flap when the first magnetic pole and the second magnetic pole are positioned within the latching distance. In particular embodiments, this latching distance is achieved on completion of the directional folding that forms the pouch, wherein the sealing flap naturally falls within the latching distance. The first magnetic pole of the pair is positioned on or in the sealing flap and matches the second magnetic pole of the pair positioned on the sheet of pre-creased paper as to magnetically pair with the first magnetic pole of the pair when the sealing flap is positioned in the sealed position.
In certain embodiments of the invention, the auto-latching multi-flex storage pouches comprise two magnetic sealing closure units.
In certain embodiments of the invention, the first magnetic pole is positioned internally within the sealing flap. In a particular embodiment, the magnets are held fixed within the sealing flap by an adhesive, e.g., glue.
In certain embodiments of the invention, the first magnetic pole is positioned externally on the surface of the sealing flap. In a particular embodiment, the magnets are held fixed on the surface of the sealing flap by an adhesive, e.g., glue.
In certain embodiments of the present invention, the second magnetic pole of each magnetic sealing closure unit is positioned on the sheet of pre-creased paper as to be visible on the outside of the formed pouch and as to magnetically pair with the first magnetic pole of the pair when positioning the flap in the sealed position. In a particular embodiment, the magnets are held fixed on the surface of the pouch by an adhesive, e.g., glue.
In certain embodiments of the present invention, the second magnetic pole of each magnetic sealing closure unit is positioned on the sheet of pre-creased paper as to not be visible on the outside of the formed pouch and as to magnetically pair with the first magnetic pole of the pair when positioning the flap in the sealed position. In a particular embodiment, the magnets are held fixed by an adhesive, e.g., glue.
D. Additional Embodiments
The invention further provides for additional embodiments incorporating features that do not prevent the ability of the auto-latching multi-flex storage pouch to perform its intended function.
In certain embodiments of the present invention, the auto-latching multi-flex storage pouch further comprises one or more features selected from the group consisting of a botanical grinder, a compartment for rolling paper, a compartment for filters (e.g., filter tips), and any combination thereof.
III. Methods of the Invention
Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method of advertising comprising the step of placing marketing materials on the auto-latching multi-flex storage pouch of the present invention. In particular embodiments, this method offer an opportunity to generate revenue through use of the auto-latching multi-flex storage pouch of the present invention.
In certain embodiments, the marketing materials are placed on the outside of the auto-latching multi-flex storage pouch when the sealing flap is positioned in the sealed position. In certain embodiments, the marketing materials are placed on the inside of the auto-latching multi-flex storage pouch when the sealing flap is positioned in the sealed position, and is visible upon unfolding of the pouch formed by the directional folding of a sheet of pre-creased paper.
IV. Design Aspects of the Invention
Independent of the utility related to the containers of the present invention, the ornamental appearance of any novel design provided herein is intended to be part of this invention, for example, each of the views in
Accordingly, one embodiment of the present invention provides an ornamental design for an auto-latching multi-flex storage pouch as shown and described.
Exemplification
Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings of exemplary embodiments, which are not necessarily shown to scale, and which are not intended to be limiting in any way.
In this respect, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the Figures. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
The entire contents of all patents, published patent applications and other references cited herein are hereby expressly incorporated herein in their entireties by reference.
Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific procedures and auto-latching multi-flex storage pouches of the invention described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered by the following claims. Moreover, any numerical or alphabetical ranges provided herein are intended to include both the upper and lower value of those ranges, unless clearly contradicted explicitly or by the context. In addition, any listing or grouping is intended, at least in one embodiment, to represent a shorthand or convenient manner of listing independent embodiments; as such, each member of the list should be considered a separate embodiment.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/613,760, filed on Jan. 4, 2018; the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62613760 | Jan 2018 | US |
