PRE-GROUND FORMED NUG

Abstract

A method of producing a pre-ground formed nug of combustible material includes applying compression to a portion of combustible material to produce a pre-ground formed nug that is sized and shaped to fit in a bowl of a smoking apparatus. A pre-ground formed nug of combustible material includes combustible material being sized and shaped to form a pre-ground nug that fits in a bowl of a smoking apparatus. A pre-ground formed nug includes cannabis or cannabis derivatives formed into a 3D polyhedron. A method of producing a packaged cannabis product includes placing a pre-ground formed nug of combustible material inside a container and applying a removable sealing element to an opening of the container.

Description

FIELD

This relates to combustible materials for use in smoking apparatuses and, more particularly, a pre-ground formed nug and related methods.

BACKGROUND

Smoking is a practice of tasting or inhaling smoke produced by burning a combustible substance. Pipe smoking is the oldest known traditional form of smoking, having been used in North American indigenous cultures before the arrival of Europeans. In various parts of the world the use of pipes or waterpipes for smoking tobacco and cannabis, among other things, has also long been prevalent. The legalization of cannabis in many jurisdictions around the world has made smoking-related activities more accessible to the masses.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments are described in detail below, with reference to the following drawings:

FIGS. 1A-1D depict steps of an example method of producing a pre-ground formed nug of combustible material;

FIG. 2 illustrates a weighing step of an example method of producing a pre-ground formed nug of combustible material as in FIGS. 1A-1D;

FIGS. 3A-3B depict a grinding or milling step of an example method of producing a pre-ground formed nug of combustible material as in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example pre-ground formed nug of combustible material according to the subject matter of the present application;

FIGS. 5A-5B depict steps of an example method of producing a packaged cannabis product;

FIG. 6 shows an example use of a pre-ground formed nug of combustible material with a waterpipe;

FIG. 7 shows an example use of a pre-ground formed nug of combustible material with a pipe.

Like reference numerals are used in the drawings to denote like elements and features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to the subject matter of the present application, a method of producing a formed nug of combustible material is provided. The method may include applying compression to a portion of combustible material to produce a formed nug that is sized and shaped to fit in a bowl of a smoking apparatus.

In some instances, the method may further include, prior to applying compression to the portion of combustible material, loading the portion of combustible material in a mold; and after applying compression to the portion of combustible material, removing the formed nug from the mold.

In some instances, the method may further include, prior to loading the portion of combustible material in the mold, weighing the portion of combustible material.

In some instances, the method may further include, prior to weighing the portion of combustible material, grinding or milling a quantity of combustible material to produce the portion of combustible material.

In some instances, it may be that the mold is frustoconical in shape and/or have a nominal diameter of 18 mm.

In some instances, the combustible material may be ground or milled cannabis.

Notably, in this way, a conveniently formed nug of pre-ground combustible material may be provided. This may provide users with a formed nug that fits well into a standard and/or commonly sized and shaped bowl of a smoking apparatus (e.g., pipe, waterpipe).

In some instances, the method may further include forming at least one pin hole in the formed nug between a top of the formed nug and proximate a bottom of the formed nug.

Notably, in this way, combustion of the combustible material may be improved thereby affording users a more enjoyable smoking experience.

In some instances, it may be that the combustible material is cannabis concentrates.

In some instances, it may be that the combustible material contains cannabis or cannabis concentrates.

In some instances, it may be that the combustible material is cannabis infused with flavors, terpenes, or concentrates.

In some instances, it may be that the combustible material is cannabis that is mixed, coated, or injected with concentrates.

According to the subject matter of the present application, there may be provided a pre-ground formed nug of combustible material. The combustible material may be sized and shapes to form a pre-ground formed nug that fits in a bowl of a smoking apparatus.

In some instances, it may be that the pre-ground formed nug is frustoconical in shape and/or have a nominal diameter of 18 mm.

