Patent Grant
9192194
The present invention generally relates to a storage receptacle for smoking material, such as, for example, tobacco or the like, a system for storing smoking material, and a method for using the same.
Storage receptacles which have a cavity for a pipe and an additional cavity for smoking material are commonly known. Smoking a pipe may require certain tools, such as the pipe, and the storage receptacle may store one or more of the tools. Traditionally, the storage receptacle is a pocket-sized rectangular box, and the storage receptacle has a rectangular cavity for storing the smoking material and a cylindrical cavity for storing the pipe. Typically, one side of the storage receptacle has a cover that slides or twists open to reveal the two cavities.
A disadvantage of known storage receptacles is that the storage receptacle does not store all necessary tools for smoking the pipe. The storage receptacle stores the smoking material and the pipe; however, a user must then obtain matches or a lighter, for example. Thus, the user may not be able to smoke the pipe and the smoking material provided by the storage receptacle without the matches or the lighter.
To reduce the size and the weight of the storage receptacle, the pipe stored by the smoking receptacle has a small size. Use of the pipe requires insertion of the pipe into the cavity of the storage receptacle that stores the smoking material to pack the smoking material into the small pipe. For the smoking material to fit into the pipe, the smoking material must have a small size because the pipe has a small size. However, the smoking material is typically larger in size and is generally sold fresh and uncut. If the smoking material is bulky or leafy, the smoking material may not fit into the pipe. Thus, another disadvantage of known storage receptacles is that the storage receptacle does not provide a way to break and/or to divide the smoking material into smaller sizes.
Yet another disadvantage of known storage receptacles for smoking material is difficulty that is encountered to clean the pipe after use of the pipe. The smoking material burned during use of the pipe accumulates in the pipe and must be removed before the pipe receives fresh smoking material. A user may strike the pipe against a hard surface to remove the charred material. However, hitting the pipe on the hard surface may damage the pipe.
An additional disadvantage of known storage receptacles for smoking materials is that the user cannot customize the storage receptacle.
Therefore, a storage receptacle for smoking material having a storage cavity for a lighter, matches or other flame generating device is desirable. Further, a storage receptacle for smoking material having a way to grind, to divide and/or to separate the smoking material into a smaller size that may fit into the pipe is desirable. Still further, a storage receptacle for smoking material that stores a cleaning tool to remove charred material from the pipe is desirable. Moreover, a modular storage receptacle for smoking material is desirable.
The present invention generally relates to a storage receptacle for smoking material, such as, for example, tobacco or the like, a system for storing smoking material, and a method for using the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a storage receptacle that may open on two opposite ends. The storage receptacle may store the smoking material, a pipe, a lighter and/or a cleaning pick. The storage receptacle may have components which form a grinder. A first cover and a second cover may be reversibly removed from the first end and the second end of the receptacle, respectively.
It is, therefore, an advantage of the present invention to provide a storage receptacle for smoking material and a method for using the same.
Further, an advantage of the present invention is to provide a storage receptacle for smoking material that may store a lighter.
Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a storage receptacle for smoking material that may store a cleaning pick for cleaning the pipe after use.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a storage receptacle for smoking material that may be lighter and/or more compact relative to prior art receptacles.
Still further, an advantage of the present invention is to provide a storage receptacle for smoking material that may open on opposite sides to store smoking equipment.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a storage receptacle for smoking material that may have components for grinding, dividing and/or to separating the smoking material into smaller sizes.
Still another advantage of the present invention is to provide a storage receptacle for smoking material that may have a kief screen and a cap which may function as a kief catcher.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a storage receptacle for smoking material that may have a first cover and a second cover that may rotate relative to the storage receptacle to provide access to one or more cavities in the storage receptacle and may rotate in an opposite direction to prevent access to one or more cavities in the storage receptacle.
Further, an advantage of the present invention is to provide a storage receptacle for smoking material that may have threads which connect the first cover to the first end and connect the second cover to the second end.
Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a storage receptacle for smoking material that may be customized to be used with or without an extension cylinder.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a storage receptacle for smoking material that may prevent and/or may hinder odor from exiting the storage receptacle and/or may prevent water and/or other liquids from entering the storage receptacle.
Moreover, another advantage of the present invention is to provide a storage receptacle for smoking material that may have a grinder.
The present invention generally relates to a storage receptacle for smoking material, such as, for example, tobacco or the like, a system for storing smoking material, and a method for using the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a storage receptacle that may open on two opposite ends. A first end of the storage receptacle may have teeth which extend from the first end of the storage receptacle. A second end of the storage receptacle may have one or more cavities which store a pipe, a lighter and/or a cleaning pick. A first cover and a second cover may be removed from the first end and the second end of the receptacle, respectively. The first cover may have teeth, and the first cover may be rotated relative to the first end of the receptacle to grind, to divide and/or to separate the smoking material into smaller sizes using the teeth. Threads may connect the first cover to the first end and the second cover to the second end. A sieve cylinder may have a screen which collects the smoking material having smaller sizes.
Referring now to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like parts,
Referring to
As shown in
Referring again to
The receptacle 18, the first cover 11 and/or the second cover 12 may be made from any material. In an embodiment, the receptacle 18, the first cover 11 and/or the second cover 12 may be aluminum. In another embodiment, the receptacle 18, the first cover 11 and/or the second cover 12 may be plastic. In an embodiment, the receptacle 18, the first cover 11 and/or the second cover 12 may have an anodized finish. The receptacle 18, the first cover 11 and/or the second cover 12 may be made using any manufacturing method known to one having ordinary skill in the art. In an embodiment, the receptacle 18, the first cover 11 and/or the second cover 12 may be manufactured using an extrusion process.
