ENGINEERED BAG AND METHODS OF EXTRACTION USING THE SAME

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to an engineered bag for use with extractions from bulk materials such as hemp and cannabis vegetation.

BACKGROUND

Extraction methods and techniques for bulk materials include centrifugation, which typically require the bulk material to be contained within a vessel that is suitable for centrifugation. A vessel that may be used is a bag. Such bags are usually limited to having a single, top opening for unloading and loading bulk materials because materials that are used to construct the bag and/or bottom opening closure devices are generally incapable of adequately containing the bulk material within the bag on account of its mass. In rare instances where bottom openings are included in bags, mechanisms for closing a bottom opening of a bag are difficult to operate and require multiple points of securement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some subject matter described in this disclosure is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1A illustrates a front perspective view of an engineered bag with a first closure device shown as partially unsecured and a second closure device shown as unsecured, in accordance with an aspect hereof;

FIG. 1B illustrates a front perspective view of the engineered bag of FIG. 1A but with the first and second closure devices secured, in accordance with an aspect hereof;

FIG. 2A illustrates a front elevation view of the engineered bag of FIG. 1A with the first and second closure devices unsecured, in accordance with an aspect hereof;

FIG. 2B illustrates a top plan view of the engineered bag of FIG. 1A with the first and second closure devices unsecured, in accordance with an aspect hereof;

FIG. 2C illustrates a bottom plan view of the engineered bag of FIG. 1A with the first and second closure devices unsecured, in accordance with an aspect hereof;

FIG. 2D illustrates a cross-sectional view of the engineered bag taken along the line 2D-2D of FIG. 2B, in accordance with an aspect hereof;

FIG. 3A illustrates a magnified view taken from the area 3A of FIG. 1A and shows an example first material construction of the engineered bag of FIG. 1A, in accordance with an aspect hereof;

FIG. 3B illustrates a magnified view taken from the area 3B of FIG. 1A and shows an example second material construction of the engineered bag of FIG. 1A, in accordance with an aspect hereof;

FIG. 3C illustrates a magnified view of an alternative third material construction of the engineered bag of FIG. 1A, in accordance with an aspect hereof;

FIG. 4A illustrates a magnified view taken from the area 4A of FIG. 1A and shows the second closure device as unsecured, in accordance with an aspect hereof;

FIG. 4B illustrates a magnified view taken from the area 4B of FIG. 1B and shows the second closure device as secured, in accordance with an aspect hereof; and

FIG. 5A illustrates a magnified view taken from the area 5A of FIG. 1A and shows the first closure device as unsecured, in accordance with an aspect hereof;

FIG. 5B illustrates a magnified view taken from the area 5B of FIG. 1B and shows the first closure device as secured, in accordance with an aspect hereof; and

FIG. 6 illustrates an example method of extraction using the engineered bag of FIG. 1A, in accordance with an aspect hereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Subject matter is described throughout this Specification in detail and with specificity in order to meet statutory requirements. The aspects described throughout this Specification are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and the description itself is not intended necessarily to limit the scope of the claims. Rather, the claimed subject matter might be practiced in other ways to include different elements or combinations of elements that are equivalent to the ones described in this Specification and that are in conjunction with other present technologies or future technologies. Upon reading the present disclosure, alternative aspects may become apparent to ordinary skilled artisans that practice in areas relevant to the described aspects, without departing from the scope of this disclosure. It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by, and is within the scope of, the claims.

In general, aspects of this disclosure relate to an engineered bag for use in connection with bulk materials. The bulk materials contemplated include hemp vegetation or cannabis vegetation, as well as other types of materials having properties that are suitable and/or desirable for extraction. These other types of materials may be any material that is utilized in connection with chemical, mineral, pharmaceutical, food, and/or life science industries. As is known in the art, extractions may be performed on bulk materials through centrifugation, which generally requires the bulk materials to be loaded into a bag. Such bags can be limited to single use and/or may have only one top opening, and as a result, using such bags generally requires material to be removed incrementally; this can be wasteful and time consuming. In rare instances, bags may include a bottom opening, but such bags also include closure devices for the bottom opening that are difficult to operate and that have multiple points of securement. Accordingly, aspects herein contemplate an engineered bag configured such that bulk materials may be easily and conveniently loaded through a top opening and unloaded from a bottom opening. In example aspects, the engineered bag includes a closure device that is configured such that it may be releasably secured to adjustably limit a bottom opening of the engineered bag in a manner that is suitable for containing a mass of the bulk material within the engineered bag while it is suspended and for discharging the bulk material from the bottom opening. Furthermore, the shape of the bag may be constructed in a manner that facilitates having a releasably secured bottom opening for discharging of bulk material.

