U.S. patent application number 17/550373 was filed with the patent office on 2022-03-31 for compact cold-press grinder.
The applicant listed for this patent is GreenOnyx LTD. Invention is credited to Moshe PELES, Benjamin SHOHAM, Tsipi SHOHAM.
Application Number | 20220095825 17/550373 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006026019 |
Filed Date | 2022-03-31 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20220095825 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SHOHAM; Benjamin ; et
al. |
March 31, 2022 |
COMPACT COLD-PRESS GRINDER
Abstract
A compact cold press grinder that fits within a user's hand that
includes a cold press grinder and a container that holds
consumables, such as fruits, vegetables, seeds, aquatic plants,
and/or other nutritious consumable. The cold press grinder crushes
and grinds the consumables to a liquid paste or juice using
friction forces, shear forces and pressure (e.g. hydraulic press).
The cold press grinder includes a housing that is removably
attachable to the container. The cold press grinder may include an
input for receiving the consumables within the container and a
plurality of nip roller pairs that grind the consumables. The cold
press grinder has one output to output the consumable as is or the
liquid paste or the juice prepared by the cold press grinder and
does not include an output to output consumable waste products.
Inventors: |
SHOHAM; Benjamin; (Ganey
Tikva, IL) ; PELES; Moshe; (Lapid, IL) ;
SHOHAM; Tsipi; (Ganey Tikva, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GreenOnyx LTD |
Tel Aviv |
|
IL |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006026019 |
Appl. No.: |
17/550373 |
Filed: |
December 14, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15940500 |
Mar 29, 2018 |
11197570 |
|
|
17550373 |
|
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|
|
62478475 |
Mar 29, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B30B 9/20 20130101; A47J
2043/04409 20130101; A47J 19/06 20130101; A47J 43/044 20130101;
A47J 2043/04436 20130101; A23N 1/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47J 19/06 20060101
A47J019/06; A23N 1/02 20060101 A23N001/02; B30B 9/20 20060101
B30B009/20; A47J 43/044 20060101 A47J043/044 |
Claims
1. A handheld cold-press grinder for aquatic plants, the handheld
cold-press grinder comprising: a container containing aquatic
plants; and a cold-press grinder with a housing that is removably
attachable to the container, wherein the housing is configured to
be received in a user's hand, the cold-press grinder comprising: an
input for receiving the aquatic plants of the container; a
cold-press grinding mechanism configured to grind the aquatic
plants of the container by applying pressure and shear forces to
the aquatic plants; and an output to output a liquid paste prepared
by grinding the aquatic.
2. The handheld cold-press grinder of claim 1, wherein the grinder
only has a single output to output the liquid paste.
3. The handheld cold-press grinder of claim 1, wherein the
cold-press grinding mechanism comprises a plurality of nip roller
pairs.
4. The handheld cold-press grinder of claim 3, wherein the nip
roller pairs are arranged between the input and the output of the
cold-press grinder.
5. The handheld cold-press grinder of claim 3, wherein the distance
between the rollers of each roller pair is the same as the other
roller pairs during a grinding process.
6. The handheld cold-press grinder of claim 3, wherein the distance
between the rollers of each roller pair is different than the other
roller pairs during a grinding process.
7. The handheld cold-press grinder of claim 3, wherein one roller
of each roller pair is biased by a biasing member, and wherein the
biasing member controls the distance between the rollers of each
roller pair.
8. The handheld cold-press grinder of claim 1, wherein the input
includes a funnel to gradually introduce the aquatic plants of the
container to the cold-press grinding mechanism.
9. The handheld cold-press grinder of claim 1, wherein the input
includes a valve to control the flow of the aquatic plants of the
container to the cold-press grinding mechanism.
10. The handheld cold-press grinder of claim 9, wherein the valve
includes a piercer for piercing a seal of the container.
11. The handheld cold-press grinder of claim 9, wherein the valve
rotates to control the flow of the aquatic plants of the container
to the cold-press grinding mechanism.
12. The handheld cold-press grinder of claim 9, wherein the valve
moves from a first position to a second position to control the
flow of the aquatic plants of the container to the cold-press
grinding mechanism.
13. The handheld cold-press grinder of claim 1, wherein the
cold-press grinding mechanism is disposed between the input and the
output along an aquatic plant pathway, and wherein a predefined
measure of the aquatic plants is conveyed along the aquatic plant
pathway without being crushed or ground by the cold-press grinding
mechanism.
14. The handheld cold-press grinder of claim 1, wherein a sidewall
of the container has a contour shape that conforms to the shape of
a user's hand.
15. The handheld cold-press grinder of claim 1, wherein a top of
the grinder housing and a bottom of the container is adapted to fit
within a user's hand.
16. The handheld cold-press grinder of claim 1, further comprising
a secondary input, wherein the secondary input is disposed at an
angle relative to the input.
17. The handheld cold-press grinder of claim 1, further comprising
an orientation sensor, wherein the orientation sensor detects the
orientation of the handheld grinder and opens a valve when the
handheld grinder tilts more than a predetermined angle.
18. The handheld cold-press grinder of claim 1, further comprising
a motor that drives the cold-pressed grinding mechanism, and
wherein the motor drives the cold-pressed grinding mechanism for a
predetermined amount of time to produce a predetermined amount of
liquid paste.
19. The handheld cold-press grinder of claim 1, wherein the
cold-press grinding mechanism comprises a plurality of nip roller
pairs, wherein the cold-press grinder further comprises a motor
that drives a plurality of the nip rollers of the nip roller pairs,
and wherein the motor drives the plurality of nip rollers for a
predetermined amount of time to produce a predetermined amount of
liquid paste.
20. The handheld cold-press grinder of claim 1, wherein the
cold-press grinding mechanism comprises a mortar and pestle-like
mechanism.
21. A cold-press grinder for grinding an aquatic plant, the
cold-press grinder comprising: a housing that includes an input, an
aquatic plant pathway, and an output; a valve for controlling the
flow of the aquatic plant through the input; and a cold-press
grinding mechanism disposed between the input and the output along
the aquatic plant pathway, wherein the cold-press grinding
mechanism is configured to grind aquatic plant by applying pressure
and shear forces to the aquatic plant.
22. The cold-press grinder of claim 21, wherein the cold-press
grinding mechanism comprises a plurality of nip roller pairs.
23. The cold-press grinder of claim 21, wherein the cold-press
grinder is detachably attachable to a container that holds the
aquatic plant.
24. The cold-press grinder of claim 21, wherein the cold-press
grinding mechanism comprises a plurality of nip roller pairs, and
wherein the distance between the rollers in each roller pair is
adjustable before or during a grinding process.
