Patent Publication Number: US-2022234795-A1

Title: System for storing and processing herbs

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     The present application claims the benefit of and priority to a U.S. Design Patent Application Ser. No. 29/768,363, filed Jan. 28, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into the present application. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Storing and processing herbs for consumption is generally a multi-step process requiring multiple tools in addition to having a supply of herbs that must be properly stored in a container. Airtight containers are generally preferred for storing herbs as those best preserve the freshness, aroma, and flavor of the herbs. Additionally, processing herbs generally require tools such as a bulky multi-part herb grinder and a solid surface on which to process the herbs that often has residue build-up from previously processed herbs lodged in the corners and crevices. Carrying around the container(s) of herbs along with the other tools each and every time to process the herbs is inconvenient and cumbersome. A convenient system for storing and processing herbs is needed. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure is directed to systems for storing and processing herbs, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims. 
     In some embodiments, the present disclosure includes a system for storing and processing herbs comprising a container having a base and one or more sidewalls extending upwards from the base and comprising an engagement interface at an upper end of the one or more sidewalls opposite the base wherein the base and the one or more sidewalls define a volume, the upper end of the one or more sidewalls defining an aperture, and a lid removably attached to the upper end of the one or more sidewalls, the lid covering the aperture when the system is in a closed configuration. The lid comprises an outer portion including an external surface, an engagement element that interfaces with the container to form the removable attachment, and an inner portion comprising a working surface, wherein the working surface comprises a bowl having a concave transition from a base of the bowl to a lip of the bowl, wherein the lip of the bowl is a convex transition between the bowl and a bowl rim, and the bowl rim defines an intersection between the working surface and the external surface. The working surface further comprises a channel for guiding a processed granular material out of the bowl in a focused distribution stream. When the container and the lid are in the closed configuration, the working surface faces inward towards the volume defined by the base and the one or more sidewalls of the container. 
     In some embodiments, the lid and base are circular and the container is cylindrical. 
     In some embodiments, the working surface is smooth to prevent accumulation of build-up of residues from herbs processed on the working surface. 
     In some embodiments, the external surface of the lid includes an engagement element for engaging with the engagement interface of the one or more sidewalls by a complementary engagement mechanism. 
     In some embodiments, the complementary engagement mechanism is one of a threaded engagement, a friction-fit, a pressure-fit, a suction, a hinge, a latch, and a clamp. 
     In some embodiments, the engagement element is comprised of a gasket, wherein the gasket is one of a rubber material and a silicone material. 
     In some embodiments, the container and the lid are made of one of a wood, a metal, a glass, and a plastic. 
     In some embodiments, the channel is a further recessed section of the working surface extending from a center of the working surface to the bowl rim, and wherein the channel is wider at the center of the working surface and tapers to be narrower at the bowl rim. 
     In some embodiments, the system further comprises a foundation element coupled to the outer portion, wherein a surface area of a base of the foundation element is greater than a surface area of an area bounded by the external surface, and wherein the foundation element has one or more flat surfaces for providing stability when the lid is placed on one of a tabletop, a work bench, and a flat surface. 
     In some embodiments, the foundation element further comprises a gripping mechanism, wherein the gripping mechanism is one of a strip, a tape, and a sleeve. 
     In some embodiments, the gripping mechanism is made of a non-slip material, wherein the non-slip material is one of a rubber, a silicone, and a polyvinyl chloride. 
     In some embodiments, the present disclosure includes a vessel for processing herbs, comprising an outer portion comprising an external surface, an inner portion comprising a working surface, wherein the working surface comprises a bowl having a concave transition from a base of the bowl to a lip of the bowl, wherein the lip of the bowl is a convex transition between the bowl and a bowl rim, the bowl rim defining the intersection between the working surface and the external surface, and wherein the working surface further comprises a channel for guiding a processed granular material out of the bowl in a focused distribution stream. 
     In some embodiments, the channel is a further recessed section of the working surface extending from a center of the working surface to the bowl rim, and wherein the channel is wider at the center of the working surface and tapers to be narrower at the bowl rim. 