Turning to FIGS. 1A and 1B, which illustrate a front perspective view of an example engineered bag 10. As shown, the engineered bag 10 includes a sidewall 20, a chute 40, a first closure device 60, a second closure device 80, and a plurality of straps 100. In FIG. 1A, the engineered bag 10 is depicted with the first closure device 60 partially secured and with the second closure device 80 unsecured. This results in a top opening 12 that is partially presented at a top of the engineered bag 10 and a bottom opening 14 that is presented at a bottom. In contrast, FIG. 1B depicts the engineered bag 10 with the first closure device 60 and the second closure device 80 secured such that the top and bottom openings 12, 14 of the engineered bag are not presented (i.e., the engineered bag 10 is closed). As will later be discussed, the first closure device 60 is configured such that a bulk material may be easily and conveniently deposited into the engineered bag 10 at the top opening 12, and similarly, the second closure device 80 is configured such that the bulk material may be easily and conveniently discharged from the engineered bag 10 at the bottom opening 14 after, for instance, performing an extraction on the bulk material.

FIGS. 1A and 1B further depict the engineered bag 10 as being suspended from a lifting mechanism 2 via the plurality of straps 100. Generally, the lifting mechanism 2 is configured to couple with each of the plurality of straps 100 and to be capable of lifting, suspending, and/or conveying the engineered bag 10, as well as any bulk material contained therein, to and between multiple locations. In FIGS. 1A and 1B, the lifting mechanism 2 is generically depicted as two intersecting cross bars, each of which couples with two of the plurality of straps 100 and also couple with two suspension wires. However, it is to be understood that aspects herein contemplate that the lifting mechanism 2 may be any device, mechanism, or combinations thereof suitable for lifting, suspending, and/or conveying the engineered bag 10, as well as any bulk material contained therein.

Regarding, the plurality of straps 100, FIGS. 1A and 1B show the plurality of straps 100 as extending along a length of the sidewall 20 in an upward direction, away from the chute 40. The plurality of straps 100 further extend beyond a top of the engineered bag 10 and couple with the lifting mechanism 2. Moreover, the plurality of straps 100 are positioned overtop (e.g., more external) an outermost surface of the engineered bag 10 and are affixed thereto at one or more locations, which, as discussed in more detail below, may be along a hem or seam. The hem or seam may be used to couple the sidewall 20 to the chute 40 and/or to join portions of the sidewall 20 together. Further, the plurality of straps 100 may be constructed of any suitable woven, nonwoven, knitted, and/or extruded material. In some aspects, the plurality of straps 100 may have a construction that is the same and/or similar to that of the sidewall 20 and/or the chute 40, both of which are also discussed in more detail below in connection with FIGS. 3A and 3B.

With additional reference now to FIG. 2A-2D, which respectively show a front elevation view, a top plan view, a bottom plan view, and a cross-sectional view of the engineered bag 10 with the lifting mechanism 2 and a portion of the plurality of straps 100 removed. The sidewall 20 includes an upper edge 22 and a lower edge 24, which is opposite the upper edge 22 and proximate the top opening 12. Generally, the sidewall 20 has a cylindrical shape extending between circular bases proximate the upper and lower edges 22, 24. In aspects, the sidewall 20 includes a similar shape with a similar diameter and circumference at each of the upper and lower edges 22, 24 that is maintained throughout the sidewall 20 as it extends between the upper and lower edges 22, 24. The term “similar” as used herein to describe a measurable unit of distance (e.g., centimeter, meter, inch, foot, etc.) means within ±5% of a given value. The term “proximate” as used herein means something that is physically near, close, abutting, joined, or minimally separated from another element. For example, a first item is proximate a second item when the first item touches the second item, when the first item is separated from, but close to the second item, when the first item extends from the second item, or when the first item is around, but not necessarily on, the second item.