Referring to
For example, as shown in
The first threads 101 may disconnect from the second threads 102 to disconnect the first cover 11 from the first end 21 of the receptacle 18. Then, the first threads 101 may re-connect to the second threads 102 to re-connect the first cover 11 to the first end 21 of the receptacle 18. For example, rotation of the first cover 11 in a first direction relative to the first end 21 of the receptacle 18 may disconnect the first threads 101 from the second threads 102. As a result, the first cover 11 may disconnect from the first end 21 of the receptacle 18. The first cover 11 may be rotated relative to the first end 21 of the receptacle 18 in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Rotation of the first cover 11 in the second direction may re-connect the first threads 101 to the second threads 102. As a result, the first cover 11 may re-connect to the first end 21 of the receptacle 18.
The first threads 101 and/or the second threads 102 may be helical. The first threads 101 may be angled relative to the first cover 11 at approximately the same angle that the second threads 102 are angled relative to the first end 21 of the receptacle 18. In an embodiment, the first threads 101 may be male threads, and the second threads 102 may be female threads. For example, the first threads 101 may extend in a direction generally outward from the first cover 11, and/or the second threads 102 may extend in a direction generally inward into the first end 21 of the receptacle 18. The first threads 101 may insert into the second threads 102 to connect the first threads 101 to the second threads 102.
In another embodiment, the first threads 101 may be female threads, and the second threads 102 may be male threads. For example, the first threads 101 may extend in a direction generally inward into the first cover 11, and/or the second threads 102 may extend in a direction generally outward from the first end 21 of the receptacle 18. The second threads 102 may insert into the first threads 101 to connect the first threads 101 to the second threads 102.
As shown in
The first o-ring 111 may be compressed if the first cover 11 is connected to the first end 21 of the receptacle 18. The first o-ring 111 may create a seal between the first cover 11 and the first end 21 of the receptacle 18. The first o-ring 111 may prevent and/or may hinder odor from exiting the receptacle 18 and/or the first cover 11. The first o-ring 111 may prevent water and/or other liquids from entering the receptacle 18 and/or the first cover 11.
As shown in
The second end 22 of the receptacle 18 may have a third cavity 33 and/or a fourth cavity 34. The third cavity 33 may store a lighter 100 for emitting a flame to burn the smoking material located in the pipe 19. For example, the lighter 100 may contain fluid (not shown) that may be used to generate the flame. The present invention is not limited to a specific embodiment of the lighter 100, and the lighter 100 may be any device capable of generating the flame as known to one having ordinary skill in the art.
The lighter 100 may be reversibly removable from the receptacle 18. For example, the user may remove the second cover 12 to obtain access to the third cavity 33. Then, the user may remove the lighter 100 from the third cavity 33. After use of the lighter 100, the user may return the lighter 100 to the third cavity 33. Then, the user may re-connect the second cover 12 to the second end 22 of the receptacle 18 to hold the lighter 100 within the third cavity 33. Further, the lighter 100 may be replaced with a new lighter, such as, for example, if the fluid of the lighter 100 is insufficient for generating the flame.
The fourth cavity 34 may store a cleaning pick 16 for cleaning the pipe 19 after use of the pipe 19. For example, the cleaning pick 16 may have a cylindrical shape, and/or the cleaning pick 16 may be inserted into the pipe 19 to remove burned smoking material. As shown in
The fourth cavity 34 may have a cylindrical shape that may accommodate storage of the cleaning pick 16. In an embodiment, the cleaning pick 16 may have an “L” shape that may prevent the cleaning pick 16 from falling into the fourth cavity 34, may assist the user in removing the cleaning pick 16 from the fourth cavity 34, and/or may assist the user in cleaning the pipe 19 with the cleaning pick 16. The present invention is not limited to a specific embodiment of the cleaning pick 16.
As shown in
As shown in
The third threads 103 may disconnect from the fourth threads 104 to disconnect the second cover 12 from the second end 22 of the receptacle 18. The third threads 103 may re-connect to the fourth threads 104 to re-connect the second cover 12 to the second end 22 of the receptacle 18. For example, rotation of the second cover 12 in a first direction relative to the second end 22 of the receptacle 18 may disconnect the third threads 103 from the fourth threads 104. As a result, the second cover 12 may disconnect from the second end 22 of the receptacle 18. The second cover 12 may be rotated relative to the second end 22 of the receptacle 18 in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Rotation of the second cover 12 in the second direction may re-connect the third threads 103 to the fourth threads 104. As a result, the second cover 12 may re-connect to the second end 22 of the receptacle 18.
The third threads 103 and/or the fourth threads 104 may be helical. The third threads 103 may be angled relative to the second cover 12 at approximately the same angle that the fourth threads 104 are angled relative to the second end 22 of the receptacle 18. In an embodiment, the third threads 103 may be male threads, and the fourth threads 104 may be female threads. For example, the third threads 103 may extend in a direction generally outward from the second cover 12, and/or the fourth threads 104 may extend in a direction generally inward into the second end 22 of the receptacle 18. The third threads 103 may insert into the fourth threads 104 to connect the third threads 103 to the fourth threads 104.