Notably, in this way, a pre-ground formed nug of combustible material which is sized and shaped to fit into a bowl of a smoking apparatus may be provided. The nominal diameter of the pre-ground formed nug of combustible material may be sized to interface with a standard and/or commonly sized bowl of a smoking apparatus (e.g., pipe, waterpipe).

In some instances, it may be that the pre-ground formed nug weighs about one gram (1 g).

In some instances, it may be that the pre-ground formed nug includes at least one pin hole between a top of the pre-ground formed nug and proximate a bottom of the pre-ground formed nug.

In some instances, the combustible material may be ground or milled cannabis.

In some instances, the ground or milled cannabis has particle sizes between 25 μm and 5000 μm. For example, the ground or milled cannabis may have an average particle size between 1000 μm and 3000 μm. Additionally, or alternatively, the ground or milled cannabis may have a moisture content between 5% and 19%.

In some instances, the combustible material is cannabis concentrates.

In some instances, the combustible material contains cannabis or cannabis concentrates.

In some instances, the combustible material is cannabis infused with flavors, terpenes, or concentrates.

In some instances, the combustible material is cannabis that is mixed, coated, or injected with concentrates.

According to the subject matter of the present application, there may be provided a pre-ground formed nug of cannabis or cannabis derivatives. The cannabis or cannabis derivatives may be formed into a three-dimensional polyhedron.

In some instances, it may be that the pre-ground formed nug weighs between about one-half gram and about one gram (0.5 g-1 g).

According to the subject matter of the present application, there may be provided a method of producing a packaged cannabis product. The method may include placing a pre-ground formed nug of combustible material inside a container, and applying a removable sealing element to an opening of the container. It may be that the pre-ground formed nug is sized and shaped to fit in a bowl of a smoking apparatus.

In some instances, the combustible material may be ground or milled cannabis.

In some instances, the combustible material is cannabis concentrates.

In some instances, the combustible material contains cannabis or cannabis concentrates.

In some instances, the combustible material is cannabis infused with flavors, terpenes, or concentrates.

In some instances, the combustible material is cannabis that is mixed, coated, or injected with concentrates.

Notably, the freshness level of the substance being smoked is of great importance to users. As described below, the packaged cannabis product may be preloaded with a pre-ground formed cannabis nug. It may be the case that such pre-ground formed cannabis nug becomes stale or otherwise deteriorates when left exposed to air. Such degradation may, in turn, negatively impact the flavour experienced by the user when the cannabis is smoked in the pipe. Providing such a sealing element may prevent or limit such degradation prior to use of a packaged cannabis product (e.g., during storage and/or transportation).

Other aspects and features of the present application will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from a review of the following description in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

FIGS. 1A-1D depict steps of an example method of producing a pre-ground formed nug of combustible material. In FIG. 1A, a step of applying compression 100 to a portion of combustible material 102 to produce a pre-ground formed nug is illustrated. Applying compression may be achieved by, for example, tamping using any suitable hand-held tool 104, such as, for example, a special-purpose tamper or any extended tool having a substantially flat end. The goal of the applying compression step 100 is to compact the combustible material 102 such that it produces a pre-ground formed nug that is sized and shaped to fit in a bowl of a smoking apparatus. It may be that the portion of combustible material is pre-ground, as elaborated below.

