DESCRIPTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a drying device, in particular for drying herbs, hemp and flowers.

[0002] Drying of herbs is a treatment aiming to slowly and gradually reduce the moisture of the herbs so as to preserve the chemical-physical properties thereof.

[0003] In this regard, it is known to dry herbs by enclosing them in a container or a jar closed by a cover. The herbs in the container naturally and gradually release the water they are soaked with, therefore moistening the air enclosed in the container. During this process, an operator (called a "drying operator") periodically opens the cover of the container so as to assess the level of dehumidification of the herbs and, depending on the results of the assessment, let out the air which became moist in the container. Then the drying operator closes the container so as to allow the natural, gradual and slow release of water by the herbs subjected to drying, to continue.

[0004] The final results of the drying process are therefore almost exclusively determined by the experience of the drying operator, who inspects the herbs in the container in an olfactory manner and decides whether, and for how long, to keep the cover of the container closed or open in order to promote the gradual and controlled release of water by the herbs.

[0005] Thus, drying of herbs carried out by a less skilled drying operator will inevitably result in inferior quality with respect to drying carried out by a more skilled drying operator. [0006] A further drawback inherent to drying carried out according to the abovedescribed known methods is the fact that herbs subjected to drying tend to collapse under the weight thereof, piling up on the bottom of the container. This buildup hinders the ability of the herbs to expel water, resulting in the release of water from the herbs not being uniform, rather faster in the upper area of the container, which is more subjected to air, and slower and more difficult in the lower area of the container, where the herbs are more compacted.

[0007] Moreover, such a gathering of the herbs makes it also difficult for the drying operator to visually inspect them, as there will not be a clear view of the drying status of the bottom part of the herbs.

[0008] It is the object of the present invention to provide a drying device adapted to overcome at least some of the drawbacks of the known art.

[0009] A particular object of the present invention is providing a drying device which makes it easier to carry out quality drying, also by less skilled drying operators. [0010] A further particular object of the present invention is providing a drying device which speeds up and simplifies drying herbs.

[0011] These and other objects are achieved by means of a drying device according to independent claim 1 .

[0012] The dependent claims relate to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the present invention.

[0013] In order to better understand the invention and appreciate the advantages thereof, some non-limiting exemplary embodiments thereof will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] - Figure 1 is a front diagrammatic view of a drying device, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0015] - Figure 2 is a top diagrammatic view of a component of the drying device depicted in Figure 1 ;

[0016] - Figure 3 is a top perspective view of a component of a drying device, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0017] - Figure 4 is a bottom perspective view of the component of a device depicted in Figure 3;

[0018] - Figure 5 is an exploded view of the component of a drying device depicted in Figure 3;

[0019] - Figure 6 is a longitudinal sectional perspective view of a drying device, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0020] - Figure 7 is a front sectional longitudinal view of a drying device, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0021] - Figure 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of the component depicted in Figure 3, in unassembled configuration;

[0022] - Figure 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of the component depicted in Figure 8, in assembled configuration and in a first operating configuration;

[0023] - Figure 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of the component depicted in Figure 8, in assembled configuration and in a second operating configuration, showing the flows of moist air crossing the component;

[0024] - Figure 11 is a front diagrammatic view of a drying kit, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0025] - Figure 12 is a diagrammatical longitudinal sectional view of the drying kit depicted in Figure 11 ; - Figure 13 is a top exploded perspective view of a component of a drying device, according to an embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 14 is a bottom exploded perspective view of the component depicted in Figure 13;

- Figure 15 is top perspective view of the component depicted in Figure 13, in assembled configuration;

- Figure 16 is a bottom perspective view of the component depicted in Figure 15;

- Figure 17 is a sectional view of the component depicted in Figure 15;

- Figure 18 is a sectional view of the component depicted in Figure 16;

- Figure 19 is a further top exploded perspective view of a component of a drying device, according to an embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 20 is a top exploded perspective view of a component of a drying device, according to a further embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 21 is a bottom exploded perspective view of the component depicted in Figure 20;

- Figure 22 is a sectional view of the component depicted in Figure 20;

- Figure 23 is partially sectioned perspective view of a drying device comprising the component depicted in Figure 20, in open configuration;

- Figure 24 is partially sectioned perspective view of the drying device in Figure 23, in close configuration.