In another embodiment, the third threads 103 may be female threads, and the fourth threads 104 may be male threads. For example, the third threads 103 may extend in a direction generally inward into the second cover 12, and/or the fourth threads 104 may extend in a direction generally outward from the second end 22 of the receptacle 18. The fourth threads 104 may insert into the third threads 103 to connect the fourth threads 104 to the third threads 103.
As shown in
The second o-ring 112 may be compressed if the second cover 12 is connected to the second end 22 of the receptacle 18. The second o-ring 112 may create a seal between the second cover 12 and the second end 22 of the receptacle 18. The second o-ring 112 may prevent and/or may hinder odor from exiting the receptacle 18 and/or the second cover 12. The second o-ring 112 may prevent water and/or other liquids from entering the receptacle 18 and/or the second cover 12.
As previously set forth, the teeth 35 may extend from the inner face 71 of the first cover 11 and/or the inner face 73 of the second cover 12. As shown in
The first threads 101 may connect to the third threads 103 to connect the first cover 11 to the second cover 12. For example, rotation of the first cover 11 in a first direction relative to the second cover 12 may connect the first threads 101 to the third threads 103 to connect the first cover 11 to the second cover 12.
The first threads 101 may be angled relative to the first cover 11 at approximately the same angle that the third threads 103 are angled relative to the second cover 12. In an embodiment, the first threads 101 may be male threads and the third threads 103 may be female threads. For example, the first threads 101 may extend in a direction generally outward from the first cover 11, and/or the third threads 103 may extend in a direction generally inward into the second cover 12. The first threads 101 may insert into the third threads 103 to connect the first threads 101 to the third threads 103.
In another embodiment, the first threads 101 may be female threads, and the third threads 103 may be male threads. For example, the first threads 101 may extend inward into the first cover 11, and/or the third threads 103 may extend in a direction generally outward from the second cover 12. The third threads 103 may insert into the first threads 101 to connect the first threads 101 to the third threads 103.
The smoking material may be placed on the inner face 71 of the first cover 11 and/or the inner face 73 of the second cover 12. Connection of the first cover 11 to the second cover 12 may separate the smoking material into smaller sizes. For example, connection of the first cover 11 to the second cover 12 may decrease the distance between the inner face 71 of the first cover 11 and the teeth 35 of the second cover 12. Connection of the first cover 11 to the second cover 12 may decrease the distance between the inner face 73 of the second cover 12 and the teeth 35 of the first cover 11. As the distance between the inner face 71 of the first cover 11 and the teeth 35 of the second cover 12 decreases, the smoking material located between the inner face 71 of the first cover 11 and the teeth 35 of the second cover 12 may be broken into smaller sizes. As the distance between the inner face 73 of the second cover 12 and the teeth 35 of the first cover 11 decreases, the smoking material located between the inner face 73 of the second cover 12 and the teeth 35 of the first cover 11 may be broken into smaller sizes.
After connecting the first cover 11 to the second cover 12, the user may rotate the first cover 11 and/or the second cover 12 to rotate the teeth 35. For example, the user may rotate the first cover 11 and/or the second cover 12 to connect the first cover 11 to the second cover 12; then, the user may continue to rotate the first cover 11 and/or the second cover 12 to rotate the teeth 35. Rotation of the teeth 35 may separate the smoking material into smaller sizes.
Then, the first threads 101 may disconnect from the third threads 103 to disconnect the first cover 11 from the second cover 12. For example, the first cover 11 may be rotated relative to the second cover 12 in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Rotation of the first cover 11 in the second direction may disconnect the first threads 101 from the third threads 103 to disconnect the first cover 11 from the second cover 12. After disconnecting the first cover 11 from the second cover 12, the smoking material having the smaller sizes may be placed in the first cavity 31 for storage, transportation, and/or use in the pipe 19.
In an embodiment, the first cover 11 and the second cover 12 may be provided without the receptacle 18. For example, the first cover 11 and the second cover 12 may be provided without the receptacle 18 as a “grinder” as known to one having ordinary skill in the art. The present invention does not require the receptacle 18 for the first cover 11 to be used with the second cover 12, and the first cover 11 and the second cover 12 may be provided and/or may be used in the absence of the receptacle 18 in some embodiments.
The embodiments of the receptacle 18 depicted in
A modular component 214 may connect to the replacement first cover 211 to position the replacement first cover 211 between the receptacle 18 and the modular component 214. For example, the replacement first cover 211 may be positioned between the first cavity 31 and the modular component 214.
The replacement first cover 211 may have fifth threads 205 located in a position opposite to the surface 250 and/or the first threads 101. The fifth threads 205 may be directly connected to the replacement first cover 211. For example, the fifth threads 205 may be integral with the replacement first cover 211. The modular component 214 may have sixth threads 206 which may be directly connected to the modular component 214. For example, the sixth threads 206 may be integral with the modular component 214.
The sixth threads 206 may connect to the fifth threads 205 to connect the modular component 214 to the replacement cover 211. The sixth threads 206 may disconnect from the fifth threads 205 to disconnect the modular component 214 from the replacement cover 211. The modular component 214 may have the teeth 35. The teeth 35 of the modular component 214 may extend in a direction toward the sixth threads 206.
