Herb grinding device

An herb grinding device is disclosed that includes a first section and a second section. The first section includes a first cavity, a top surface, an outer wall surrounding the first cavity, and a plurality of teeth extending from the top surface. The second section is rotatably coupled to the first section and includes a second section floor, a plurality of holes in the second section floor, a second cavity facing the first cavity, a plurality of teeth extending from the second section floor, and an annular flange positioned within the first cavity and interfacing an outer wall of the first section. The herb grinding device may also include a third section that is removably coupled to the second section opposite the first section and includes a channel extending through the third section, and a fourth section that is removably coupled to the third section and includes a collection cavity.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

Aspects of this document relate generally to herb grinding devices.

2. Background Art

Grinders are commonly used for rendering foods and spices to mulch or particulate form. Conventional food grinders are typically a large home or industrial scale device suitable for shearing/grinding large volumes of food or herbs. Such food grinders may typically be driven by a motor that cause an excessive amount of heat energy to be transferred to the herb, thus increasing the risk of heating and spoiling the herb. Furthermore, certain herbs are required in only small quantities at a time for specific consumption.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, an herb grinding device comprises a first cylindrical section, a second cylindrical section, and at least a third cylindrical section. The first cylindrical section comprises a first cavity, a top surface, and a plurality of circular arced teeth extending from the top surface within the first cavity in at least two concentric teeth rings, each of the at least two concentric teeth rings comprising at least two circular arced teeth. The second cylindrical section is rotatably coupled to the first cylindrical section and comprises a second cavity facing the first cavity, a second section floor, a plurality of holes in the second section floor, and a plurality of circular arced teeth extending from the second section floor within the second cavity in at least two concentric teeth rings each comprising at least two circular arced teeth, wherein the at least two concentric teeth rings of the second cylindrical section are positioned between the at least two concentric teeth rings of the first cylindrical section and the plurality of circular arced teeth of the second cylindrical section at least partially overlap the plurality of circular arced teeth of the first cylindrical section. The at least a third cylindrical section is removably coupled to the second cylindrical section and comprises a collection cavity.

Various implementations and embodiments may comprise one or more of the following. The at least third cylindrical section may comprise a third cylindrical section removably coupled to the second cylindrical section opposite the first cylindrical section, the third cylindrical section comprising a channel extending through the third cylindrical section and one or more support arms extending across the channel, and a fourth cylindrical section removably coupled to the third cylindrical section opposite the second cylindrical section, the fourth cylindrical section comprising the collection cavity. The plurality of holes in the second section floor may be arranged in at least two concentric hole rings each comprising a plurality of holes, each of the at least two concentric hole rings being aligned with each of the at least two concentric teeth rings of the first cylindrical section. Each of the plurality of holes may be substantially square in shape with a corner directed to a center of the second section floor. Each circular arced tooth of the plurality of teeth of the first cylindrical section may comprise a V-shaped protrusion on a first end of the circular arced tooth, a crescent shaped recess on a second end of the circular arced tooth opposite the first end, and a V-shaped recess on a bottom end of the circular arced tooth opposite the top surface; each circular arced tooth of the plurality of teeth of the second cylindrical section may comprise a V-shaped protrusion on a first end of the circular arced tooth, a crescent shaped recess on a second end of the circular arced tooth opposite the first end, and a V-shaped recess on a top end of the circular arced tooth opposite the second section floor; and the plurality of teeth of the first cylindrical section and the plurality of teeth of the second cylindrical section may be positioned such that the V-shaped protrusions of the plurality of teeth of the first cylindrical section point opposite the V-shaped protrusions of the plurality of teeth of the second cylindrical section. The second cylindrical section may comprise an annular flange positioned within the first cavity and interfacing an outer wall of the first cylindrical section; the at least two concentric teeth rings of the first cylindrical section may comprise three concentric teeth rings each comprising four teeth; the at least two concentric teeth rings of the second cylindrical section may comprise two concentric teeth rings each comprising four teeth, a first concentric teeth ring of the two concentric teeth rings of the second cylindrical section being positioned between a first and a second concentric teeth ring of the three concentric teeth rings of the first cylindrical section, and a second concentric teeth ring of the two concentric teeth rings being positioned between the second and a third concentric teeth ring of the three concentric teeth rings of the first cylindrical section. Each of the plurality of teeth of both the first and the second cylindrical sections extend between approximately 25 and approximately 35 degrees and a width of each of the plurality of teeth of the first cylindrical section and the second cylindrical section is equal to a distance between adjacent concentric teeth rings of the first cylindrical section and second cylindrical section, and the herb grinding device may further comprise a gap of approximately 0.010″ inches between the bottom end of each of the plurality of teeth of the first cylindrical section and the second section floor and a gap of approximately 0.010″ inches between the top end of each of the plurality of teeth of the second cylindrical section and the top surface. The first cylindrical section may be coupled to the second cylindrical section with a first magnet positioned at a center of the top surface and a second magnet positioned at a center of the second section floor and in contact with the first magnet at a center point between the top surface and the second section floor. The herb grinding device may comprise a radiused edge within the collection cavity and a screen coupled to the one or more support arms and positioned within the channel. The first cylindrical section may comprise a recessed outer cavity, a T-shaped slot, and one or more gripping slots, and the second cylindrical section may be threadedly coupled to the third cylindrical section with four first threading notches and the third cylindrical section may be threadedly coupled to the fourth cylindrical second with four second threading notches.