Continuing with the sidewall 20, aspects herein contemplate that the upper edge 22 defines a top opening 12 of the engineered bag 10 through which a bulk material may be deposited when the first closure device 60 is at least partially unsecured. In related aspects and as illustratively depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the first closure device 60 is coupled to the sidewall 20 proximate the upper edge 22. Moreover, the first closure device 60 includes a closure flap 62 that is shaped and sized to correspond with the upper edge 22 of the sidewall 20. In one example, the closure flap 62 may include a closure flap edge 64 that has a similar circular shape with a similar diameter and circumference as the upper edge 22. Staying with this example, the closure flap edge 64 and the upper edge 22 may each include a set of zipper teeth that are configured to be coupled and/or uncoupled with one another via a slider such that the closure flap 62 of the first closure device 60 is secured to the sidewall 20 at the top opening 12 of the engineered bag 10. Further, the first closure device 60 may also include a slider cover, which extends over the slider and is configured to maintain the slider in a specified location relative to the top opening 12 during centrifugation. Other aspects herein contemplate that the first closure device 60 may include other mechanisms suitable for releasably coupling the closure flap 62 with the sidewall 20 proximate the closure flap edge 64 and the upper edge 22 including, but not limited to, fasteners such as hook-and-loop, buttons, snaps, hooks, grommets, cord-locks, and the like. Such aspects are discussed in more detail below in connection with FIGS. 5A and 5B.

Turning now to the chute 40, the chute 40 includes a top edge 42, a bottom edge 44 opposite the top edge 42, and an intermediate portion 46 between the top edge 42 and the bottom edge 44. The chute 40 may have a conical shape that extends between circular bases proximate the top edge 42 and the bottom edge 44 and is also truncated at the bottom edge 44, which is proximate the bottom opening 14. In this example and as best shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, the chute 40 further includes a first diameter 52 at the top edge 42 and a second diameter 54 at the bottom edge 44. The first diameter 52 is larger than the second diameter 54, but it is to be understood that aspects herein contemplate that the first diameter 52 and the second diameter 54 may be different than what is depicted. For instance, the first diameter 52 may be equal to or less than the second diameter 54 in alternative examples.

In other example aspects and as best shown in FIG. 2D, the chute 40 further includes a first thickness 48 proximate the bottom edge 44 and a second thickness 58 proximate the intermediate portion 46. Generally, the first thickness 48 is greater than the second thickness 58, or stated another way, the second thickness 58 is less than the first thickness 48. In accordance with aspects herein, the first thickness 48 and the second thickness 58 are configured such that the first thickness 48 is greater than the second thickness 58 by an amount that is sufficient for the second closure device 80 to be held in place around the intermediate portion 46 of the chute 40 and proximate bottom edge 44. Stated differently, the variation in thickness between the first thickness 48 and the second thickness 58 creates a mechanical interference for the second closure device 80 to maintain the chute 40 closed when intended.

In one such example aspect, the first thickness 48 may be about 3/16 of an inch or greater, while the second thickness may be about 1/16 of an inch or less. In another example aspect, the first thickness 48 may be about ⅜ of an inch or greater, while the second thickness may be about ⅛ of an inch or less. Such aspects contemplate that the first thickness 48 may be afforded by forming a double hem proximate the bottom edge 44 in which a portion of the chute 40 is folded over and sewn together. In another aspect, it is contemplated that the first thickness may be afforded to an interior channel with a cord extending therethrough that is formed at a portion of the chute 40 proximate the bottom edge 44.

The sidewall 20 and the chute 40 are joined to one another proximate the lower edge 24 and the top edge 42. In example aspects, the sidewall 20 and the chute 40 are sewn together such that a seam 18 is formed proximate the lower edge 24 and the top edge 42. Other aspects herein contemplate that the sidewall 20 and the chute 40 may be joined to one another via other affixing means such as adhesives, bonding, and the like. In yet other aspects, the sidewall 20 and the chute 40 may be formed from a unitary material and such a joining is not required.

In related aspects and as best shown in FIG. 2B, the sidewall 20 and the chute 40 collectively define an internal cavity 16 of the engineered bag 10, which includes the bottom opening 14. Although not shown in FIGS. 1A-2C, aspects herein contemplate that the internal cavity 16 is configured to receive and contain a bulk material. As such, when the bottom opening 14 of the engineered bag 10 is adjustably limited when the second closure device 80 is secured, a corresponding portion of the internal cavity 16 is also adjustably limited.