The fifth threads 205 and/or the sixth threads 206 may be helical. The fifth threads 205 may be angled relative to the replacement first cover 211 at approximately the same angle that the sixth threads 206 are angled relative to the modular component 214. In an embodiment, the fifth threads 205 may be male threads, and the sixth threads 206 may be female threads. For example, the fifth threads 205 may extend in a direction generally outward from the replacement first cover 211, and/or the sixth threads 206 may extend in a direction generally inward into the modular component 214. The fifth threads 205 may insert into the sixth threads 206 to connect the fifth threads 205 to the sixth threads 206.
In another embodiment, the fifth threads 205 may be female threads, and the sixth threads 206 may be male threads. For example, the fifth threads 205 may extend in a direction generally inward into the replacement first cover 211, and/or the sixth threads 206 may extend in a direction generally outward from the modular component 214. The sixth threads 206 may insert into the fifth threads 205 to connect the sixth threads 206 to the fifth threads 205.
The surface 250 of the replacement first cover 211 may have holes 240 which may extend through the surface 250. The holes 240 may be located between the teeth 35 extending from the surface 250. The replacement first cover 211 and the modular component 214 may be used to grind, to divide and/or to separate the smoking material into smaller sizes. The first cavity 31 may collect the smoking material having smaller sizes.
More specifically, the smoking material may be placed on the surface 250 of the replacement first cover 211 between the teeth 35 of the replacement first cover 211. Then, the modular component 214 may be connected to the replacement first cover 211. Then, the modular component 214 may be rotated relative to the replacement first cover 11 to rotate the teeth 35. Rotation of the teeth 35 of the replacement first cover 211 and/or the teeth 35 of the modular component 214 may grind, may divide and/or may separate the smoking material into smaller sizes.
The smoking material having smaller sizes may fall through the holes 240 in the surface 250 of the replacement first cover 211. The smoking material having smaller sizes may travel through the holes 240 to enter the first cavity 31. As a result, the smoking material having smaller sizes may be located in the first cavity 31 for storage, transportation, and/or use in the pipe 19.
The replacement first cover 211 and the modular component 214 may be made from any material. In an embodiment, the replacement first cover 211 and/or the modular component 214 may be aluminum. In another embodiment, the replacement first cover 211 and/or the modular component 214 may be plastic. In an embodiment, the replacement first cover 211 and/or the modular component 214 may have an anodized finish. The replacement first cover 211 and the modular component 214 may be made using any manufacturing method known to one having ordinary skill in the art. In an embodiment, the replacement first cover 211 and/or the modular component 214 may be manufactured using an extrusion process.
As shown in
Referring to
The fifth threads 105 and/or the sixth threads 106 may be directly connected to the first cover 11 and/or the extension cylinder 13, respectively. For example, the fifth threads 105 and/or the sixth threads 106 may be integral with the first cover 11 and/or the extension cylinder 13, respectively.
Rotation of the extension cylinder 13 in a first direction relative to the first cover 11 may disconnect the sixth threads 106 from the fifth threads 105. As a result, the extension cylinder 13 may disconnect from the first cover 11. The extension cylinder 13 may be rotated relative to the first cover 11 in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Rotation of the extension cylinder 13 in the second direction may re-connect the sixth threads 106 to the fifth threads 105. As a result, the extension cylinder 13 may re-connect to the first cover 11.
The fifth threads 105 and/or the sixth threads 106 may be helical. The fifth threads 105 may be angled relative to the first cover 11 at approximately the same angle that the sixth threads 106 are angled relative to the extension cylinder 13. In an embodiment, the fifth threads 105 may be male threads, and the sixth threads 106 may be female threads. For example, the fifth threads 105 may extend in a direction generally outward from the first cover 11, and/or the sixth threads 106 may extend in a direction generally inward into the extension cylinder 13. The fifth threads 105 may insert into the sixth threads 106 to connect the fifth threads 105 to the sixth threads 106.
In another embodiment, the fifth threads 105 may be female threads, and the sixth threads 106 may be male threads. For example, the fifth threads 105 may extend in a direction generally inward into the first cover 11, and/or the sixth threads 106 may extend in a direction generally outward from the extension cylinder 13. The sixth threads 106 may insert into the fifth threads 105 to connect the sixth threads 106 to the fifth threads 105.
The first cover 11 and/or the extension cylinder 13 may have a third o-ring 113. The third o-ring 113 may be a loop which may have a disc-shaped cross-section. The third o-ring 113 may be made from any material. In an embodiment, the third o-ring 113 may be an elastomer, such as, for example, silicone. In an embodiment where the third o-ring 113 is connected to the first cover 11, the third o-ring 113 may be located adjacent to the fifth threads 105. In an embodiment where the third o-ring 113 is connected to the extension cylinder 13, the third o-ring 113 may be located adjacent to the sixth threads 106.
The third o-ring 113 may be compressed if the first cover 11 is connected to the extension cylinder 13. The third o-ring 113 may create a seal between the first cover 11 and the extension cylinder 13. The third o-ring 113 may prevent and/or may hinder odor from exiting the first cover 11 and/or the extension cylinder 13. The third o-ring 113 may prevent water and/or other liquids from entering the first cover 11 and/or the extension cylinder 13.
A sieve cylinder 14 may connect to the extension cylinder 13. For example, the extension cylinder 13 may have seventh threads 107 located in a position opposite to the sixth threads 106. The sieve cylinder 14 may have eighth threads 108. The seventh threads 107 and/or the eighth threads 108 may be directly connected to the extension cylinder 13 and/or the sieve cylinder 14, respectively. For example, the seventh threads 107 and/or the eighth threads 108 may be integral with the extension cylinder 13 and/or the sieve cylinder 14, respectively.
