Method and apparatus for mixing a smokable product

Abstract

The present invention relates methods and apparatuses for hydrating a smokable filler or tobacco product. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods for hydrating and smoking a smokable filler or tobacco product packaged for sale and for packaging a smokable filler or tobacco product for sale and apparatuses for hydrating a smokable filler or tobacco product packaged for sale. In one embodiment, separate volumes of fluid and dried tobacco are in separate chambers of a common package. In another embodiment, separate volumes of fluid and dried tobacco are in separate chambers separated by a valve that can be opened to enable a mix of the fluid with the dried tobacco material.

1 . A method for packaging a smokable filler product for sale, comprising the steps of:
 (a) providing a package having a top and a bottom, an interior located between the top and bottom, the top having an opening that communicates with the interior, an openable and reclosable seal positioned next to the top at said opening, a funnel located next to the bottom, the funnel having a tapered section with larger and smaller portions, and an outlet that communicates with the smaller portion of the funnel;   (b) placing dehydrated smokable filler/dehydrated tobacco material filler in the interior via the seal, wherein the dehydrated smokable filler/dehydrated tobacco material filler is desirably hydrated before being smokable;   (c) sealing the packaging.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the packaging further comprises notches placed on at least one end of the packaging. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the packaging further comprises a perforated line extending across the funnel at the outlet. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the packaging comprises two lower notches on opposites ends of the outlet. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the packaging further comprises a perforated line extending between the two lower notches. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the interior is formed within the top, bottom, sides, openable and reclosable seal, and outlet. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the top forms an opening to the interior and step (b) further includes placing tobacco in the interior through the opening. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein step (c) further includes sealing the opening of the package. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the smokable filler product/tobacco product for sale is a dried tobacco that has negligible water content. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the openable and reclosable seal is a zip seal. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein step (c) further includes hermetically sealing the interior. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the packaging is made up of a packaging material that is a barrier to moisture. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the packaging is made up of a packaging material that is a barrier to oxygen. 
     
     
         14 - 21 . (canceled) 
     
     
         22 . A method for hydrating and smoking a smokable filler product/tobacco product packaged for sale, comprising the steps of:
 (a) providing a package having a top, a bottom, an interior containing smokable filler/tobacco that is located between the top and bottom, an openable and reclosable seal positioned next to the top, a funnel located next to the bottom and an outlet next to the funnel and a package bottom;   (b) adding water through the open top so that the water is able to mix with the tobacco;   (c) after step (b), sealing the top by closing the openable and reclosable seal;   (d) after step (c), agitating the packaging causing the smokable filler/tobacco and water to mix;   (e) after step (d) opening the outlet;   (f) after step (e), causing the mixed water and tobacco to exit the package through the funnel and outlet; and   (g) after step (f), smoking the mixed water and tobacco.   
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the packaging further comprises two upper notches placed on opposites ends of the packaging. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the packaging further comprises a perforated line extending between the two upper notches. 
     
     
         25 - 55 . (canceled) 
     
     
         56 . A method for hydrating and smoking a tobacco product packaged for sale comprising the steps of:
 (a) providing a package with a pair of interior sections including a first interior section containing tobacco and a second interior section containing a liquid;   (b) wherein in step “a”, a channel extends between said interior sections and there is a closure in said channel that prevents flow of liquid from the first interior section to the second interior section via the channel;   (c) opening the closure so that the liquid in the first interior section flows into the second interior section and mixes with the tobacco;   (d) after step (c), closing the opening;   (e) after step (d), mixing the liquid with the tobacco;   (f) after step (e), removing the liquid and tobacco from the interior; and   (g) after step (f), using the liquid and tobacco for consumption.   
     
     
         57 . The method of  claim 56 , wherein step (f) further includes removing the liquid and tobacco mixture through the opening. 
     
     
         58 . The method of  claim 56 , wherein the opening is at the top of the packaging. 
     
     
         59 . The method of  claim 56 , wherein consumption includes smoking of the tobacco and liquid mixture. 
     
     
         60 - 71 . (canceled)