Herb grinder

Abstract

The invention relates to a herb grinder comprising a body with a grinding base and a cover of the grinding base that allows access into and closure of the inside of the base, the base and the cover being rotatable relative to each other, and a grinding chamber with griding elements being defined inside the grinder. According to the invention, the body comprises a scales module for measuring material that has been ground or that is to be ground, the grinder also comprising a digital screen configured to display the weight measured by the scales.

Description

[0001] HERB CHIPPER

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a grinder. More particularly, the present invention relates to grinders commonly called herb grinders, "grinders," "choppers," or "crushers" that are used to process all kinds of herbs, such as aromatic herbs, flowers, and / or vegetable buds for culinary use, and also herbs, flowers, and / or vegetable buds for medicinal purposes, such as plants containing cannabidiol (IUPAC: 2-[(1R,6R)-6-isopropenyl-3-methylcyclohex-2-en-1-yl]-5-pentylbenzene-1,3-diol), with various therapeutic uses approved in several countries.

[0004] These crushers, generally cylindrical in shape, typically consist of two separate halves or pieces. The crushing chamber is located between these two halves. Inside one or both halves are protrusions (usually in the form of sharp teeth and / or other edged shapes) that are positioned within the crushing chamber and aligned in such a way that when the crusher is closed and rotated, the material inside is crushed. The shape of these crushers is generally cylindrical or spherical to facilitate the relative rotation of the two halves.

[0005] Herb grinders are available in two, three, and four pieces. Two-piece grinders lack holes in the main grinding chamber, a storage section, and a tray to collect the fine powder generated during grinding. Three-piece grinders have holes in the main grinding chamber and a storage section below for the ground material to fall into. Four-piece grinders feature two compartments below the grinding chamber to separately collect pieces and / or powders of different sizes.

[0006] The present invention arises from observing that traditional grinders or mills only fulfill the function of crushing, without offering a precise way to measure the amount of material used.

[0007] In culinary and pharmaceutical applications, knowing the exact quantity of ground material is essential to ensure proper dosage and efficient use. Currently, users must use an external scale before or after grinding, which adds extra steps to the process, can lead to inaccuracies, and results in wasted resources.

[0008] Accordingly, this invention provides a shredder with an integrated scale. Integrating a scale into the shredder allows for real-time measurement of the exact quantity of shredded material in a practical and precise manner, eliminating the need for additional tools and optimizing the user experience. Currently, the applicant is unaware of any shredder with an integrated scale that has structural and constitutive technical characteristics equal to or similar to those described in this specification, as claimed.

[0009] More specifically, the present invention discloses a herb grinder comprising a body with a grinding base and a grinding base lid that allows access to and closure of the inside of the base, the base and lid having relative rotation capacity with respect to each other, defining inside the grinder a grinding chamber with grinding elements, and in which the body comprises a scale module for measuring ground or to-be-ground material, the grinder also having a digital display configured to show the weight measured by the scale.

[0010] The present invention allows for the precise determination of the amount of crushed material without the need for additional devices, thus avoiding the problems arising from inaccurate measurements and the separate handling of the crushing and weighing elements. By integrating both functions into a single system, the process is optimized and its use in various applications is facilitated.

[0011] The present invention is particularly useful in environments where precise dosing is essential, such as in the culinary or pharmaceutical fields. Furthermore, it improves user convenience by reducing the number of steps required to prepare and measure materials, ensuring a more efficient, faster, and more reliable procedure.

[0012] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, a shredding device with an integrated scale is disclosed, comprising a shredding chamber with a removable lid with shredding blades, preferably designed to hermetically seal the shredding device. The shredding chamber is arranged above a storage chamber. This storage chamber incorporates an electronic scale configured to measure the weight of the shredded material and display it on a digital screen. Preferably, both the scale and the screen can be activated by an on / off switch, allowing for precise and functional use of the device.

[0013] The crushing elements of the crusher may consist of protruding elements arranged in a coordinated manner on the lid and the base, such that the relative rotation between the base and the lid can crush the material present in the crushing chamber. These protruding elements may be elements with edges and / or blades of different shapes.

[0014] Preferably, the crusher comprises blades arranged on an inner face of the lid and oriented towards the crushing layer. The blades may be evenly distributed, at an angle suitable for promoting efficient crushing of the material in the crushing chamber as the lid rotates.

