WO2019152934A2

WO2019152934A2 - Methods, systems, and devices for packaging inhalable consumables and subscription models

Info

Publication number: WO2019152934A2
Application number: PCT/US2019/016527
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jason HARDI
Original assignee: Madison Project
Current assignee: Madison Project
Priority date: 2018-02-02
Filing date: 2019-02-04
Publication date: 2019-08-08
Anticipated expiration: 2020-08-02
Also published as: WO2019152934A3

Abstract

A consumables packing device can include a local console that can be configured to accept authorization from a local user of the consumables packing device to enable use thereof. A processor circuit can be configured to be operatively coupled to the local console, and configured to execute instructions for coordinated operation of the consumables packing device. A customizable grinder can be configured to receive consumables and output ground consumables having adjustable fineness under control of the processor circuit based on input to the consumables packing device. A packaging system can be configured to insert the ground consumables into a consumables package under control of the processor circuit to provide a packaged inhalable including the ground consumables. A network interface can be configured to operatively couple a remote consumables provider to the consumables packing device to monitor operation of the consumables packing device and a consumables selector operatively coupled to the customizable grinder and to the processor circuit, the consumables selector configured to select respective ones of the consumables to the customizable grinder.

Description

METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND DEVICES FOR PACKAGING INHALABLE

CONSUMABLES AND SUBSCRIPTION MODELS

CLAIM FOR PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/625,604, filed February 2, 2018, entitled Methods, Systems, and Devices for Packaging Inhalable

Consumables and Subscription Models , the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

SUMMARY

[0002] Embodiments according to the invention can provide methods, systems, and devices for packaging inhalable consumables and subscription models. Pursuant to these embodiments, a consumables packing device can include a local console that can be configured to accept authorization from a local user of the consumables packing device to enable use thereof. A processor circuit can be configured to be operatively coupled to the local console, and configured to execute instructions for coordinated operation of the consumables packing device. A customizable grinder can be configured to receive consumables and output ground consumables having adjustable fineness under control of the processor circuit based on input to the

consumables packing device. A packaging system can be configured to insert the ground consumables into a consumables package under control of the processor circuit to provide a packaged inhalable including the ground consumables. A network interface can be configured to operatively couple a remote consumables provider to the consumables packing device to monitor operation of the consumables packing device and a consumables selector operatively coupled to the customizable grinder and to the processor circuit, the consumables selector configured to select respective ones of the consumables to the customizable grinder.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a Consumables System that allows a local user to operate a Consumables Packaging Device to package replenishable inhalables for consumption in some embodiments according to the invention.

[0004] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the Consumables Packaging Device 105 in some embodiments according to the invention. [0005] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of different embodiments of the packaging materials that can be provided to the Packaging System for packaging of the consumables in some embodiments according to the invention.

[0006] Figure 4 is a schematic representation of another embodiment wherein the sheets are individualized as pre-rolled tubes that are provided in a dispenser such as a Carousel which can be provided by the Consumables Provider in some embodiments according to the invention.

[0007] Figure 5 is a schematic representation of different embodiments of the Packaging System in some embodiments according to the invention.

[0008] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a Consumables Packaging Device in some embodiments according to the invention.

[0009] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a tube configured to store consumables in some embodiments according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION

[0010] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The disclosure may, however, be exemplified in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the specific exemplary embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0011] As described herein in greater detail, Figure 1 is a block diagram of a Consumables System that allows a local user to operate a Consumables Packaging Device to package replenishable inhalables for consumption in some embodiments according to the invention. According to Figure 1, the Consumables System 100 includes a Consumables Packaging Device 105 that is coupled to a Network 120 (such as the Internet). The Network 120 can provide connectivity between the Consumables Packaging Device 105 and a plurality of service providers such as a Consumables Provider 130 and a Medical service provider 125. It will be understood that the Consumables Provider 130 can provide information regarding consumable materials (such as Tobacco, marijuana, and other inhalable products) to the local user via an electronic interface that is enabled by the Consumables Packaging Device 105 and/or via a remote application such as an application that operates on a mobile electronic Device (i.e. a mobile app) and can allow remote operation of the device 105.