In accordance with aspects herein, the engineered bag 10 and components thereof are configured to contain a bulk material having a mass that may be in excess of 1,000 pounds. As such, aspects, arrangements, and/or proportions of components of the engineered bag 10 may be selected in a manner that is suitable to support a mass of the bulk material while the engineered bag 10 is suspended. In one such example aspect, the plurality of straps 100 are distributed along a perimeter (e.g., circumference) of the sidewall 20 in a manner that is generally even. Stated another away, each of the plurality of straps 100 is spaced apart from adjacent straps by a similar distance, for example. Moreover, the plurality of straps 100 are also affixed to the engineered bag 10 proximate the seam 18 that is formed near the lower edge 24 of the sidewall 20 of the and the top edge 42 of the chute 40. Further, the joining of the plurality of straps 100 to the engineered bag 10 at the seam 18 allows the seam 18 construction to further reinforce and distribute a load transferred through the plurality of the straps 100 to greater portions of the engineered bag 10. Additional aspects contemplate that the plurality of straps 100 may be affixed to the engineered bag 10 by sewing, adhesives, bonding, and the like at one or more locations where the plurality of straps 100 extend along the sidewall 20 and/or the chute 40.

In one example aspect, one or more straps of the plurality of straps 100 may extend in the upward direction, beyond the top of the engineered bag 10 for a distance of about 14 inches. Other aspects herein contemplate that a distance one or more straps of the plurality of straps 100 extend in the upward direction, beyond the top of the engineered bag 10 is from about 20 inches to about 8 inches, from about 19 inches to about 9 inches, from about 18 inches to about 10 inches, from about 17 inches to about 11 inches, from about 16 inches to about 12 inches, or from about 15 inches to about 13 inches.

Further aspects herein contemplate that the plurality of straps 100 may have a configuration that is different than what is depicted in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 6. Such aspects contemplate that the plurality of straps 100 may be configured to be handles, which may include one or more features that are the same as those of the plurality of straps 100, as well as one or more different features. In this aspect, each handle may include two vertical portions that extend along a length of the sidewall 20 in an upward direction, away from the chute 40 and beyond a top of the engineered bag 10. Each vertical portion may be positioned overtop (e.g., more external) an outermost surface of the engineered bag 10 and may be affixed proximate the upper edge 22 of the sidewall 20 at one or more locations. In one aspect, the two vertical portions of each handle may extend in the upward direction, beyond the top of the engineered bag 10 for a distance of about 6 inches. Other aspects herein contemplate that a distance one or both the two vertical portions extend in the upward direction, beyond the top of the engineered bag 10 is from about 10 inches to about 2 inches, from about 9 inches to about 3 inches, from about 8 inches to about 4 inches, or from about 7 inches to about 5 inches.

Continuing with aspects related to the plurality of straps 100 being configured to be handles, each handle may include a horizontal portion that extends between the two vertical portions in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the upward direction of the two vertical portions. Stated differently, the horizontal portion may extend substantially parallel to the upper edge 22 of the sidewall 20, and thus, a loop is formed by a portion of each handle that extends beyond the top of the engineered bag 10 and the upper edge 22 of the sidewall 22. In some aspects, the two vertical portions and the horizontal portion of each handle may be formed of a unitary piece that continuously extends through each handle. In other aspects, one or more of the two vertical portions and the horizontal portion of each handle may be formed of separate pieces that are affixed together via affixing means such as adhesives, stitching, bonding, and the like.

In related aspects, a construction of the sidewall 20 and the chute 40 may also be selected to afford features to the engineered bag 10 that are suitable for containing a mass of the bulk material within the internal cavity 16 while the engineered bag 10 is suspended, as well as for extraction methods and techniques that may be performed on the bulk material contained within the engineered bag 10. As used herein, the term “material construction” when referring to the sidewall 20, the chute 40, the closure flap 62, and/or the plurality of straps 100 refers to an overall material construction at a portion thereof, which may include one or more of an underlying construction type (e.g., woven, nonwoven, knitted, extruded, and the like), a filament type (e.g., a monofilament, multifilament, staple fiber, wire, and the like), and/or a material composition of the component. Further, a “material construction” may also include a distinction between a type of weave (e.g., closed weave or open weave) that is formed and the type of weave generally refers to a separation or lack thereof formed proximate an intersection of weft and warp filaments in a material construction. The term “open weave” as used herein shall mean a weave in which one or more warp threads are not in close proximity to adjacent warp threads leaving interstices in the fabric when viewed from a top or bottom plan view. The term “closed weave” as used herein shall mean a weave in which warp threads physically come together or are in close proximity to adjacent warp threads. Example constructions of the sidewall 20 and the chute 40 are discussed immediately below.