[0026] DRYING DEVICE 1

[0027] With reference to the drawings, a drying device, in particular for drying herbs, hemp and flowers, is generally indicated by reference numeral 1 .

[0028] Device 1 comprises a container 2 adapted to contain herbs 10, and a main cover 5.

[0029] Container 2 forms a drying compartment 3.

[0030] Container 2 also defines a main opening 4 which is closeable by means of the main cover 5.

[0031] The drying compartment 3 communicates with the outside of container 2 by means of the main opening 4.

[0032] According to an aspect of the invention, the device 1 further comprises an auxiliary cover 6.

[0033] Moreover, container 2 defines an auxiliary opening 7 opposite to the main opening 4, which is closeable by means of the auxiliary cover 6.

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA/EP [0034] Moreover, the drying compartment 3 further communicates with the outside of container 2 by means of the auxiliary opening 7.

[0035] Advantageously, a drying device 1 thus configured allows to rotate the device 1 upside down and the drying to be continued also in upside-down configuration. Rotating the device 1 upside down avoids the herbs 10 in the drying compartment 3 from pile up on the bottom of container 2 under the action of the weight thereof, with the advantage of making the expulsion of water by the herbs 10 more uniform. The device 1 thus configured allows the drying compartment 3 to be accessed also when it is rotated upside down.

[0036] Further advantageously, the device 1 allows the moist air to be dispersed from the bottom portion of the herbs 10 also only through the auxiliary opening 7, thus facilitating a uniform expulsion of moist air by the herbs 10.

[0037] Therefore, a device 1 thus configured allows to rotate the device 1 upside down so as to carry out the drying process in both directions, thus avoiding the herbs 10 from piling up, facilitating the expulsion uniformity of water by the herbs 10, and speeding up the drying of the herbs 10.

[0038] Further advantageously, by arranging two simultaneously openable openings, a device 2 thus configured allows a flow of air to be generated in container 2 which speeds up the venting of moist air from the drying compartment 3 towards the outside of container 2, thus reducing the overall time of the drying process.

[0039] According to an embodiment of the invention, the device 1 comprises a pair of hygrometers 8 configured to detect the moisture degree of the air in the drying compartment 3 and to display the detected moisture degree outside container 2.

[0040] One hygrometer 8 of the pair of hygrometers 8 is connected to the main cover 5, and the other hygrometer 8 of the pair of hygrometers 8 is connected to the auxiliary cover 6.

[0041] Advantageously, the pair of hygrometers 8 allows the drying operator to accurately know the moisture degree of the air inside the container 2. Thereby, even a less skilled drying operator may carry out quality drying because the pair of hygrometers 8 provides the operator with an exact indication of the moisture inside the container 2. Thereby, the drying operator may open the main cover 5 or the auxiliary cover 6 or both, when the moisture of the air reaches a value of about 55-60%, so as to provide an optimal drying.

[0042] According to an embodiment, the main cover 5 and the auxiliary cover 6 each comprise a base wall 18 adapted to support container 2 in vertical position. [0043] Moreover, the main cover 5 and the auxiliary cover 6 each comprise a relief valve 11 configured to be operable from an opening position, in which the relief valve 11 allows the air to exit the drying compartment 3 towards the outside of container 2, to a closing position, in which the relief valve 11 prevents the air from exiting the drying compartment 3 towards the outside of container 2, and vice versa.

[0044] The relief valve 1 1 is operatively connected to the base wall 18.

[0045] Advantageously, by arranging two simultaneously openable relief valves 1 1 , a device 2 thus configured allows a flow of air to be generated in container 2 which speeds up the venting of moist air from the drying compartment 3 towards the outside of container 2, thus reducing the overall time of the drying process without the need to separate cover

5, 6 from container 2. Further advantageously, the relief valves 1 1 allow the drying compartment 3 to be put in fluidic communication with the outside of the device 1 , without the need to completely separate the covers 5, 6 from container 2.