[0015] In preferred embodiments, the interface between the lid and the base, and / or the base itself, is cylindrical and / or circular. Generally, the shape of the crusher is preferably cylindrical. Circular and / or cylindrical shapes facilitate rotation of the lid relative to the base. Threaded connections between the crusher's components also facilitate rotation.

[0016] The crushing chamber, preferably, has a cylindrical configuration with a flat base. Preferably, the base may have a second set of blades designed to assist in the crushing process. Preferably, the base has a flat surface on which the second set of crushing blades are arranged, facing the crushing chamber.

[0017] Furthermore, the grinding chamber can be adapted to process materials of varying textures, such as dried herbs, spices, and other fibrous materials. To achieve this, the secondary blades can be strategically positioned and coordinated with the lid blades, allowing them to operate in sync to ensure homogeneous grinding, for example, by creating shearing motions.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the crushing chamber may have passage holes to facilitate the filtration of the crushed material into a lower chamber, such as a storage chamber, a weighing chamber, or both. The crushing chamber may also lack such passage holes.

[0019] Preferably, the base is attached to the lid by means of matching cylindrical projections, one on the lid and the other on the base. These cylindrical projections may or may not be threaded together. A sealing gasket can also be used to ensure a watertight seal between the two parts, especially if the cylindrical projections are not threaded together.

[0020] The base may be provided with an external or internal thread on its upper edge for attaching to the lid. Preferably, the base is provided internally with an internal or external thread for fixing to the weighing module and / or a lower component, such as a component with a storage chamber. The threads provide a sufficiently airtight assembly to prevent leakage of the crushed material. Preferably, the base attaches to the lid via an external thread on its upper edge. More preferably, the base attaches to the weighing module via an internal thread on its lower edge.

[0021] The scale module comprises a scale.

[0022] Preferably, the weighing module is detachably attached to the rest of the crusher, preferably by means of detachable fasteners. Preferably, the weighing module includes a thread for coupling to the crusher. In certain preferred embodiments, the weighing module is attached directly to the base.

[0023] The weighing module preferably has a weighing surface beneath which the scale is located. More preferably, the threaded connection between the weighing module and the crusher surrounds this weighing surface. The scale and / or the weighing module may be configured to measure the weight of the crushed material stored in the storage chamber in real time. Preferably, the scale is connected to a display, allowing the measured weight to be shown to the user accurately and clearly.

[0024] On the other hand, the display can be an LCD type and located on the outside of the scale module, making it easier for the user to view and access. The display can also be placed on another part of the crusher, for example, on the lid.

[0025] Additionally, the device may incorporate a button or buttons arranged, preferably next to the screen in the storage chamber and / or preferably integrated as a digital button or buttons within the screen itself, which may improve ergonomics and ease of use.

[0026] Furthermore, the scale may include a power and / or reset button, preferably located on an external part of the crusher. It may also include a second control button, also preferably located on an external part of the crusher, or integrated into the display.

[0027] Preferably, a reset button is located on the outside of the storage chamber or integrated into the screen, allowing the weight to be easily reset to zero.

[0028] The crusher preferably includes means for powering the scale and the display. For example, both the scale and the display may have a power supply, which may consist of a replaceable or rechargeable battery, preferably via a USB port, said USB port preferably located near the storage chamber or on the scale module, thus providing a practical and versatile solution for the operation of the device.

[0029] In certain preferred embodiments, the electrical power supply means are located in the weighing module.

[0030] The scale module can define a storage chamber inside.

[0031] Preferably, the scale module comprises an outer casing that supports the base, such that the weight of the base does not affect the measurement of the scale.

[0032] Preferably, the scale module can have a generally cylindrical shape.

[0033] Preferably, the weighing module has an intermediate flat bottom that constitutes a weighing surface that delimits an upper compartment, corresponding to the storage chamber, which provides space to hold the crushed or to-be-crushed material, as well as a lower compartment at the bottom in which the weighing scale is housed.