According to another aspect, an herb grinding device comprises a first section, a second section, a third section, and a fourth section. The first section comprises a first cavity, a top surface, an outer wall surrounding the first cavity, and a plurality of teeth extending from the top surface within the first cavity. The second section is rotatably coupled to the first section and comprises a second section floor, a plurality of holes in the second section floor, a second cavity facing the first cavity to form a grinding chamber between the second section floor and the top wall, a plurality of teeth extending from the second section floor within the second cavity, and an annular flange positioned within the first cavity and interfacing an outer wall of the first section. The third section is removably coupled to the second section opposite the first section, and the third section comprises a channel extending through the third section and one or more support arms extending across the channel. The fourth section is removably coupled to the third section opposite the second section, and the fourth section comprises a collection cavity.

Various implementations and embodiments may comprise one or more of the following.

11. The herb grinding device of claim10, wherein the first section comprises a recessed outer cavity adjacent a T-shaped slot, and wherein the second section is threadedly coupled to the third cylindrical section with four first threading notches and the third section is threadedly coupled to the fourth second with four second threading notches. Each of the plurality of teeth of the first section may be arced and positioned in at least two concentric teeth rings, each of the at least two concentric teeth rings comprising at least two arced teeth of the plurality of arced teeth of the first section. Each of the plurality of teeth of the second section may be arced and positioned in at least two concentric teeth rings. Each of the at least two concentric teeth rings may comprise at least two arced teeth of the plurality of arced teeth of the second section, wherein the at least two concentric teeth rings of the second section may be positioned between the at least two concentric teeth rings of the first section and the plurality of arced teeth of the second section at least partially overlap the plurality of teeth of the first section within the grinding chamber. A width of each of the plurality of teeth of the first section and the second section may be equal to a distance between adjacent concentric teeth rings of the first section and second section. The plurality of holes in the second section floor may be arranged in at least two concentric hole rings each comprising a plurality of holes, each of the at least two concentric hole rings being aligned with each of the at least two concentric teeth rings of the first section. Each arced tooth of the plurality of teeth of the first section may comprise a V-shaped protrusion on a first end of the circular arced tooth, a crescent shaped recess on a second end of the circular arced tooth opposite the first end, and a V-shaped recess on a bottom end of the circular arced tooth opposite the top surface. Each arced tooth of the plurality of teeth of the second section may comprise a V-shaped protrusion on a first end of the circular arced tooth, a crescent shaped recess on a second end of the circular arced tooth opposite the first end, and a V-shaped shaped recess on a top end of the circular arced tooth opposite the second section floor. The plurality of teeth of the first section and the plurality of teeth of the second section may be positioned such that the V-shaped protrusions of the plurality of teeth of the first section point opposite the V-shaped protrusions of the plurality of teeth of the second section. The first section may be coupled to the second section with a first magnet positioned at a center of the top surface and a second magnet positioned at a center of the second section floor and in contact with the first magnet at a center point between the top surface and the second section floor. The at least two concentric teeth rings of the first section may comprise three concentric teeth rings each comprising four teeth. The at least two concentric teeth rings of the second section comprise two concentric teeth rings each may comprise four teeth, a first concentric teeth ring of the two concentric teeth rings of the second section being positioned between a first and a second concentric teeth ring of the three concentric teeth rings of the first section, and a second concentric teeth ring of the two concentric teeth rings being positioned between the second and a third concentric teeth ring of the three concentric teeth rings of the first section.

