Conical Shaped Device Used in Heating and Inhalation of Organic Leafy Materials

Abstract

A conical or frustum shaped product is provided comprising compressed leafy organic material and a filter or crutch, wherein the leafy organic material and filter or crutch are wrapped together in paper. The product has a cone shape, truncated cone shape, pyramidal shape, truncated pyramid shape, frustum shape, or any other shape that tapers to have at least one narrow end, and is designed for use with a device capable of heating the organic leafy material to be inhaled by a user and to produce an experience that closely resembles smoking in taste and feel.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising: organic leafy material; a conical shaped covering wrapped into a tapered cylinder around a filter, the covering configured to maintain the organic leafy material; a lower compression element configured to receive the conical shaped covering wrapped into the tapered cylinder around the filter and the organic leafy material; and an upper compression element configured to compress the organic leafy material in the within the covering positioned in the lower compression element using pressure.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the upper compression element when compressed on the lower compression element compresses the organic leafy material toward the filter.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the upper compression element when compressed on the lower compression element closes a top of the conical shaped covering and causes compression of the organic leafy material toward the filter.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the upper compression element when compressed on the lower compression element causes a groove to be formed in the organic leafy material.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein an axially central element is provided with the conical shaped covering, wherein the upper compression element when compressed on the lower compression element compresses the organic material about the axially central element, and further wherein the compressed organic leafy material is separable from the axially central element, thereby leaving a channel within the organic leafy material.

6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the groove is irregularly shaped.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the upper element comprises a central lower protrusion and the upper compression element when compressed on the lower compression element causes an end of the conical shaped covering to remain open about the protrusion while causing compression of the organic leafy material toward the filter.

8. An apparatus comprising: organic leafy material; a filter positioned adjacent the organic leafy material; and a conically shaped covering configured to maintain the organic leafy material and the filter, wherein the apparatus is configured in a shape fitting within a compression device.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the organic leafy material is compressible toward the filter within the conically shaped covering.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein compression of the organic material closes a top of the conically shaped covering.

11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the compression causes a groove to be formed in the organic leafy material.

12. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising an axially central element provided with the conical shaped covering, wherein compression compacts the organic material about the axially central element, and further wherein the compressed organic leafy material is separable from the axially central element, thereby leaving a channel within the organic leafy material.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the groove is irregularly shaped.

14. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein compression causes an end of the conical shaped covering to remain open.

15. An apparatus comprising: a conical shaped covering; compressed organic leafy material positioned within the conical shaped covering; wherein the conical shaped covering is configured to fit within a conical shaped opening provided in a smoking or vaping device.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the conical shaped covering is frustum shaped when assembled.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the compressed organic leafy material includes an axial central channel

18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the compressed organic leafy material comprises a groove formed therein.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the groove is irregularly shaped.

20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the conical shaped opening comprises a protrusion comparable to the groove such that the organic leafy material fits within the conical shaped opening and holds the organic leafy material with the protrusion fitting with the groove.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] FIG. 1 is a general conceptual depiction of the product and its basic components;

[0019] FIG. 2 is a conceptual depiction of the product wherein a groove runs the length of the compressed leafy organic material;

[0020] FIG. 3 is a conceptual depiction of the product wherein a groove runs down half of the length of the compressed leafy organic material, turns perpendicular, and runs a short distance;

[0021] FIG. 4A is an illustration of one method that may be used to produce the product;

[0022] FIG. 4B shows a compression operation according to the current design including a formation to compress material to a set amount dictated by shapes of the compression elements;

[0023] FIGS. 5A-C illustrates a swivel open design for holding the product;

[0024] FIGS. 6A-C are a coffin door design for holding the leafy organic material;

[0025] FIGS. 7A-7C represent a pop off cap design for holding the product;

[0026] FIGS. 8A-8C are a folding body design for conceptual depiction of devices designed to house the product;

[0027] FIGS. 9A and 9B are one embodiment of a dual hinge device produced in accordance with the present teachings including a conical product profile;

[0028] FIG. 10 illustrates loading the product or pod, conical in shape, into the dual hinge representation of FIGS. 9A and 9B; and

[0029] FIG. 11 illustrates loading the cone nug/pod and its inclusion in a chamber.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] In this document, the words embodiment, variant, and similar expressions are used to refer to particular apparatus, process, or article of manufacture, and not necessarily to the same apparatus, process, or article of manufacture. Thus, one embodiment (or a similar expression) used in one place or context can refer to a particular apparatus, process, or article of manufacture; the same or a similar expression in a different place can refer to a different apparatus, process, or article of manufacture. The expression alternative embodiment and similar phrases are used to indicate one of a number of different possible embodiments. The number of possible embodiments is not necessarily limited to two or any other quantity.