25. The cold-press grinder of claim 21, further comprising a
cleaning input separate from the input for introducing a cleaning
solution to clean the cold-press grinding mechanism.
26. A handheld cold-press grinder comprising: a container; and a
cold-press grinder that is removably attachable to the container,
the cold-press grinder comprising: an input for receiving the
contents of the container; an output to output the contents of the
container; a content pathway located between the input and the
output; and a plurality of nip roller pairs located along the
content pathway.
27. The handheld cold-press grinder of claim 26, wherein the
distance between the nip rollers of each nip roller pair is
adjustable by a user.
28. The handheld cold-press grinder of claim 26, wherein a
predefined measure of the contents of the container are conveyed
along the content pathway from the input of the grinder to the
output of the grinder without being crushed or ground by the
plurality of nip roller pairs.
29. The handheld cold-press grinder of claim 26, wherein the
contents of the container are crushed and ground by the plurality
of nip roller pairs to produce a liquid paste that is outputted
through the output.
30. The handheld cold-press grinder of claim 29, wherein the
distance between the nip rollers of each nip roller pair is
adjustable by the user to define the thickness of the liquid paste
produced by the nip roller pairs.
31. The handheld cold-press grinder of claim 26, wherein each nip
roller in each nip roller pair rotates at a different speed that
the other nip roller in the nip roller pair.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 15/940,500, filed on Mar. 29, 2018, which is incorporated
herein in its entirety by reference thereto. This application
claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/478,475,
filed Mar. 29, 2017, via U.S. application Ser. No. 15/940,500. U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/478,475 is incorporated herein in
its entirety by reference thereto.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] Embodiments of the invention generally relate to a system
for crushing, grinding, and juicing fruits, vegetables, seeds
(e.g., cereals and legumes), and/or aquatic plants. In particular,
embodiments relate to a handheld grinder or masher.
Background Art
[0003] The global rise of non-infectious chronic and degenerative
diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, type II diabetes,
asthma, cancer, dementias, hypertension, osteoporosis, attention
deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD) may be directly linked to unhealthy diets resulting from a
high consumption of processed food with low nutritious qualities.
Thus, the World Health Organization (WHO) published recently new
guidelines for a healthy diet, specifying the need to increase
consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables targeting at least 400
gr/day/person (noting that potatoes and other starchy roots are not
classified as vegetables), increase consumption of dietary fibers,
such as whole grains, and reduce consumption of foods high in
energy, fats, free sugars, or salt/sodium. As such, there is an
increasing desire for more nutritious foods that meet the WHO new
guidelines. This has led to the rapid global development of the
health and wellness food market. Convenient systems and methods for
on-site instant preparation of nutritious real foods, using minimal
processing steps, time, overhead and effort, are needed.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Some embodiments of the present invention include a compact
grinder that fits within a user's hand. The compact grinder
includes a container that holds consumables, such as fruits,
vegetables, seeds (e.g., cereals and legumes), aquatic plants,
and/or other nutritious consumables and a grinder that crushes and
grinds the consumables into a rough or fine liquid paste using
friction forces and/or shear forces and/or pressure (e.g.,
hydraulic pressure). The grinder includes a grinder housing that is
removably attachable to the container. The housing houses the
mechanical and electrical components of the grinder. In some
embodiments, the container and the grinder may be ergonomically
shaped to fit within the user's hand and enable the user to easily
grip the compact grinder and control the crushing and grinding
process.
[0005] In some embodiments, the grinder housing includes at least
one input or intake for receiving the consumables within the
container and introduces the consumables to a crushing and grinding
mechanism. The crushing and grinding mechanism includes a plurality
of nip roller pairs that grind the consumables into a rough or
smooth liquid paste or juice. The grinder has one output to output
the paste (rough paste or smooth liquid paste) or juice prepared by
the grinder and does not include an output to output consumable
waste product. In other words, the entire consumable is
outputted.
[0006] In some embodiments, each nip roller pair includes a drive
roller and an idle roller. The roller pairs are arranged between
the at least one input and the at least one output of the grinder.
The distance between drive roller and the idle roller helps
determine the amount of force applied by the nip roller pair during
the crushing and grinding process. In some embodiments, the
distance between the rollers of each roller pair is the same. In
some embodiments, the distance between the rollers of each roller
pair is different. In some embodiments, the user is able to alter
the distance between the rollers of each roller pair by a biasing
mechanism. In some embodiments, the material of the nip rollers in
each roller pair may be cohesive so that small bits/fragments of
the nip roller do not mix in with the ingredients. The material
and/or the surface texture/roughness for the nip rollers may be
smooth and non-porous so as to not absorb or trap the consumables
being ground. In addition, the material and/or the nip roller
surface texture/roughness may be determined according to the
desired friction forces. In some embodiments, only the first
rollers' material may provide high friction forces for crushing the
consumables. In some embodiments, the material and/or the surface
texture/roughness of the rollers of each roller pair is different
in order to apply different friction forces. In some embodiments,
the material and/or the surface texture/roughness of the rollers of
each roller pair is the same.
[0007] In some embodiments, each nip roller in some or all nip
roller pairs rotate at different speeds to generate shear forces in
the crushing and grinding mechanism and to generate different
conveying speeds. Each nip roller in some or all nip roller pair
may have a gear with a diameter different from the other roller in
the pair. A drive system drives both nip rollers and due to the
different gear diameters, each nip roller rotates at a different
speed, thus generating shear forces and different conveying
speeds.
[0008] In some embodiments, each nip roller of each nip roller pair
is activated by a different motor and each motor rotates its
respective nip roller at a different speed. Shear forces are
generated by rotating each nip roller in the pair at different
speeds.
[0009] In some embodiments, the grinder includes a funnel that
gradually introduces the consumables to the plurality of nip
rollers.
[0010] In some embodiments, the grinder includes a valve that
controls the flow of the consumables to the plurality of nip
rollers. In some embodiments, the valve includes a piercer for
piercing a seal of the consumables container. In some embodiments,
the valve moves from a first position to a second position to open
the input to introduce the consumables to the plurality of nip
rollers.
[0011] In some embodiments, the grinder includes a secondary input
for cleaning the crushing and grinding mechanism. The secondary
input may be located in the grinder housing and is orthogonal to
the input.
[0012] In some embodiments, the compact grinder includes an
orientation sensor that determines the orientation of the compact
grinder. The valve opens when the compact grinder tilts more than a
predetermined angle.
[0013] In some embodiments, the compact grinder includes a motor
that drives the plurality of rollers. The motor drives the
plurality of rollers for a predetermined amount of time to produce
a predetermined amount of output.
