CANNABIS BUD TRIMMING TOOL CLEANING DEVICE AND METHODOLOGY

Abstract

A trimming tool cleaning system (100) includes a solvent reservoir (102) containing a solvent such as vegetable oil for the plant resin, a wristband (104), and a trimming tool (106). The tool (106) is used to trim plant material with resin, e.g., trim the sugar leaves and buds of a cannabis plant. The blades (108) of the trimming tool (106) can be wiped on the band (104) so that the blades (108) are lightly coated with the solvent. The solvent in reservoir (102) is used to wet the wristband. The solvent then protects the blades (108) from gumming up and facilitates cleaning of the blades (108).

Claims

1. A method for use in trimming plants that have resin, comprising: providing a cloth article having a cloth surface that is exposed for external access; wetting said cloth surface with a nonflammable solvent for said resin; clipping a resin bearing portion of a plant with a plant trimming tool having cutting blades; first wiping said cutting blades on said cloth surface wetted with said nonflammable solvent such that said cutting blades are coated with said nonflammable solvent; using said cutting blades to trim a plant having resin, wherein residue from said plant is transferred to said cutting blades; second wiping said cutting blades on said cloth surface such that a least some of said residue is transferred to said cloth surface; and washing said cloth article to remove said residue from said cloth surface.

2. A method as set forth in claim 1, wherein said cloth article is adapted for wearing on the body of a worker.

3. A method as set forth in claim 2, wherein said cloth article is provided as at least a portion of a wristband.

4. A method as set forth in claim 3, wherein said cloth article is formed from a stretchable fabric.

5. A method as set forth in claim 3, wherein said cloth article includes a fastening mechanism that allows for size adjustment.

6. A method as set forth in claim 1, wherein said cloth article is formed from a cloth material suitable for holding a quantity of said solvent substantially without dripping.

7. A method as set forth in claim 1, wherein said cloth article is formed from wool.

8. A method as set forth in claim 1, wherein said nonflammable solvent has a flash point of at least 400? F.

9. A method as set forth in claim 1, wherein said nonflammable solvent has a flash point of at least 500? F.

10. A method as set forth in claim 1, wherein said nonflammable solvent comprises an oil.

11. A method as set forth in claim 10, wherein said oil is a plant-based oil.

12. A method as set forth in claim 11, wherein said oil comprises vegetable oil.

13. A product for assisting in cutting plants that have resin, comprising: an article having a surface that is exposed for external access so as to enable wiping of blades of a plant trimming tool on said cloth surface wherein said surface is formed from knitted or woven cloth suitable for washing and re-use; and a nonflammable solvent for said resin disposed on said cloth surface.

14. A product as set forth in claim 13, wherein said article is adapted for wearing on the body of a worker.

15. A product as set forth in claim 14, wherein said wearable cloth article is provided as at least a portion of a wristband.

16. A product as set forth in claim 14, wherein said wearable cloth article is formed from a stretchable fabric.

17. A product as set forth in claim 14, wherein said wearable cloth article includes a fastening mechanism that allows for size adjustment.

18. A product as set forth in claim 13, wherein said cloth article is formed from a cloth material suitable for holding a quantity of said solvent substantially without dripping.

19. A product as set forth in claim 13, wherein said cloth article is formed from wool.

20. A product as set forth in claim 13, wherein said nonflammable solvent has a flash point of at least 400? F.

21. A product as set forth in claim 13, wherein said nonflammable solvent has a flash point of at least 500? F.

22. A product as set forth in claim 13, wherein said nonflammable solvent comprises an oil.

23. A product as set forth in claim 22, wherein said oil is a plant-based oil.

24. A product as set forth in claim 22, wherein said oil comprises vegetable oil.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] For a more complete understanding of the present invention and further advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following Detailed Description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

[0026] FIG. 1 is a drawing of a trimming tool cleaning device in accordance with the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 2 shows a wristband positioned over a glove on the wrist of a worker in accordance with the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 3 shows a trimming tool being wiped on a cleaning cloth in accordance with the present invention;

[0029] FIGS. 4A-4D are cross-sectional views of various embodiments of a cleaning cloth in accordance with the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a trimming tool cleaning process in accordance with the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 6 shows a wearable article in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and

[0032] FIG. 7 shows a support structure for a cloth article in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] In the following description, the invention is set forth in the context of a specific system that is particularly advantageous for cannabis trimming. In this regard, a specific wearable cloth is described, as well as particular solvents. Other implementations of the invention are possible. For example, the cloth need not be wearable (e.g., the cloth may be mounted on a support accessible in the trimming workplace) and other solvents are possible, as well as other techniques for wetting the cutting blades. It will thus be appreciated that the system is set forth to illustrate the invention and not by way of limitation.