The eighth threads 108 may connect to the seventh threads 107 to connect the sieve cylinder 14 to the extension cylinder 13. The eighth threads 108 may disconnect from the seventh threads 107 to disconnect the sieve cylinder 14 from the extension cylinder 13. The sieve cylinder 14 may connect to the extension cylinder 13 to position the extension cylinder 13 between the first cover 11 and the sieve cylinder 14.
Rotation of the sieve cylinder 14 in a first direction relative to the extension cylinder 13 may disconnect the eighth threads 108 from the seventh threads 107. As a result, the sieve cylinder 14 may disconnect from the extension cylinder 13. Then, the sieve cylinder 14 may be rotated relative to the extension cylinder 13 in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Rotation of the sieve cylinder 14 in the second direction may re-connect the eighth threads 108 to the seventh threads 107. As a result, the sieve cylinder 14 may re-connect to the extension cylinder 13.
The eighth threads 108 may be helical and/or may be angled relative to the sieve cylinder 14 at approximately the same angle that the seventh threads 107 are angled relative to the extension cylinder 13. In an embodiment, the seventh threads 107 may be male threads, and the eighth threads 108 may be female threads. For example, the seventh threads 107 may extend in a direction generally outward from the extension cylinder 13, and/or the eighth threads 108 may extend in a direction generally inward into the sieve cylinder 14. The seventh threads 107 may insert into the eighth threads 108 to connect the seventh threads 107 to the eighth threads 108.
In another embodiment, the seventh threads 107 may be female threads, and the eighth threads 108 may be male threads. For example, the seventh threads 107 may extend in a direction generally inward into the extension cylinder 13, and/or the eighth threads 108 may extend in a direction generally outward from the sieve cylinder 14. The eighth threads 108 may insert into the seventh threads 107 to connect the eighth threads 108 to the seventh threads 107.
The sieve cylinder 14 and/or the extension cylinder 13 may have a fourth o-ring 114. The fourth o-ring 114 may be a loop which may have a disc-shaped cross-section. The fourth o-ring 114 may be made from any material. In an embodiment, the fourth o-ring 114 may be an elastomer, such as, for example, silicone. The fourth o-ring 114 may be connected to the sieve cylinder 14 or the extension cylinder 13. The fourth o-ring 114 may be compressed if the sieve cylinder 14 connects to the extension cylinder 13, and/or the fourth o-ring 114 may create a seal between the extension cylinder 13 and the sieve cylinder 14. The fourth o-ring 114 may prevent and/or may hinder odor from exiting the extension cylinder 13 and/or the sieve cylinder 14, and/or the fourth o-ring 114 may prevent water and/or other liquids from entering the extension cylinder 13 and/or the sieve cylinder 14.
A sieve cap 15 may connect to the sieve cylinder 14. For example, the sieve cylinder 14 may have ninth threads 109 located in a position opposite to the eighth threads 108, and/or the sieve cap 15 may have tenth threads 110. The sieve cap 15 may have an outer face 74 which may be located in a position opposite to the tenth threads 110.
The tenth threads 110 may connect to the ninth threads 109 to connect the sieve cap 15 to the sieve cylinder 14. The tenth threads 110 may disconnect from the ninth threads 109 to disconnect the sieve cap 15 from the sieve cylinder 14. The sieve cap 15 may connect to the sieve cylinder 14 to position the sieve cylinder 14 between the extension cylinder 13 and the sieve cap 15.
The ninth threads 109 and/or the tenth threads 110 may be directly connected to the sieve cylinder 14 and/or the sieve cap 15, respectively. For example, the ninth threads 109 and/or the tenth threads 110 may be integral with the sieve cylinder 14 and/or the sieve cap 15, respectively.
Rotation of the sieve cap 15 in a first direction relative to the sieve cylinder 14 may disconnect the tenth threads 110 from the ninth threads 109. As a result, the sieve cap 15 may disconnect from the sieve cylinder 14. The sieve cap 15 may be rotated relative to the sieve cylinder 14 in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Rotation of the sieve cap 15 in the second direction may re-connect the tenth threads 110 to the ninth threads 109. As a result, the sieve cap 15 may re-connect to the sieve cylinder 14.
The ninth threads 109 and/or the tenth threads 110 may be helical. The ninth threads 109 may be angled relative to the sieve cylinder 14 at approximately the same angle that the tenth threads 110 are angled relative to the sieve cap 15. In an embodiment, the ninth threads 109 may be male threads, and the tenth threads 110 may be female threads. For example, the ninth threads 109 may extend in a direction generally outward from the sieve cylinder 14, and/or the tenth threads 110 may extend in a direction generally inward into the sieve cap 15. The ninth threads 109 may insert into the tenth threads 110 to connect the ninth threads 109 to the tenth threads 110.
In another embodiment, the ninth threads 109 may be female threads, and the tenth threads 110 may be male threads. For example, the ninth threads 109 may extend in a direction generally inward into the sieve cylinder 14, and/or the tenth threads 110 may extend in a direction generally outward from the sieve cap 15. The tenth threads 110 may insert into the ninth threads 109 to connect the tenth threads 110 to the ninth threads 109.