FIG. 3A illustrates a magnified view taken from the area 3A of FIG. 1A and depicts an example first material construction 120 of the sidewall 20, in accordance with aspects hereof. As shown, the first material construction 120 comprises a first plurality of monofilaments 122 extending in a warp direction and a second plurality of monofilaments 124 extending in a weft direction. The first material construction 120 further comprises an open weave as a gap 126 is formed proximate an intersection of two adjacent monofilaments of the first plurality of monofilaments 122 and two adjacent monofilaments of the second plurality of monofilaments 124. In aspects, the first material construction 120 may further comprise a material composition that includes one or more of polyamide (PA), polyester (PET), polypropylene (PP), and/or other suitable polymeric components. Further aspects herein contemplate that the first material construction 120 is configured to undergo centrifugation methods and techniques and to also contain a mass of the bulk material within the internal cavity 16 while the engineered bag 10 is suspended. The sidewall 20 is formed from an open weave construction, in an example aspect, to allow for the extraction of materials (e.g., oils) from the bulk material through the open weave construction. Stated differently, the open weave construction is effective to contain the bulk materials while allowing for fluids and/or materials to pass through for efficient extraction.

FIG. 3B illustrates a magnified view taken form the area 3B of FIG. 1A and depicts an example second material construction 140 of the chute 40, in accordance with aspects hereof. As shown, the second material construction 140 comprises a first plurality of multifilaments 142 extending in a warp direction and a second plurality of multifilaments 144 extending in a weft direction. The second material construction 140 further comprises a closed weave construction as a minimal to no gap construction is formed proximate an intersection of any of the first and second pluralities of multifilaments 142, 144. Aspects herein contemplate that the second material construction 140 may further comprise a material composition that includes one or more of polyamide (PA), polyester (PET), polypropylene (PP), and/or other suitable polymeric components. In further aspects, the second material construction 140 is configured to undergo centrifugation methods and techniques and to also contain a mass of the bulk material within the internal cavity 16 while the engineered bag 10 is suspended. The chute 40 is formed from a closed weave construction, in an exemplary aspect, as an effective construction for the repeated gathering and closing of the bottom opening 14 in connection with the second closure device 80.

FIG. 3C illustrates a magnified view that depicts an example third material construction 160, which could be included as part of the sidewall 20 and/or the chute 40, in accordance with aspects hereof. As shown, the third material construction 160 comprises a third plurality of monofilaments 162 extending in a warp direction and a fourth plurality of monofilaments 164 extending in a weft direction. The third material construction 160 further comprises a closed as minimal to no gap construction is formed proximate an intersection of any of the third and fourth pluralities of monofilaments 162, 164. In aspects, the third material construction 160 may further comprise a material composition that includes one or more of polyamide (PA), polyester (PET), polypropylene (PP), and/or other suitable polymeric components. Further aspects herein contemplate that the third material construction 160 is configured to undergo centrifugation methods and techniques and to also contain a mass of the bulk material within the internal cavity 16 while the engineered bag 10 is suspended. In one example aspect, the sidewall 20 may be formed from a dual-layered open weave and closed weave construction to allow for the extraction of materials (e.g., oils) from the bulk material through the open weave construction. Stated differently, the dual-layered open weave and closed weave construction is effective to contain the bulk materials while allowing for fluids and/or materials to pass through for efficient extraction. In one such example aspect the sidewall 20 may be formed of a dual-layered construction comprising the first material construction 120 and the third material construction 160.

In yet another example aspect, the second closure device 80, like other components of the engineered bag 10, may also be selected and/or designed to afford features to the engineered bag 10 that are suitable for containing a mass of the bulk material within the internal cavity 16 while the engineered bag 10 is suspended, as well as for extraction methods and techniques that may be performed on the bulk material contained within the engineered bag 10. At a high level, aspects herein contemplate that the second closure device 80 is configured to adjustably limit the bottom opening 14 such that none or a minimal amount of the bulk material is discharged from the engineered bag 10 through the bottom opening 14 while the second closure device 80 secures the bottom opening 14 in a closed state.

