Patent Application
20210100278
The present invention relates to a dispensing device. The present invention provides a grinding and dispensing assembly configured to receive a predetermined amount of ground substance and selectively dispense the predetermined amount to a user or other receptacle without the need for hand manipulation.
Many people ingest medication or herbs that requires the particle size of the provided form to be reduced for greater efficacy or ease of use, such as pills in powder form or cannabis ground from its natural plant form. Unfortunately, cross contamination regularly occurs with hand manipulation of these medications and herbs. Point of contact occurs when pills or cannabis are initially removed from its container, when being ground, and transferred to another receptacle, such as rolling papers, or directly consumed. Rolling papers are heavily manipulated during transfer of ground substance due to a user having to maintain a curved configuration of the paper to ensure the substance is kept central on the paper.
Furthermore, there are different means of ingesting the substance once it is ground. The substance can be transferred to a rolling paper, a vaporizer attachment, or other smoking means. However, in addition to cross contamination, some of the substance is likely to be wasted as a result of an imperfect transferring vessel. Therefore, in order to prevent waste and cross contamination through direct handling, there exists a need in the prior art for an assembly configured to grind and dispense a predetermined amount directly from a grinder onto a rolling paper or other receptacle.
In light of the devices disclosed in the known art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements and methods from the known art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement for a grinding and dispensing assembly. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.
In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of dispensing devices now present in the known art, the present invention provides a dispensing device wherein the same can be utilized for receiving a predetermined amount from a container and selectively distributing the predetermined amount to a user or other receptacle without the need for hand manipulation.
It is an objective of the present invention to provide a grinding and dispensing assembly comprising a grinding chamber configured receive and grind a substance, wherein the grinding chamber is formed by a grinding lid rotatably affixed to a grinding chamber housing, wherein the grinding chamber comprises a grinding mechanism and a plurality of apertures extending through the lower side of the grinding chamber housing.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide a grinding and dispensing assembly wherein the grinding mechanism is a plurality of first protrusions extending through the lower side of the grinding chamber housing and a plurality of second protrusions extending from an interior side of the grinding lid, wherein the substance positioned within the grinding chamber is adapted to be ground by cooperative engagement of the plurality of first protrusions with the plurality of the second protrusions.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide a grinding and dispensing assembly further comprising a joint mode base removably securable to a lower side of the grinding chamber housing, wherein the joint mode base is configured to dispense the ground substance into a rolling paper housed thereon.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide a grinding and dispensing assembly wherein the joint mode base comprises funnel assembly and a platform, wherein the funnel assembly comprises a chamber funnel configured to rotate between a loading position and a dispensing position, such that in the loading position a recess of the chamber funnel receives the ground substance from the grinding chamber housing and in the dispensing position the recess of the chamber funnel is rotated to face the platform to dispense the ground substance.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide a grinding and dispensing assembly wherein the platform comprises a curved channel extending from opposing sides of an upper end thereof, wherein the curved channel is configured to receive the rolling paper and maintain the rolling paper in a curved position.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide a grinding and dispensing assembly wherein the joint mode base is interchangeable with other bases that can transfer the ground substance into a different receptacle.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved new dispensing device that has all of the advantages of the known art and none of the disadvantages.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.
For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for receiving, grinding, and dispensing a substance. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.
Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiment (s) of the invention. References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “first embodiment”, “second embodiment”, or “third embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.
Referring now to
The grinding chamber 100 is formed by a grinding lid 110 removably affixed to a grinding chamber housing 120. When the grinding lid 110 is separated from the grinding chamber housing 120, the interior of the grinding chamber housing 120 is configured to receive the substance to be ground. In the illustrated embodiment, the grinding chamber 100 is rotatably affixed to the grinding chamber housing 120 and comprises a grinding mechanism configured to grind the substance when the grinding lid 110 is rotated about the grinding chamber housing. In the illustrated embodiment, the grinding chamber 100 comprises a circular cross section to allow for effortless rotation between the grinding lid 110 and the grinding chamber housing 120. In the illustrated embodiment, an upper surface 111 of the grinding lid 110 forms the uppermost surface of the grinding and dispensing assembly 1000, wherein the upper surface 111 is flat. In some embodiments, a grip 113 is disposed around an exterior of the grinding lid 110 to allow a user to grip the grinding lid 110 without slipping while in operation. In the illustrated embodiment, the grip 113 is a textured or knurled surface.