[0031] The word exemplary is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or variant described herein as exemplary is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or variants. All of the embodiments and variants described in this description are exemplary embodiments and variants provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the invention, and not to limit the scope of legal protection afforded the invention, which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

[0032] The present design comprises paper wrapped to produce a truncated, open-ended cone that tapers inward at one end wherein a filter is placed inside a portion of the truncated, open-ended cone at the narrow end (or base), and the volume inside of the tapered, truncated cylinder beyond the crutch or filter is occupied by compressed leafy organic material. The compressed leafy organic material may be ground, cut, or in its whole form, and the compression rate of this leafy organic material may vary from 10% to 200%. As used herein, the term crutch is sometimes employed and is synonymous with the term filter or tip and none of these terms are intended to be limiting in any way.

[0033] Further, the present design provides a non-cylindrical, but instead conical, shaped end product which may in certain instances comprise a filter. The conical shaped element is technically a frustum, i.e. a truncated cone, with its narrower part going toward the user's mouth in one embodiment and its wider part, or base, positioned away from the user's mouth when smoking or vaping. According to the components illustrated herein, such a frustum or conical shape may prevent the device from separating from or pulling out of, or away from, the other components of a vaping device. Hence the conical shape of the present design is beneficial and novel, particularly when used with a device such as a vaping device.

[0034] While discussed herein primarily with respect to organic leafy materials, it is to be understood that the present product may be produced by compressing tobacco, herbs, cannabis, or other organic materials, including the non-leafy plant parts of these materials, such as flowers and/or buds from the cannabis plant, which are suitable for smoking or inhalation upon being heated.

[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates a conceptual overview of a first embodiment of the product. From FIG. 1, there is provided a hollow, open-ended, and truncated cone made of paper 101, a filter 102, and compressed leafy organic material 103. The resultant product may be termed a nug and may be employed in vaping. The shape of the cone including paper 101, filter 102, and material 103 provides a cone or frustum that can be used or locked into a device as disclosed herein, i.e. the shape of the nug facilitates packing and processing described herein as well as use of the smoking or vaping product.

[0036] An alternative embodiment of the product in FIG. 1 may be produced by compressing leafy organic material prior to applying or wrapping paper to or around the compressed leafy organic material. Paper may be used to cover all or only part of the compressed leafy organic material. Solid gels or other coatings may be used in place of paper to surround the compressed leafy organic material. However, in all instances, a conical or frustum shape is provided and employed.

[0037] Another alternative embodiment of the product in FIG. 1 may be produced by compressing a mixture of leafy organic material and oils, waxes, flavorings, or other additives.

[0038] A modified embodiment of the product FIG. 1 may include the addition of RFID technology at the crutch or filter of the product to track and communicate with the device to ensure quality control or to collect usage information for a user.

[0039] FIG. 2 illustrates a conceptual overview of a modified embodiment of the product. From FIG. 2, there is provided a hollow, open-ended, and truncated cone or frustum made of paper 201, a filter 202, compressed leafy organic material 203, and a groove or channel 204 running the length of the compressed leafy organic material. The groove or channel 204 may be bored into or carved out of the compressed leafy organic material or created along the edges of the leafy organic material, or the leafy organic material may be compressed within a mold that results in a groove or channel being formed in the frustum upon compression.

[0040] Compressed leafy organic material may include one or more grooves or channels. These grooves or channels may be used to improve the fit of the product within a smoking or inhalation device, to improve airflow around the product while it is being smoked or inhaled, or to create space for positioning a heating mechanism near the product. The conical or frustum shape also keeps the product from disengaging from an attached smoking or vaping device. In short, the groove provides beneficial attributes for fit within other devices or in the general use of the product.