[0014] Some embodiments are directed to a handheld cold-press
grinder for aquatic plants, the handheld cold-press grinder
including a container containing aquatic plants and a cold-press
grinder with a housing that is removably attachable to the
container, the housing being configured to be received in a user's
hand and the cold-press grinder including an input for receiving
the aquatic plants of the container, a cold-press grinding
mechanism configured to grind the aquatic plants of the container
by applying pressure and shear forces to the aquatic plants, and an
output to output a liquid paste prepared by grinding the
aquatic.
[0015] In some embodiments, the cold-press grinder may have only
has a single output to output the liquid paste.
[0016] In some embodiments, the cold-press grinding mechanism may
include a plurality of nip roller pairs. In some embodiments, the
nip roller pairs are be arranged between the input and the output
of the cold-press grinder. In some embodiments, the distance
between the rollers of each roller pair is the same as the other
roller pairs during a grinding process. In some embodiments, the
distance between the rollers of each roller pair is different than
the other roller pairs during a grinding process. In some
embodiments, one roller of each roller pair is biased by a biasing
member and the biasing member controls the distance between the
rollers of each roller pair.
[0017] In some embodiments, the input of the cold-press grinder may
include a funnel to gradually introduce the aquatic plants of the
container to the cold-press grinding mechanism.
[0018] In some embodiments, the input of the cold-press grinder may
include a valve to control the flow of the aquatic plants of the
container to the cold-press grinding mechanism. In some
embodiments, the valve may include a piercer for piercing a seal of
the container. In some embodiments, the valve may rotate to control
the flow of the aquatic plants of the container to the cold-press
grinding mechanism. In some embodiments, the valve may move from a
first position to a second position to control the flow of the
aquatic plants of the container to the cold-press grinding
mechanism.
[0019] In some embodiments, the cold-press grinding mechanism is
disposed between the input and the output along an aquatic plant
pathway, and a predefined measure of the aquatic plants is conveyed
along the aquatic plant pathway without being crushed or ground by
the cold-press grinding mechanism.
[0020] In some embodiments, a sidewall of the container may have a
contour shape that conforms to the shape of a user's hand.
[0021] In some embodiments, a top of the grinder housing and a
bottom of the container may be adapted to fit within a user's
hand.
[0022] In some embodiments, the handheld cold-press grinder may
include a secondary input, and the secondary input may be disposed
at an angle relative to the input.
[0023] In some embodiments, the handheld cold-press grinder may
include an orientation sensor that detects the orientation of the
handheld grinder and opens a valve when the handheld grinder tilts
more than a predetermined angle.
[0024] In some embodiments, the handheld cold-press grinder may
include a motor that drives the cold-pressed grinding mechanism,
where the motor drives the cold-pressed grinding mechanism for a
predetermined amount of time to produce a predetermined amount of
liquid paste.
[0025] In some embodiments, the cold-press grinding mechanism may
include a plurality of nip roller pairs and the cold-press grinder
may include a motor that drives a plurality of the nip rollers of
the nip roller pairs, where the motor drives the plurality of nip
rollers for a predetermined amount of time to produce a
predetermined amount of liquid paste.
[0026] In some embodiments, the cold-press grinding mechanism may
include a mortar and pestle-like mechanism.
[0027] Some embodiments are directed to a cold-press grinder for
grinding an aquatic plant, the cold-press grinder including a
housing that includes an input, an aquatic plant pathway, and an
output; a valve for controlling the flow of the aquatic plant
through the input; and a cold-press grinding mechanism disposed
between the input and the output along the aquatic plant pathway,
where the cold-press grinding mechanism is configured to grind
aquatic plant by applying pressure and shear forces to the aquatic
plant.
[0028] In some embodiments, the cold-press grinding mechanism may
include a plurality of nip roller pairs.
[0029] In some embodiments, the cold-press grinder may be
detachably attachable to a container that holds the aquatic
plant.
[0030] In some embodiments, the cold-press grinding mechanism may
include a plurality of nip roller pairs and the distance between
the rollers in each roller pair is adjustable before or during a
grinding process.
[0031] In some embodiments, the cold-press grinder may include a
cleaning input separate from the input for introducing a cleaning
solution to clean the cold-press grinding mechanism.
[0032] Some embodiments are directed to a handheld cold-press
grinder including a container and a cold-press grinder that is
removably attachable to the container, the cold-press grinder
including an input for receiving the contents of the container, an
output to output the contents of the container, a content pathway
located between the input and the output, and a plurality of nip
roller pairs located along the content pathway.
[0033] In some embodiments, the distance between the nip rollers of
each nip roller pair may be adjustable by a user.
[0034] In some embodiments, a predefined measure of the contents of
the container are conveyed along the content pathway from the input
of the grinder to the output of the grinder without being crushed
or ground by the plurality of nip roller pairs.
[0035] In some embodiments, the contents of the container are
crushed and ground by the plurality of nip roller pairs to produce
a liquid paste that is outputted through the output.
[0036] In some embodiments, the distance between the nip rollers of
each nip roller pair is adjustable by the user to define the
thickness of the liquid paste produced by the nip roller pairs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS/FIGURES
[0037] Some features herein are illustrated by way of example, and
not by way of limitation, in the accompanying drawings. In the
drawings, like numerals reference similar elements between the
drawings.
[0038] FIG. 1A illustrates a crushing and grinding system for
crushing and grinding consumables according to an embodiment.
[0039] FIG. 1B illustrates a crushing and grinding system that
outputs the consumables as is without crushing or grinding the
consumable according to an embodiment.
[0040] FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic drawing of a grinder
according to an embodiment.
[0041] FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic drawing of a grinder
according to an embodiment.
[0042] FIG. 2C illustrates a schematic drawing of a grinder
according to an embodiment.
[0043] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic drawing of a grinder attached
to a container according to an embodiment.
[0044] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary aquatic plant for grinding
according to an embodiment.
[0045] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic drawing of a grinder attached
to a container with a control valve according to an embodiment.
[0046] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic drawing of a grinder and a
container that are not attached according to an embodiment.
[0047] FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic drawing of a grinder attached
to a container according to an embodiment.
[0048] FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic drawing of a grinder attached
to a container that outputs a paste (rough paste or smooth liquid
paste) according to an embodiment.
[0049] FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic drawing of a grinder in an
open mode attached to a container that outputs consumables in a
substantially unaltered manner.
[0050] FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic drawing of a grinder
attached to a container that outputs consumables as a paste (rough
paste or smooth liquid paste).
[0051] FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic drawing of a grinder
attached to a container with a valve acting as a consumable valve
to guide consumables to an input according to an embodiment.