The sieve cylinder 14 and/or the sieve cap 15 may have a fifth o-ring 115. The fifth o-ring 115 may be a loop which may have a disc-shaped cross-section. The fifth o-ring 115 may be made from any material. In an embodiment, the fifth o-ring 115 may be an elastomer, such as, for example, silicone. The fifth o-ring 115 may be connected to the sieve cylinder 14 or the sieve cap 15. If the fifth o-ring 115 is connected to the sieve cylinder 14, the fifth o-ring 115 may be connected to the sieve cylinder 14 adjacent to the ninth threads 110. If the fifth o-ring 115 is connected to the sieve cap 15, the fifth o-ring 115 may be connected to the sieve cap 15 adjacent to the tenth threads 110.
The fifth o-ring 115 may be compressed if the sieve cap 15 connects to the sieve cylinder 14, and/or the fifth o-ring 115 may create a seal between the sieve cap 15 and the sieve cylinder 14. The fifth o-ring 115 may prevent and/or may hinder odor from exiting the sieve cap 15 and/or the sieve cylinder 14, and/or the fifth o-ring 115 may prevent water and/or other liquids from entering the sieve cap 15 and/or the sieve cylinder 14.
In the embodiment of the receptacle depicted in
Referring again to
The sieve cylinder 14 may have a sieve cavity 37. The sieve cylinder 14 may be hollow such that the sieve cavity 37 extends from the end of the sieve cylinder 14 having the eighth threads 108 to the opposite end of the sieve cylinder 14 having the ninth threads 109.
A screen 38 may be located in the sieve cylinder 14 and/or the sieve cavity 37. The extension cavity 36 and/or the sieve cavity 37 may form a passage extending directly from the holes 40 of the first cover 11 to the sieve cap 15, and the screen 38 may be located in the passage. The screen 38 may be made from any material. In an embodiment, the screen 38 may be stainless steel. The screen 38 may be located in a position opposite to the eighth threads 108. The screen 38 may be a mesh screen. For example, the screen 38 may have openings having a diameter between approximately one hundred microns and approximately two hundred microns. The present invention is not limited to a specific material of the screen 38 or a specific size of the openings of the screen 38.
A snap ring 120 may position the screen 38 within the sieve cavity 37. For example, the sieve cylinder 14 may have a lip 121 which extends into the sieve cavity 37. The lip 121 may be connected to the sieve cylinder 14. In an embodiment, the lip 121 may be integral with the sieve cylinder 14. Inserting the snap ring 120 into the sieve cavity 37 may position the screen 38 between the snap ring 120 and the lip 121. As a result, the snap ring 120 may maintain the position of the screen 38 in the sieve cavity 37.
The snap ring 120 may be removed from the sieve cavity 37 to replace the screen 38. For example, the snap ring 120 may be removed from the sieve cavity 37, and then the screen 38 may be removed from the sieve cavity 37. A new screen 38 may be positioned in the sieve cavity 37, and then the snap ring 120 may be inserted into the sieve cavity 37 to position the screen 38 between the snap ring 120 and the lip 121.
The receptacle 18 and/or the first cover 11 may be used to grind, to divide and/or to separate the smoking material into smaller sizes. The sieve cylinder 14, the screen 38 and/or the sieve cap 15 may collect the smoking material having smaller sizes.
More specifically, the smoking material may be placed on the inner face 71 of the first cover 11 or the surface 50 of the first end 21 of the receptacle 18. Then, the first cover 11 may be connected to the first end 21 of the receptacle 18 so that the smoking material is located between the inner face 71 of the first cover 11 and the surface 50 of the first end 21 of the receptacle 18. As previously set forth, the first threads 101 may connect to the second threads 102 to connect the first cover 11 to the first end 21 of the receptacle 18.
Connection of the first cover 11 to the first end 21 of the receptacle 18 may separate the smoking material into smaller sizes. For example, connection of the first cover 11 to the first end 21 of the receptacle 18 may decrease the distance between the inner face 71 of the first cover 11 and the teeth 35 of the first end 21 of the receptacle 18. Connection of the first cover 11 to the first end 21 of the receptacle 18 may decrease the distance between the surface 50 at the first end 21 of the receptacle 18 and the teeth 35 of the first cover 11. As the distance between the inner face 71 of the first cover 11 and the teeth 35 of the first end 21 of the receptacle 18 decreases, the smoking material located between the inner face 71 of the first cover 11 and the teeth 35 of the first end 21 of the receptacle 18 may be broken into smaller sizes. As the distance between the surface 50 of the first end 21 of the receptacle 18 and the teeth 35 of the first cover 11 decreases, the smoking material located between the surface 50 of the first end 21 of the receptacle 18 and the teeth 35 of the first cover 11 may be broken into smaller sizes.
After connecting the first cover 11 to the first end 21 of the receptacle 18, the user may rotate the first cover 11 relative to the first end 21 of the receptacle 18 to rotate the teeth 35. For example, the user may rotate the first cover 11 to connect the first cover 11 relative to the first end 21 of the receptacle 18; then, the user may continue to rotate the first cover 11 to rotate the teeth 35. The user may rotate the first cover 11 relative to the first end 21 of the receptacle 18 in a first direction; then, the user may rotate the first cover 11 relative to the first end 21 of the receptacle 18 in a second direction opposite to the first direction; then, the user may repeat these steps as many times as desired. Rotation of the teeth 35 one or more times may separate the smoking material into smaller sizes.