[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates a trimming tool cleaning system 100 in accordance with the present invention. The system 100 includes a solvent reservoir 102 containing a solvent for the plant resin, a wristband 104, and a trimming tool 106. Briefly, the tool 106 is used to trim plant material with resin, e.g., trim the sugar leaves and buds of a cannabis plant as described above. The blades 108 of the trimming tool 106 can be wiped on the band 104 so that the blades are lightly coated with the solvent. The solvent in reservoir 102 is used to wet the wristband. The solvent then protects the blades 108 from gumming up and facilitates cleaning of the blades 108.

[0035] The reservoir 102 contains a suitable solvent for dissolving the plant resin and/or inhibiting the resin from sticking to and gumming up the blades 108. Preferred qualities of the solvent include the following. First, the solvent should dissolve the plant resin and/or inhibit sticking of the resin to the blades 108. In addition, the solvent is preferably non-toxic to workers and does not unduly irritate the skin of the workers. As discussed below, the workers will typically wear gloves when trimming cannabis plants. While this minimizes the concern of skin irritation, it is still expected that workers will have some contact with the solvent.

[0036] The solvent is also preferably nonflammable. That is, the solvent preferably has a flashpoint in excess of 400? F. and, more preferably, in excess of 500? F. As noted above, workers often use an open flame to help clean cutting surfaces. This practice may continue, to a limited extent, even when utilizing the trimming tool cleaning system 100 of the present invention. Accordingly, workplace hazards can be reduced by providing a solvent that is nonflammable.

[0037] In consideration of the foregoing preferred characteristics, suitable solvents include various oils. Certain plant resins, including cannabis resins, are oil soluble. Certain oils are also non-toxic to workers, generally do not irritate skin, and are nonflammable. Preferred oils in this regard include plant-based oils. In the illustrated system 100 the reservoir 102 holds a vegetable oil, for example, a cooking oil such as cannola oil.

[0038] The wristband 104 holds a supply of the solvent, transfers the solvent to the blades 108, and is also effective to clean the cutting blades 108 by wiping. While it is not essential to be wearable, it is convenient for the cloth surface to be readily accessible to workers during trimming. It has been found to be particularly advantageous to provide the cloth surface in the form of a wristband that can be worn on the non-cutting hand of the worker. In this regard, the wristband 104 preferably has a width sufficient for wiping the cutting blades and holding a substantial quantity of plant residue before requiring cleanings and a length sufficient to extend around the wrist of typical workers. In addition, the wristband 104 preferably has a thickness, considered in relation to the cloth material and weave, sufficient to resist penetration by the cutting blades 108 during normal use. The wristband 104 may be somewhat elastic so as to stretch over the hand of the worker when being placed on the worker's wrist or removed therefrom while also staying securely in position on the worker's wrist during use so as to facilitate wiping. As an alternative to being somewhat elastic, the wristband may be adjustable, e.g., using clasps or Velcro as will be described below. In the illustrated embodiment, the wristband 104 is between about 2 to 4 inches wide, for example, 2.5 inches. The illustrated wristband 104 has an unstretched length of about 6 to 8 inches. The thickness of the wristband 104 may be between about ?-? inch, for example, about ? inch.

[0039] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an alternative wristband 600 in accordance with the present invention. In this case, the wristband 600 is formed from a strip of fabric 602. The fabric 602 can be folded about the wrist of a user and fastened in place by fastener 604. Preferably, the fastener 604 can be easily attached and detached (e.g., for washing) and allows for size adjustment so that the wristband 600 can be snuggly applied to the wrist of a user. The fastener 604 may comprise a hook and loop fastener, snaps, clasps, buckles, straps and loops, or any other suitable fastening device. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener 604 comprises Velcro? strips having a width sufficient to enable a suitable range of size adjustment. The wristband 600 may be otherwise constructed from fabric as described above. The illustrated waistband has a width, w, a thickness, t, and a length corresponding to the maximum dimension of the strip of fabric 602 when unfolded. These dimensions may be generally as described above except that the length may be increased slightly to allow for overlap at the fastener 604.

[0040] Referring again to FIG. 1, at least a portion of the exposed external surface of the wristband 104 is adapted to facilitate the wiping function. In this regard, the exposed surface portion is suitable for carrying a quantity of solvent. In addition, the exposed surface portion is preferably rough enough to serve as an effective wipe, but preferably is still comfortable for the worker (who will generally wear gloves underneath the wristband in the case of cannabis trimming). A variety of fabrics with a variety of weaves are suitable in this regard. However, smooth materials such as certain synthetic fibers and smooth natural fibers, may not have a sufficient coefficient of friction to serve as an effective cleaning surface, particularly when wetted with a solvent. Such fibers also may not hold a sufficient quantity of oil without runoff to be an efficient option.