In FIG. 1B, a step of loading 200 the portion of combustible material 102 in a mold 202, prior to the applying compression step 100, is illustrated. The portion of combustible material 102 may be any substance suitable for smoking by a user of a smoking apparatus, such as, tobacco. In a further example, the combustible material 102 may be ground or milled cannabis. In a yet further example, the combustible material 102 may consist of cannabis concentrates (e.g., rosin, oils, hash) or contain cannabis or cannabis concentrates. In some examples, the combustible material 102 may be cannabis infused with flavor, terpenes, or concentrates. In other examples, the combustible material 102 may be cannabis that is mixed, coated, or injected with concentrates. The mold 202 is a receptacle for receiving and holding the loaded portion of combustible material 102 during the nug forming process. The mold 202 may also impart shape and size (width) to the final formed nug. It may be that the mold 202 is of a generally cylindrical shape thereby defining a formed nug having generally cylindrical shape. In some examples, the mold 202 is frustoconical in shape. That is, the mold 202 may have a truncated cone shape, or put differently, a cylindrical shape with tapered sidewalls. In a particular example, a nominal diameter (i.e., mean outside diameter) of the mold 202 is 18 mm. This may result in the formation of a pre-ground formed nug of combustible material itself having a nominal diameter of slightly less than the nominal diameter of the mold 202. In this way, the pre-ground formed nug of combustible material may readily fit into a standard-sized bowl or bowl fitting of a smoking apparatus. As mentioned, it may also be that the mold 202 is tapered thereby producing a pre-ground formed nug having a tapered shape. In this case, a nominal diameter of the mold may be 18 mm. For a tapered mold 202, what is meant by nominal diameter is an average outside diameter along the length of the mold 202 (i.e., midpoint). Due to the tapering, this may result, in the formation of a pre-ground formed nug of combustible material having a bottom diameter less than the nominal diameter of the mold 202, and the pre-ground formed nug of combustible material having a top diameter greater than the nominal diameter of the mold 202. In this way, the pre-ground formed nug of combustible material may readily fit into a tapered/standard-sized bowl or bowl fitting of a smoking apparatus. In the example shown, the mold 202 has one closed end (base) and one open end through which the portion of ground combustible material 102 is loaded. Some example materials that the mold 202 may be formed of include plastic, glass, metal, or any other suitable composition or combination of materials.

In FIG. 1C, the result of steps 200 and 100 in FIGS. 1B and 1A is illustrated. A formed compacted pre-ground nug 302 rests inside the mold 202. As illustrated in this example, the mold 202 is tapered with its base having a diameter less than that of its top opening. Accordingly, after compressing, the formed compacted pre-ground nug 302 is frustoconical in shape.

In FIG. 1D, a step of removing 300 the formed pre-ground nug 302 from the mold 202 is illustrated. In some examples, the mold 202 is inverted in order to remove the pre-ground formed nug 302. In other examples, the mold 202 is tapped against a flat surface in order to release the pre-ground formed nug 302. It may be that at least one pin hole is subsequently formed in the formed pre-ground nug 302, as further discussed below.

FIG. 2 illustrates a weighing step 400 of an example method of producing a pre-ground formed nug of combustible material as in FIGS. 1A-1D. In particular, prior to loading the portion of ground combustible material 102 in the mold 202, the weighing step 400 may include weighing the portion of combustible material 102 using a digital scale 502 as shown, for example. Other suitable instruments for weighing the portion of combustible material 102 are contemplated.

FIGS. 3A-3B depict a grinding or milling step 500, 600 of an example method of producing a pre-ground formed nug of combustible material as in FIG. 2. In particular, prior to weighing the portion of combustible material 102 at the weighing step 400, the grinding step 500, 600 may include grinding or milling a quantity of combustible material 602 to produce the portion of combustible material 102. Such grinding may include sub-steps shown in FIGS. 3A-3B. In FIG. 3A, a sub-step of placing 500 a quantity of combustible material 602 (e.g., cannabis flower) into a conventional handheld grinder 604 is shown. In FIG. 3B, a sub-step of grinding 600 the quantity of combustible material 602 to produce the portion of ground combustible material 102 (e.g., ground cannabis) is shown. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any form of grinding or milling may be utilized, including, for example, manual (handheld) grinding or automatic (machine) grinding.

In some cases, it may be that the example method of FIGS. 1A-1D further includes forming at least one pin hole in the pre-ground formed nug of combustible material 302. Reference is made to the example pre-ground formed nug 700 of FIG. 4. As shown, pre-ground formed nug 700 has a single pin hole 702 between a top 704 of the pre-ground formed nug 700 and proximate a bottom 706 of the pre-ground formed nug 700. It has been found that such a pin hole 702 in the pre-ground formed nug 700 may improve burning of the combustible material (i.e., the user may enjoy a more comfortable draw on the smoking apparatus without needing to suck too hard to get adequate smoke inhalation). Furthermore, such a pin hole 702 in the pre-ground formed nug 700 may, for example, provide a space for injecting certain extracts, such as cannabis concentrates, into the pre-ground formed nug 700.