[0052] FIG. 12 illustrates rotational movement of a consumable
valve according to an embodiment.
[0053] FIG. 13 illustrates translational movement of a consumable
valve according to an embodiment.
[0054] FIG. 14 illustrates a secondary input for cleaning a
grinding system according to an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0055] The present inventions will now be described in detail with
reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying
drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to indicate
identical or functionally similar elements. References to "one
embodiment", "an embodiment", "an example embodiment", etc.,
indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not
necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or
characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily
referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection
with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge
of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or
characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not
explicitly described.
[0056] The following examples are illustrative, but not limiting,
of the present inventions. Other suitable modifications and
adaptations of the variety of conditions and parameters normally
encountered in the field, and which would be apparent to those
skilled in the art, are within the spirit and scope of the
inventions.
[0057] In order to meet the demand for nutritious foods, convenient
devices and methods for preparing and consuming these foods are
needed. Nutritious food preparations should be based on
methodologies that preserve nutrients content and activity as much
as possible, e.g. cold pressed grinding using pestle and a mortar,
at minimal processed steps for immediate/quick use and consumption.
A handheld grinding system 100 provides for efficient juicing and
grinding of fruits, vegetables, seeds (e.g., cereals and legumes)
and/or aquatic plants. Grinding refers to crushing, mashing, etc.,
of the consumable whereas juicing refers to extracting, e.g.,
squeezing, the natural liquid of a consumable. In one embodiment
grinding system 100 may include a container 110 for holding and
storing the consumable and a grinder 120 for juicing and/or
grinding the consumable to a desired consumable grinding or juicing
state. Grinding system 100 may be particularly useful for use with
consumables that produce little or no non-consumable waste during
the grinding process.
[0058] Grinder 120 may be a cold-press grinder including a
cold-press grinding mechanism configured to grind a consumable in
container 110 by applying pressure and shear forces to the
consumable. The pressure and shear forces applied by the cold-press
grinding mechanism may turn the consumable to a liquid paste that
is dispensed from an output of handheld grinding system 100.
Cold-press grinding mechanism of grinder 120 may include nip roller
pairs, a grinding stone, toothed grinding wheels, a mortar and
pestle or mortar and pestle-like mechanism, or other types of
cold-press mechanisms for applying pressure and shear forces to a
consumable.
[0059] The cold-press grinding mechanism of grinder 120 may be
devoid of blades or other cutting mechanisms for grinding a
consumable. Rather than apply cutting forces, the cold-press
grinding mechanism of grinder 120 applies pressure and shear forces
to grind a consumable. The pressure and shear forces crush the
consumable rather than cut or chop it into pieces. The combination
of pressure and shear forces applied by the cold-press grinding
mechanism converts a consumable to a liquid paste while
simultaneously moving the consumable through the cold-press
grinding mechanism and towards an output of handheld grinding
system 100. In some embodiments, the cold-press mechanism may
define all or a portion of a content pathway between the input and
output of grinder 120 for conveying consumable from the input to
the output. Also, the cold-press grinding mechanism of grinder 120
may function to turn a consumable to a liquid paste without the
addition of an external fluid, such as water, while the intrinsic
water content of the consumable being ground by the cold-press
grinding mechanism defines the water content of the liquid paste
created by the cold-press grinding mechanism.
[0060] FIG. 1A illustrates grinding system 100 for juicing and/or
grinding various consumables, such as fruits, vegetables, and/or
aquatic plants according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In one embodiment, grinding system 100 may provide portable,
on-demand, easy to use, crushing and pressing (i.e., hydraulic
press) grinding. Grinding system 100 may include container 110
(e.g., a bottle) for holding and storing the consumables and
grinder 120 attaches to container 110. Container 110 and grinder
120 may be separate components that may be removably attached or
may be integrally connected to each other. Container 110 includes
an opening near the top of container 110 for placing and storing
various types of consumables within container 110. Grinder 120 may
remain attached and kept on container 110 until all of the
consumables within container 110 have been processed by grinder
120. Alternatively, container 110 may have a separate lid (not
shown) for storing the consumables when grinder 120 is not attached
to container 110. User may have multiple containers 110, each with
a different type of consumable within. Alternately, the user may
remove grinder 120 from one container 110 and attach grinder 120 to
a different container 110. The separate lid may help preserve the
consumables when grinder 120 is not attached.
[0061] Grinder 120 is adapted to crush and/or grind the consumables
within container 110 into a paste (rough paste or smooth liquid
paste) or juice 130 and output paste (rough paste or smooth liquid
paste) or juice 130 for consumption. Alternatively, the consumables
within container 110 may be outputted "as is," as illustrated in
FIG. 1B, without processing the consumables with grinder 120.
[0062] Grinder 120 may use various methods to crush and grind the
consumables. For example, grinder 120 may use cold pressure, a
hydraulic press, squeezing forces, pestle and mortar forces, and
nip rollers to comminute, mix, and homogenize the consumables. The
use of cold pressure preserves the fresh taste and original
nutrients of the consumable, e.g. fruits, vegetables, and/or
aquatic plants, and limits the creation of undesirable heat in the
grinding process. Consumables may be outputted directly from
grinder 120 into a cup, glass, or another container. In one
embodiment, the user may combine the outputted paste (rough paste
or smooth liquid paste) or juice 130 with another product.
[0063] Grinder 120 may seal the consumables within container 110
when grinder 120 is attached to container 110. The seal preserves
the freshness of the consumables and keeps the consumables hygienic
within container 110. The seal also prevents leaks during the
grinding process. For example, when grinding system 100 is turned
upside down, gravity leads the consumables within the container to
grinder 120. The mechanical seal between container 110 and grinder
120 may prevent or limit the consumables from leaking out of
grinding system 100 when grinding system 100 is turned upside
down.
[0064] According to one embodiment, grinding system 100 is
configured to fit into a palm of a user's hand. For example, a
length between the top of grinder 120 and the bottom of container
110 fits within an average length of a user's hand. Since the
entire grinding system 100 easily fits into the palm of the user's
hand, grinding system 100 is portable, enabling the user to take
grinding system 100 in a bag on the go.
[0065] In addition, container 110 may be ergonomically shaped to
fit within the user's hand. For example, the sides of container 110
may have a contoured shape that bulges 112 toward the bottom of
container 110. Grinder 120 includes a housing 200 that may be
ergonomically shaped to fit within the user's hand. For example, a
top surface 122 of grinder housing 200 may have a semi-circular arc
that allows the user's figures to grasp grinder 120. The top of
grinder housing 200 may include various controls for controlling
grinder 120 that may be manipulated by the user while the user
grips grinding system 100.