FIG. 4A illustrates a magnified view taken from the area 4A of FIG. 1A and depicts the second closure device 80 as releasably unsecured, and FIG. 4B illustrates a magnified view taken from the area 4B of FIG. 1B and depicts the second closure device 80 as releasably secured. The second closure device 80 is closure strap 82 that includes a first portion 84 and a second portion 86 that are configured to releasably secure to one another around the intermediate portion 46 of the chute 40. In the example shown, the closure strap 82 comprises a hook and loop construction, and as such, the first portion 84 includes a loop portion of the hook and loop construction and the second portion 86 includes a hook portion of the hook and loop construction. While the closure strap 82 is depicted as comprising a hook and loop construction, it is to be understood that aspects herein contemplate that the closure strap 82 may include other releasably securing mechanisms such as buttons, hooks, cord-locks, and like.

Continuing, the second closure device 80 further includes a cord channel 88 and a cord extending therethrough (not shown), which are configured to, at least in part, contribute to the first thickness 48 of the chute 40 proximate the bottom edge 44. In some aspects, the cord channel 88 and the cord extending therethrough may be replaced and/or supplemented by one or more additional material layers, a hem, or other structure that is suitable for affording the first thickness 48 a size that is greater than the second thickness 58. In use and as best shown in FIG. 4B, the second closure device 80 is configured to adjustably limit the bottom opening 14 (not identified) by gathering a portion of the intermediate portion 46 of the chute 40, wrapping the closure strap 82 around the gathered portion, and then releasable securing the first portion 84 and the second portion 86 to one another. In example aspects, this configuration allows for easy and convenient securing and releasing of the second closure device 80 and also provides a closure at the bottom opening 14 (not identified) that is suitable to undergo centrifugation methods and techniques and to contain a mass of the bulk material within the internal cavity 16 (not identified) while the engineered bag 10 is suspended. Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, the intermediate portion 46 of the chute 40 may be gathered such that an accordion-like fold (e.g., undulating portions collapsing on one another) is formed proximate the bottom edge 44.

In even further example aspects, the first closure device 60, like the second closure device 80 and other components of the engineered bag 10, may also be selected and/or designed to afford features to the engineered bag 10 that are suitable that are suitable for containing a mass of the bulk material within the internal cavity 16 while the engineered bag 10 is suspended, as well as for extraction methods and techniques that may be performed on the bulk material contained within the engineered bag 10. At a high level, aspects herein contemplate that the first closure device 60 is configured to open and close the top opening 12 such that a bulk material may be loaded into the engineered bag 10 through the top opening 12 and then retained therein while the first closure device 60 secures the top opening 12 in a closed state.

FIG. 5A illustrates a magnified view taken from the area 5A of FIG. 1A and depicts the first closure device 60 as partially, releasably secured, and FIG. 5B illustrates a magnified view taken from the area 5B of FIG. 1B and depicts the first closure device 60 as fully, releasably secured. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the first closure device 60 comprises the closure flap 62, a slider 70, a first set of zipper teeth 72, a second set of zipper teeth 74, and a slider cover 76. The first set of zipper teeth 72 are positioned proximate the upper edge 22 of the sidewall 20, while the second set of zipper teeth 74 are positioned proximate the flap edge 64 of the closure flap 62. Moreover, the slider 70 is configured to couple and/or decouple the first and second sets of zipper teeth 72, 74 as the slider 70 is moved. As such, the slider 70 may be moved in one direction to releasably secure the closure flap 62 to sidewall 20 such that the top opening 12 of the engineered bag 10 is closed (e.g., in a closed state). In the same vein, the slider 70 may be moved in another direction to releasably unsecure the closure flap 62 to the sidewall 20 such that the top opening of the engineered bag 10 is opened (e.g., in an open state). Continuing, the slider cover 76 extends over the slider 70 and is configured to maintain the slider 70 in a specified location relative to the top opening 12 during centrifugation. In aspects, the first closure device 60 is a #10 zipper. For example, it is contemplated that a combined width of the coupled first and second sets of zipper teeth 72, 74 is about 10 millimeters for a #10 zipper. Other aspects herein contemplate that the first closure device 60 may include other mechanisms suitable for releasably coupling or securing the closure flap 62 with the sidewall 20 proximate the closure flap edge 64 and the upper edge 22 including, but not limited to, fasteners such as hook-and-loop, buttons, snaps, hooks, grommets, cord-locks, and the like.