     In some embodiments, the vessel further comprises a foundation element coupled to the outer portion, wherein a surface area of a base of the foundation element is greater than a surface area of a base of the outer portion, and wherein the foundation element has one or more flat surfaces for providing stability when the lid is placed on one of a tabletop, a work bench, and a flat surface 
     In some embodiments, the foundation element further comprises a gripping mechanism, wherein the gripping mechanism is one of a strip, a tape, and a sleeve. 
     In some embodiments, the gripping mechanism is made of a non-slip material, wherein the non-slip material is one of a rubber, a silicone, and a polyvinyl chloride. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a diagram of an exemplary system for storing and processing herbs, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  shows a diagram of a side perspective view of an exemplary lid for use with the system shown in  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  shows a diagram of a top perspective view of an exemplary lid for use with the system shown in  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  shows a diagram of a bottom perspective view of an exemplary lid for use with the system shown in  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 5  shows a diagram of a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary lid for use with the system shown in  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  shows another diagram of the exemplary system shown in  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description contains specific information pertaining to implementations in the present disclosure. The drawings in the present application and their accompanying detailed description are directed to merely exemplary implementations. Unless noted otherwise, like or corresponding elements among the figures may be indicated by like or corresponding reference numerals. Moreover, the drawings and illustrations in the present application are generally not to scale and are not intended to correspond to actual relative dimensions. 
       FIG. 1  shows a diagram of an exemplary system for storing and processing herbs, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Container  100  includes a base  101  with a sidewall  102  extending upwards from base  101  defining a volume. In some embodiments, herbs may be placed for storage within the defined volume. In some embodiments, there may be one or more sidewalls  102  extending upwards from the base  101 . An engagement interface  103  is located at an upper end of the of sidewall  102 . In the depicted embodiment, engagement interface  103  is threaded. The upper end of sidewall  102  defines an aperture  104 . In different embodiments, container  100  is made of one of a wood, a metal, a glass, and a plastic. In some embodiments, the metal may be a stainless steel. In some embodiments, the metal may be an aluminum. In some embodiments, the metal may be a combination of a plurality of metals. In some embodiments, container  100  is made of a recyclable material. 
     In the depicted embodiment, lid  150  is removably installed in the upper end of sidewall  102 . As depicted in  FIG. 1 , lid  150  is removed from container  100 . When attached, lid  150  covers aperture  104  resulting in a closed configuration. Lid  150  includes an outer portion comprising external surface  152 . External surface  152  interfaces with sidewall  102  forming the removable attachment between lid  150  and container  100 . In some embodiments, external surface  152  includes engagement element  153  to engage with engagement interface  103  by a complementary engagement mechanism. In some embodiments, complementary engagement mechanism is one of a threaded engagement, a friction-fit, a pressure-fit, a suction, a hinge, a latch, and a clamp. In yet another embodiment, engagement element  153  includes a gasket made of one of a rubber material and a silicone material for a substantially airtight fit or closure to maintain the freshness of the herbs stored in the system. In some embodiments, the complementary engagement mechanism is a child-proof opening mechanism. In some embodiments, the child-proof opening mechanism includes foundation element  151  that can rotate around external surface  152 . In some embodiments with the child-proof-opening mechanism, when in a closed configuration, pressure can be applied on foundation element  151  towards base  101  of container  100  to engage an interlocking mechanism that creates traction and allows lid  150  to become unscrewed. In some embodiments with the child-proof opening mechanism, when no pressure is applied, foundation element  151  rotates loosely around externa surface  152  but does not engage the interlocking mechanism and lid  150  cannot be unscrewed and removed from container  100 . Other examples of child-proof lids include squeeze-and-turn type lids and line-up-the-arrows type lids. 
     In some embodiments lid  150  is circular, and sidewall  102  of container  100  is cylindrical. In other embodiments, lid  150  includes foundation element  151  having one or more flat surfaces so that lid  150  will not tilt or roll off when placed on a tabletop, a work bench, a flat surface, or the like. In some embodiments, foundation element  151  has a diameter that is greater than a diameter of an area enclosed by external surface  152  such that there is greater stability when lid  150  is removed and placed on the tabletop, the work bench, or a flat surface to be used to process the herbs. In other embodiments, the diameter of a base of foundation element  151  is substantially similar to an outer diameter of container  100 , and a diameter of an area enclosed by external surface  152  is substantially similar to a diameter of aperture  104  so that when lid  150  is placed into aperture  104  and engagement element  153  is complementarily engaged with engagement interface  103 , the diameter of foundation element  151  is positioned substantially flush with the outer diameter of container  100 . This helps secure the contents and maintain the freshness of the herbs stored in the system. 
