U.S. patent application number 15/219061 was filed with the patent office on 2017-04-27 for wrapper for enclosing smokable substances.
The applicant listed for this patent is John Ostrander. Invention is credited to John Ostrander.
Application Number | 20170112188 15/219061 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58556775 |
Filed Date | 2017-04-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170112188 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ostrander; John |
April 27, 2017 |
Wrapper For Enclosing Smokable Substances
Abstract
A pliable sheet is manufactured for use with smokable
substances. The pliable sheet is completely sourced from female
plants of the cannabis genus. Source species include cannabis
sativa, cannabis indica, or a blend thereof. A manufacture process
entails processing and refining harvested plant material before it
can be formed into the pliable sheet. After formation the pliable
sheet is dried before it is ready for use. Flavoring and aromatic
elements can be incorporated into the pliable sheet to enhance a
smoking experience. Adhesives may also be integrated to facilitate
rolling of the pliable sheet about smokable matter. Ideally, the
adhesives are sticky oil extracts produced from plants of the
cannabis genus. The pliable sheet can be manufactured in a variety
of thicknesses and sizes.
Inventors: |
Ostrander; John;
(Woodbridge, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ostrander; John |
Woodbridge |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
58556775 |
Appl. No.: |
15/219061 |
Filed: |
July 25, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62245153 |
Oct 22, 2015 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D21H 11/12 20130101;
D21H 11/00 20130101; D21H 27/00 20130101; D21B 1/06 20130101; A24D
1/18 20130101; A24D 1/02 20130101; D21B 1/023 20130101; A24D 1/025
20130101; D21F 11/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A24D 1/02 20060101
A24D001/02; A24D 1/18 20060101 A24D001/18; D21B 1/06 20060101
D21B001/06; D21H 11/00 20060101 D21H011/00; D21B 1/02 20060101
D21B001/02 |
Claims
1. A wrapper for enclosing smokable substance comprises: a pliable
sheet; the pliable sheet being formed from a plurality of elongated
cellulose fibers, wherein the plurality of elongated cellulose
fibers is derived from an at least one female plant of a cannabis
genus.
2. The wrapper for enclosing a smokable substance as claimed in
claim 1 further comprises: the at least one female plant being of a
sativa species of the cannabis genus.
3. The wrapper for enclosing a smokable substance as claimed in
claim 1 further comprises: the at least one female plant being of
an indica species of the cannabis genus.
4. The wrapper for enclosing a smokable substance as claimed in
claim 1 further comprises: the at least one female plant being a
strain of a first female plant and a second female plant; the first
female plant being of a sativa species of the cannabis genus; and
the second female plant being of an indica species.
5. The wrapper for enclosing a smokable substance as claimed in
claim 4, wherein the pliable sheet is a blend of the sativa species
and the indica species of the cannabis genus.
6. The wrapper for enclosing a smokable substance as claimed in
claim 1 further comprises: an adhesive strip; the adhesive strip
being connected along the pliable sheet; and the adhesive strip
being positioned adjacent to an edge of the pliable sheet.
7. The wrapper for enclosing a smokable substance as claimed in
claim 6, wherein the adhesive strip is an oil extract of the female
plant of the cannabis genus.
8. The wrapper for enclosing a smokable substance as claimed in
claim 1 further comprises: the pliable sheet being infused with a
flavoring element.
9. A method of manufacture for a wrapper for enclosing smokable
substances comprises the steps of: providing a harvested vegetable
matter from a female plant of the cannabis genus; processing the
harvested vegetable matter in order to extract a supply of
cannabis-derived fibers from the harvested vegetable matter;
separating the cannabis-derived fibers in order to produce a
cannabis-derived pulp; refining the cannabis-derived pulp in order
to produce a cannabis-derived slurry; transferring the
cannabis-slurry to a mold in order to produce a cannabis-derived
sheet; and reducing a moisture content of the cannabis-derived
sheet in order to dry the cannabis-derived sheet.
10. The method of manufacture for a wrapper for enclosing smokable
substances as claimed in claim 9 further comprises the steps of:
passing the harvested vegetable matter through a mill in order to
comminute the harvested vegetable matter; and rinsing the harvested
vegetable matter in an aqueous solution in order to clean the
harvested vegetable matter.