[0041] The wristband 104 is formed from woven or knitted cloth suitable for washing and re-use, e.g., cotton, wool or other cloth, blends of such materials, or blends with other fibers such as nylons or polyesters, and is preferably not formed from nonwashable or easily degraded materials such as paper. The illustrated wristband 104 is formed from natural fibers and is fabricated using a weave that renders the external surface somewhat rough. For example, the wristband 104 may be formed from a fabric that is 100% merino wool. It has been found that this fabric held a maximum amount of vegetable oil without runoff and withstood the passage of cutting blades across the face of the wristband without damage. More specifically, the merino wool held 30% more oil than other fabrics tested and wicked the vegetable oil to the surface while also presenting a somewhat rough and abrasive surface to aid the cleaning of the cutting blades of the trimming tool. In addition, this fabric had no noted chemical interaction or degradation associated with exposure to the preferred solvent (vegetable oil) and did not degrade the rubber surgical gloves typically used by workers in handling cannabis.

[0042] The trimming tool 106 may be any trimming tool suitable for the plant material being trimmed. Specific trimming tools have been developed for cannabis. Moreover, multiple trimming tools may be used for coarse and precision cuts, and all trimming tools can be kept clean using the band 104 and solvent from the reservoir 102.

[0043] As noted above, in connection with cannabis trimming, it is common to wear gloves to maintain sanitary conditions, avoid buildup of resin on the hands of workers and avoid transdermal transfer of THC into the worker's body. As shown in FIG. 2, the wristband 104 can be worn over the gloves. The gloves 200 can be surgical gloves of the type commonly worn by cannabis workers. If desired, sturdy gloves may be worn to protect the hands and wrist of the worker from the cutting blades. Depending on the solvent utilized, the material of the gloves can be selected to avoid degradation or other undesired effects.

[0044] As noted above, the blades are periodically wiped on the wristband during use, for example, after trimming 3 to 4 buds or on a regular timed basis, e.g., every 5 to 10 minutes. This is shown in FIG. 3. By lightly passing the cutting edges of the blades 108 over the wristband 104, a thin film of solvent is applied uniformly over the blades 108 so as to resist buildup of resins. The blades 108 may be wiped one at a time or both blades may be wiped at once. In addition, the tool 106 may be flipped over to wipe of the other sides of the blades 108. The illustrated band 104 is effective to provide the thin film as desired. However, a separate cloth or wipe can be used to spread the solvent to achieve a uniform coating if desired.

[0045] FIGS. 4A-4D show side and top cross-sectional views of a cleaning cloth in accordance with the present invention that may be configured as a wristband as described above or a cuff for placement on a support as described below. It will be appreciated that the cleaning cloth need not be folded in a loop as shown, when not used as a wristband, but may be a flat piece of fabric or formed on a convex surface for east access by the blades. FIG. 4A illustrates an embodiment of the cloth 400 having a unitary construction. For example, the cloth 400 may be formed from a fabric as described above comprising merino wool. FIG. 4B illustrates an alternative construction that includes a cloth layer 404 with a backing material 406. For example, the backing surface 406 may be another fabric or another material such as plastic, rubber, or Kevlar. The backing 406 may be used to provide a nonslip surface, to provide protection against skin cutting due to the blades, or to isolate the worker's skin from the solvent among other things. The backing 406 may be attached to the fabric surface 404 by stitching, adhesive, or other means.

[0046] FIG. 4C shows a further embodiment of the cleaning cloth 408 including a fabric layer 410 over a liner 412. Again, the fabric layer 410 may be formed from a fabric as described above. The liner 412 may be a separately provided glove or other liner worn between the fabric 410 and the worker's skin. The liner 412 may be formed from another fabric, plastic, rubber, Kevlar, or other suitable material. The liner may be used to protect the worker's skin from the solvent or cutting blades.

[0047] FIG. 4D shows a still further embodiment of a cleaning cloth 414 in accordance with the present invention. The illustrated cloth 414 includes a fabric 416 with an embedded protective layer 418. The fabric 416 may be a fabric as described above. The protective layer 418 may be formed from another fabric, plastic, rubber, Kevlar or other material. The layer 418 may protect against the cutting blades and may also provide a desired shape or resiliency to the cleaning cloth 414.