[0046] According to an embodiment, each relief valve 1 1 comprises a plurality of relief holes 12 defined by the base wall 18 of the main cover 5 and of the auxiliary cover 6.

[0047] The plurality of relief holes 12 communicates with the drying compartment 3.

[0048] Moreover, each relief valve 1 1 comprises a shutter member 13 which is movable between a closing position, in which it obstructs the plurality of relief holes 12, thus preventing air from exiting the drying compartment 3 towards the outside of container 2, and an opening position, in which it clears the plurality of relief holes 12, thus allowing air to exit the drying compartment 3 towards the outside of container 2.

[0049] Moreover, the shutter member 13 is operatively connected to the base wall 18 and movable with respect to the base wall 18 by means of a threaded connection.

[0050] According to an embodiment, the main cover 5 and the auxiliary cover 6 each comprise a nut-screw portion 14 extending in transverse direction with respect to cover 5,

6, and the shutter member 13 comprises an external threading configured to screw to the nut-screw portion 14, and in which the movement of the shutter member 13 from the closing position to the opening position is obtained by screwing or unscrewing the shutter member 13 with respect to the nut-screw portion 14.

[0051] According to an embodiment, the main cover 5 and the auxiliary cover 6 each define a housing seat 15 for housing the hygrometer 8.

[0052] The housing seat 15 is obtained within the cover 5, 6.

[0053] Moreover, the main cover 5 and the auxiliary cover 6 each define a plurality of communication holes 16 which fluidically connect the drying compartment 3 to the housing seat 15. [0054] Advantageously, this reduces the size of the device 1 .

[0055] According to an embodiment, the main cover 5 and the auxiliary cover 6 each comprise a support plate 17 connected to the base wall 18 and facing the drying compartment 3.

[0056] Advantageously, the support plane 17 forms a support for the herbs 10 subjected to drying.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the support plate 17 extends over a plane which is substantially parallel to the base wall 18.

[0058] Moreover, the support plate 17 and the base wall 18 mutually define an air recirculating chamber 19 communicating with the drying compartment 3.

[0059] Advantageously, arranging such an air recirculating chamber 19 between the base wall 18 and the support plate 17 allows air recirculation also to be generated on the bottom of container 2, at the bottom portion of the herbs 10. Thereby, the risk of generating mold at the bottom portion of the herbs 10 is decreased. In particular, the air recirculation may be generated by opening the relief valve 11 at cover 5, 6 at the bottom of container 2, or by opening both relief valves 11 of container 2.

[0060] According to an embodiment, a cylindrical wall 20 is interposed between the base wall 18 and the support plate 17.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the cylindrical wall 20, together with the base wall 18 and the support plate 17, defines the air recirculating chamber 19.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the plurality of communication holes 16 is circularly defined on the cylindrical wall 20.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the cylindrical wall 20 is formed in one piece with the support plate 17.

[0064] According to an embodiment, the cylindrical wall 20, the support plate 17 and the actuator member 13 define the housing seat 15 for housing the hygrometer 8.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the cylindrical wall 20 has an external threading configured to screw to the nut-screw portion 14, and in which the support plate 17 is connected to the nut-screw portion 14 by means of screwing between the cylindrical wall 20 and the nut-screw portion 14.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the actuator member 13 comprises a stroke-end screw 21 and a vent plug 22.

[0067] The stroke-end screw 21 forms a first threading 24 screwed to the nut-screw portion 14, an abutment wall 23, and a second threading 25 interposed between the first threading 24 and the abutment wall 23. [0068] The vent plug 22 is screwed to the second threading 25 and is movable between a closing position, in which it obstructs the plurality of relief holes 12 by abutting against the base wall 18, and an opening position, in which it clears the plurality of relief holes 12. [0069] The movement of the vent plug 22 is obtained by screwing or unscrewing the vent plug 22 with respect to the stroke-end screw 21 .