11. The method of manufacture for a wrapper for enclosing smokable
substances as claimed in claim 9 further comprises the steps of:
refining the cannabis-derived pulp by immersing the
cannabis-derived pulp in a heated bath; and softening the
cannabis-derived pulp by cooking the cannabis-derived pulp in the
heated bath for a specified duration.
12. The method of manufacture for a wrapper for enclosing smokable
substances as claimed in claim 11, wherein the heated bath is a
solution of sodium carbonate in water.
13. The method of manufacture for a wrapper for enclosing smokable
substances as claimed in claim 9 further comprises the steps of:
diluting the cannabis-derived slurry by mixing the cannabis-derived
slurry with water; transferring the diluted cannabis-derived slurry
into a perforated sheet mold; and draining the cannabis-derived
slurry through the perforated sheet mold in order to form the
cannabis-derived sheet.
14. The method of manufacture for a wrapper for enclosing smokable
substances as claimed in claim 9 further comprises the steps of:
reducing the moisture content by transferring the cannabis-derived
sheet to a press in order to exude the cannabis-derived sheet; and
reducing the moisture content by transferring the cannabis-derived
sheet to a heated receptacle in order to dry the cannabis-derived
sheet mold.
15. The method of manufacture for a wrapper for enclosing smokable
substances as claimed in claim 9 further comprises the step of;
flavoring the cannabis-derived sheet by infusing the
cannabis-derived sheet with a flavoring agent.
16. The method of manufacture for a wrapper for enclosing smokable
substances as claimed in claim 9 further comprises the step of:
adhering an adhesive coating along an edge of the cannabis-derived
sheet.
Description
[0001] The current application claims a priority to the U.S.
Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/245,153 filed on Oct.
22, 2015.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a pliable sheet
for rolling and wrapping smokable products, the pliable sheet being
manufactured from a plant of the cannabis genus.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A variety of plant matter is harvested for consumption, with
one common method of consumption being the burning of the plant
matter and inhalation of the resulting smoke, colloquially referred
to as smoking. Generally, to facilitate smoking of such herbs, a
thin sheet is used to wrap the herbs into a generally cylindrical
sheet. This process is known as "rolling"; while many vendors
provide the option to buy pre-rolled products, there is a
population of consumers that rolls their own product for a variety
of reasons, e.g. reduced cost or improved choice in rolling
paper.
[0004] A variety of rolling papers are provided for different
purposes. Rolling papers can be sourced from a wide range of
material; for example, wrapping papers can be manufactured from
rice and hemp. Additionally, rolling paper can be provided in a
variety of sizes, from the efficiently compact to the comically
large (the latter being lambasted in the theatrical film "Up In
Smoke". Likewise, the specific type of plant matter being burned is
variable, also referenced in the aforementioned film.
[0005] The wide variety of rolling papers allows for a number of
nuances to come into play; wrapping papers derived from different
plants affect burn time, flavoring, and ease of wrapping.
Additionally, many rolling papers are enhanced with one or more
flavoring elements. Resultantly, smokers can sample and enjoy a
variety of rolling papers with unique characteristics in
combination with their favorite cigarettes, cigars, and so on.
[0006] Cigars are commonly wrapped in a tobacco leaf that imparts a
specific flavor and experience, especially in combination with the
actual blend of tobacco placed within the leaf. Other smokable
substances could be enhanced in a similar manner. More
specifically, given the legalization of marijuana for medicinal and
now even recreational purposes, it is desirable to provide a
rolling paper made of marijuana. Though there are rolling papers
which are sourced from hemp, it is an object of the present
invention to provide a rolling paper that is completely sourced
from the marijuana plant. In short, the present invention
introduces a marijuana-based sheet which can be utilized for
rolling papers and wraps.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the general composition and
components of a wrapper of the present invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing different potential combinations
of plant species for the wrapper of the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 3 is an example illustration showing the wrapper in an
unrolled state and a rolled state.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the general process of the
present invention.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a diagram further detailing a first stage of the
process of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a diagram further detailing a second stage of the
process of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a diagram further detailing a third stage of the
process of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a diagram further detailing a fourth stage of the
process of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing optional steps of the process of
the present invention.
DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION
[0016] All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of
describing selected versions of the present invention and are not
intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
[0017] The present invention details a wrapper for enclosing
smokable substances as well as a method of manufacture therefor.
The present invention utilizes material sourced from the cannabis
genus (i.e. "marijuana plants" to create a sheet which can be used
as a rolling paper or wrapper for smokable substances. The present
invention is subsequently described in more detail.
[0018] The wrapper created by the present invention comprises a
pliable sheet 1, the pliable sheet 1 formed from a plurality of
elongated cellulose fibers 2. The plurality of elongated cellulose
fibers 2 forms the structure of the pliable sheet 1, with adjacent
strands of fiber being effectively glued to each other by glucose
bonds. In line with the stated goals of the present invention, the
plurality of elongated cellulose fibers 2 is derived from a plant
of the cannabis genus 31. More specifically, the plurality of
elongated cellulose fibers 2 is derived from a female plant 3 of
the cannabis genus 31. The female plant 3 of the cannabis genus 31
is colloquially referred to as a marijuana plant. The female plant
3 is desirable as source material due to the elevated levels of
tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) compared to the levels of THC found in
the male cannabis plant 31. More specifically, the female plant 3
produces buds, which contain higher levels of THC compared to the
stem and leaves. The present invention could potentially be
produced from the stem, leaves, or other parts of the cannabis
plant 31, but optimally the buds are used in order to maximize THC
levels in the wrapper. Overall, the pliable sheet 1 can serve as a
marijuana-based rolling paper or wrapper which can be used for
rolling marijuana or other herbal blends. The pliable sheet 1 is
illustrated via FIG. 1-FIG. 3.
[0019] In different embodiments of the present inventions,
different specifies from the cannabis genus 31 may be used for the
pliable sheet 1. For example, in one embodiment, the plurality of
elongated cellulose fibers 2 is derived from a female plant 3 of
the sativa species 32 of the cannabis genus 31. In another
embodiment, the plurality of elongated cellulose fibers 2 is
derived from a female plant 3 of the indica species 33 of the
cannabis genus 31. In a third embodiment of the present invention,
the plurality of elongated cellulose fibers 2 is derived from a
first female plant 34 of a sativa species 32 of the cannabis genus
31 and from a second female plant 35 of an indica species 33 of the
cannabis genus 31. In this third embodiment, the pliable sheet 1 is
effectively created from a blend 36 of the sativa species 32 and
the indica species 33, compared to the first two embodiments which
are sourced from only a single species of the cannabis genus 31.
The term "blend" is used to refer to a strain 37 of the cannabis
genus 31 that is bred from the sativa species 32 and the indica
species 33. This does not preclude the use of combining plant
matter from two different species in order to create the pliable
sheet 1. Using a hybrid strain 37 (i.e. bred from sativa and
indica) is simply preferable.
[0020] The different embodiments described above allow for
different profiles to be provided for the wrapper. For example, a
pliable sheet 1 sourced exclusively from cannabis sativa 32 will be
experienced differently than a pliable sheet 1 sourced from
cannabis indica 33. A blend 36 of the two cannabis species will
provide yet another profile, which can be further adjusted by
varying the ratio of cannabis sativa 32 to cannabis indica 33 in
the blend 36.
[0021] In one possible embodiment of the present invention
comprises an adhesive strip 4. The adhesive strip 4 is connected
along an edge of the pliable sheet 1 in order to facilitate rolling
and securing of the pliable sheet 1 into a cylindrical shape prior
to smoking. Preferably, the adhesive strip 4, as with the pliable
sheet 1, is derived from a female plant 3 belonging to the cannabis
genus 31, whether of the sativa species 32, indica species 33, or a
blend 36 thereof. An oil extract from a plant of the cannabis genus
31 is sticky and thus suitable for creating the adhesive strip 4.