     Lid  150  further comprises an inner portion comprising a working surface in which the herbs are processed into a granular material. In this embodiment, the working surface of lid  150  is comprised of a bowl  154  and a channel  158 . Bowl  154  has a concave shape from a base  155  of the bowl  154  to a lip  156  of the bowl  154  defining a bowl volume. Base  155  of the bowl  154  is the lowest, deepest point of bowl  154 . A depth of bowl  154  is defined by a greatest height measured from base  155  of the bowl  154  to lip  156  of the bowl  154 . Lip  156  of the bowl  154  has a convex-shaped transition from bowl  154  to bowl rim  157 . Bowl rim  157  is the intersection between the working surface of lid  150  and external surface  152  of the outer portion. 
     The working surface of lid  150  further includes channel  158  in which to gather the herbs that have been processed into granular material in bowl  154 . Channel  158  serves as a conduit for guiding the processed granular material out of bowl  154  in a focused distribution stream. In some embodiments, channel  158  is a further recessed section of the working surface of lid  150  extending from a center of the working surface of lid  150  to bowl rim  157 . In some embodiments, channel  158  is wider at a center of the working surface of lid  150  and tapers to be narrower at bowl rim  157 . Channel  158  that tapers towards bowl rim  157  serves to help with the transfer of the processed granular material from lid  150  to another vessel or surface. In different embodiments, the working surface of lid  150  may include one or more channels to separate different herbs that are processed in bowl  154  or mix different herbs with different proportions. Additionally, having more than one channel  158  may also help to minimize contamination or mixing of granular material from different herbs by having dedicated channels for the different herbs. When lid  150  is installed in container  100  resulting in closed configuration, the working surface of lid  150  faces inward towards the volume defined by sidewall  102  extending upwards from base  101 . In different embodiments, lid  150  is made of one of a wood, a metal, a glass, and a plastic. In some embodiments, the metal may be a stainless steel. In some embodiments, the metal may be an aluminum. In some embodiments, the metal may be a combination of a plurality of metals. In some embodiments, lid  150  is made of a recyclable material.  FIG. 2  shows a diagram of a side perspective view of an exemplary lid for use with the system shown in  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Only one side perspective view of lid  250  is depicted because a front perspective view, a back perspective view, a left side perspective view, and a right side perspective view of lid  250  are substantially similar. In the depicted embodiment, lid  250  includes foundation element  251  and external surface  252  of an outer portion of lid  250 . The outer portion of lid  250  is comprised of external surface  252 . A base of the outer portion of lid  250  is equivalent to a bottom of external surface  252 . In the depicted embodiment, the bottom of external surface  252  is coupled in direct contact with a top surface of foundation element  251 . From the depicted side view, foundation element  251  has a diameter greater than a diameter of an area enclosed by external surface  252 . The greater diameter and surface area covered by foundation element  251  thereby provides greater stability to lid  250 , particularly while the herbs are being processed in a working surface (not pictured) of lid  250 . Foundation element  251  increases stability because it distributes a weight of lid  250  structure over a larger surface area to minimize any rocking back and forth movement and prevents lid  250  from tipping or flipping over, particularly while the herbs are being actively processed in the working surface of lid  250 . External surface  252  has a height that extends from a top of foundation element  251  up to bowl rim  257  defining a volume which houses the working surface of lid  250 . Additionally, foundation element  251  and external surface  252  may further serve as surfaces for the user to grip onto or hold onto or hold down so that lid  250  does not move or slip around on a tabletop, a work bench, or a flat surface. 
     The figure also depicts engagement element  253  on external surface  252 . In the depicted embodiment, engagement element  253  is a threaded element. In other embodiments, engagement element  253  may be one of a right-handed threaded element, a left-handed threaded element, a male thread element, a female thread element, a latch, and a gasket. Engagement element  253  is adapted to engage with an engagement interface (not pictured) by a complementary engagement mechanism. In some embodiments, the complementary engagement mechanism is one of a threaded engagement, a friction-fit, a pressure-fit, a suction, a hinge, a latch, and a clamp. 