[0070] Moreover, the abutment wall 23 of the stroke-end screw 21 defines the maximum open position of the vent plug 22, which corresponds to the abutment between the vent plug 22 and the abutment wall 23.

[0071] Advantageously, the abutment wall 23 prevents the vent plug 22 from being unscrewed up to being detached from the stroke-end screw 21 , with the risk of falling, being damaged or getting lost.

[0072] Advantageously, by arranging two simultaneously openable vent plugs 22, a device 2 thus configured allows a flow of air to be generated in the container 2 which speeds up the venting of moist air from the drying compartment 3 towards the outside of the container 2, thus reducing the overall time of the drying process without the need to separate cover 5, 6 from the container 2. Further advantageously, the two vent plugs 22 allow the drying compartment 3 to be put in fluidic communication with the outside of the device 1 , without the need to completely separate the covers 5, 6 from the container 2 and without the need to increase the dimensions of the device 1 because the two vent plugs 22 may only be moved within the base wall 18 and the abutment wall 23.

[0073] According to an embodiment of the invention, the main cover 5 is substantially identical to the auxiliary cover 6.

[0074] Advantageously, this makes the device 1 more affordable and easier to maintain. [0075] According to an embodiment, the container 2 is made of glass or another substantially transparent material. Advantageously, this allows the herbs 10 subjected to the drying to be visually inspected also when the device 1 is closed.

[0076] Preferably, the covers 5, 6 are made of polymeric material.

[0077] According to an embodiment, the container 2 forms a threaded edge 26 at the main opening 4 and the auxiliary opening 6.

[0078] Moreover, the main cover 5 and the auxiliary cover 6 form a peripheral screwing portion 27 configured to screw to the threaded edge 26 of the container 2.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the main cover 5 and the auxiliary cover 6 each form a plurality of interlocking teeth 28 which extend in direction opposite to the container 2. [0080] The interlocking teeth 28 of one cover 5, 6 are configured to couple with the interlocking teeth 28 of another cover 5, 6 so as to form an airtight joint 29.

[0081] DRYING KIT 30

[0082] According to a further aspect of the invention, a drying kit 30 for drying herbs, hemp and flowers comprises at least two drying devices 1 as described above.

[0083] In particular, the main cover 5 and the auxiliary cover 6 of each drying device 1 form a plurality of interlocking teeth 28 as described above.

[0084] Moreover, the main cover 5 and the auxiliary cover 6 each comprise a relief valve 11 configured to be operable from an opening position, in which the relief valve 11 allows the air to exit the drying compartment 3 towards the outside of the container 2, to a closing position, in which the relief valve 11 prevents the air from exiting the drying compartment 3 towards the outside of the container 2, and vice versa.

[0085] The devices 1 of the drying kit 30 are stacked on each other so that a cover 5, 6 of one of the devices 1 faces a cover 5, 6 of another of the devices 1 .

[0086] Moreover, the stacked devices 1 are connected to one another in airtight manner by means of an airtight joint 29 formed by coupling the interlocking teeth 28 of the respective facing covers 5, 6.

[0087] The interlocking teeth 28 of the respective facing covers 5, 6 mutually define an interface chamber 31 .

[0088] The interface chamber 31 is configured to fluidically connect the drying compartment 3 of one of the devices 1 with the drying compartment 3 of the other of the devices 1 .

[0089] In particular, when the relief valves 1 1 of the respective facing covers 5, 6 are in opening position, the drying compartment 3 of one of the devices 1 is in fluidic connection with the drying compartment 3 of the other of the devices 1 , by means of the interface chamber 31.

[0090] In particular, the drying compartments 3 and the interface chamber 31 are mutually fluidically connected by means of the relief holes 12.

[0091] Advantageously, a drying kit 30 thus configured allows the moisture conditions of the plurality of stacked and hermetically connected devices 1 to be made uniform. In fact, the drying compartments 3 of the stacked devices 1 communicate with one another and allow a uniform flow and distribution of moist air to be obtained in the plurality of connected devices 1 .