Using such a plant-derived oil is preferable as it maintains the
cannabis-sourced focus of the present invention; in such an
embodiment the present invention is 100% derived from a plant of
the cannabis genus 31. An additional benefit of using an oil
extract is that the extract is completely natural, being produced
from vegetable matter rather than utilizing laboratory created
chemical compounds. Though using a cannabis oil for the adhesive
strip is preferable, potentially he adhesive strip can be produced
from any food safe adhesive. Some examples include, but are not
limited to, gum and sugar-derived glues.
[0022] In order to maintain the adhesive properties of the adhesive
strip 4 prior to use, one embodiment a release liner is provided
for the adhesive strip 4. The release liner is a non-stick membrane
that is placed over the adhesive strip 4. The release liner
prevents the adhesive strip 4 from accidently sticking to another
object. The release liner also protects the adhesive strip 4,
helping to maintain the latter's adhesive properties. The release
liner has non-stick properties, allowing it to easily be peeled
away from the adhesive strip 4. Overall, the release liner protects
the adhesive strip 4 during storage (i.e. before being used to
secure two ends of a rolling paper).
[0023] Potentially, further variety is enabled by infusing the
pliable sheet 1 with a flavoring element 5. The flavoring element 5
provides a more sophisticated profile; for example, a
cherry-flavored pliable sheet 1 or a rosemary-flavored pliable
sheet 1 can be created to enhance the smoking experience with
pleasant tastes, smells, or both. The addition of such flavoring
elements 5 is an enhancement to the core concept of the present
invention, i.e. a fully marijuana derived pliable sheet 1 for
wrapping smokable substances. The flavoring elements 5 could be
omitted while remaining within the scope of the present
invention.
[0024] The pliable sheet 1, as earlier stated, can be formed as a
rolling paper or wrapper in a variety of sizes. For example,
rolling papers can be sized to be single-wide, double-wide, and
king-sized. Other sizes, denoted only by dimensions (e.g. a 11/4''
or 11/2'') are also possible. The thickness of the pliable sheet 1
is also unrestricted by the present invention. Thinner sheets burn
slower and impart less taste to the smoking experience. Thicker
sheets, conversely, are easier to roll and have superior
durability. Both are compatible with the present invention.
[0025] Ultimately, a number of alternative embodiments for the
pliable sheet 1 remain possible within the scope of the present
invention.
[0026] A method of manufacture for the wrapper is also provided.
The method of manufacture is used to convert a source of provided
vegetable matter, specifically of the cannabis genus 31, into a
cannabis-derived sheet. As earlier referenced, the harvested
vegetable matter is preferably the buds of a female plant 3 of the
cannabis genus 31 (whether of the sativa species 32, indica species
33, or blend 36 thereof). The general procedure entails first
processing the harvested vegetable matter to extract a supply of
cannabis-derived fibers. The cannabis-derived fibers are then
separated from each other, resulting in a cannabis-derived pulp. In
order to make the cannabis-derived pulp more suited for wrapper
formation, it is refined into a cannabis-derived slurry. The
cannabis-derived slurry is then transferred to a mold to form a
cannabis-derived sheet. Finally, water is extracted from the
cannabis-derived sheet, which is then suitable for use as rolling
paper or a wrap for smokable substances. Each step of this
procedure is described in more detail below, as well as illustrated
via FIG. 4-FIG. 9.
[0027] The first step, i.e. processing the harvested vegetable
matter in order to produce a cannabis-derived pulp, comminutes the
vegetable harvested vegetable matter. That is, the vegetable matter
is broken up into individual strands, the group of which is
referred to as the cannabis-derived pulp. In order to achieve this,
the harvested vegetable matter is passed through a mill in order to
grind the harvested vegetable matter into the individual strands. A
number of specific machines have been created to facilitate the
comminution process, and the present invention does not concern
itself with the specific type of machine used; the focus is instead
the processing of the harvested vegetable matter to obtain the
cannabis-derived pulp. After processing, the comminuted vegetable
matter is cleaned via rinsing with an aqueous solution, after which
it is ready for refining.