[0048] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a cleaning cloth support 700 in accordance with the present invention. As noted above, a cleaning cloth may be placed on a support in the vicinity of a work environment rather than being worn on the body of a worker. This may be desired, for example, to avoid any risk associated with wiping blades on the worker's wrist or to provide a larger cleaning cloth surface area. Such an enlarged cleaning cloth may be used by multiple workers. FIG. 7 illustrates a cleaning cloth support 700 that includes a cloth support bar 702 supported on a base 706 by side members 704. The bar 702, members 704, and base 706 may be formed from any suitable materials such as wood, metal, plastic or the like.

[0049] The support bar 702 may have any desired cross-sectional shape such as square, rectangular, round, oval or the like. Preferably, the external surface of the bar 702 is convex or curved to facilitate blade wiping. In the illustrated embodiment, the bar 702 has a round or oval cross-section. The bar 702 is preferably mounted on the side members 704 so as to resist turning or spinning about its major axis when blades are wiped against the bar 702. Preferably, the bar 702 can be removed from the side members 704 to install or remove a cleaning cloth from the bar 702. In this regard, the bar may be formed from two telescoping pieces that are spring-loaded so as to allow the bar to be secured within openings of the side members 704 and removed therefrom as desired. Alternatively, spring-loaded protrusions may be provided on the ends of the bar 702 to engage openings of the side members 704.

[0050] In operation, the bar 702 may be removed from the side members 704 such that a closed loop cleaning cloth can be slid over the end of the bar 702 to a desired position and the bar 702 can then be installed into the side members 704. Alternatively, a strip of cleaning cloth with appropriate fasteners can be placed over the bar 702 while the bar is installed between the side members 704 and the fasteners can then be used to secure the cloth in position. In either case, a reservoir of solvent such as vegetable oil may be provided in proximity to the support 700. The solvent can then be used as necessary to wet the cloth in position on the bar 702. Alternatively, the bar 702 with a cleaning cloth installed thereon can be rolled across a solvent reservoir or a blotter or oil tray. The bar 702 can be configured to be selectively locked or unlocked concerning rotation in relation to the side members 704 so that the support can be used to roll the cloth on an oil tray with the bar unlocked, and the bar 702 can be locked for use in wiping the cutting blades.

[0051] FIG. 5 is a flowchart summarizing a process 500 in accordance with the present invention. The illustrated process 500 involves providing (502) a clipping tool, a solvent reservoir and a wristband (or other cleaning cloth) as described above. At the beginning of a trimming process, the worker may place (504) the wristband on the non-cutting arm of the worker. In the case of cannabis trimming, the worker may first insert his hand into a glove and then position the wristband over the glove.

[0052] The worker can then wet (506) the wristband. This can be done in a variety of ways. For example, the worker can pour a quantity (e.g., about 1 tablespoon) of the solvent onto the wristband using a squirt bottle, spoon or other container. Alternatively, the user can dip the wristband or a portion thereof into the solvent reservoir. It may be desirable, in this case, to wring out the wristband or otherwise remove excess solvent therefrom. It is also possible to connect a wearable reservoir 105 to the wristband as shown in phantom in FIG. 2, for example, via one or more tubes 107 or wicks, so that the wristband draws or wicks solvent from the reservoir as needed.

[0053] Once the wristband is wetted, the worker can trim (508) plant material as usual. Periodically, the worker can wipe (510) the blades of the trimming tool on the wristband so as to coat the blades with a thin film of the solvent. The worker can repeat this process of wetting the wristband, trimming plant material and wiping the blades on the wristband as required during a trimming process. It will be appreciated that residue from the plant is thus transferred to the blades and, in turn, to the fabric of the wristband (in each case substantially without sticking). If the wristband accumulates residue, the worker can turn the wristband inside-out to get a fresh wiping surface. It has been found that this flipping of the wristband can be repeated and that the surfaces are effectively self-cleaning. Consequently, the wristband can be used by a worker for a full shift without replacement or cleaning. When the trimming process is finished 512, for example, at the end of a shift or as otherwise needed, the blades can be easily wiped (514) clean with the wristband or a separate cloth or paper towel to remove excess oil and loose plant debris, and the wristband can be cleaned by hand or in a washing machine. It will be appreciated that little effort will be required to clean the trimming tool as the blades are protected from gumming up by the solvent. Nonetheless, the blades may be cleaned with other cleaning products or exposure to flames and sterilization as desired.

[0054] The foregoing description of the present invention has been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art are within the scope of the present invention. The embodiments described herein above are further intended to explain best modes known of practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such or other embodiments and with various modifications required by the particular application(s) or use(s) of the present invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.