[0066] Grinding system 100 may process various kinds of
consumables. For example, grinding system may grind vegetables,
fruit, seeds, aquatic plants (e.g., marine or fresh water), or a
variety of other nutritious consumables. Examples of aquatic plants
that may be ground by grinding system 100 include, but are not
limited to, algae, Spirodela, Landoltia, Lemna, Wolffiella,
Wolffia, or any plant from the Lamnaceae (duckweed) family. For
example, Khai-Nam is a type of aquatic plant in which the entire
plant may be consumed as a whole and does not have waste products
(e.g., husks, pulp, rind, chaff, etc.). In one embodiment, grinder
120 only has at least one output 140 for outputting paste (rough
paste or smooth liquid paste) 130. Grinder 120, however, does not
have an output for outputting waste products of the consumables so
the entire consumable is used in the grinding process. Accordingly,
there is no need for a second output to output undesirable waste
product such as husks, pulp, rind, chaff, etc. as no waste products
are produced. In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG.
1A, grinder 120 has a single output 140 for outputting paste
130.
[0067] FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of grinder 120
with grinder housing 200. Grinder housing 200 houses all of the
mechanical and electrical components of grinder 120. As described
previously, the outer shape of grinder housing 200 may be contoured
so that grinder housing 200 may ergonomically fit within the user's
hand.
[0068] In one embodiment, attachment mechanism 210 attaches grinder
housing 200 to container 110 to provide a mechanical connection
between grinder 120 and container 110. Various types of attachment
mechanisms 210 may be used. Examples of attachment mechanisms 210
may include a press fit between grinder housing 200 and container
110, a lighting-type or swing-type closure, corresponding threads
between grinder housing 200 and container 110 to provide a threaded
engagement, and other suitable attachment mechanisms. Container 110
may have external threads or internal threads in a neck region of
container 110 that correspond with internal or external threads of
grinder housing 200. For example, FIG. 3 illustrates container 110
with external threads in a neck region of container 110. As
described previously, attachment mechanism 210 may include a
mechanical seal 212 that seals container 110 and grinder 120 and
preserves the consumables within container 110 and prevents the
consumables from leaking out of container 110. In one embodiment,
seal 212 may include O-ring or gasket or similar component.
[0069] The grinding process includes introducing the consumables
within container 110 to grinder 120. In one embodiment, the
grinding process may be accomplished by turning grinding system 100
upside down and drawing the consumables in container 110 to an
input or intake 220 in grinder housing 200 by gravity. Once the
consumables enter input 220, they follow a consumable flow path 240
and are processed by a grinding mechanism 230. As described
previously, grinder 120 may employ a variety of different kinds of
methods to crush or grind the consumables. After the consumables
are crushed, the consumables exit the grinder 120 through at least
one output 140. Consumable flow path 240 may be a straight path
from input 220 to at least one output 140. Alternatively,
consumable flow path 240 may be curved or may have a slight incline
to help the flow of the grinding process.
[0070] Grinder 120 may have one or more inputs or intakes for
introducing the consumables within container 110 to grinding
mechanism 230. For illustration purposes only, a single input is
shown in FIG. 2A; however, grinder housing 200 may define multiple
inputs. Input 220 is an opening in a bottom surface 202 of grinder
housing 200. Bottom surface 202 may be recessed into grinder
housing 200 in order to provide space for attachment mechanism 210.
Input 220 may further include a valve 222 that seals input 220 and
prevents consumables from entering input 220 until valve 222 is
opened. Once valve 222 is opened, valve 222 meters the consumables
through input 220 and introduces the consumables to consumable flow
path 240. The opening and closing of valve 222 controls the start
and stop of the grinding process and may be controlled by the user.
Input 220 may further include a funnel 224 that further helps meter
the flow of the consumables along consumable flow path 240 by
gradually introducing the consumables to grinding mechanism 230.
When the user has finished grinding the consumables, valve 222 may
be closed to prevent further consumables from entering consumable
flow path 240.
[0071] In accordance with one embodiment, grinding mechanism 230
may provide a cold press grinding process. In one embodiment,
grinding mechanism 230 may include a plurality of nip rollers for
grinding, crushing, and squashing the consumables to the desired
output, even to a very homogenized smooth liquid mash. Grinding
mechanism 230 may include a desired combination of nip rollers for
providing an efficient grinding process. In one embodiment,
grinding mechanism 230 includes a plurality of nip rollers R1, R2,
R3, R4, R5, and R6 that are used for squeezing and crushing the
consumables. Nip rollers R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 are paired into
nip roller pairs P1, P2, and P3 that are arranged in series. Roller
pair P1 includes nip rollers R1 and R2, roller pair P2 includes nip
rollers R3 and R4, and nip roller pair P3 includes nip rollers R5
and R6. Nip roller pairs P1, P2, and P3 generate pressing forces
and tangential forces to grind the consumables into a liquefied
paste (rough paste or smooth liquid paste) 130, while still
preserving the nutrients. Nip rollers R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6,
may have a circular cross-section and may extend the width of
grinder housing 200. In some embodiments, the larger the width of
the nip rollers the higher grinding capacity of the nip rollers to
process the consumables and output a very smooth and homogenized
liquid paste.
[0072] The consumables may pass through a series a nip roller pairs
P1, P2, and P3 that sequentially grind the consumables into a finer
and finer smooth and homogenized liquid paste 130 along consumable
flow path 240. First roller pair P1 may be located next to input
220 and last roller pair P3 may be located next to at least one
output 140. FIG. 2A illustrates three roller pairs P1, P2, and P3,
but the present disclosure is not so limited, and there may be more
or less than three roller pairs.
[0073] The arrangement of nip roller pairs may be configured to
increase the amount of consumables processed or increase the speed
at which consumables are processed. In one embodiment, an
additional set of roller pairs may be used in parallel with the
first set of roller pairs. Each set of roller pairs may have its
own input for introducing the consumables to each set of roller
pairs. In this manner, the amount of consumables processed and the
speed at which they are processed is increased.
[0074] In one embodiment, each roller pair P1, P2, and P3 has a
drive roller and an idle roller. For example, the drive rollers in
FIG. 2A are R1, R3, and R5 and idle rollers are R2, R4, and R6.