Additional aspects herein contemplate that the first closure device 60, the second closure device 80, and/or components thereof are configured such that they may be easily replaced and/or repaired. In one such example aspect, the first portion 84 and/or the second portion 86 of the closure strap 82 may be replaced if either of the first and/or second portions 84, 86 are releasably securing to one another in a less efficient and/or effective manner. In another example aspect, the closure strap 82 may be replaced and/or reconfigured to comprise an additional and/or different coupling means. For instance, a supplemental the hook and loop construction may be added to the closure strap 82, as well as other fastening means such as buttons, snaps, hooks, grommets, cord-locks, double-ring and strap, and the like.

Reference is now made to FIG. 6 to describe some stages of a method of an extraction 600 using the engineered bag 10. At a step 602, the engineered bag 10 is provided with the second closure device unsecured, and then, at a step 604, the intermediate portion 46 of the chute 40 is gathered and the second closure device 80 is secured around the intermediate portion 46 adjacent to the bottom edge 44. In aspects, the gathering may comprise an accordion-like folding of a portion of the chute 40, such as a portion proximate the bottom edge 44. Next, at a step 606, a bulk material 4 is deposited into the internal cavity 16 of the engineered bag 10 through the top opening 12. While the engineered bag 10 is depicted as suspended in the step 606, aspects herein contemplate that the engineered bag 10 may instead be supported by a surface, such as a floor, while the bulk material 4 is deposited therein. At a step 608, the first closure device 60 is secured over the top opening 12 of the engineered bag 10.

Continuing on, at a step 610 the engineered bag 10 is coupled with the lifting mechanism 2 and is conveyed to a centrifuge device 6, and then, the engineered bag 10 and bulk material 4 contained therein is loaded into the centrifuge device 6 and centrifuged at a step 612. The centrifuge step may include introducing a super critical fluid or other materials to the engineered bag 10 having the bulk material 4 contained therein. The engineered bag 10 and bulk material 4 are then rotated to generate a centripetal force on the bulk material 4. This rotational energy encourages material to be extracted, such as oils, to move from the bulk material 4, through the engineered bag 10, and into the centrifuge device 6 for collection.

Subsequent to centrifugation, at steps 614 and 616 the engineered bag 10 is removed from the centrifuge device 6 and then conveyed by the lifting mechanism 2 to an unloading location where the engineered bag 10 is suspended above a discharge location 8. At a step 618, the second closure device 80 is released around the intermediate portion 46 of the chute 40 to discharge at least a portion of the bulk material 4 to the discharge location 8.

In example aspects, subsequent to completing the aforementioned steps of the method 600, the engineered bag 10 is configured such that it may again be used in an extraction of a second bulk material. Such aspects contemplate that the engineered bag 10 may be used for additional methods of extraction. At a step 620, the intermediate portion 46 of the chute 40 is gathered and the second closure device 80 is secured around the intermediate portion 46 adjacent to the bottom edge 44 like in the step 604 but at a different instance (e.g., a second instance). Next, a second bulk material is deposited into the internal cavity 16 of the engineered bag 10 through the top opening 12, in the same manner as the step 606. Then, the steps 606-618 may be repeated to perform the method of extraction 600 on the subsequent bulk materials, such as the second bulk material.

As used herein and in connection with the claims listed hereinafter, the terminology “any of clauses” or similar variations of said terminology is intended to be interpreted such that features of claims/clauses may be combined in any combination. For example, an exemplary clause 4 may indicate the method/apparatus of any of clauses 1 through 3, which is intended to be interpreted such that features of clause 1 and clause 4 may be combined, elements of clause 2 and clause 4 may be combined, elements of clause 3 and 4 may be combined, elements of clauses 1, 2, and 4 may be combined, elements of clauses 2, 3, and 4 may be combined, elements of clauses 1, 2, 3, and 4 may be combined, and/or other variations. Further, the terminology “any of clauses” or similar variations of said terminology is intended to include “any one of clauses” or other variations of such terminology, as indicated by some of the examples provided above.

The following clauses are aspects contemplated herein.

Clause 1. An engineered bag comprising: a sidewall including an upper edge and a lower edge, a first closure device coupled to the sidewall proximate the upper edge, a chute including a top edge, a bottom edge, and an intermediate portion between the top edge and the bottom edge, wherein the top edge is coupled to the sidewall proximate the lower edge, wherein the chute has a first thickness proximate the bottom edge and a second thickness at the intermediate portion that is less than the first thickness, wherein the chute and the sidewall define an internal cavity of the engineered bag having a bottom opening proximate the bottom edge of the chute, a plurality of straps affixed to the sidewall, and a second closure device positioned between the top edge and the bottom edge of the chute, the second closure device including a first portion and a second portion configured to releasably secure with each another around a portion of the chute to adjustably limit the bottom opening.