[0012] The Consumables Provider 130 can provide inhalable consumables (via for example ground shipping to the local user) in response to a request from the mobile app on the Mobile Device 106 and/or via an automatic request from the Consumables Packaging Device 105 via the Network 120. For example, in some embodiments according to the invention, the Consumables Packaging Device may monitor the state of consumables available to the Device 105 and may request a replenishment of the consumables via and automatic request to the Consumables Provider 130 via the Network 120. In some embodiments according to the invention, the Consumables Packaging Device 105 can be equipped with a threshold level that is set via the mobile app, for example, wherein the Consumables Packaging Device 105 automatically requests a replenishment of consumable materials from the Consumables Provider 130 when the threshold is reached. In still other embodiments according to the invention, the Consumables Provider 130 may periodically provide replenishment of the consumables on a calendar basis (i.e. such as for example once a month or other periodic timing). It will be understood that the inhalable consumables can include tobacco, marijuana, and other inhalable products and supplies used to package the inhalable consumables, such as paper in various form factors. In some embodiments, the available consumables provided by the Consumables Provider 130 can include a curated selection or recommendations based on data associated with the user.

[0013] The Consumables Packaging Device 105 may be also in communication with the Medical service provider 125 to provide consumables in response to authorization or under the supervision of the Medical service provider 125. For example, in some embodiments according to the invention, the local user may be authorized to generate the consumables locally only upon authorization by the Medical service provider 125 (e.g., when operating under a doctor's supervision or under a prescription). For example, in operation, the local user may provide the Consumables Packaging Device 105 with identification that uniquely identifies the user as that person under the care of the Medical service provider 125 whereupon the Medical service provider 125 can authorize the dispensing of consumables by the Consumables Packaging Device 105. For example, once the local user provides the Consumables Packaging Device 105 with an identification and/or prescription, which is relayed to the Medical service provider 125, the Medical service provider 125 can enable the Consumables Packaging Device 105 to dispense a predetermined amount of consumable inhalable. Still further, the Medical service provider 125 can also communicate with the Consumables Provider 130 to replenish consumables to the local user in response to the authentication received via the Network 120.

[0014] As further shown in Figure 1, the Consumable System 100 can include a local Console 110 that is coupled to the Consumables Packaging Device 105. The local Console 110 can enable the local user to provide the means of authorization or local control over the Consumables Packaging Device 105. For example, in some embodiments according to the invention, the Console 110 can be a panel located on the Consumables Packaging Device 105. In some embodiments according to the invention, the functionality associated with the local Console 110 can be provided by the mobile application operated by the electronic device 106. In still further embodiments according to the invention, the user may provide the identification to the Medical service provider 125 using an identification mechanism via the mobile application, such as a bio metric identifier such as a fingerprint. In some embodiments, the mobile app can provide an interface to different Consumables Providers 130 so that user can select different blends that are available from different providers 130. In some embodiments, the blends can be associated with data from the provider 130 as to the particular compositions to be used. In some embodiments, particular compositions can be encoded in the packing of the consumables themselves and read by the device 105 for use during operation. In some embodiments, the different consumable providers 130 can provide the consumables to the user in a standard package that are all usable by the device 105.

[0015] Still further according to Figure 1, the Consumable System 100 can include a Virtual Assistant (or Artificially Intelligence) Interface 115 that is coupled to the Consumables

Packaging Device 105. In operation, the Virtual Assistant Interface 115 can operate responsive to the local user's voice which provides commands to the Virtual Assistant Interface 115 which are then relayed to the Consumables Packaging Device 105. In some embodiments according to the invention, the Virtual Assistant Interface 115 can be provided by a virtual assistant such as Alexa, Siri, Watson, or the like. In still further embodiments according to the invention, the Virtual Assistant Interface 115 can be integrated (entirely or in part) into the mobile application operating on the Electronic Device 105. In some embodiments according to the invention, the Virtual Assistant Interface 115 can allow the virtual assistant to analyze the voice input provided by the local user to determine a stress level or other condition associated with the local user which can then be provided to the Consumables Packaging Device 105 to control an amount of consumable dispensed in a particular inhalable. It will also be understood that the Virtual Assisting Interface 115 can provide audio output as feedback to the local user in response to operation of the Consumable Packaging Device 105 as well as the input provided by the local user. In still further embodiments according to the invention, the Virtual Assistant Interface 115 can provide information regarding the Medical service provider 125 and the Consumables provider 130 such as shipment information.