       FIG. 3  shows a diagram of a top perspective view of an exemplary lid for use with the system shown in  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the depicted embodiment, a diameter of foundation element  351  is greater than a diameter of bowl rim  357 . Bowl rim  357  defines an intersection transition between a working surface of lid  350  and external surface  352 . As depicted, the diameter of bowl rim  357  is substantially equal to a diameter of an area enclosed by external surface  352 . In other embodiments, the diameter of an area enclosed by external surface  352  is greater than the diameter of bowl rim  357 . In other embodiments, the diameter of an area enclosed by external surface  352  is less than the diameter of bowl rim  357 . In the depicted embodiment, the diameter of an area enclosed by external surface  352  is substantially centered on foundation element  351  such that a visible area of foundation element  351  has substantially an equal distance between external surface  352  to the outermost edge of foundation element  351  around an entire circumference. The depicted embodiment shows a circular foundation element  351 . In other embodiments, foundation element  351  is one of a circle, an oval, a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a rhombus, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, a nonagon, a decagon, and other geometric shape. In yet another embodiment, foundation element  351  has a non-geometric shape. The different shapes of contemplated embodiments of foundation element  351  may provide for different holding or gripping points to steady lid  350  when processing herbs in the working surface of lid  350  so that lid  350  does not move or slip around on a tabletop, a work bench, or a flat surface. Foundation element  351  has a surface area greater than the surface area covered by an area enclosed by external surface  352 , which increases stability because it distributes a weight of the lid  350  structure over a larger surface area to minimize any wobbling movement while processing herbs in the working surface of lid  350  and to prevent lid  350  from tipping over and spilling contents in the working surface of lid  350 . 
     The working surface of lid  350  is located within a volume defined by a bottom of external surface  352  extending upwards to the bowl rim  357 . A base of an outer portion of lid  350  is equivalent to a bottom of external surface  352 , which is defined by the area enclosed by external surface  352 . According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the working surface of lid  350  is comprised of bowl  354  and channel  358 . The volume defined by the bottom of external surface  352  extending upwards to bowl rim  357  is greater than a volume defined by a combination of bowl  354  and channel  358 . In some embodiments, bowl  354  is a concave shape with a radial transition from base  355  of bowl  354  transitioning to the side sloping upwards to lip  356  of bowl  354 . In some embodiments, bowl  354  is a concave, semi-hemispherical vessel, wherein a transition from base  355  of bowl  354  to lip  356  of bowl  354  is substantially concave. In some embodiments, the transition from base  355  of bowl  354  to lip  356  of bowl  354  is one of a radial transition, a parabolic transition, a hyperbolic transition, and an exponential transition. A transition from lip  356  of bowl  354  to bowl rim  357  is a substantially convex transition. Bowl rim  357  is the intersection between the working surface of lid  350  and external surface  352 . Further, channel  358  of the working surface of lid  350  is a further recessed portion of the working surface of lid  350  that extends from a center of the working surface of lid  350  up towards bowl rim  357 . According to one embodiment, channel  358  is wider at the center of the working surface of lid  350  and tapers to a narrower width at bowl rim  357 . Channel  358  serves as a conduit for gathering and guiding the processed herbs out of the working surface of lid  350  in a focused distribution stream. Other embodiments may include more than one channel to separate out different ingredients that may be processed in the working surface of lid  350 . 
     The working surface of lid  350  is substantially smooth to prevent accumulation of build-up of residues from herbs processed on the working surface of lid  350 . In one preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the working surface of lid  350  is adapted for processing of dried plants. In other embodiments, processing of the herbs on the working service may further include wet ingredients including water, oil, butter, and any combinations thereof. The herbs processed in lid  350  include whole plants and parts thereof, including botanicals, bark, flowers, seeds, roots, stems, fruits, and any combinations thereof. The uses of the processed herbs include food spices and seasonings, medicinal use, therapeutic use, and recreational drug use. In preferred embodiments, the herbs are already dried prior to processing in the working surface of lid  350 . In different embodiments, processing in the working surface of lid  350  may include grating, crumbling, shredding, grinding, sifting, and any combinations thereof. In some embodiments, bowl  354  having a concave shape includes a marking or a plurality of markings to indicate one or more volume measurement units, such as one teaspoon, one tablespoon, one cup, and the like. 