[0041] FIG. 3 is an illustration of an alternative embodiment of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 shows a hollow, open-ended, and truncated cone or frustum made of paper 301, a filter 302, compressed leafy organic material 303, and an L-shaped groove or channel 304 running partially along the side of the compressed leafy organic material. The L-shaped groove 304 includes an indentation running 90 degrees from a first channel for a short distance. The angle produced by the groove or channel in the compressed leafy organic material may enable the product to be positioned and locked into a smoking or heating device, and the conical or frustum shape inhibits the product from pulling out of, falling out of, or otherwise disengaging from the smoking or heating device. A groove or channel in the product may include any formation or path that further facilitates this locking feature.

[0042] FIG. 4A illustrates a device and method for making the product described herein. The design includes first placing a hollow, truncated paper cone wrapped around a filter into a lower plug or buck 404 molded to accommodate the insertion of the hollow, truncated paper cone and filter 403. In one instance, the paper cone and filter assembly 403 may be provided together and collectively inserted in the lower buck 404, while alternately the paper cone may be provided in the lower buck 404 and the filter inserted in the paper cone already positioned in the lower buck 404. A user or entity may grind tobacco, cannabis, herbs, and/or other leafy organic materials, producing ground material 402. The user or another entity may place ground material 402 into the truncated paper cone through its broader, open end. A top plug or buck 401 having the positive shape of the lower buck 404 (absent the intended shape and volume of the compressed material) may then be placed inside the negative space of the lower plug or buck 404. A machine or person or mechanical arrangement may apply pressure to top plug 401, lower plug 404, or both to compress the ground material 402.

[0043] The end product may alternatively be produced by first placing leafy organic material into a lower plug or buck 404, compressing the material using a top plug or buck 401, and then wrapping, coating, or encasing the compressed leafy organic material in paper or a suitable alternative in the desired conical or frustum shape.

[0044] While the use of lower buck 404 and top buck 401 provide one method of creating the product, the product may be created through any means in which pressure is applied to ground leafy organic material to compress the material into a desired shape. An entity or device may compress leafy organic material into a truncated cone, a non-truncated cone shape, a pyramid shape, a truncated pyramid shape, or any other acceptable shape, including a shape that tapers to have at least one narrow end.

[0045] From FIG. 4A, top buck 401 has the positive shape of the lower buck minus the space for the compression of ground material 402. In general, ground material 402 includes tobacco, cannabis, or herbs or other leafy organic material ground down to a desired size and density for pack and vapability benefits. Paper cone and filter assembly 403 includes a filter, either wrapped in a covering such as paper or other material or formed separately and joined by means such as gluing or other known binding method. The top buck 401 serves to compress the product in the covering or paper such as to neither damage the product nor the paper but compress it into a viable product. In one aspect, as discussed above, a groove or formation may be provided in the nug, comprising the material, filter, and covering, in conical or frustum shape, to allow for positioning within the arrangement of FIG. 4A or as a result of compression. Hollow core of lower buck 404 supports the covering/filter/material components and assembly during either filling of the covering with the material and/or during compression of the material. Opening 405 is provided to receive the covering, filter, and product and is sized to allow for compression of product, and possibly the covering, to produce a smokable item. Product may be provided in the conical opening shown above opening 405.

[0046] FIG. 4B illustrates compression according to the present design between a lower buck 404 and an upper buck 401. FIG. 4B shows the forming of the lower buck 404 and upper buck 401, where upper buck 401 is formed and sized to press down and compress leafy organic material 402 within the covering, such as conical or frustum shaped paper cone 403 including in some embodiments a filter. The lower buck 404 is sized to accommodate these items and the entire arrangement compresses the product to form a viable and smokable item. Note that the covering, i.e. paper element, may cover the filter or may be joined to the filter in some manner, and the purpose of upper buck 401 and lower buck 404 is to compress the product, i.e. the organic leafy material, inside the covering, producing a viable smokable item.