Drive rollers R1, R3, and R5 are driven by a drive system 250 that
is powered by a motor 260. Motor 260 powers drive system 250 to
rotate drive rollers R1, R3, and R5. Each drive roller R1, R3, and
R5 may be separately connected to motor 260 or may be connected to
another drive roller. For example, FIG. 2A illustrates drive
rollers R1 and R3 separately connected to motor 260 with a drive
belt, and drive roller R5 is directly connected to driver roller R3
with a different drive belt. Drive rollers R1, R3, and R5 drive
idle rollers R2, R4, and R6 by friction. Accordingly, idle rollers
R2, R4, and R6 need to be within a predetermined distance from
drive rollers R1, R3, and R5 to enable drive rollers R1, R3, and R5
to drive idle rollers R2, R4, and R6. Drive rollers R1, R3, and R5
rotate in one direction (e.g., clockwise) and the idle rollers R2,
R4, and R6 rotate the opposite direction (e.g., counter-clockwise)
during the grinding process.
[0075] Drive system 250 may include a belt, a v-belt, a timing
belt, a chain, gears, etc., to attach driver rollers R1, R3, and R5
to motor 260. Motor 260 may be powered by a power source 270. Power
source 270 may be a DC power source or an AC power source. For
example, in one embodiment power source 270 may include a DC
battery that enables grinder 120 to be portable and allows the user
to take grinding system with them on the go. In another embodiment,
an external power source may be connected to the motor 260 by an
external power cord to power motor 260.
[0076] In one embodiment, each nip roller in each nip roller pair
P1, P2, and P3 rotates at different speeds to generate shear forces
in grinding mechanism 230 and to generate different conveying
speeds. FIG. 2B illustrates the nip rollers of each nip roller pair
P1, P2, and P3 with different sized gears. For example, nip rollers
R2, R4, and R6, have a gear G1 with a first diameter and nip
rollers R1, R3, and R5 have a gear G2 with a second diameter,
different from the first diameter. Each nip roller pair P1, P2, and
P3 is connected to each other by multiple drive belts 252. Motor
260 powers drive system 250 which rotates nip rollers R1, R3, and
R5. The rotation of nip rollers R1, R3, and R5 rotates nip rollers
R2, R4, and R6. The difference in diameter size between G1 and G2
enables the nip rollers in each nip roller pair P1, P2, and P3 to
rotate at different speeds.
[0077] In another embodiment, the gear diameters for nip rollers
R1, R3, and R5 may be different to provide different speed
differentials between nip roller pairs. Similarly, the gear
diameters for nip rollers R2, R4, and R6 may be different.
Accordingly, each nip roller in each nip roller pair P1, P2, and P3
may rotate at different speed differentials to generate differing
amounts of shear forces to help crush and grind the consumables and
to generate different conveying speeds.
[0078] In one embodiment, each nip roller in each nip roller pair
P1, P2, and P3 rotates at different speeds to generate shear forces
in grinder mechanism 230. This may be accomplished by activating
each nip roller in each nip roller pair with a different motor.
FIG. 2C illustrates two motors 260 and 262. Motor 260 rotates nip
rollers R1, R3, and R5 at a first predetermined speed. Motor 262
rotates nip rollers R2, R4, and R6 by drive system 254 at a second
predetermined speed different from the first predetermine speed of
nip roller R1, R3, and R5. Accordingly, the speed differential
between each nip roller of each nip roller pair P1, P2, and P3
generates shear forces to help crush and grind the consumables and
to generate different conveying speeds.
[0079] A combination of the above noted features, such as, multiple
motors, different sized gears, and multiple drive systems may be
used to generate the desired shear forces to help crush and grind
the consumables in grinding mechanism 230.
[0080] A motor 260 may be utilized to drive any type of cold-press
grinding mechanism discussed herein. Motor 260 may drive one or
more components of a cold-press grinding mechanism for applying
pressure and shear forces to a consumable. For example, motor 260
may drive a component of a cold-press grinding mechanism including
a grinding stone, toothed grinding wheels, or a mortar and pestle
or mortar and pestle-like mechanism.
[0081] Nip rollers may comprise one or more different materials.
For example, nip rollers may comprise elastomers, plastic,
aluminum, or a combination thereof. Each nip roller may comprise
the same material or may comprise different materials. The nip
roller material may affect the amount of pressure that is applied
by the nip rollers during the crushing and grinding process. For
example, a material with a larger Vickers hardness may apply a
larger force during the grinding process than a material with a
smaller Vickers harness. The materials for each nip roller pair P1,
P2, and P3 may also vary in series. For example, roller pair P3 may
be fabricated from the hardest material compared to the other
roller pairs P1 and P2 so that roller pair P3 may apply the most
force to the consumables right before the consumables are
outputted. Alternatively, roller pair P1 may be fabricated from the
hardest material compared to the other roller pairs P2 and P3 so
that roller pair P1 may apply the most force to the consumables
right as the consumables enter consumable flow path 240. The nip
rollers R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 may have different surface
roughness it could be very smooth surface or even knurled. In one
embodiment, roller pairs P1, P2, and P3 may be arranged in a manner
to grind and crush Khai-Nam. First roller pair P1 may be designed
to break the consumable structure and tissue. Second roller pair P2
may be designed to grind the consumable to tiny particles. Third
roller pair P3 may be designed to crush the consumable to the
desired homogenous mash. Accordingly, different materials and
surface roughness may be selected for the desired friction force
for each roller pair, and the nip rollers may be arranged
accordingly to add the shear forces and/or pressure forces needed
for each step.
[0082] FIG. 3 illustrates grinder 120 attached to container 110
with an aquatic plant 300, such as Khai-Nam (illustrated in FIG.
4), being processed by grinding mechanism 230. Grinding system 100
is turned upside down and aquatic plant 300 passes through funnel
224 of input 220. The series of nip roller pairs P1, P2, and P3
grind aquatic plant 300 and resultant paste (rough paste or smooth
liquid paste) 130 is outputted through at least one output 140. In
some embodiments, aquatic plant 300 itself may act as a lubricant
for nip rollers. Further, FIG. 3 illustrates grinding system 100
without valve 222.
[0083] FIG. 5 illustrates a control valve 500 that allows the user
to regulate the serving size by regulating the operation duration
(e.g., the amount of time motor 260 powers grinding mechanism 230).
Control valve 500 may include various settings to enable the user
to select the amount of time motor 260 powers grinding mechanism
230, which determines the amount of paste (rough paste or smooth
liquid paste) 130 produced. For example, control valve 500 may
include short, medium, and long duration settings. For example, the
short duration setting may last for 1 minute, medium duration
setting may last for 2 minutes and long duration setting may last
for 3 minutes.
[0084] FIGS. 6-8 illustrate the process of using grinding system
100. FIG. 6 illustrates container 110 with consumables already
within. The consumables may be placed in container 110 by the user
or the user may purchase a pre-sealed container 110 with
consumables within. For example, pre-sealed container 110 may have
a foil seal 600 that preserves the freshness and quality of
consumables within.