[0092] Further advantageously, such a drying kit 30 allows the drying process of the herbs 10 contained in different devices 1 to be speeded up. [0093] Further advantageously, a drying kit 30 thus configured allows any levels of moisture of herbs 10 contained in different devices 1 to be corrected, while allowing for example, a device 1 containing herbs 10 with a high level of moisture to be put in fluidic communication with a device 1 containing herbs 10 with a low level of moisture.

[0094] DRYING METHOD BY MEANS OF DRYING DEVICE 1

[0095] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for drying herbs comprises at least the following steps:

[0096] - providing a drying device 1 as described above;

[0097] - introducing herbs 10 into the container 2 of the device 1 ;

[0098] - closing the main opening 4 by means of a main cover 5;

[0099] - rotating the device 1 upside down;

[00100] - opening the secondary opening 7 by opening the secondary cover 6;

[00101] - closing the secondary opening 7 by means of the secondary cover 6;

[00102] - optionally, periodically rotating the device 1 upside down and opening and closing the main opening 4 and/or the secondary opening 7 up to completing the drying process.

[00103] According to an embodiment of the invention, following the introduction of herbs

10 into the container 2 of the device 1 , the method comprises the step of:

[00104] - displaying the level of moisture reached by the air contained in the drying compartment 3 by means of the two hygrometers 8 of the device 1 .

[00105] According to an embodiment of the invention, a method for drying herbs comprises at least the following steps:

[00106] - providing a drying device 1 as described above;

[00107] - introducing herbs 10 into the container 2 of the device 1 ;

[00108] - closing the main opening 4 by means of a main cover 5;

[00109] - inspecting the status of the herbs 10 by consulting the hygrometer 8;

[00110] - consequent to consulting the hygrometer 8, opening one or both the relief valves

11 of the device 1 ;

[00111] - optionally, periodically rotating the device 1 upside down and opening and closing one or both the relief valves 1 1 up to completing the drying process.

[00112] DRYING METHOD BY MEANS OF DRYING KIT 30

[00113] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for drying herbs comprises at least the following steps:

[00114] - providing a drying kit 30 as described above; [00115] - introducing herbs 10 into container 2 of at least two devices 1 of the drying kit 30;

[00116] - closing the respective main openings 4 by means of a respective main cover 5; [00117] - opening the respective relief valves 11 of the respective covers 5, 6 of the at least two devices 1 ;

[00118] - stacking the at least two devices 1 on top of each other so that cover 5, 6, having the relief valve 1 1 of one of the two devices 1 open, faces a cover 5, 6 having the relief valve 1 1 of another of the two devices 1 open;

[00119] - hermetically connecting the stacked devices 1 by means of coupling the interlocking teeth 28 of the respective facing covers 5, 6 so as to form an airtight joint 29 and so as to define an interface chamber 31 which fluidically connects the drying compartment 3 of one of the devices 1 with the drying compartment 3 of the other of the devices 1 .

[00120] FURTHER EMBODIMENTS OF THE DRYING DEVICE 1

[00121] According to a further embodiment (Figures 13 to 18), the main cover 5 and the auxiliary cover 6 each comprise a screw wall 32 extending in transverse direction to cover 5, 6, opposite to container 2, while the shutter member 13 comprises a nut-screw wall 33 configured to screw to the screw wall 32, and the movement of the shutter member 13 from the closing position to the opening position is obtained by screwing or unscrewing the nut-screw wall 33 of the shutter member 13 with respect to the screw wall 32.

[00122] According to an embodiment, the shutter member 13 comprises a knurling 36 configured to make the shutter member 13 rougher and more stable under the clutch of the fingers.

[00123] According to an embodiment, the main cover 5 and the auxiliary cover 6 comprise a hygrometer support 34. The hygrometer support 34 comprises a containment wall 35 which defines the housing seat 15 for housing hygrometer 8.

[00124] The hygrometer support 34, which is connectable to the base wall 18, comprises an abutment wall 23 extending externally in a direction transverse to the containment wall 35. The abutment wall 23 defines the maximum open position of the shutter member 13. [00125] According to an embodiment, the hygrometer support 34 comprises a plurality of hooks 37 by means of which the hygrometer support 34 can be fastened at the base wall 18 of the main cover 5 or the auxiliary cover 6.