The grinding chamber housing 120 comprises a lower side 122 and an upper side 123, wherein the grinding lid 110 secures to the upper side 123 thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the grinding lid 110 rests upon a lip 121 formed between the lower and upper sides 122, 123 of the grinding chamber housing 120 in a secured position. The lip 121 enables an exterior side of the grinding chamber 110 to have a continuous, leveled surface, which allows for better gripping by the user when in operation. In other embodiments, the grinding lid 110 is securable to an interior of the upper side of the grinding chamber housing 120. In some embodiments, an O-ring 105 is positioned on the lip 121 to absorb the rotational friction when the grinding chamber is in operation and preserve the structural integrity of the grinding lid 110 and grinding chamber housing 120. In other embodiments, the O-ring forms a hermetical seal.
Referring now to
In the illustrated embodiment, each protrusion extends perpendicular from the respective interior surface. Each protrusion comprises a first concave sidewall 116 adjacent to a second concave sidewall 117 and a convex third sidewall 118. In this way, the edges between each sidewall are sharp and configured for shearing the substance. The sidewalls extend an entire length of the protrusion. In some embodiments, the first protrusions are in a circular formation and the second protrusions form two concentric circular formations, wherein the first protrusions are between the two circular formations of the second protrusions. Each circular formation is defined concentric to the exterior perimeter of the grinding chamber 100. In this way, all of the first protrusions are between all of the second protrusions when the grinding lid 110 is secured to the grinding chamber housing 120, such that as the grinding chamber housing 120 rotates relative to the grinding lid 110 the first protrusions are not obstructed by the second protrusions.
In alternate embodiments, the grinding and dispensing assembly comprises any suitable grinding mechanism configured to received and grind herbs and other medication. In the illustrated embodiment, the operation of the grinding mechanism is manual. However, it is contemplated in other embodiments that the grinding mechanism is mechanically operated upon actuation of a button or lever disposed on the grinding chamber.
The grinding and dispensing assembly further comprises an aperture configured to allow the ground substance to transfer from the interior of the grinding chamber 100 to a base. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of apertures 130 are disposed on the lower side 125 of the grinding chamber housing 120 and spaced equidistance from one another. The apertures form two concentric circular formations, wherein the first circular formation is disposed around the circular formation of the first protrusions and the second circular formation of the apertures is interior to the first protrusions. In this way, once the substance is ground it is gravity fed to a base disposed therebeneath. In the illustrated embodiment, the apertures are sized to receive a ground substance, but too small to allow unground substance (such as a whole leaf or pill) to pass therethrough.
The grinding lid 110 is securable to the grinding chamber housing 120 via a connection that permits the grinding lid 110 to remain secured to the grinding chamber housing 120 when rotated thereabout. In the illustrated embodiment, the grinding chamber housing 120 comprises a raised fastener 130 configured to mate with a fastener 131 disposed on the interior upper side of the grinding lid 110. The fasteners 130, 131 are aligned in a stacked position when attached to one another. The raised fastener 130 further comprises sharp edges formed by adjacent curved sidewalls to assist in grinding the substance. The fasteners are magnetic in order to maintain a strong connection while preventing obstruction with other components of the grinding chamber 100 and allowing for quick release and securement.
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
The chamber funnel 320 comprises a recess 323 extending between the two tabs 321, 321, wherein the recess 323 is configured to receive the ground substance from the first elongated slot while in the loading position and dispense the ground substance through the second elongated slot while in the dispensing position. The second elongated slot 343 is disposed above the platform in the dispensing position. In some embodiments, the first elongated slot and the second elongated slot have a same width and length. In one embodiment, the first elongated slot is dimensionally smaller than the second elongated slot such that the entire perimeter of the first elongated slot are positioned interior the second elongated slot when viewed from an overhead planar view. In some embodiments, the first elongated slot, second elongated slot, and recess each extend the substantial length of the chamber funnel, wherein the length is substantially equivalent to a length of the rolling paper. In this way, as the ground substance is dispensed from the funnel assembly, a predetermined amount is automatically positioned along the majority of the length of the rolling paper. Therefore, minimizing additional hand manipulation needed to disperse the substance along the length of the rolling paper.
In the illustrated embodiment, a stopper 325 extends circumventially about each of the tabs 321, 322 forming a C-shape flange. In some embodiments, only one tab comprises the stopper. The stopper 325 is configured to define the maximum positions of the loading position and the dispensing position, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the channel funnel is configured to rotate 180 degrees in opposing directions, between the loading and the dispensing positions. A projection 326 extends within the tab receivers 341, 342 configured to prevent the stopper from rotating therebeyond.
One of the tabs 321 of the chamber funnel 320 comprises a mounting notch 327 that is secured to a knob (see
Referring now to
In the illustrated embodiment, the platform 250 comprises a curved channel 252 extending from opposing sides of an upper end thereof. The curved channel 252 is configured to receive and retain the rolling paper in a curved position. The curved areas 302 of the upper funnel are configured to align with the opposing ends of the curved channel.