According to another aspect, an herb grinding device comprises a first cylindrical section and a second cylindrical section. The first cylindrical section comprises a first cavity, a top surface, and a plurality of circular arced teeth extending from the top surface within the first cavity in at least two concentric teeth rings. Each of the at least two concentric teeth rings comprise at least two circular arced teeth and each circular arced tooth of the plurality of teeth of the first cylindrical section comprises a V-shaped protrusion on a first end of the circular arced tooth, a crescent shaped recess on a second end of the circular arced tooth opposite the first end, and a V-shaped recess on a bottom end of the circular arced tooth opposite the top surface. The second cylindrical section is rotatably coupled to the first cylindrical section and comprises a second cavity facing the first cavity, a second section floor, and a plurality of circular arced teeth extending from the second section floor within the second cavity in at least two concentric teeth rings each comprising at least two circular arced teeth. Each circular arced tooth of the plurality of teeth of the second cylindrical section comprises a V-shaped protrusion on a first end of the circular arced tooth that points an opposite direction than the V-shaped protrusion of the plurality of teeth of the first cylindrical section, a crescent shaped recess on a second end of the circular arced tooth opposite the first end, and a V-shaped shaped recess on a top end of the circular arced tooth opposite the second section floor. The at least two concentric teeth rings of the second cylindrical section are positioned between the at least two concentric teeth rings of the first cylindrical section and the plurality of circular arced teeth of the second cylindrical section at least partially overlap the plurality of circular arced teeth of the first cylindrical section.

Various implementations and embodiments may comprise one or more of the following. A plurality of holes in the second section floor. The first cylindrical section may be coupled to the second cylindrical section with a first magnet positioned at a center of the top surface and a second magnet positioned at a center of the second section floor and in contact with the first magnet at a center point between the top surface and the second section floor. At least a third cylindrical section removably coupled to the second cylindrical section opposite the first cylindrical section, the at least third section comprising a collection cavity. The at least third cylindrical may comprise a third cylindrical section removably coupled to the second cylindrical section opposite the first cylindrical section, the third cylindrical section comprising a channel extending through the third cylindrical section and one or more support arms extending across the channel; and a fourth cylindrical section removably coupled to the third cylindrical section opposite the second cylindrical section. The at least two concentric teeth rings of the first cylindrical section may comprise three concentric teeth rings each comprising four teeth. The at least two concentric teeth rings of the second cylindrical section may comprise two concentric teeth rings each comprising four teeth, a first concentric teeth ring of the two concentric teeth rings of the second cylindrical section being positioned between a first and a second concentric teeth ring of the three concentric teeth rings of the first cylindrical section, and a second concentric teeth ring of the two concentric teeth rings being positioned between the second and a third concentric teeth ring of the three concentric teeth rings of the first cylindrical section, wherein a width of each of the plurality of teeth of the first section and the second section is equal to a distance between adjacent concentric teeth rings of the first section and second section.

DESCRIPTION

This disclosure, its aspects and implementations, are not limited to the specific components or assembly procedures disclosed herein. Many additional components and assembly procedures known in the art consistent with the intended herb grinding device and/or assembly procedures for an herb grinding device will become apparent for use with implementations of herb grinding devices from this disclosure. Accordingly, for example, although particular herb grinding devices are disclosed, such herb grinding devices and implementing components may comprise any shape, size, style, type, model, version, measurement, concentration, material, quantity, and/or the like as is known in the art for such herb grinding device and implementing components, consistent with the intended operation of an herb grinding device.

Contemplated as part of this disclosure are various embodiments of an herb grinding device that incorporate innovations, improvements and enhancements that impact the quality and process of shearing/grinding herbs, plants, botanicals and other materials into usable and preferred consistencies for various uses. As shall be described in greater detail through this disclosure, embodiments of this device may be handheld, non-electric, and/or intended to grind small quantities of material. According to some aspects, an herb grinding device of this disclosure may have multiple cylindrical sections, wherein rotation of two of the sections produces a shearing and/or grinding action as teeth pass in between one another. The floor of the second section may include a series of holes that allow the ground herbs to be separated and be stored in the third section below the second section. The third section may include a screen that filters finely ground herbs, and a fourth section separates and stores the finely ground herbs. Greater details and other configurations of each of these sections will be described below.

As shall also be described throughout this disclosure, one or more of the herb grinding devices contemplated herein are advantageous to conventional herb grinding devices by providing three different coarseness options of ground herbs due to a dual teeth edge design, reducing the force/friction required to grind herbs due to the design of radial cut teeth, increasing longevity of the device due to innovative design of the threading notches that eliminates cross threading, increasing longevity of the device due to the replaceable fine filtering screen and support for the screen by a cross brace support member, and providing a portable solution for users to manually grind small quantities of herbs while addressing all the common pit falls associated with traditional grinders.

Contemplated as part of this disclosure are various embodiments of an herb grinding device2. In one or more embodiments, an herb grinding device2is relatively lightweight and portable, and yet very strong. By way of example and not limitation, an herb grinding device2may be manufactured from 6061 or 7075 grade aluminum, 304 stainless, or T2 titanium. According to some aspects, an herb grinding device2comprises at least a first section4and a second section6. Other contemplated embodiments may comprise a third section8and/or a fourth section10, although these sections are not required in all embodiments. Although reference is made in this description and in the figures to substantially cylindrical sections of an herb grinding device2, it is contemplated that the exterior of the herb grinding device2is not always cylindrical and may, instead, comprise any other geometric shapes and configurations.FIG. 1provides a perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment of a herb grinding device2comprising a first section4coupled to a second section6, a third section8coupled to the second section6opposite the first section4, and a fourth section10coupled to the third section8opposite the second section6.FIGS. 3A and 3Bprovide exploded top and bottom perspective views, respectively, andFIG. 4Bprovides a cross sectional view of non-limiting embodiment of an herb grinding device2comprising a first section4, a second section6, a third section8, and a fourth section10. Details of each of the sections shall be provided below.