[00126] According to this embodiment, the base wall 18 defines a plurality of corresponding coupling housings 40 configured to be coupled by the plurality of hooks 37 so as to fasten the hygrometer support 34 to the base wall 18. [00127] According to an embodiment, the support plate 17 comprises a plurality of connection pins 38 extending from the support plate 17 in direction of the base wall 18 so as to connect the support plate 17 to the base wall 18.

[00128] According to this embodiment, the base wall 18 forms a coupling crown 41 facing the support plate 17 and configured to be coupled by the plurality of connection pins 38 so as to obtain the fastening between the support plate 17 and the base wall 18.

[00129] The connection pins 38 mutually define a plurality of communication openings 39 which fluidically connect the drying compartment 3 to the housing seat 15 in which the hygrometer 8 is housed.

[00130] Advantageously, such communication openings 39 ensure a fluidic continuity between the housing seat 15 and the drying compartment 3, therefore they ensure that the hygrometric conditions detected by the hygrometer 8 are the actual hygrometric conditions inside the drying compartment 3.

[00131] According to an alternative embodiment (Figure 19), cover 5, 6 defines a screwing wall 9 extending in transverse direction to cover 5, 6, opposite to the container 2.

[00132] The screwing wall 9 forms an outer screw wall 32 and an inner nut-screw portion 14.

[00133] According to this embodiment, the hygrometer support 34 forms an external threading configured to screw to the nut-screw portion 14 of the screwing wall 9.

[00134] According to this embodiment, the shutter member 13 comprises a nut-screw wall 33 configured to screw to the nut-screw portion 14 of the screwing wall 9.

[00135] According to an embodiment (Figures 20 to 24), the main cover 5 and the auxiliary cover 6 each comprise a nut-screw portion 14 extending in transverse direction to cover 5, 6, and the hygrometer support 34 comprises a threaded wall 43 configured to screw to the nut-screw portion 14.

[00136] Moreover, the hygrometer support 34 defines a plurality of relief holes 12 passing through the hygrometer support 34.

[00137] The relief holes 12 put the drying compartment 3 in fluidic communication with the environment external to the drying device 1 .

[00138] According to this embodiment, the hygrometer support 34 forms the shutter member 13.

[00139] Therefore, the hygrometer support 34 is movable between a closing position, in which the plurality of relief holes 12 is obstructed, and an opening position, in which the plurality of relief holes 12 is cleared. [00140] Such a movement is obtained by screwing or unscrewing the threaded wall 43 of the hygrometer support 34 with respect to the nut-screw portion 14.

[00141] When screwed in closing position, the relief holes 12 made in the hygrometer support 34 are covered by the nut-screw portion 14.

[00142] Vice versa, when unscrewed in opening position, the relief holes 12 made in the hygrometer support 34 are no longer covered by the nut-screw portion 14, therefore they are uncovered and capable of putting the drying compartment 3 in fluidic communication with the environment external to the drying device 1 .

[00143] According to an embodiment, the hygrometer support 34 defines an external knurling 36 configured to facilitate the screwing and unscrewing of the hygrometer support 34 with respect to the nut-screw portion 14.

[00144] Advantageously, such a configuration decreases the number of moving components and components forming the drying device 1 , thus simplifying it and making it more durable and resistant.

[00145] According to an embodiment, cover 5, 6 comprises an annular seal 42 housed in a seal seat defined on the base wall 18, facing the shutter member 13.

[00146] The seal 42 is configured to seal the shutter member 13 to the base wall 18 when the shutter member 13, consisting of the hygrometer support 34, is in closing position.

[00147] Preferably, the seal 42 is an O-ring.

[00148] According to a further aspect of the invention, a drying kit 30 for drying herbs, hemp and flowers comprises at least two drying devices 1 as described above.

[00149] Of course, a person skilled in the art will be able to make modifications or adaptations to the present invention without departing from the scope of the claims set forth hereinafter.

REFERENCES