In the perspective view of an example pre-ground formed nug 700 of combustible material of FIG. 4, the pre-ground formed nug 700 of combustible material includes combustible material being sized and shaped to form a pre-ground formed nug that fits in a bowl of a smoking apparatus. It may be that the pre-ground formed nug 700 of combustible material is produced according to the example method of FIGS. 1A-1D. In some examples, the pre-ground formed nug 700 of combustible material may be frustoconical in shape and/or an exterior sidewall of the pre-ground formed nug 700 may be tapered to allow the pre-ground formed nug 700 to be received in a tapered bowl of a smoking apparatus.

As mentioned, the pre-ground formed nug 700 may be received in the bowl of a waterpipe (also called hookah or bong). In some configurations, the pre-ground formed nug 700 may be shaped to facilitate its insertion into the bowl or bowl fitting of a waterpipe. More particularly, the pre-ground formed nug 700 may be frustoconical in shape. In order to obtain a frustoconical shape, the mold 202 that is used to form the pre-ground formed nug 700 is tapered. Thus, an exterior sidewall 708 of the pre-ground formed nug 700 may be tapered to allow the pre-ground formed nug 700 to be received in a corresponding tapered bowl of a smoking apparatus. Additionally, the pre-ground formed nug 700 may be substantially frustoconical in profile so as to allow it to be received in bowls of varying sizes. More broadly, whether or not the pre-ground formed nug 700 is substantially frustoconical in profile, the pre-ground formed nug 700 may be sized and shaped so as to allow it to be received in one or more sizes of bowls. For example, the pre-ground formed nug 700 may be sized and shaped to interface with common sizes of bowl fittings. In a particular example, a nominal diameter of the pre-ground formed nug 700 may be such as to allow it to be received in an 18 mm bowl fitting.

The pre-ground formed nug 700 of combustible material may, in some instances, weigh about one gram (1 g). Further, the pre-ground formed nug 700 of combustible material may include at least one pin hole between a top of the pre-ground formed nug 700 and proximate a bottom of the pre-ground formed nug 700 (as described previously).

In one example, it may be that in the pre-ground formed nug 700 of combustible material the combustible material is ground or milled cannabis. In a particular example, the ground cannabis may have particle sizes between 25 μm and 5000 μm. In a yet more particular example, the ground cannabis may have an average particle size between 1000 μm and 3000 μm. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that 25 μm is cited as the lower end of the particle size range because the trichomes (the part of the cannabis flower that contains the vast majority of the THC and other cannabinoids) are generally 25 microns or larger. If the particles are all very small (e.g., 25 microns), then after compaction in the mold to make the required shape the resulting pre-ground formed nug 700 would be too dense and would not allow sufficient airflow (through the material) for optimal burning. Similarly, if all the particles are too large (e.g., all over 5000 microns) the same problem occurs in that the flame will scorch the exterior of the particles and not efficiently burn to the center of the particles.

In order for the pre-ground formed nug 700 to have enough “stickiness” to hold its shape after molding, it requires a certain moisture content. In a particular example, it is found that a moisture content between 5% and 19% for the ground or milled cannabis is ideal.

In some instances, the combustible material 102 of the pre-ground formed nug 700 of combustible material may consist of cannabis concentrates (e.g., rosin, oils, hash) or contain cannabis or cannabis concentrates. In other instances, the combustible material 102 may be cannabis infused with flavor, terpenes, or concentrates. In some other instances, the combustible material 102 may be cannabis that is mixed, coated, or injected with concentrates.