The platform 250 comprises a cross sectional shape that corresponds with the overall cross-sectional shape of the funnel assembly and the grinding chamber. In this way, the grinding and dispensing assembly comprises a cylindrical shape that is compact and easy to handle when in operation and being transported between locations.
A pair of opposing ridges 254 extend from the upper surface of the platform 250 and are removably securable to the funnel assembly in order to secure the rolling paper therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, each ridge 254 comprises magnetic fastener 255 securable to a lower side of the funnel base 340.
In operation of the grinding and dispensing assembly with the joint mode base, a user loads the grinding chamber 100 with a predetermined amount of substance. A rolling paper 400 is placed on the upper surface of the platform 250 and the funnel assembly 300 is secured to both the grinding chamber housing 120 and platform 250. The grinding lid 110 is rotated about the grinding chamber housing 120 until the substance is ground. The ground substance 410 passes through the apertures of the grinding chamber housing 120 and into the funnel assembly 300. The ground substance is funneled through the upper funnel to the first elongated slot. Once the knob 210 is turned such that the chamber funnel is in the loading position, the ground substance passes into the recess of the chamber funnel via gravity. The user then turns the knob 180 degrees thereby rotating the chamber funnel to the dispensing position such that the recess is facing downward above the second elongated slot. The second elongated slot is disposed directly above the rolling paper 400 such that the ground substance 410 passes through the second elongated slot and onto the rolling paper via gravity. The chamber funnel is adapted to rotate to dispense the ground substance without contacting the rolling paper positioned on the platform. In one embodiment, as the ground substance is dispensed onto the rolling paper, there is clearance between the chamber funnel and rolling paper such that actuation of the knob and chamber funnel does not affect the ground substance position on the rolling paper., thereby providing for even dispersal of the ground substance on the rolling paper. The funnel assembly and grinding chamber 100 are separated from the platform, wherein the rolling paper and ground substance remain thereon. A tip 420 can be placed at an end of the rolling paper 400, wherein a user then rolls a joint. In this way, the user is eliminating or reducing potential for cross contamination and the need for a user to grind or dispense the substance by hand.
Referring now to
The vape funnel 510 comprises a flat lower interior side 511 having a spout 505 extending downward and away from the grinding chamber 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower interior side 511, that encircles the spout 505, is planar and parallel to the upper side of the grinding lid when attached to the grinding chamber. The flat interior side 511 is configured to prevent all the ground substance received through the apertures from falling into spout 505 simultaneously. Rather, the user can selectively control how much of the ground substance is moved from the interior side 511 of the vape funnel and passed through the spout 505.
The spout 505 is configured to funnel the ground substance into another receptacle having a narrow opening such as a vaporizer attachment. The upper opening of the spout 505 is disposed centrally on the surface of the lower interior side 511. In other embodiments, the lower interior side of the vape funnel is tapered interior lower side that is positioned beneath all the apertures of the grinding chamber when attached thereto. In this way, the ground substance that passes through the apertures is received by the vape funnel 510 and directed to a spout 505 disposed centrally on the lower side of the vape funnel 510. In some embodiments, the vape mode base 500 comprises an end cap 540 having a base and a sidewall extending therefrom. The end cap 540 is configured to secured to the collar 510 and enclose the vape funnel 510. The spout 505 is configured to extend into the end cap 540.
In the illustrated embodiment, the vape base mode 500 comprises a plug 520 having a first end removably disposed within the spout 505 to prevent flow therethrough and for storing when not in use. An opposing second end of the plug 520 comprises a scraper configured to assist a user in directing the ground substance on the lower side 511 of the vape funnel 510 and into the spout 505. In this way, the user does not have to use his or her hands, thereby preventing any cross-contamination. In some embodiments, the first end of the plug comprises ridges in order to allow easier gripping thereof.
Referring now to
The mesh screen 620 is disposed above a pollen chamber 630, wherein the mesh screen 620 is configured to filter small particles of the ground substance into the pollen chamber 630. The pollen chamber 630 comprises a base and a sidewall securable to a lower end of the collar 610. The sidewall comprises a lip 635 configured to engage with the lower end of the collar 610 via a friction fit.
In some embodiments, each base comprises a grip disposed on a lower end thereof, such as a knurled or textured surface. In other embodiments, a non-slip O-ring or layer is disposed on the lower most surface to prevent the assembly from slipping on a surface, such as a table, while in operation.
It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
This application claims the benefit of pending U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/911,881 filed on Oct. 7, 2019; the above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62911881 | Oct 2019 | US |