       FIG. 4  shows a diagram of a bottom perspective view of an exemplary lid for use with the system shown in  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, a bottom view of foundation element  451  of lid  450  is shown. In the depicted embodiment, foundation element  451  is a substantially circular shape. In other embodiments, foundation element  451  is one of a circle, an oval, a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a rhombus, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, a nonagon, a decagon, and other geometric shape. In yet another embodiment, foundation element  451  has a non-geometric shape. In a preferred embodiment, a surface area of a base of foundation element  451  is greater than a surface area enclosed by an external surface (not pictured in  FIG. 4 ) for added stability, particularly when processing herbs in a working surface of lid  450 . In other embodiments, foundation element  451  is further comprised of a gripping mechanism to prevent lid  450  from slipping when placed on a tabletop, a work bench, or flat surface to process herbs in the working surface of lid  450 . In different embodiments, the gripping mechanism is one of a strip, a tape, and a sleeve, wherein the gripping mechanism is made of a non-slip material. The non-slip material may be one of a rubber, a silicone, and a polyvinyl chloride. 
       FIG. 5  shows a diagram of a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary lid for use with the system shown in  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the depicted embodiment, lid  550  is comprised of foundation element  551  and the working surface of lid  550 , wherein the working surface of lid  550  is comprised of bowl  554  and channel  558 . In the depicted embodiment, bowl  554  has a substantially concave shape that transitions from base  555  of bowl  554  to lip  556  of bowl  554 . Further, the depicted embodiment shows that lip  556  of bowl  554  is a convex transition between bowl  554  and bowl rim  557 . In the depicted embodiment, channel  558  extends from a center of the working surface of lid  550  towards lip  556  of bowl  554  and bowl rim  557 . In the depicted embodiment, the cross-section shows a first angle of bowl  554  extending from base  555  of bowl  554  to lip  556  of bowl  554  is greater than ninety degrees. Similarly, a second angle of channel  558  extending from base  555  of bowl  554  to lip  556  of bowl  554  is also greater than ninety degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the second angle of channel  558  is greater than the first angle of bowl  554 , to optimize the slope for guiding the processed granular material out of the working surface of lid  550 . 
     The depicted embodiment shows that a first volume of the working surface of lid  550  defined by base  555  of bowl  554  extending up to lip  556  of bowl  554  is housed within a second volume of external surface  552  defined by a bottom of external surface  552  extending up to bowl rim  557 . The depicted embodiment includes a foundation element  551 . The bottom of external surface  552  is determined by where external surface  552  meets foundation element  551 , thereby defining an area enclosed by external surface  552 . In a preferred embodiment, base  555  of bowl  554  does not extend into a volume defined by foundation element  551  so that foundation element  551  provides a solid and stable ground support. 
       FIG. 6  shows another diagram of the exemplary system shown in  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the depicted embodiment, system  600  is comprised of lid  150  removably installed in container  100 . As depicted, only the foundation element  151  of the lid  150  is visible, and sidewall  102  extends upwards from base  101  of container  100 . The depicted embodiment shows a circumference of foundation element  151  substantially equal to a circumference of sidewall  102  as the circumference surface of foundation element  151  appears to sit flush or completely level with the circumference surface of sidewall  102 . In some embodiments, the circumference of foundation element  151  is greater than the circumference of sidewall  102 . In some embodiments, the circumference of foundation element  151  is less than the circumference of sidewall  102 . In the depicted embodiment, foundation element  151  is a substantially circular shape. In some embodiments, foundation element  151  is a different shape to facilitate different gripping points when user grasps lid  150  to remove from container  100  and to insert into container  100 . In some embodiments circumference of base  101  is substantially equal to circumference of foundation element  151 . In some embodiments circumference of container  100  is substantially equal throughout from base  101  to the top of sidewall  102 . From the above description, it is manifest that various techniques can be used for implementing the concepts described in the present application without departing from the scope of those concepts. Moreover, while the concepts have been described with specific reference to certain implementations, a person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of those concepts. As such, the described implementations are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. It should also be understood that the present application is not limited to the particular implementations described above, but many rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.