[0034] To use the device, the user must place the material in the corresponding compartment and activate the shredding process. In embodiments where the base includes holes that allow the shredded material to fall through, the user can, once the shredding process is complete, view the quantity obtained directly on the screen, without needing to use additional weighing tools. In embodiments without through-holes, the user can first weigh the material to be shredded and then proceed with the shredding, or vice versa.

[0035] For a better understanding of the description and characteristics of the present invention, drawings of an example embodiment of the present invention are attached as an explanatory, but not limiting, example.

[0036] Figure 1 represents the lid of a first embodiment of a crushing device.

[0037] Figure 2 shows the crushing chamber of the first embodiment of the crushing device.

[0038] Figure 3 illustrates a scale module with storage chamber and digital display of a first embodiment of the crushing device.

[0039] Figure 4 shows an exploded, perspective view of a second embodiment of a crusher according to the present invention.

[0040] Figure 5 shows the aforementioned exploded view, from another point of view, of the second embodiment.

[0041] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of a crusher according to the present invention.

[0042] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the lid of the third embodiment, in which its interior can be seen.

[0043] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the base piece and the scale module of the third embodiment, with said base piece and said scale module being joined together.

[0044] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the base piece of the third embodiment.

[0045] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the weighing module of the third embodiment.

[0046] Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a crusher according to the present invention.

[0047] Figures 1 to 3 show a first embodiment of the device according to the present invention. The crushing device with integrated scale of the first example comprises a base piece with a lid (1) that closes the base piece (30). Both pieces have hollow spaces such that, when closed, they define a crushing chamber (3). The closing lid (1) incorporates blades (2) arranged on its inner face, designed to crush the material introduced into the crushing chamber (3). The lid (1) and the base piece (30) can be rotated relative to each other to crush the material placed in the crushing chamber (3). The lid (1) is removable and configured to close the crushing chamber (3), preventing material from escaping the crushing chamber (3) during the crushing operation. The lid (1) and the base piece (30) are removable and separable from each other.The base piece (30) is positioned on a weighing module that defines a storage chamber (4). This weighing module (50) contains an electronic scale (5) that measures the weight of the crushed material and displays it on a digital screen (6). Both the scale (5) and the screen (6) are activated by an on / off button (7), allowing the user to efficiently manage their operation. Additionally, the crushing chamber (3) is equipped with through-holes (32) that allow the crushed material to be filtered into the storage chamber (4), facilitating its collection and subsequent weighing.

[0048] In the example shown, the lid (1) has a circular shape and, on its inner face, incorporates the blades (2) evenly distributed and oriented downwards at an angle optimized for efficient crushing of the material in the crushing chamber (3).

[0049] Generally, the crushing chamber (3) has a cylindrical shape with a flat base surface on which a second set of blades (31) are arranged that cooperate in the crushing process.

[0050] In another preferred embodiment, the grinding chamber (3) is designed to process materials of varying textures, such as dried herbs, spices, and other fibrous materials. For this purpose, the second set of blades (31) are strategically distributed and aligned to operate in synchronization with the blades (2) of the lid (1), in order to promote homogeneous and efficient grinding.

[0051] Preferably, the base piece (30) is attached to the lid (1) by means of a cylindrical surface (33) arranged on its upper contour and surrounded by the lid's skirt (1), which has a matching shape. The cylindrical surface (33) may or may not be threaded. If threaded, it receives a matching thread on the inner face of the lid's skirt. The base piece (30) is attached to the weighing module (50) by means of an internal thread (34) on its lower edge (not visible in the figures). These threading systems ensure a hermetic assembly that prevents leakage of the crushed material and facilitates cleaning and maintenance of the device.

[0052] Generally, the weighing module (50) has a cylindrical shape and an intermediate flat bottom (59) that defines two compartments of the weighing module (50): an upper compartment, corresponding to the storage chamber (4), with capacity to hold the crushed material and a lower compartment where the scale (5) is housed, allowing for proper storage and weighing of the processed material.

[0053] In another preferred embodiment, the scale (5) is configured to measure in real time the weight of the crushed material stored in the storage chamber (4). The information obtained by the scale (5) is transmitted directly to the display (6), where the measured weight is shown clearly and accurately.

[0054] Alternatively, the display (6) is of the LCD type and is located on the outside of the storage chamber (4), allowing the user to easily view and access information on the weight of the crushed material.