In one or more embodiments, an herb grinding device2comprises a first section4rotatably and removably coupled to a second section6.FIGS. 7A-7Fdepict various views of a non-limiting embodiment of a first section4. According to some aspects, a first section4comprises a substantially cylindrical first section4having a cylindrical first cavity62within a portion of the cylindrical first section4. In other embodiments, a first section may comprise other geometric configurations on the outside of the first section, and maintain a cylindrical first cavity62within a portion of the first section. The first cavity62may be bordered by circular outer wall72and a top surface58, and comprise an opening opposite the top surface58. According to some aspects, the first cavity62comprises a depth of between approximately 0.25″ and 0.75″. The outer wall72is sized to receive a portion of the second section6within the first cavity62or, alternatively, fit within a portion of the second section6.

In one or more embodiments, a first section4comprises a plurality of teeth50. According to some aspects, the plurality of teeth50extend from the top surface58of the first section and are positioned to form a plurality of concentric teeth rings60, with each concentric teeth ring60comprising a plurality of teeth50. In the non-limiting embodiment depicted inFIGS. 7A-7F, the first section4comprises three concentric teeth rings60, with each concentric teeth ring60comprising four equally spaced apart teeth50. In other embodiments, a first section4may comprise any number of concentric teeth rings60and any number of teeth50within each concentric teeth ring. Each concentric teeth ring60comprises a center aligned with a center of the first cavity62. In the non-limiting embodiment depicted inFIG. 7B, for example, a magnet64is positioned at a center of the first cavity62of the first section4. According to some aspects, the plurality of teeth50within each concentric teeth ring60may be aligned with the plurality of teeth50within each adjacent teeth ring60. For example, in the non-limiting embodiment depicted inFIG. 7B, the four teeth50in each concentric ring are aligned with the four teeth in the adjacent concentric teeth ring60, each tooth50within each concentric teeth ring60being approximately 90 degrees from the adjacent teeth of the same concentric teeth ring60. That is, the teeth50of adjacent teeth rings60are aligned, but narrow in radial length towards a center of the first cavity62in a pie-shaped configuration. Thus, a pie-shaped configuration of space may exist between aligned teeth50.

In one or more embodiments, each tooth50of the first section4comprises a circular arced tooth50. More particularly, each circular arced tooth50may comprise a center point of the arc at a center of first cavity62. Circular arced teeth50are advantageous to conventional teeth because circular arced teeth are extremely strong and unbreakable due to the curvature and elongation of the teeth50. Conventional teeth are typically post teeth, which are prone to breaking when enough force is applied. Circular arced teeth are also more elongated teeth50than conventional post teeth, and allow the ground material to essentially roll between the teeth50and become compacted, which then allows the material to fall through the holes24with less effort.FIGS. 7G and 7Hdepict close up views of non-limiting embodiments of a circular arc tooth50of the first section4. According to some aspects, each tooth50may comprise one or more of the following: a V-shaped protrusion52on a first end of the tooth50, a crescent shaped recess56on a second end of the tooth50opposite the first end, and a V-shaped recess54on a bottom end of the tooth50opposite the top surface58. The V-shaped recess54may comprise an angle of between approximately 30 degrees and 150 degrees. A V-shaped recess54on a bottom end of the tooth50assists in the shearing and/or grinding by allowing the first section4to be placed on to the second section6without the need to smash it in place. This helps slice down through the unground material rather than just smashing the sections together with brute force. The V-shaped recess54on a bottom end of the tooth50also reduces the amount of ground material sticking to the interior of the first cavity62and the second cavity22by reducing surface area contact.

In the non-limiting embodiment depicted inFIGS. 7G and 7H, each tooth comprises a V-shaped protrusion52on a first end of the tooth50, a crescent shaped recess56on a second end of the tooth50opposite the first end, and a V-shaped recess54on a bottom end of the tooth50opposite the top surface58. According to some aspects, each tooth50in each concentric teeth ring60extends approximately 30 degrees along the respective teeth ring60. In some embodiments, a width of each tooth of the plurality of teeth50may be between approximately 0.050″ and 0.150″. The V-shaped portion of each recess or protrusion may be sharp and angular or, alternatively, partially rounded. In one or more embodiments, each tooth50may comprise a radiused edged78at a base of the tooth50where the tooth50intersects the top surface58, thus providing additional strength to the tooth50.