[0016] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the Consumables Packaging Device 105 in some embodiments according to the invention. According to Figure 2, the Consumables Packaging Device can include a Grinder 165 that can receive consumables locally provided by the local user for customized grinding and packaging by the Consumables Packaging Device 105 to provide adjustable fineness to the . The Device 105 can further include a Processor circuit 170 that coordinates overall operation of the Device 105, such as a computer system including memory, an interface, and other appurtenant software utilized to provide either an interface to the Virtual Assistant Interface 115 as well as overall operation of the Consumables Packaging Device 105. The Device 105 can also include a Packaging System 155 that is configured to receive Consumables 135, 140, and 145 to the local user. The Consumables can be provided in individual sealed tubes that are configured for insertion into the system. The tubes may have tamper-proof seal and/or an indicator of the content of the tube. In some embodiments, the indicator can be a bar code or electronic circuit, such as an RFID. The Device 105 can also include a Local Interface 157 to interface to the Virtual Assistant Interface 115.

[0017] As further shown in Figure 2, the Consumables 135, 140, and 145 can be different consumables provided by the Consumables Provider 130 which may be different types of Tobacco, or other materials which can be consumed by combustion and inhalation. In still further embodiments according to the invention, the Device 105 may operate to combine different amounts of the Consumables 135, 140, and 145 to provide a customized blend desired by the local user or selected by the consumable provider 130 or by the medical service provider 125 or based on past usage or medical data associated with the user. For example, in operation, the user may operate the Device 105 to mix a particular combination of the Consumables 135, 140, and 145 which are then delivered to the Device 105 and packaged by the Packaging System 155 and then delivered to the local user. In some embodiments, the Consumables 135, 140, and 145 may be inserted into a carousel that operates under control of the processor circuit so as to select a particular consumable or a combination consumables. In still further embodiments according to the invention, the Device 105 may be operated to deliver a particular number of inhalables under control of the local user. As further shown in Figure 2, the local user can provide authentication to the Device 105 which is then relayed to the Network 120. Still further, the Device 105 can provide a consumable status to the Consumables Provider 130 or Medical service provider 125 via the Network 120.

[0018] In some embodiments, the systems within the device 105 can be physically separate devices that are interconnected electronically and/or mechanically. In some embodiments, the consumables can be combined with other materials such as kief or crystals that are curated or recommended by the service provider 130 and/or a third party. In some embodiments, the device 105 can be associated with a music service or player wherein musical content can be selected based on the consumables provided to the user or what other users are using. In some embodiments, the device 105 can be configured to operate based on a calendar or times, or operated remotely via, for example, the mobile app. In some embodiments, the consumables can be mixed based on a user data, a medical condition, or responsive to the medical service provider 125. In some embodiments, the device 105 can be provided by the consumable provider 125, the medical service provider or a third party as "hardware as a service" where the user pays a periodic subscription fee to allow operation of the device 105 and including a base subscription to consumables.

[0019] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of different embodiments of the packaging materials that can be provided to the Packaging System 155 for packaging of the consumables in some embodiments according to the invention. For example, Figure 3 shows a first approach wherein the packaging is provided as individualized sheets that are accessed by a sheet feeder (for example including a vacuum system) which is then provided to the Packaging System singularly. Figure 3 also shows an alternative embodiment wherein the sheets are provided in a continuous roll that is then fed to the Packaging System 155. Accordingly, in the continuous roller approach, the sheets can be singulated before being provided to the Packaging System 155 or be singulated by the Packaging System 155 for packaging of the consumable and providing to the local user as an inhalable. [0020] Figure 4 is a schematic representation of another embodiment wherein the sheets are individualized as pre-rolled tubes that are provided in a dispenser such as a Carousel 400 which can be provided by the Consumables Provider 130. It will be understood that configurations other than a carousel can be used, such as trays, silos, etc. In operation, the individualized tubes can be provided to the Packaging System 155 for dispensing of the consumables into the pre- rolled sheet. Figure 4 also shows a Packaged Consumable 410 which is provided by the

Consumables provider 130. The consumables can be provided directly to the Packaging System 155 or alternatively to the Grinder 165 and then provided to the Packaging System 155.