Clause 2. The engineered bag of Clause 1, wherein the sidewall has a first material construction comprising at least one of a woven textile, a non-woven textile, a knitted textile, an extrusion, or combination thereof.

Clause 3. The engineered bag of Clause 2, wherein the first material construction further comprises an open weave comprising a monofilament, multifilament, staple fiber, wire, or combination thereof.

Clause 4. The engineered bag of Clause 2, wherein the first material construction further comprises a closed weave comprising a multifilament.

Clause 5. The engineered bag of Clause 2, wherein the first material construction further comprises a closed weave comprising a monofilament.

Clause 6. The engineered bag of Clause 2, wherein the chute has a second material construction that is different than the first material construction.

Clause 7. The engineered bag of Clause 6, wherein the first material constructions further comprises an open weave comprising a monofilament and the second material construction comprises a closed weave comprising a multifilament.

Clause 8. The engineered bag of any of Clauses 1-7, wherein the chute has a first diameter at the top edge and a second diameter at the bottom edge that is less than the first diameter.

Clause 9. The engineered bag of any of Clauses 1-8, wherein the second closure device comprises a cord channel proximate the bottom edge of the chute and a cord extending therethrough.

Clause 10. The engineered bag of any of Clauses 1-9, wherein at least one of the top edge of the chute is coupled to the sidewall proximate the lower edge by a seam or the first closure device is a zipper.

Clause 11. The engineered bag of any of Clauses 1-10, wherein each of the plurality of straps are coupled to the sidewall at a seam.

Clause 12. The engineered bag of Clause 11, wherein each of the plurality of straps extend from at least the seam past the upper edge of the sidewall.

Clause 13. The engineered bag of any of Clauses 1-12, wherein the second closure device comprises a strap having a hook portion of a hook and loop construction at the first portion of the second closure device and having a loop portion of the hook and loop construction at the second portion of the second closure device.

Clause 14. A method of extraction using an engineered bag, the method comprising: gathering an intermediate portion of a chute of the engineered bag, securing a closure device around the intermediate portion of the chute of the engineered bag, depositing a bulk material into an internal cavity of the engineered bag, wherein the bulk material is deposited through a top opening of the engineered bag, securing the top opening of the engineered bag, conveying the engineered bag to a centrifuge device, centrifuging the engineered bag and the bulk material contained therein, conveying the engineered bag to an unloading location, wherein the engineered bag is suspended above a discharge location, and releasing the closure device around the intermediate portion of the chute to discharge at least a portion of the bulk material.

Clause 15. The method of Clause 14, wherein the bulk material comprises a first bulk material, wherein the gathering the intermediate portion is at a first instance, and wherein the method further comprises gathering the intermediate portion of the chute of the engineered bag at a second instance, securing the closure device around the intermediate portion of the chute of the engineered bag, depositing a second bulk material into the internal cavity of the engineered bag, centrifuging the engineered bag and the second bulk material contained therein, releasing the closure device around the intermediate portion of the chute to discharge at least a portion of the second bulk material.

Clause 16. The method of any of Clauses 14-15, wherein the bulk material comprises at least one selected from hemp vegetation or cannabis vegetation.

Clause 17. The method of any of Clauses 14-16, wherein the bulk material has a mass in a range from about 40 pounds to about 1,000 pounds.

Clause 18. The method of any of Clauses 14-17, wherein the chute is closer to the discharge location at the step of releasing the closure device than a sidewall of the engineered bag.

Clause 19. The method of any of Clauses 14-18, wherein the gathering comprises an accordion folding of a portion of the chute.

Clause 20. The method of any of Clauses 14-19, wherein the securing of the closure device comprises securing a hook portion with a loop portion of a hook and loop connection.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that the subject matter described herein is well adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with other advantages which may be obvious and which are inherent to the structure. It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. Since many possible aspects may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

ENGINEERED BAG AND METHODS OF EXTRACTION USING THE SAME

Information

Publication Number

Date Filed

Date Published

Inventors

Original Assignees

CPC

International Classifications

Abstract

Description

Claims