Utility Container With Integrated Grinder for Airtight Herbal Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for storing and grinding herbal materials are cumbersome, require multiple containers, and pose challenges in cleaning and waste management, with previous patents failing to provide airtight storage for both unprocessed and processed materials.
Innovation Solution
A utility container with a built-in grinder, featuring a housing with an internal storage area for unprocessed material, a removable grinder cap, and an external depression on the lid for holding ground material, allowing for efficient grinding and storage of both unprocessed and processed herbal materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate containers (storage container, grinder, grounds storage container) are used to store and process herbal materials, then the functionality is comprehensive, but the device complexity and portability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate containers (storage container, grinder, and grounds storage container) into a single integrated utility container. The housing contains both a storage chamber for unground herbal material and a grinding chamber with grinding elements, eliminating the need for multiple separate devices while maintaining all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The utility container is designed to perform multiple functions within a single device: storing unground herbal material, grinding the material using integrated grinding elements, and storing the ground material in the same housing. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate containers needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a grinder with internal teeth is placed at the bottom of the storage container, then the grinding function is integrated, but the ease of cleaning is worsened due to difficult access to grinding elements
Solution Approach 1:
The utility container is divided into separate compartments: a storage chamber for unground material and a grinding chamber with grinding elements. This segmentation allows the grinding elements to be accessed and cleaned more easily by removing the lid, which provides direct access to the grinding chamber without disassembling the entire container.
3Reliability
If the cap seals the entire container including both storage and grinding areas, then the airtight storage is improved, but the ability to separately store unprocessed and processed materials is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into two distinct chambers: a storage chamber with a first lid for unground herbal material and a grinding chamber with a second lid for ground material. Each chamber can be sealed independently, allowing separate storage of unprocessed and processed materials while maintaining airtight conditions in both compartments.
4Ease of operation
If detachable lids are used for the container, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of sealing and risk of loss is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The second lid (grinding chamber lid) is designed to nest within the housing when not in use, providing a secure storage location that prevents loss. The nesting structure ensures the lid remains associated with the container while still allowing easy access when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a system and method for a utility container with grinder (“UCWG”). In general, the UCWG includes a housing providing an at least one internal storage area proximate to a first end. A grinder is provided proximate to a second end opposite from the first end, the grinder having a removable grinder cap. An internal separator separates the at least one internal storage area from the grinder. The first end has a lid structured and arranged to temporarily seal the at least one internal storage area, the lid having an external depression structured and arranged to hold a known volume of ground material. The removable grinder cap structured and arranged to be disposed within the housing below the lid. An associated method of use is also provided.