In one or more embodiments, rotatable coupling of a first section4to a second section6is enhanced or strengthened by a magnet64at the center of the first cavity62, such as but not limited to a neodymium magnet. The magnet64may be magnetically attracted to metal of the second section6or, alternatively a magnet26positioned at a center of the second section6. Magnetic coupling of the first section4and the second section6is advantageous because it prevents the sections from separating during rotation of the first section and grinding, while still allowing for easy and quickly removal of the first section4from the second section6to insert herbs into the grinding device2. More particularly, each magnet64,26may be held in place on the respective first section4or second section by a magnet boss on each section. In some embodiments, a magnet boss of the second section6is equal distance from the second section floor20as a magnet boss of the first section4is from the top surface58. This allows the magnets64,26to meet and contact each other a center point between the top surface58and the second section floor20. Such a configuration inhibits material from getting stuck between the magnets and weakening the magnetic coupling between the magnets64,26. In other embodiments, any other coupling devices known in the art may be utilized.

In one or more embodiments, a first section4may comprise at least one of a recessed outer cavity16, a T-shaped slot14, and a plurality of gripping slots12. The recessed outer cavity16is positioned on an outside of the first section4opposite the first cavity62and may be sized to function as an ash tray on the herb grinding device2. According to some aspects, the recessed outer cavity comprises a width approximately one-third a diameter of the first section4. Although the embodiment depicted inFIG. 7Acomprises only a single recessed outer cavity16, it is contemplated that some embodiments may comprise two recessed outer cavities16, with a T-shaped slot being positioned between the two recessed outer cavities16. A t-shaped slot14may be sized to allow for a standard rolling papers sleeve package to be held in place within the T-slot. This allows rolling papers to be dispensed through the top surface of the first section4. This helps prevent loss or misplacement of the rolling papers by the user. One or more embodiments of a first section4further comprise gripping elements, such as but not limited to a plurality of gripping slots12on an outer circumference of the first section4. The gripping slots12allow for a more natural grip of the hand and fingers. Thus, a user need apply significantly less pressure when rotating the lid as compared to the conventional knurl style grip.

As previously noted an herb grinding device2of this disclosure may further comprise a second section6rotatably coupled to a first section4.FIGS. 8A-8Edepict a non-limiting embodiment of a second section6. According to some aspects, a second section6comprises a substantially cylindrical second section6having a cylindrical second cavity22within a portion of the cylindrical second section6. In other embodiments, a second section may comprise other geometric configurations on the outside of the second section, and maintain a cylindrical second cavity22within a portion of the second section. The second cavity22may be bordered by annular flange28and a second section floor20, and comprise an opening opposite the second section floor20. According to some aspects, a second cavity22comprises a depth between approximately 0.25″ and 0.75″. The annular flange28according to some aspects is sized to fit within the first cavity62and interface with or be adjacent to the outer wall72of the first section72. This configuration allows the first section4to rotate freely about the annular flange28in either direction. This configuration also reduces residue buildup and accumulation because the annular flange28fits within the first section4. Accordingly, a slight space may exist between the interfaced outer wall72and annular flange28to allow rotation of the first section4relative to the second section6. In other embodiments, the annular flange28is sized to receive a portion of the first section4to allow rotation of the first section4within the second cavity22.

In one or more embodiments, a second section6comprises a plurality of teeth30. According to some aspects, the plurality of teeth30extend from second section floor20within the second cavity22of the second section6and are positioned to form a plurality of concentric teeth rings40, with each concentric teeth ring40comprising a plurality of teeth30. In the non-limiting embodiment depicted inFIGS. 8A-8E, the second section6comprises two concentric teeth rings40, with each concentric teeth ring40comprising four equally spaced apart teeth30. In other embodiments, a second section6may comprise any number of concentric teeth rings40and any number of teeth30within each concentric teeth ring40. Each concentric teeth ring40comprises a center aligned with a center of the second cavity22. In the non-limiting embodiment depicted inFIG. 8A, for example, a magnet26is positioned at a center of the second cavity22of the second section6. According to some aspects, the plurality of teeth30within each concentric teeth ring40may be aligned with the plurality of teeth30within each adjacent teeth ring40. For example, in the non-limiting embodiment depicted inFIG. 8A, the four teeth30in each concentric ring40are aligned with the four teeth30in the adjacent concentric teeth ring40, each tooth30within each concentric teeth ring40being approximately 90 degrees from the adjacent teeth of the same concentric teeth ring40. That is, the teeth30of adjacent teeth rings40are aligned, but narrow in radial length towards a center of the second cavity22in a pie-shaped configuration. Thus, a pie-shaped configuration of space may exist between aligned teeth30.