[0028] Once the cannabis-derived pulp is created and rinsed, it is
refined to be softer. Softening of the cannabis-derived fibers is
traditionally accomplished through mechanical process or
water-based processes. The present invention focuses primarily on
application of a water-based process, as subsequently described,
though this does not preclude the application of mechanical
refining or a combination of mechanical and water-based
refining.
[0029] To refine the cannabis-derived pulp, a heated bath is
prepared. The cannabis-derived pulp is then immersed in this heated
bath in order to cook and soften the individual strands into a more
workable refined pulp. In order to be effective, this cooking stage
requires a minimum specified duration. Exact minimum durations vary
according to the specifics (e.g. composition) of the bath, but are
generally measured in a magnitude of hours.
[0030] In the preferred embodiment, the heated bath is a solution
of sodium carbonate in water. Sodium carbonate is colloquially
referred to as soda ash, and it helps to separate cellulose (i.e.
the cannabis-derived fibers) from other plant polymers such as
lignin. As earlier referenced, mechanical refining can be utilized
alongside chemical refining. For example, machine beaters can be
provided to help separate the cellulose from the lignin. Too, the
present invention is not restricted to the use of a heated bath
utilizing sodium carbonate; other solutions can be provided to
separate the polymers of the cannabis-derived pulp.
[0031] Potentially, a finer level of refinement can be provided by
hand; strands can be pulled apart by hand to further separate
individual fiber strands from one another. It is possible to
continue the refining process beyond this to obtain a desirable
size and separation of fiber strands; this extent of refining is
ultimately up to the manufacturer and customer demands.
[0032] Once the refined cannabis-derived pulp is refined, a
cannabis-derived slurry is obtained. This slurry is a mixture of
cannabis cellulose in an aqueous solution, such as from the heated
bath. This solution is diluted and rinsed by mixing with water,
after which it may be placed into a perforated sheet mold. The
perforated sheet mold itself is a lattice-style base framed by a
wall. The wall outlines the shape of the eventual paper, while the
lattice-style base allows for water to be drained from the diluted
cannabis-derived slurry. This first entails allowing the cellulose
strands to settle at the bottom of the slurry, where glucose
bonding begins to form the unitary sheet. After the strands have
settled, the perforated sheet mold may be tilted to expedite
draining and complete formation of the cannabis-derived sheet.
[0033] Once the cannabis-derived sheet has been formed, it is
desirable to remove as much water as possible. This is end stage is
accomplished through two steps; first, the cannabis-derived sheet
is removed from the perforated sheet mold and placed in a press.
The cannabis-derived sheet mold is surrounded by absorbent sheets
(for example blotting paper or felt pads) on either side. These
absorbent sheets serve to collect the water that is pressed out of
the cannabis-derived sheet during compacting. This compaction
removes a large amount of water from the sheets, but some moisture
remains.
[0034] The final treatment, provided to minimize the remaining
moisture in the cannabis-derived sheet, utilizes a dryer. The dryer
is simply a fully or partially enclosed heated region into which
the cannabis-derived sheet is placed. This heat helps to
practically eliminate water from the cannabis-derived sheet,
resulting in a pliable sheet which can be used as a wrap for
enclosing smokable substances, as originally introduced in this
application.
[0035] While the above described a core process for manufacture,
several optional steps or substitution steps remain possible within
the scope of the present invention. For example, flavoring or
aromatic elements can be infused into the cannabis-derived sheet,
such as by applying a desired element to the cannabis-derived sheet
or even immersing the cannabis-derived sheet in such an
element.
[0036] Likewise, an adhesive coating can be applied along an edge
of the cannabis-derived sheet. Such an adhesive coating assists
with rolling or wrapping of the sheet about a smokable substance,
as the adhesive maintains a cylindrical shape and prevents the
rolled sheet from unfurling.
[0037] These are just a few examples of additional steps that can
be incorporated into the process of manufacture. Ultimately, any
variation is suitable as long as it adheres to use of vegetable
matter from the cannabis genus for manufacture of a wrapper for
enclosing smokable substances.
[0038] Although the invention has been explained in relation to its
preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other
possible modifications and variations can be made without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter
claimed.
* * * * *