[0085] FIG. 7 illustrates grinder 120 attached to container 110. As
discussed previously, when grinder 120 is attached to container
110, mechanical seal 212 is created between grinder 120 and
container 110 which prevents the consumables from leaking out of
container 110.
[0086] Valve 222 may serve as a piercer for piercing an opening in
foil seal 600. Valve 222 may be shaped to form an apex to pierce
foil seal 600 as grinder housing 200 is attached to container 110.
In addition, grinder 120 may also form a vacuum seal between
grinder 120 and container 110 to preserve the consumables within
container 110.
[0087] After grinder 120 has been attached to container 110, the
user may begin the grinding process. For example, as illustrated in
FIG. 8, the user may turn grinding system 100 upside down. Once
grinding system 100 is upside down, gravity pulls and guides the
consumables toward input 220. To begin the grinding process, the
user opens valve 222 and gravity leads the consumables through
funnel 224 of input 220. Funnel 224 gradually meters the flow of
the consumables to grinding mechanism 230 where the plurality of
nip rollers R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 grind the consumables into
paste (rough paste or smooth liquid paste) 130.
[0088] Valve 222 may be opened by user actuation or automatically.
In one embodiment, the user may actuate a button 800 to open valve
222 which moves valve 222 in a first direction A1. Valve 222 may
remain open until user releases button 800 or presses button 800
again, which closes valve 222. Valve 222 closes by moving in the
opposite direction and returns to its original closed position.
Grinding duration (i.e., the time valve 222 is open) may be
previously set by the user (i.e., control valve) for a
predetermined amount of time.
[0089] Setting a grinding duration for a predetermined amount of
time may produce consistent, repeatable dispensing of a desired
amount of consumable. For example, a grinding duration set at a
predetermined amount of time may consistently and repeatedly
dispense a predetermined amount of consumable, such as a specific
volume of liquid paste. As a non-limiting example, a grinding
duration may be set at a predetermined amount of time to dispense a
predetermined number of ounces of liquid paste, for example, one
ounce of liquid paste. Upon actuation of valve 222, valve 222 may
remain open and the grinding operation may occur for the
predetermined amount of time to dispense the predetermined amount
of consumable. Exemplary predetermined amounts of time include, but
are not limited to, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds,
or within any range having any two of these values as endpoints. In
some embodiments, the predetermined amount of time may be at least
5 seconds, 10 seconds, 20 seconds, or 30 seconds.
[0090] In another embodiment, the operation of valve 222 may be
based upon the orientation of grinding system 100. For example,
grinder 120 may include a sensor 810 for determining the current
orientation of grinding system 100. For example, sensor 810 may be
an accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, gravitational sensor, or
any other suitable mechanism for determining the orientation of
grinding system 100. When grinder 120 is upright (e.g., grinder 120
is vertically oriented above container 110), or only partially
tilted (e.g., the angle between the grinding system and the
horizontal is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90.degree.),
valve 222 remains closed. When grinding system 100 is upside down
or tilted to a predetermined angle (e.g., grinding system 100 is
tilted more than 90.degree.), valve 222 opens, thus enabling the
grinding process to begin. In this manner, the user does not need
to take additional active steps to begin the grinding process other
than tilting grinding system 100 a predetermined angle to open
valve 222. The user may close valve 222 by tilting grinding system
100 to less than the predetermined angle (e.g., less than
90.degree.).
[0091] In another embodiment, grinder 120 may further include a
valve lock to lock valve 222 in a closed position so that valve 222
does not open accidentally. For example, if the user places
grinding system 100 in a bag that may cause the orientation of
grinding system 100 to change during transit, valve lock may lock
valve 222 in a closed position to prevent spills.
[0092] As discussed previously, the distance between the drive
roller R1, R3, and R5 and the idle roller R2, R4, and R6 of each
roller pair P1, P2, and P3, determines the amount of force applied
to the consumables by nip roller pairs P1, P2, and P3 during the
grinding process. The distance between the drive roller R1, R3, and
R5 and the idle roller R2, R4, and R6 may be established during the
manufacturing process or may be regulated by the user before
use.
[0093] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a loading mechanism or biasing
mechanism 900 for adjusting the distance between drive rollers R1,
R3, and R5 and idle rollers R2, R4, and R6. Drive rollers R1, R3,
and R5 may be fixed in a predetermined location within grinder
housing 200. The position of idle rollers R2, R4, and R6 may be
adjusted to alter the distance between drive rollers R1, R3, and R5
and idle rollers R2, R4, and R6. Each idle roller R2, R4, and R6
may be connected to a biasing member 902, 904, and 906 that adjusts
the position of idle roller R2, R4, and R6 and thereby alters the
distance between the drive roller R1, R3, and R5 and the idle
roller R1, R3, and R5. Biasing members 902, 904, and 906 may be a
spring, elastic strap or other similar device.
[0094] Loading 900 may have various settings for adjusting the
distance or the load between the driver rollers R1, R3, and R5 and
idle rollers R2, R4, and R6. A first setting of loading mechanism
900 may be a maximum distance D1 between drive rollers R1, R3, and
R5 and idle rollers R2, R4, and R6, as illustrated by FIG. 9. When
the distance between drive rollers R1, R3, and R5 and idle rollers
R2, R4, and R6 is at a maximum, no force or a minimal amount of
force is applied to the consumables by the nip rollers during the
grinding process. In this manner, the consumables receive little to
no processing and grinder 120 outputs the consumables in a
substantially unaltered state, i.e., "as is," as illustrated in
FIG. 1B. This setting may be beneficial if the user desires little
processing to the original consumables. For example, certain
aquatic plants, such as, Khai-Nam, may be consumed with no
processing.
[0095] A second setting of loading mechanism 900 may be a minimum
distance D2 between the drive roller R1, R3, and R5 and idle
rollers R2, R4, and R6, as illustrated by FIG. 10. When the
distance between drive rollers R1, R3, and R5 and idle rollers R2,
R4, and R6 is at a minimum, a maximum amount of force is applied to
the consumables by the nip rollers during the grinding process. In
this manner, the consumables are processed to a paste 130 of
different thicknesses (rough paste or smooth liquid paste).
[0096] In another embodiment, loading mechanism 900 may further
include additional settings between the maximum and minimum
settings discussed. These additional settings allow the user to
select a force less than the maximum force to be used, but still
enable grinding mechanism 230 to grind the consumables to the
user's preferred consistency.
[0097] Loading mechanism 900 may also affect the position of each
idle roller R2, R4, and R6 differently. For example, the distance
between the drive roller and the idle roller of each roller pair
P1, P2, and P3 may be different from each other. In one embodiment,
the distance for roller pair P1 may be the greater than roller
pairs P2 and P3 and the distance for roller pair P3 may be the
smaller than roller pairs P1 and P2. In this manner, roller pairs
P1, P2, and P3 may also act as a secondary funnel for the
consumables to at least one output 140.