In one or more embodiments, each tooth30of the second section6comprises a circular arced tooth30. More particularly, each circular arced tooth30may comprise a center point of the arc at a center of second cavity22.FIGS. 8F and 8Gdepict close up views of non-limiting embodiments of a circular arc tooth30of the second section6. According to some aspects, each tooth30may comprise one or more of the following: a V-shaped protrusion32on a first end of the tooth30, a crescent shaped recess36on a second end of the tooth30opposite the first end, and a V-shaped recess34on a top end of the tooth30opposite the second section floor20. A V-shaped recess34on a top end of the tooth30assists in the shearing and/or grinding by allowing the second section6to be placed into the first section4without the need to smash it in place. The V-shaped recess34may comprise an angle of between approximately 30 degrees and 150 degrees. This helps slice down through the unground material rather than just smashing the sections together with brute force. The V-shaped recess34on a top end of the tooth30also reduces the amount of ground material sticking to the interior of the first cavity62and the second cavity22by reducing surface area contact.

In the non-limiting embodiment depicted inFIGS. 8F and 8G, each tooth30comprises a V-shaped protrusion32on a first end of the tooth30, a crescent shaped recess36on a second end of the tooth30opposite the first end, and a V-shaped recess34on a top end of the tooth30opposite the second section floor20. According to some aspects, each tooth30in each concentric teeth ring40extends approximately 30 degrees along the respective teeth ring40. More particularly, a width of each tooth of the plurality of teeth30may be between approximately 0.050″ and 0.150″. The V-shaped portion of each recess or protrusion may be sharp and angular or, alternatively, partially rounded. In one or more embodiments, each tooth30comprises a radiused edged78at a base of the tooth30where the tooth30intersects the second section floor20, thus providing additional strength to the tooth30. In some, non-limiting embodiments, the plurality of teeth50of the first section4and the plurality of teeth30of the second section6are positioned on their respective sections such that the V-shaped protrusions52of the plurality of teeth50of the first section4point opposite the V-shaped protrusions32of the plurality of teeth30of the second section6.

According to some aspects, a width of each of the plurality of teeth30,50of the first section4and the second section6is equal to a distance between adjacent concentric teeth rings40,60of the first section4and second section4. For example, in some embodiments, a width of each tooth of the plurality of teeth30,50may comprise a width of approximately 0.10″. In such an embodiment, a gap or distance between the plurality of teeth50on a first concentric teeth ring60of the first section4and the plurality of teeth30on an adjacent first concentric teeth ring40of the second section6is approximately 0.10″. Even more particularly, a gap or distance between the magnet boss of each section is also equal to a width of the plurality of teeth30,50, and a gap or distance between the outer most centric teeth ring is also equal to a width of the plurality of teeth30,50. Such a configuration is advantageous because it results in the exact same consistency when grinding herbs, which is highly desirable. It also ensures an even distribution of ground matter passing in-between the plurality of teeth30,50.

In one or more embodiments, rotatable coupling of a first section4to a second section6is enhanced or strengthened by a magnet26at the center of the second cavity22. The magnet26may be magnetically attracted to metal of the first section4or, alternatively, a magnet64positioned at a center of the first section4.FIG. 2depicts one such non-limiting embodiment of an herb grinding device2wherein the V-shaped protrusions32of the plurality of teeth30of the second section6point in a counter-clockwise direction, while the V-shaped protrusions52of the plurality of teeth50of the first section4point in a clockwise direction. Configuration of the teeth30,50in this manner allows for three different coarseness consistencies of ground herbs: coarse, medium, and fine. For example, a clockwise rotation results in a rough coarseness grind and utilizes the V-shaped protrusions32,52of the teeth30,50. A counter-clockwise rotation results in a fine coarseness grind and utilizes the crescent recesses36,56of the teeth30,50. A combination of both counter clockwise and clockwise rotations results in a medium coarseness grind and utilizes both edges of the teeth30,50. This is unique and different from any other grinder as the traditional grinders only employ one cutting edge, thus resulting in only a single coarseness consistency.

In one or more embodiments, each second section6comprises a plurality of holes24in the second section floor20. The plurality of holes24may be configured to allow ground herbs to be separated and fall through to the third section8and/or fourth section10typically positioned below the second section6. According to some aspects, the plurality of holes24are arranged in a plurality of concentric hole rings29each comprising a plurality of holes24. In the non-limiting embodiment depicted inFIGS. 8D & 8E, the second section6comprises three concentric hole rings29each comprising a plurality of holes24. More particularly, the plurality of concentric teeth rings40may be alternately positioned between the plurality of concentric hole rings29. For example, the non-limiting embodiment depicted inFIGS. 8D & 8Ecomprises the following concentric rings, working outward from the center magnet26of the second section floor: a first concentric hole ring between the center magnet26and a first concentric teeth ring, the first concentric teeth ring between the first concentric hole ring and the second concentric hole ring, the second concentric hole ring between the first concentric teeth ring and a second concentric teeth ring, the second concentric teeth ring between the second concentric hole ring and a third concentric hole ring, and the third concentric teeth ring between the second concentric teeth ring and the annular flange28. Other embodiments may additional or few alternating concentric teeth and hole rings.