[0055] In the example, the button (7) is located next to the screen (6) on the storage chamber (4) for ease of use. Alternatively, the button (7) can be integrated as a digital button on the screen (6) itself, optimizing the device's aesthetics and functionality.

[0056] Although not shown in this example, the scale (5) may also have a command button, such as a reset button and / or a unit of measurement change button. This button may be located on the outside of the crusher, for example, on the scale module (50), or integrated into the display (6), which in that case will preferably be touch-sensitive. A reset button allows for quick and efficient restarting of the weight measurement, ensuring accuracy in the use of the device.

[0057] The scale (5) and the display (6) are powered by a replaceable or rechargeable battery. This battery can be recharged via a USB port (not shown in the figures) located in the storage chamber (4), ensuring continuous and efficient operation of the device.

[0058] The crusher in the example shown in Figures 1 to 3 is used as follows: the material to be crushed is placed inside the base piece (30), the lid (1) is closed, and the lid (10) is rotated relative to the base piece (30). The crushed material falls into the storage chamber (4) through the through-holes (32), where it is weighed. Once the desired amount of crushed material has been reached, the weighing module (50) is detached by unscrewing it to extract the crushed material. Alternatively, the material can be weighed before crushing, the weighed material transferred from the storage chamber (4) to the crushing chamber (3), and then the material is crushed.

[0059] Figures 4 and 5 show a second embodiment which is a variation of the example shown in Figures 1 to 3. Elements equal to or equivalent to those shown in the previous figures have been identified with identical numerals and will not be described in detail.

[0060] In this embodiment, the flat base surface of the base piece (30) lacks openings that would allow the direct passage of the crushed material to the weighing module (50). Additionally, as can be seen, the blades (31) are pyramid-shaped, with sharp edges that facilitate crushing. In this case, the lid (1) has a cylindrical skirt (13) that is inserted into the crushing chamber (3) to seal the space between the lid (1) and the base piece (30).

[0061] Additionally, the weighing module (50) has two buttons (71, 72) on its outer surface. One button can be a power / reset button, while the other can be used, for example, to change the units of measurement displayed on the screen (6) for the measurement result of the material deposited on the measuring surface (intermediate flat bottom (59)), under which the weighing scale (5) is located (not visible in the figures). In the figures, the internal thread (34) of the base piece (30) and the external thread (52) of the weighing module (50) can be seen. Both threads mesh together, and their arrangement ensures that the weight of the base piece (30) does not affect the measurement of the weighing scale (5). Figures 6 to 10 show a third embodiment of a crusher according to the present invention.Elements identical or equivalent to those shown in previous figures have been identified with identical numerals and, therefore, will not be described in detail.

[0062] In this embodiment, the display (6) is located on a protrusion (61) on the scale module (50). Additionally, the protrusion (61) includes a power on / off and reset button (71) and a command button (72) that allows changing the weight unit in which the measurement on the display (6) is expressed.

[0063] As in previous embodiments, the weighing module (50) comprises a housing that supports the base without its weight affecting the intermediate flat bottom (59) that constitutes the weighing surface. The intermediate flat bottom (59) separates the weighing module (50) into two parts: an upper part containing a storage or weighing chamber (4), and a lower space housing a scale (not shown in the figures). The scale (5) is connected to the display (6) and the buttons (71, 72). A battery or rechargeable battery is also located in the lower space, which is not shown.

[0064] To prevent the weight of the base (30) from affecting the weighing surface, the scale module has a cylindrical projection on its outer surface, which has a threaded connection (52) to the base (30). This thread meshes with an internal thread (34) of the base (30). This thread is not shown in Figures 6 to 10, but it may be similar to the thread (34) in Figure 5.

[0065] Both the embodiments shown in Figures 4 and 5 and the embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 10 may lack a threaded connection between the base piece (30) and the lid (1), which facilitates rotation relative to the other. To ensure effective closure, both the base piece (30) and the lid (1) have protrusions (19, 39) in their central area, on which are placed handles (18, 38) or a magnet and a metal piece, to prevent accidental opening of the lid (1). Instead of being placed in the center, as in the examples in Figures 4 to 10, the magnets / ferrous materials can also be placed on the perimeter of the skirts and / or flaps of the lid and the base piece. Figure 11 shows a fourth embodiment of a crusher according to the present invention, in which identical or equivalent elements have been represented with identical numerals, and their characteristics will not be explained in detail.