[0047] FIGS. 5A-11 show a number of arrangements designed to house the conical or frustum shaped product so that the product may be heated within the device, with minimal risk of dislodging, and then smoked or inhaled by a user. The device in FIG. 5A comprises a tapered front end and a tapered back end wherein the front and back ends swivel apart to expose a chamber wherein the conical shaped product, or nug, may be placed. The tapered back end of the device keeps the conical shaped product in place and also keeps the product from falling out of the device, and an aperture in the back end at the bottom or narrow end of the chamber results in the filter or crutch of the product being exposed so that a user may inhale directly from the filter or crutch of the product. FIG. 5A thus shows a swivel open embodiment with a heat stake lever 501, rear swivel out body 502, and cone filter 503, with device front 504. FIG. 5B is an alternate view of the device including a view with the heat stake engaged at point 505. FIG. 5C shows nug loading at point 511, with the front of the device shown at point 512, a hinge at point 513, and a rear swivel out at point 514. This embodiment may be considered the swivel open design.

[0048] This particular device is designed to include a heat stake, or heating element, that is positioned inside of a channel through the central axis of the product and may heat the product, without combustion, from inside the channel. While the product may include a channel through its central axis that accommodates a central heating element, the product may alternatively be produced for different devices. Such different devices may include alternatives to a central heating element, such as heat stakes or other devices designed to heat the product from its exterior. The product may be produced with or without a central channel, as well as with or without other grooves or channels to accommodate the type and placement of various heating elements. The same is true for the other embodiments including heat stakes shown below in that they may be provided with or without a central channel and in certain cases including products or devices heating from the exterior.

[0049] The device in FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C comprises a tapered front end and a tapered back end, in order to accept the conical or frustum shape nug described, wherein the back ends is divided along its longest axis so that a part of the back end may be opened or detached similarly to the lid of a coffin to expose a chamber. The conical shaped product may be placed in the chamber before closing or replacing the detached part of the back end. The tapered back end of the device keeps the product in place and keeps the product from falling out of the device. An aperture in the back end at the bottom or narrow end of the chamber results in the filter or crutch of the product being exposed so that a user may inhale directly from the filter or crutch of the product. FIG. 6A shows heat stake lever 601, rear housing 602, device front 603, cone filter 604, and door hinge 605. heat stake lever 702, rear housing 703, and cone filter 704. FIG. 6B is an alternate view showing the heat stake engaged at point 606. FIG. 6C is a further view showing the coffin door type opening, with front 611, nug loading indicated at point 612, and the open door indicated at point 613. This embodiment may be considered the coffin door design.

[0050] The device in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C again comprises a tapered front end and a tapered back end to accommodate the conical nug wherein the front and back ends pull apart along a central axis to expose a chamber that receives the product. Again, the tapered back end of the device keeps the conical shaped product in place and from falling out of the device, and an aperture in the back end at the bottom or narrow end of the chamber results in the filter or crutch of the product being exposed so that a user may inhale directly from the filter or crutch of the product. FIG. 7A includes device front 701, rear cap housing 702, and cone filter 703, while FIG. 7C illustrates a front portion 711, a nug loading portion 712, and a rear housing cap 713. This embodiment may be considered the pop off cap design.

[0051] The device in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C has the conical/frustum tapered front end and a tapered back end wherein the front and back ends are hinged and may fold apart to expose a chamber wherein the conical/frustum product may be placed. Once again, this shape, i.e. the conical, tapered back end of the device keeps, the conical product in place and from falling out of the device. An aperture in the back end, at the bottom or narrow end of the chamber, results in the filter or crutch of the product being exposed so that a user may inhale directly from the filter or crutch of the product without fear of the product dislodging due to its conical shape. FIG. 8A includes device front 801, heat stake lever 802, rear housing 803, and cone filter 804. FIG. 8B shows hinge 805 and the heat stake engaged at point 806. FIG. 8C shows nug loading at point 811, with front 812 and hinge 813 as well as rear housing 814.

[0052] FIGS. 9A and 9B represent a dual-hinge embodiment of a device produced in accordance with the present teachings including a conical product profile. FIG. 9A includes a device front 901, a rear housing 902 to open one side of the loading chamber, a hinge 903, and a cone filter or crutch 904. FIG. 9B takes a cross section of rear housing 903 and shows hinge 952 and cone pod 951 inside the dual-hinge device with a staged heated chamber.