The smoking material having smaller sizes may fall through the holes 40. As previously set forth, the holes 40 may extend from the inner face 71 of the first cover 11 to the outer face 72 of the first cover 11. The smoking material having smaller sizes may travel through the holes 40 to enter the extension cavity 36 and/or the sieve cavity 37. The smoking material having smaller sizes may be collected by the screen 38. As a result, the smoking material having smaller sizes may be located in the sieve cylinder 14 for storage, transportation, and/or use in the pipe 19.
For example, the sieve cylinder 14 may disconnect from the extension cylinder 13. Disconnecting the sieve cylinder 14 from the extension cylinder 13 may provide access to the sieve cavity 37. Then, the user may insert the pipe 19 into the sieve cavity 37 to push the smoking material located in the sieve cavity 37 and/or on the screen 38 into the pipe 19. Then, the user may re-connect the sieve cylinder 14 to the extension cylinder 13. Re-connecting the sieve cylinder 14 to the extension cylinder 13 may limit and/or may prevent access to the sieve cavity 37.
As another example, the extension cylinder 13 may be disconnected from the first cover 11 while the sieve cylinder 14 is connected to the extension cylinder 13. Disconnecting the extension cylinder 13 from the first cover 11 while the sieve cylinder 14 is connected to the extension cylinder 13 may provide access to the sieve cavity 37 through the extension cavity 36. Then, the user may insert the pipe 19 through the extension cavity 36 into the sieve cavity 37 to push the smoking material located in the sieve cavity 37 and/or on the screen 38 into the pipe 19. Then, the user may re-connect the extension cylinder 13 to the first cover 11. Re-connecting the extension cylinder 13 to the first cover 11 while the sieve cylinder 14 is connected to the extension cylinder 13 may limit and/or may prevent access to the sieve cavity 37.
Some of the smoking material having smaller sizes may travel through the screen 38 into the screen cap 15. The smoking material having smaller sizes which travels through the screen 38 is known as “kief.” The kief may be located in the sieve cap 15 for storage, transportation, and/or use in the pipe 19. For example, the sieve cap 15 may be disconnected from the sieve cylinder 14 to provide access to the kief. Then, the user may insert the pipe 19 into the sieve cap 15 to push the kief located in the sieve cap 15 into the pipe 19. The sieve cap 15 may then be re-connected to the sieve cylinder 14.
The extension cylinder 13, the sieve cylinder 14 and the sieve cap 15 may be made from any material. In an embodiment, the extension cylinder 13, the sieve cylinder 14 and/or the sieve cap 15 may be aluminum. In another embodiment, the extension cylinder 13, the sieve cylinder 14 and/or the sieve cap 15 may be plastic. In an embodiment, the extension cylinder 13, the sieve cylinder 14 and/or the sieve cap 15 may have an anodized finish. The extension cylinder 13, the sieve cylinder 14 and/or the sieve cap 15 may be made using any manufacturing method known to one having ordinary skill in the art. In an embodiment, the extension cylinder 13, the sieve cylinder 14 and/or the sieve cap 15 may be manufactured using an extrusion process.
The location of the extension cylinder 13 may be changed. As shown in
For example, the eighth threads 108 may connect to the fifth threads 105 to connect the sieve cylinder 14 to the first cover 11. The sixth threads 106 may connect to the ninth threads 109 to connect the extension cylinder 13 to the sieve cylinder 14. The tenth threads 110 may connect to the seventh threads 107 to connect the sieve cap 15 to the extension cylinder 13. The sixth threads 106 may be angled relative to the extension cylinder 13 at approximately the same angle that the ninth threads 109 are angled relative to the sieve cylinder 14, and/or the tenth threads 110 may be angled relative to the sieve cap 15 at approximately same angle that the seventh threads 107 are angled relative to extension cylinder 13.
Despite the different position of the extension cylinder 13, the receptacle 18 and/or the first cover 11 may be used to grind, to divide and/or to separate the smoking material into smaller sizes. The sieve cylinder 14, the screen 38 and/or the sieve cap 15 may collect the smoking material having smaller sizes.
More specifically, the smoking material may be placed on the inner face 71 of the first cover 11 or the surface 50 of the first end 21 of the receptacle 18. Then, the first cover 11 may be connected to the first end 21 of the receptacle 18 so that the smoking material is located between the inner face 71 of the first cover 11 and the surface 50 of the first end 21 of the receptacle 18. The teeth 35 of the first cover 11 and the teeth 35 at the first end 21 of the receptacle 18 may grind, may divide and/or may separate the smoking material into smaller sizes as previously set forth for the embodiment where the extension cylinder 13 is present.
The smoking material having smaller sizes may fall through the holes 40. As previously set forth, the holes 40 may extend from the inner face 71 of the first cover 11 to the outer face 72 of the first cover 11. The smoking material having smaller sizes may travel through the holes 40 to enter the sieve cavity 37. The smoking material having smaller sizes may be collected by the screen 38. As a result, the smoking material having smaller sizes may be located in the sieve cylinder 14 for storage, transportation, and/or use in the pipe 19.
For example, the sieve cylinder 14 may disconnect from the first cover 11. Disconnecting the sieve cylinder 14 from the first cover 11 may provide access to the sieve cavity 37. Then, the user may insert the pipe 19 into the sieve cavity 37 to push the smoking material located in the sieve cavity 37 and/or on the screen 38 into the pipe 19. Then, the user may re-connect the sieve cylinder 14 to the first cover 11. Re-connecting the sieve cylinder 14 to the first cover 11 may limit and/or may prevent access to the sieve cavity 37.