The pre-ground formed nug 700 of combustible material as depicted in FIG. 4 may also be directed to a pre-ground formed nug including cannabis or cannabis derivatives formed into a three-dimensional (3D) polyhedron. Examples of 3D polyhedrons include cubical, rectangular prism, cylindrical, or frustoconical. In some cases, the pre-ground formed nug 700 weighs about one-half gram and about one gram (0.5 g-1 g).

FIGS. 5A-5B depict steps 800, 900 of an example method of producing a packaged cannabis product. A step of placing 800 a pre-ground formed nug 302 inside a container 804 is shown in FIG. 5A. It may be that the pre-ground formed nug of combustible material 302 is produced by the method steps according to FIGS. 1A-1D. The pre-ground formed nug of combustible material 302 may be similar to the pre-ground formed nug 700 of FIG. 4 including with or without a pin hole 702. The pre-ground formed nug of combustible material 302 may be sized and shaped to fit in a bowl of a smoking apparatus. A step of applying 900 a removable sealing element 902 to an opening of the container 804 is shown in FIG. 5B. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the removable sealing element 902 may be an induction seal or any other suitable seal for keeping the container 804 airtight. The removable sealing element 902 may also have a tab for easy grasping and removal of the removable sealing element 902.

It may be that the combustible material of the pre-ground formed nug of combustible material 302 is ground or milled cannabis.

In some examples, the pre-ground formed nug of combustible material 302 is directly transferred into the container 804 from the mold 202 (FIG. 1D) in order to minimize handling of the formed nug 302.

In some other examples, the steps 800, 900 of the example method may further include injecting at least one gas other than oxygen into the interior of the container 804 prior to the step of applying 900 a removable sealing element 902. It may be that the at least one gas other than oxygen includes nitrogen.

In some instances, the combustible material of the pre-ground formed nug of combustible material 302 may consist of cannabis concentrates (e.g., rosin, oils, hash) or contain cannabis or cannabis concentrates. In other instances, the combustible material may be cannabis infused with flavor, terpenes, or concentrates. In some other instances, the combustible material may be cannabis that is mixed, coated, or injected with concentrates.

FIG. 6 shows an example use of a pre-ground formed nug of combustible material 302 with a waterpipe 1000. It may be that the pre-ground formed nug of combustible material 302 is produced according to the method of FIGS. 1A-1D and, optionally, the steps of FIG. 2 and/or FIGS. 3A-3B. As illustrated, the pre-ground formed nug of combustible material 302 may be inserted into a bowl-stem 1002 of the waterpipe 1000. More specifically, the pre-ground formed nug of combustible material 302 may be placed inside a bowl-stem fitting 1004 which is itself inserted inside the bowl-stem 1002. It may be that the bowl-stem fitting 1004 is actually integral with the bowl-stem 1002. If the pre-ground formed nug of combustible material 302 is tapered and/or frustoconical in shape, then the tapered (i.e., smaller diameter) end is inserted first. This allows a tight seal to be made between the pre-ground formed nug of combustible material 302 and the bowl-stem 1002 and/or bowl-stem fitting 1004 whether the bowl-stem 1002 and/or bowl-stem fitting 1004 is tapered or not. Next, the pre-ground formed nug of combustible material 302 is ignited and the user draws on the waterpipe 1000 in the usual manner.

FIG. 7 shows an example use of a pre-ground formed nug of combustible material 302 with a pipe 1100. It may be that the pre-ground formed nug of combustible material 302 is produced according to the method of FIGS. 1A-1D and, optionally, the steps of FIG. 2 and/or FIGS. 3A-3B. As illustrated, the pre-ground formed nug of combustible material 302 may be placed directly into a bowl 1102 of the pipe 1100. The pipe 1100 is then used in the usual manner by igniting the pre-ground formed nug of combustible material 302 and drawing on the stem 1104 of the pipe 1100.

In the present application, the term “and/or” is intended to cover all possible combinations and sub-combinations of the listed elements, including any one of the listed elements alone, any sub-combination, or all of the elements, and without necessarily excluding additional elements.