[0053] FIG. 10 shows the loading of a conical or frustum pod into a dual-hinge device as shown in FIG. 9. From FIG. 10, there is provided a button/lever 1001 to open the pod chamber, a first hinge 1002, a second hinge 1003, and a pod 1004 to load into the device.

[0054] FIG. 11 illustrates loading the cone nug or pod with material 1101, paper cone 1102, and base crutch or filter 1103. Also shown is rear housing 1104 and heated plate 1105, with the cone nug or pod loaded in the chamber.

[0055] Thus according to the present design and as illustrated herein, a cone can be provided including a filter and packed with product such as a leafy organic material, with the cone including in some cases a heat stake and/or a groove, and the resultant packed cone so formed may be provided within a pipe for smoking or vaping. The resultant shape of the device placed in, for example, a vaporizer, is conical, and a conical shape is unique and provides advantages over previously available forms. The conical or frustum shape of the nug, including the conical paper cone and/or filter, results in a product used or usable in a device including a conical or frustum shaped receptacle wherein the product cannot be easily dislodged from the device.

[0056] Thus, according to one aspect of the present design, there is provided a product comprising compressed leafy organic material, paper, and a filter or crutch. The product is configured so that leafy organic material that has been compressed into a truncated cone shape or frustum shape and abuts a filter or a crutch at its narrow end. Paper surrounds or wraps both the compressed leafy organic material and the filter to hold them together. The paper aligns with the filter or crutch at the base or narrow end of the product and the broad end of the compressed leafy organic material.

[0057] According to a further aspect of the present design, there is provided a product, comprising compressed leafy organic material, paper, and a filter or crutch. The product is configured so that leafy organic material that has been compressed into a pyramid shape, truncated pyramid shape, cone shape, or any other shape that tapers to have at least one narrow end that abuts a filter or a crutch at its narrow end. Paper surrounds or wraps both the compressed leafy organic material and the filter to hold them together. The paper aligns with the filter or crutch at the base or narrow end of the product and the broad end of the compressed leafy organic material.

[0058] According to another aspect of the present design, there is provided a product, comprising compressed leafy organic material, a coating, and a filter or crutch. The product is configured so that leafy organic material that has been compressed into a pyramid shape, truncated pyramid shape, cone shape, truncated cone shape, or any other shape that tapers to have at least one narrow end that abuts a filter or a crutch at its narrow end. A coating may surround the compressed leafy organic material, the filter, or both.

[0059] According to another aspect of the present design, there is provided a product, comprising compressed leafy organic material, paper or coating, and a filter or crutch. The product is configured so that leafy organic material that has been compressed into a pyramid shape, truncated pyramid shape, cone shape, truncated cone shape, or any other shape that tapers to have at least one narrow end. One or more channels or grooves may be bored into or carved out of the compressed leafy organic material or created along the edges of the leafy organic material.

[0060] According to another aspect of the present design, there is provided a product, comprising compressed leafy organic material, paper or coating, and a filter or crutch. The product is configured so that leafy organic material that has been compressed into a pyramid shape, truncated pyramid shape, cone shape, truncated cone shape, or any other shape that tapers to have at least one narrow end that abuts a filter or crutch at its narrow end. The filter or crutch may contain RFID technology to track and communicate with the device to ensure quality control or to collect user habit information.

[0061] In one embodiment, there is provided an apparatus, comprising organic leafy material, a covering wrapped into a tapered cylinder around a filter, the covering configured to maintain the organic leafy material, a lower compression element configured to receive the covering wrapped into the covering around the filter and the organic leafy material, and an upper compression element configured to compress the organic leafy material in the within the covering positioned in the lower compression element using pressure.

[0062] An alternate embodiment includes an apparatus comprising organic leafy material, a filter positioned adjacent the organic leafy material, and a covering configured to maintain the organic leafy material and the filter, wherein the apparatus is physically altered to fit within a compression device.

[0063] What has been described above includes examples of one or more embodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the aforementioned embodiments, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of various embodiments are possible. Accordingly, the described embodiments are intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term includes is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising as comprising is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.