The kief may travel through the screen 38 into the extension cylinder 13. The kief may travel through the extension cylinder 13 via the extension cavity 36. Then, the kief may enter the screen cap 15. The kief may be located in the sieve cap 15 for storage, transportation, and/or use in the pipe 19.
For example, the sieve cap 15 may be disconnected from the extension cylinder 13 to provide access to the kief. Then, the user may insert the pipe 19 into the sieve cap 15 to push the kief located in the sieve cap 15 into the pipe 19. The sieve cap 15 may then be re-connected to the sieve cylinder 14.
Alternatively, the extension cylinder 13 may be disconnected from the sieve cylinder 14 with the sieve cap 15 attached to the extension cylinder 13 to provide access to the kief. Then, the user may insert the pipe 19 through the extension cylinder 13 into the sieve cap 15 to push the kief located in the sieve cap 15 into the pipe 19. The extension cylinder 13 may then be re-connected to the sieve cylinder 14 with the sieve cap 15 attached to the extension cylinder 13.
The receptacle 18 may be provided without and/or may be used without the extension cylinder 13. For example, the sieve cylinder 14 may connect directly to the first cover 11. For example, connecting the eighth threads 108 to the fifth threads 105 may connect the sieve cylinder 14 to the first cover 11. The fifth threads 105 may be angled relative to the first cover 11 at approximately the same angle that the eighth threads 108 are angled relative to the sieve cylinder 14.
Despite the absence of the extension cylinder 13, the receptacle 18 and/or the first cover 11 may be used to grind, to divide and/or to separate the smoking material into smaller sizes. The sieve cylinder 14, the screen 38 and/or the sieve cap 15 may collect the smoking material having smaller sizes.
More specifically, the smoking material may be placed on the inner face 71 of the first cover 11 or the surface 50 of the first end 21 of the receptacle 18. Then, the first cover 11 may be connected to the first end 21 of the receptacle 18 so that the smoking material is located between the inner face 71 of the first cover 11 and the surface 50 of the first end 21 of the receptacle 18. The teeth 35 of the first cover 11 and the teeth 35 at the first end 21 of the receptacle 18 may grind, may divide and/or may separate the smoking material into smaller sizes as previously set forth for the embodiment where the extension cylinder 13 is present.
The smoking material having smaller sizes may fall through the holes 40. As previously set forth, the holes 40 may extend from the inner face 71 of the first cover 11 to the outer face 72 of the first cover 11. The smoking material having smaller sizes may travel through the holes 40 to enter the sieve cavity 37. The smoking material having smaller sizes may be collected by the screen 38. As a result, the smoking material having smaller sizes may be located in the sieve cylinder 14 for storage, transportation, and/or use in the pipe 19.
For example, the sieve cylinder 14 may disconnect from the first cover 11. Disconnecting the sieve cylinder 14 from the first cover 11 may provide access to the sieve cavity 37. Then, the user may insert the pipe 19 into the sieve cavity 37 to push the smoking material located in the sieve cavity 37 and/or on the screen 38 into the pipe 19. Then, the user may re-connect the sieve cylinder 14 to the first cover 11. Re-connecting the sieve cylinder 14 to the first cover 11 may limit and/or may prevent access to the sieve cavity 37.
The kief may travel through the screen 38 into the screen cap 15. The kief may be located in the sieve cap 15 for storage, transportation, and/or use in the pipe 19. For example, the sieve cap 15 may be disconnected from the sieve cylinder 14 to provide access to the kief. Then, the user may insert the pipe 19 into the sieve cap 15 to push the kief located in the sieve cap 15 into the pipe 19. The sieve cap 15 may then be re-connected to the sieve cylinder 14. As another example, the extension cylinder.
It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is, therefore, intended that such changes and modifications be covered by this specification.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1444308 | Dunning | Feb 1923 | A |
| 1470154 | Draughon | Oct 1923 | A |
| 1683851 | Wells | Sep 1928 | A |
| 2006773 | Moore et al. | Jul 1935 | A |
| 3144152 | Kopp | Aug 1964 | A |
| 3451533 | Butler | Jun 1969 | A |
| 4214658 | Crow | Jul 1980 | A |
| 5465738 | Rowland | Nov 1995 | A |
| 5580239 | Jang | Dec 1996 | A |
| 5605226 | Hernlein | Feb 1997 | A |
| 5673709 | Brothers | Oct 1997 | A |
| 5794771 | Krawec et al. | Aug 1998 | A |
| 5848596 | Zelenik | Dec 1998 | A |
| 5967310 | Hill | Oct 1999 | A |
| 6290059 | Chuan | Sep 2001 | B1 |
| 6814081 | Hasler | Nov 2004 | B2 |
| D702398 | Fakhouri et al. | Apr 2014 | S |
| 20030029744 | Holler | Feb 2003 | A1 |
| 20050247582 | Rennecamp | Nov 2005 | A1 |
| 20080314778 | Hatton | Dec 2008 | A1 |
| 20110068026 | Fakhouri et al. | Mar 2011 | A1 |
| 20110192737 | Ancona et al. | Aug 2011 | A1 |
| 20130341218 | Liu | Dec 2013 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20130025608 A1 | Jan 2013 | US |