In the present application, the phrase “at least one of . . . or . . . ” is intended to cover any one or more of the listed elements, including any one of the listed elements alone, any sub-combination, or all of the elements, without necessarily excluding any additional elements, and without necessarily requiring all of the elements.

As noted, certain adaptations and modifications of the described embodiments can be made. Therefore, the above-discussed embodiments are considered to be illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A method of producing a pre-ground formed nug of combustible material comprising:

applying compression to a portion of combustible material to produce a pre-ground formed nug that is sized and shaped to fit in a bowl of a smoking apparatus.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

prior to applying compression to the portion of combustible material, loading the portion of combustible material in a mold; and

after applying compression to the portion of combustible material, removing the pre-ground formed nug from the mold.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising:

prior to loading the portion of combustible material in the mold, weighing the portion of combustible material.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising:

prior to weighing the portion of combustible material, grinding or milling a quantity of combustible material to produce the portion of combustible material.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein the mold is frustoconical in shape.

6. The method of claim 2, wherein a nominal diameter of the mold is 18 mm.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the combustible material is ground or milled cannabis.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

forming at least one pin hole in the pre-ground formed nug between a top of the pre-ground formed nug and proximate a bottom of the pre-ground formed nug.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the combustible material is cannabis concentrates.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the combustible material contains cannabis or cannabis concentrates.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the combustible material is cannabis infused with flavors, terpenes, or concentrates.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the combustible material is cannabis that is mixed, coated, or injected with concentrates.

13. A pre-ground formed nug comprising:

combustible material, the combustible material being sized and shaped to form a pre-ground nug that fits in a bowl of a smoking apparatus.

14. The pre-ground formed nug of claim 13, wherein the pre-ground formed nug is frustoconical in shape.

15. The pre-ground formed nug of claim 13, wherein a nominal diameter of the pre-ground formed nug is 18 mm.

16. The pre-ground formed nug of claim 13, wherein the pre-ground formed nug weighs about one gram (1 g).

17. The pre-ground formed nug of claim 13, wherein the pre-ground formed nug includes at least one pin hole between a top of the pre-ground formed nug and proximate a bottom of the pre-ground formed nug.

18. The pre-ground formed nug of claim 13, wherein the combustible material is ground or milled cannabis.

19. The pre-ground formed nug of claim 18, wherein the ground or milled cannabis has particle sizes between 25 μm and 5000 μm.

20. The pre-ground formed nug of claim 18, wherein the ground or milled cannabis has an average particle size between 1000 μm and 3000 μm.

21. The pre-ground formed nug of claim 18, wherein the ground or milled cannabis has a moisture content between 5% and 19%.

22. The pre-ground formed nug of claim 18, wherein the combustible material is cannabis concentrates.

23. The pre-ground formed nug of claim 18, wherein the combustible material contains cannabis or cannabis concentrates.

24. The pre-ground formed nug of claim 18, wherein the combustible material is cannabis infused with flavors, terpenes, or concentrates.

25. The pre-ground formed nug of claim 18, wherein the combustible material is cannabis that is mixed, coated, or injected with concentrates.

26. A pre-ground formed nug comprising:

cannabis or cannabis derivatives formed into a three-dimensional polyhedron.

27. The pre-ground formed nug of claim 26, wherein the pre-ground formed nug weighs between about one-half gram and about one gram (0.5 g-1 g).

28. A method of producing a packaged cannabis product comprising:

placing a pre-ground formed nug of combustible material inside a container, the pre-ground formed nug being sized and shaped to fit in a bowl of a smoking apparatus; and

applying a removable sealing element to an opening of the container.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the combustible material is ground or milled cannabis.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein the combustible material is cannabis concentrates.

31. The method of claim 28, wherein the combustible material contains cannabis or cannabis concentrates.

32. The method of claim 28, wherein the combustible material is cannabis infused with flavors, terpenes, or concentrates.

33. The method of claim 28, wherein the combustible material is cannabis that is mixed, coated, or injected with concentrates.