[0098] FIG. 11 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of grinding
system 100 in which valve 222 may also function as a consumable
valve to force and guide the consumables to input 220. Valve 222
opens when it moves in first direction A1 and allows the
consumables to enter consumable flow path 240. The consumables flow
around valve 222 as illustrated by arrows A2 and A3. Some
consumables used in grinding system 100 may have a tendency to
adhere or clump together. For example, some aquatic plants, such as
Khai-Nam, tend to adhere together in aggregate, which may slow the
grinding process. Accordingly, valve 222 may move in such manner as
to break up the aggregate so that the consumables may flow more
easily through consumable flow path 240.
[0099] FIG. 12 illustrates exemplary rotational movement of valve
222 acting as a consumable valve. When the grinding process beings,
valve 222 opens input 220 and allows the flow of the consumables to
consumable flow path 240. Once valve 222 opens, valve 222 may begin
to rotate about axis AX1 of valve 222. The rotation of valve 222
helps break up the aggregate as the aggregate come in contact with
valve 222.
[0100] FIG. 13 illustrates another exemplary translational movement
of valve 222 acting as a consumable valve. When the grinding
process begins, valve 222 opens input 220 to allow the flow of the
consumables to consumable flow path 240. Once valve 222 opens,
valve 222 may begin to move back and forth along direction A1.
Valve 222 does not return to its original closed position, but
valve 222 may move a portion of the distance back to its original
closed position. This reciprocating movement causes valve 222 to
function as a sort of hammer to break up the clumps as the come in
contact with valve 222. Any type of rotational movement,
translational movement, reciprocal movement, or combination
thereof, may be employed by valve 222 to help break up the clumps
of the consumables. For example, the rotational movement of valve
222 of FIG. 12 may be used in combination with the reciprocating
movement of FIG. 13.
[0101] Grinder 120 may be cleaned in a variety of different
manners. For example, a cleaning solution, such as water, may be
placed in container 110, and the user may use grinding system 100
in normal operation. For example, valve 222 opens and allows the
water to pass through grinding mechanism 230 along consumable flow
path 240 to clean consumable flow path 240.
[0102] In one embodiment, if container 110 contains consumables for
later grinding, grinder 120 may further include a secondary input
1400 for cleaning purposes. FIG. 14 illustrates secondary input
1400 that is located on a sidewall of grinder 120. Secondary input
1400 is connected to a cleaning flow path 1410 that is orthogonal
to consumable flow path 240. Cleaning flow path 1410 connects to
consumable flow path 240 and enables the cleaning solution, such as
water, to easily pass through cleaning flow path 1410 and access
consumable flow path 240. Valve 222 remains closed so that
consumables do not enter the flow path during cleaning. For
example, valve 222 may be locked in a closed position to prevent
valve 222 from opening. The user may pour the cleaning solution
into secondary input 1400 and cleaning solution flushes consumable
flow path 240 and the cleaning solution exits at least one output
140. Accordingly, the user may clean consumable flow path 240 when
consumables are within container 110, thus enabling the user to
clean grinder 120 after each use without removing grinder 120 from
container 110.
[0103] Secondary input 1400 may be disposed at an angle relative to
input 220 of a grinder. In other words, secondary input 1400 may
not be disposed parallel to input 220. In some embodiments,
secondary input 1400 may be disposed at an angle between 30 degrees
and 150 degrees relative to input 200. In some embodiments,
secondary input 220 may be disposed orthogonal to input 220 (i.e.,
at a 90-degree angle).
[0104] Grinding system 100 is designed to enable a user to enjoy
portable grinding on the go at their own convenience. As described
previously, grinding system 100 includes grinder 120 and container
110. Grinder 120 may be able to attach to a variety of different
sized containers, offering the user container variety. The size of
grinding system 100 is dependent on the size of container 110.
Grinding system 100 is designed to fit within the palm of an
average's user hand which makes grinding system 100 easy to use.
Since grinding system 100 fits in the average's user hand, the
amount of paste (rough paste or smooth liquid paste) prepared by a
handheld container may be limited. However, larger batches of paste
(rough paste or smooth liquid paste) may be processed by using a
larger container and gripping grinding system 100 with both
hands.
[0105] Each container 110 may have its own lid. Grinder 120 may be
exchanged from one container to another container. The user may
also place their own consumables, (e.g., fruits, vegetables,
aquatic plants, etc.) in container 110 for grinding or the user may
simply buy a pre-prepared container that already has consumables
inside. The pre-prepared containers may be sealed by foil seal 600,
as discussed in FIG. 6. Foil seal 600 preserves the freshness of
consumables within the container.
[0106] Grinding system 100 may be powered by a portable power
source, such as a rechargeable battery. Since grinder 120 is
powered by a battery, the user may take grinding system on the go
enabling the user to paste (to a rough paste or smooth liquid
paste) wherever they want.
[0107] The removable attachment of grinder 120 to container 110
means that grinder 120 may serve as a multiuse removable lid for
container 110. In other words, grinder 120 may be a lid for
container 110 that is configured to grind consumables held within
container 110 as discussed herein. In some embodiments, containers
110 may be pre-packaged and sealed containers holding consumables.
In some cases, a consumer may purchase a grinder 120 that serves a
lid for one or more pre-packaged containers 110 purchased online or
at a store. Grinder 120 may be removably attached to pre-packaged
containers 110 in succession. For example, once all the consumables
of a first container 110 have been exhausted, grinder 120 may be
removed from the first container 110 and removably attached to a
second container 110 for grinding and dispensing of consumables
from the second container 110 until those consumables are
exhausted, and so on. The replaceable nature of containers 110
allows a consumer to purchase a single grinder 120 for use on
multiple containers 110. After purchasing a grinder 120, a consumer
may purchase containers 110 for use with grinder 120. In some
embodiments, a grinder 120 and one or more containers 110 may be
purchased as a set. In some embodiments, grinder 120 and
container(s) 110 may be purchased separately.
[0108] It is to be appreciated that the Detailed Description
section, and not the Summary and Abstract sections, is intended to
be used to interpret the claims. The Summary and Abstract sections
may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the
present invention as contemplated by the inventors, and thus, are
not intended to limit the present invention and the appended claims
in any way.
[0109] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will
so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others
can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily
modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific
embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from
the general concept of the present invention. Therefore, such
adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning
and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the
teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that
the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of
description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or
phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by
the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance.
[0110] The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be
limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but
should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and
their equivalents.
* * * * *