[0066] In this embodiment, the display (6) and buttons (71, 72) are located on the lid (1). As can be seen, the crusher, like the other embodiments, consists of a lid (1), a base (30), and a scale module (50). To connect the scale (5) to the display (6), electrical connection means (25) are provided, located on a projection of the lid (1). The electrical connection means (25) can be of a standard type. This projection can be connected to a matching element located on the scale module (50) (not shown in the figure) by making an electrical and / or magnetic connection, such that the measurement taken by the scale module (50) is displayed on the display (6). In this case, a power supply battery can be installed in the lid (1) and / or in the scale module (50). The dimensions shown in this figure are for illustrative purposes only and may not correspond to the actual dimensions.Other details not shown, such as the joint between the parts that make up the crusher, can be implemented as in any of the examples shown previously. This design offers the user a more technological feel without compromising the aesthetics and facilitates a smaller footprint. On the other hand, it requires physically connecting the lid (1) to the scale module (50) during weighing. Alternatively, a wireless connection can be established between the lid (1) and the scale module (50), but this requires a battery in each of these components. This design, because it incorporates electronic components in the lid (1), can also be taller, especially compared to the design shown in Figures 6 to 10.

[0067] It is possible to combine the features of the embodiments shown. Buttons (71) and (72) could also be, for example, an on / off button and a button for tare the scale.

[0068] In the embodiments shown, the scale module (50) is attached to the base piece (30). However, it would also be possible to place an additional piece between the scale (5) and the base piece (30), such as a storage piece or a piece with a sieve. The feasible examples are portable and can be made with dimensions less than six and a half centimeters in diameter and four centimeters in height.

[0069] The invention allows for precise dosing with a single portable device. Its usefulness is clear in contexts where precise dosing is essential, such as in personalized medical treatments. The invention simplifies the process, saves time, and reduces errors.

[0070] Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the manner of its implementation, it is not considered necessary to provide a more extensive explanation so that any person skilled in the art may understand its scope and the advantages derived from it. It should be noted that, within its essential characteristics, it may be implemented in other embodiments that differ in detail from the one indicated by way of example, and such embodiments will equally attain the protection sought, provided that its fundamental principle is not altered, changed, or modified. Although the invention has been described with respect to examples of preferred embodiments, these should not be considered limiting to the invention, which will be defined by the broadest interpretation of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Herb grinder comprising a body with a grinding base and a lid for the grinding base allowing access to and closure of the interior of the base, the base and lid having relative rotation capacity with respect to each other, a grinding chamber with grinding elements being defined inside the grinder, characterized in that the body comprises a scale module for measuring ground or to be ground material, the grinder also having a digital display configured to show the weight measured by the scale.

2. Crusher, according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the scale module is separably attached to the rest of the crusher.

3. Crusher, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the weighing module has an intermediate flat bottom that constitutes a weighing surface that delimits an upper compartment or storage chamber that provides space to contain the crushed or to-be-crushed material, as well as a compartment below the bottom in which the weighing scale is housed.

4. Crusher, according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the scale module comprises a thread for coupling to the crusher.

5. Crusher, according to the previous claim, characterized in that said thread surrounds the weighing surface of the scale module.

6. Crusher, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base internally comprises a thread for coupling to the scale module or to a storage chamber piece.

7. Crusher, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the crushing elements comprise blades arranged on an inner face of the lid and oriented towards the crushing chamber.

8. Crusher, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base has a flat base surface on which second crushing blades are arranged, directed towards the crushing chamber.

9. Crusher, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base is coupled to the lid by means of respective cylindrical projections arranged on the lid and on the base and joined together.

10. Crusher, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a power button.

11. Crusher, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the power button is arranged on an external surface of the crusher.

12. Crusher, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a second command button, arranged on a surface of the crusher or integrated into the screen.

13. Crusher, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for electrical power supply to the scale and the screen.

14. Crusher, according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the electrical power supply means comprise a replaceable or rechargeable battery via a USB port.

15. Crusher, according to the previous claim, characterized in that the electrical power supply means are located in the weighing module.

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