[0021] Figure 5 is a schematic representation of different embodiments of the Packaging System 155 in some embodiments according to the invention. According to Figure 5, the individualized sheets can be provided to a Form 510 which can be provided in a shape that approximates the tube configuration to be used by the final form of the inhalable. In some embodiments according to the invention, the sheet is provided to the Form 510 and is drawn therein by a vacuum to provide the pre-determined shape of the Form 510. It will be further understood that the sheet can also include excess material that is used to seal the tube after providing the consumable into the sheet while in the Form 510. In still further embodiments according to the invention, the Pre- Formed Tubes 515 are provided to the Packaging System wherein the consumable is provided to an opening in one end of the pre-formed tube. The packaged consumable can then be dispensed to the local user.

[0022] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a Consumables Packaging Device in some embodiments according to the invention and described in conjunction with Figures 1-5. Figure 7 is a perspective view of a tube configured to store consumables in some embodiments according to the invention and described in conjunction with Figures 1-5.

[0023] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting to other embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms“a”, “an” and“the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms“comprises,”“comprising,” “includes” and/or“including”,“have” and/or“having” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. Elements described as being“to” perform functions, acts and/or operations may be configured to or other structured to do so.

[0024] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which various embodiments described herein belong. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0025] As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, various embodiments described herein may be embodied as a method, data processing system, and/or computer program product.

Furthermore, embodiments may take the form of a computer program product on a tangible computer readable storage medium having computer program code embodied in the medium that can be executed by a computer.

[0026] Any combination of one or more computer readable media may be utilized. The computer readable media may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readable storage medium would include the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0027] A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. Program code embodied on a computer readable signal medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wired, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0028] Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Java, Scala, Smalltalk, Eiffel, JADE, Emerald, C++, C#, VB.NET, Python or the like, conventional procedural programming languages, such as the“C” programming language, Visual Basic, Fortran 2003, Perl, COBOL 2002, PHP, ABAP, dynamic programming languages such as Python, Ruby and Groovy, or other programming languages, such as a programming language for a FPGA, Verilog, System Verilog, Hardware Description language (HDL), and VHDL, . The program code may execute entirely on the user’s computer, partly on the user’s computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user’s computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user’s computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider) or in a cloud computer environment or offered as a service such as a Software as a Service (SaaS).

[0029] Some embodiments are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, systems and computer program products according to embodiments. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create a mechanism for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

[0030] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable medium that when executed can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions when stored in the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which when executed, cause a computer to implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable instruction execution apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatuses or other devices to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

[0031] ft is to be understood that the functions/acts noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the operational illustrations. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved. Although some of the diagrams include arrows on communication paths to show a primary direction of communication, it is to be understood that communication may occur in the opposite direction to the depicted arrows.

[0032] Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.

[0033] While the foregoing is directed to aspects of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED:

1. A consumables packing device comprising:

a local console configured to accept authorization from a local user of the consumables packing device to enable use thereof;

processor circuit configured, operatively coupled to the local console, and configured to execute instructions for coordinated operation of the consumables packing device;

a customizable grinder configured to receive consumables and output ground consumables having adjustable fineness under control of the processor circuit based on input to the consumables packing device;

a packaging system configured to insert the ground consumables into a consumables package under control of the processor circuit to provide a packaged inhalable including the ground consumables;

a network interface operatively configured to operatively couple a remote consumables provider to the consumables packing device to monitor operation of the consumables packing device; and

a consumables selector operatively coupled to the customizable grinder and to the processor circuit, the consumables selector configured to select respective ones of the consumables to the customizable grinder.

2. The consumables packing device of Claim 1 further comprising:

a Virtual Assistant Interface configured to provide audio based commands to the consumables packing device from the local user;

3. The consumables packing device of Claim 1 wherein the consumables selector is configured to select kief and/or crystals for combination with the ground consumables.

4. The consumables packing device of Claim 1 wherein the processor circuit is configured to receive remote medical authorization to enable operation of the consumables packing device.

5. The consumables packing device of Claim 4 wherein the remote medical authorization comprises authorization to package a particular number of the consumables.

6. The consumables packing device of Claim 4 wherein the remote medical authorization comprises authorization to provide only a particular one of the consumables.

7. The consumables packing device of Claim 1 further comprising:

a music service interface operatively coupled to the processor circuit, the music service interface configured to provide music information for association with selected consumables.

in

FIG. 7