In one or more embodiments, the plurality of concentric hole rings29of the second section6is positioned to align with the plurality of concentric teeth rings60of the first section4. More particularly, the teeth50of the first section4may be perfectly positioned on a centerline of a hole24of a concentric hole ring29. This allows for the ground material to pass through the holes in a more efficient manner and allows for creation of a pinch point during grinding.FIG. 2depicts a non-limiting embodiment of an herb grinding device2with a top surface58removed to view the grinding chamber85of the herb grinding device2. By way of example and not limitation,FIG. 2depicts each of the three concentric teeth rings60of the first section4aligning with a different one of the plurality of concentric hole rings29of the second section. According to some aspects, a distance between each concentric teeth ring40of the second section6and an adjacent concentric teeth ring60of the first section4is between approximately 0.050″ and 0.150″ inches when the first section4and the second section6are rotatably coupled together. It is noted that the aligned and circular arced teeth30,50reduce the shearing and/or grinding friction of conventional systems by allowing smooth lid rotation while slicing the material. Conventional grinding teeth mash and tear, while the circular arced teeth30,50contemplated herein shear and slice, resulting in reduced friction. Such a configuration also helps maintain the integrity of tricombs found on herbal material, which results in a more desirable grinding and/or shearing methodology as it properly prepares the herbs for use without destroying them.

Embodiments of a second section6may comprise a plurality of holes24of any of a number of shapes and configurations. According to some aspects, each of the plurality of holes24may be substantially square shaped, including having rounded corners on the square hole. Square shaped holes24may be advantageous to other shapes by allowing the teeth30,50edges to create a pinch point against the square shaped holes24to further reduce friction and increase grinder efficiency. Conventional grinders utilize round holes or slots, which do not help the shearing and grinding efficiency because a pinch point is non-existent on a curved or rounded hole. Even more particularly, the plurality of holes24may be positioned on the second section floor20such that a corner25of each of the plurality of holes is pointing or otherwise directed to a center, such as the center magnet26, of the second section floor20. In other embodiments, the plurality of holes24may comprise other shapes and configurations, such as but not limited to diamond, star, pentagon, hexagon, or triangle.

FIGS. 4B and 5Cdepict cross sectional views that include a grinding chamber85formed by the alignment of a first cavity62of a first section2and a second cavity22of a second section6. In one or more embodiments, the first cavity62and the second cavity22are sized such that a small gap82exists between the bottom of the plurality of teeth50of the first section4and the second section floor2, and a small gap80exists between the top of the plurality of teeth30of the second section6. According to some aspects, each gap80,82is approximately 0.010″. Such a configuration allows for a shearing and grinding of herbs within a grinding chamber85as a first section4is rotated relative to a second section6. The gaps80,82also reduces the build up and accumulation of residue, which eventually clogs the grinding chamber85. Furthermore, the gaps80,82may also ensure the magnets26,64holding the first section4and the second section6together remain coupled, thus ensuring a strong magnetic coupling or seal. The teeth of conventional grinders drag directly on the interior cavity floors, which result in the employment of a thick plastic lid ring to elevate the teeth from the floor. This, in turn, does not allow for a magnetic coupling and results in a weaker seal or coupling of the section. Thus, configurations contemplated herein eliminate the need for a thick plastic lid ring typically employed on all other grinders.

In one or more embodiments, a second section6is removably coupled to a third section8. According to some aspects, a second section6is threadedly and removably coupled to a third section8. Even more particularly, a second section6may be threadedly coupled to a third section8with a plurality of threading notches66. For example, the non-limiting embodiment depicted inFIGS. 8B and 8Ecomprises four relief threading notches66configured to engage with relief threading notches38of the third section8. The threading notches66of the second section6may be positioned on an inner surface of the second section6below the second section floor20and opposite the second cavity22, while the threading notches38of the third section8may be positioned on at outer surface of an annular flange of the third section8that fits within the second section6. In other embodiments, the threading notches66of the second section6may be positioned on an outer surface that fits within a portion of the third section8. Removably coupling via the four threading notches66,38allows for separation or coupling of the second section6and the third section8quicker than a conventional thread that has to be unscrewed and rotated multiple times before being completely coupled or uncoupled. Utilization of four relief threading notches allows a standard UNF thread to be conjoined and un-joined without the need to continuously rotate the respective sections. Instead, sections may be coupled or uncoupled with a simple one-quarter turn of one of the sections. According to some aspects, the threading notches38,66comprise a low threads per inch (TPI), such as but not limited to a 12-6 TPI. In one or more embodiments, the female side threading notches contemplated in this disclosure is separated into eight segments that alternate evenly between thread-gap-thread-gap. The gaps in the female connection of the quick lock thread serve as relief for coupling the male side of the adjacent section.

FIGS. 9A-9Edepict various view of a non-limiting embodiment of a third section8of an herb grinding device2. A third section8may be configured to filter finely ground herbs. According to some aspects, a third section8comprises a channel70extending through a cylindrical third section8and on or more support arms68extending across the channel70. In some embodiments, the one or more support arms68comprise a cross brace support arms68. Cross brace support arms68may be configured to support a bottom surface of a screen42coupled to the cross brace support arms68with a screw82such that the screen42is positioned within the channel70.FIG. 9Dprovides an exploded perspective view of a third section8comprises a screen42, andFIG. 3Aprovides a perspective view of a third section8with a screen42coupled to the cross brace support arms68in the third section8. The screen may comprise one of a fine, medium, or coarse woven mesh, stainless steel, or titanium. An outer edge of a screen42may be held in place within the third section8with a small groove on an inner surface of the channel70just above the cross brace support arms68. Utilizing one or more support arms68, such as cross brace support arms68is advantageous to conventional devices because the support arms68support the screen42, rather than unsupported screens stretched across the device like a drum in conventional systems. Such conventional mounting of a screen results in tearing and stretching of the screen over time. In contrast, support of the screen42with support arms68prevents stretch and tearing, and allows for easy replacement of the screen42.

As previously noted, a third section8may comprise threading notches38on an annular flange of the third section8for coupling of the third section8to a second section6. According to some aspects, a third section8is threadedly and removably coupled to a fourth section10. Even more particularly, a third section8may be threadedly coupled to a fourth section10with a plurality of threading notches74. For example, the non-limiting embodiment depicted inFIG. 9Bcomprises four relief threading notches74configured to engage with relief threading notches48of the fourth section10. The threading notches74of the third section8may be positioned on an inner surface of the third section8below the support arms68, while the threading notches48of the fourth section10may be positioned on at outer surface of an annular flange of the fourth section10that fits within the third section8. In other embodiments, the threading notches74of the third section8may be positioned on an outer surface that fits within a portion of the fourth section10. Removably coupling via the four threading notches74,48allows for separation or coupling of the third section8and the fourth section10quicker than a conventional thread that has to be unscrewed and rotated multiple times before being completely coupled or uncoupled. Utilization of four relief threading notches allows a standard UNF thread to be conjoined and un-joined without the need to continuously rotate the respective sections. Instead, sections may be coupled or uncoupled with a simple one-quarter turn of one of the sections. According to some aspects, the threading notches74,48comprise a low threads per inch (TPI), such as but not limited to a 12-6 TPI.

FIGS. 10A-Edepict various views of a non-limiting embodiment of a fourth section10of an herb grinding device. A fourth section10may be configured to store finely ground particles and/or pollen. As previously noted, a fourth section10is configured to be removably coupled to a third section8. The fourth section10may couple to the third section8with threading notches48. In one or more embodiments, a fourth section10comprises a collection cavity44. The collection cavity44is configured to collect the grindings of herbs ground in the grinding chamber85of the first section4and the second section6. According to some aspects, the collection cavity44comprises a radiused edge46. The radiused edge46of the collection cavity44allow for easy removal of finely filtered particles and solves the traditional problem of particles getting trapped in the corners of a collection cavity. This configuration allows for a standard guitar pick to contour the radiused edge46of the collection cavity44to assist in fine pollen removal. It is also configured for use of a finger to remove or scoop the particles from the collection cavity44. It is further contemplated that the fourth section10comprising a collection cavity44may be removably coupled to the second section6comprising a second section floor as previously described. That is, in some embodiments, a third section8is not necessary. Coupling of the fourth section10to the second section6may be similar to the coupling of a third section8to a second section6.

It will be understood that implementations are not limited to the specific components disclosed herein, as virtually any components consistent with the intended operation of a method and/or system implementation for herb grinding devices may be utilized. Accordingly, for example, although particular herb grinding devices may be disclosed, such components may comprise any shape, size, style, type, model, version, class, grade, measurement, concentration, material, weight, quantity, and/or the like consistent with the intended operation of a method and/or system implementation for an herb grinding device may be used.

In places where the description above refers to particular implementations of an herb grinding device, it should be readily apparent that a number of modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof and that these implementations may be applied to other herb grinding devices. The accompanying claims are intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the true spirit and scope of the disclosure set forth in this document. The presently disclosed implementations are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the disclosure being indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning of and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.