US20080089171A1 - Mixing Device Configured to Blend Food - Google Patents
Mixing Device Configured to Blend Food Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080089171A1 US20080089171A1 US11/683,091 US68309107A US2008089171A1 US 20080089171 A1 US20080089171 A1 US 20080089171A1 US 68309107 A US68309107 A US 68309107A US 2008089171 A1 US2008089171 A1 US 2008089171A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- base
- splash guard
- dispensing
- collar
- dispensing spout
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J43/00—Implements for preparing or holding food, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- A47J43/04—Machines for domestic use not covered elsewhere, e.g. for grinding, mixing, stirring, kneading, emulsifying, whipping or beating foodstuffs, e.g. power-driven
- A47J43/046—Machines for domestic use not covered elsewhere, e.g. for grinding, mixing, stirring, kneading, emulsifying, whipping or beating foodstuffs, e.g. power-driven with tools driven from the bottom side
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J43/00—Implements for preparing or holding food, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- A47J43/04—Machines for domestic use not covered elsewhere, e.g. for grinding, mixing, stirring, kneading, emulsifying, whipping or beating foodstuffs, e.g. power-driven
- A47J43/07—Parts or details, e.g. mixing tools, whipping tools
- A47J43/0716—Parts or details, e.g. mixing tools, whipping tools for machines with tools driven from the lower side
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J43/00—Implements for preparing or holding food, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- A47J43/04—Machines for domestic use not covered elsewhere, e.g. for grinding, mixing, stirring, kneading, emulsifying, whipping or beating foodstuffs, e.g. power-driven
- A47J43/07—Parts or details, e.g. mixing tools, whipping tools
- A47J43/0727—Mixing bowls
Definitions
- the present application is directed to a mixing device configured to blend food and, more particularly, to a mixing device or blender that includes a removably mounted dispensing spout and a removably mounted splash guard that encloses a storage space.
- a typical blender includes a base that encloses a motor housing and a container comprised of a jar and a mixing assembly.
- the base includes a blending tool rotatably mounted thereto.
- the blending tool is rotatably engageable with a drive shaft of the motor in an operating configuration. More recently it has become popular to provide the blending jar or collar with a spout having a valve.
- the spout is used to dispense “smoothie” type products. That is, foodstuff is placed into the container and the container is engaged with the base. The foodstuff is blended and a handle of the spout is positioned to raise the valve to dispense or pour the blended foodstuff from base of the container.
- blended foodstuff When using a conventional mixing device or blender, blended foodstuff often escapes from inside the container either through the top of the jar or through the spout and splashes on the exterior of the mixing device. It would be desirable to include a removably mounted splash guard on the front of the base of the blender to prevent the front of the blender from accumulating splashed or spilled foodstuff.
- the splash guard may be positioned on the front of the base of the blender under the spout such that spilled or splashed blended foodstuff does not collect on the base of the blender. It would be desirable if the splash guard was removably mounted to the base so that the splash guard could be cleaned separately from the dispensing blender.
- blenders often come with various small parts, components or accessories that enhance a user's experience of the blender. Typically, such small parts are stored loosely with the blender and are often lost as a result. It would be desirable to further provide a self-storage space inside the blender, separate from the areas used to blend the foodstuff. This storage space would allow a user to keep small, ancillary components of the blender in a place that is easily assessable but not obstructive to the normal use of the blender. For example, it would be desirable to provide a space and a structure inside the blender to secure a cap which is used to prevent foodstuff from escaping from the blender.
- the present invention is directed to a mixing device configured to blend food.
- the device includes a base housing a motor.
- a jar is removably mounted to the base for containing food.
- a collar is removably mounted between the base and the jar.
- the collar includes a blending tool operatively engaged with the motor when positioned on the base.
- a dispensing spout is removably mounted to one of the collar and the jar.
- the dispensing spout includes a plunger valve positioned therein.
- the plunger valve is movable between a first position wherein food flows through the dispensing spout and a second position where food is prevented from flowing through the dispensing spout.
- the plunger valve is removably mounted to the dispensing spout.
- the present invention is directed to a mixing device configured to blend food.
- the mixing device includes a base enclosing a motor.
- the base includes a recessed area and a projection extends from the recessed area.
- a jar is removably mounted to the base for containing food.
- a collar is removably mounted between the base and the jar. The collar has a blending tool that is operatively engaged with the motor when the collar is positioned on the base.
- a splash guard is removably mounted to the base. The splash guard covers the recessed area.
- a space defined by the recessed area of the base and the splash guard provides storage for a cap.
- the cap is releasably mounted to the projection.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of a mixing device in accordance with the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the mixing device shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the mixing device shown in FIG. 2 , taken along line 2 A- 2 A of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the mixing device shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a base of the mixing device shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the base of the mixing device shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 6 is a right side perspective view of a collar of the mixing device shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 7 is a front right perspective view of a splash guard of the mixing device shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 8 is a front right perspective view of the base and splash guard assembled
- FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the base and splash guard assembled
- FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the splash guard and base
- FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of a dispensing spout with a dispensing handle in a closed position
- FIG. 12 is a greatly enlarged perspective view of the dispensing spout with the dispensing handle in an open position
- FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the dispensing spout and a gate valve
- FIG. 14 is a front right side perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the mixing device shown in FIG. 1 with the splash guard and dispensing spout removed for clarity;
- FIG. 15 is a rear left side perspective view of the second preferred embodiment of the dispensing spout
- FIG. 16 is a rear left side perspective view of the second preferred embodiment of a cap of the present invention.
- FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the second preferred embodiment of the dispensing spout.
- the mixing device 10 configured to blend food (not shown).
- the mixing device 10 is preferably in the form of a conventional kitchen blender, but could be other products such as a food processor or smoothie machine.
- the mixing device 10 includes a base 12 housing a motor 14 .
- the base 12 has an outer housing 16 which is preferably formed of high strength, light weight material, such as a polymeric material.
- the outer housing 16 is used to contain the motor 14 and other operational elements of the blender well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.
- the outer housing 16 includes vent openings 18 in the base thereof and an electrical cord 20 for providing power to the motor 14 .
- the outer housing 16 also includes a series of push buttons 22 used for controlling the operation and speed of the motor 14 , in a manner well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.
- the base 12 preferably includes a series of feet 24 for providing the mixing device 10 with stability.
- the base 12 includes a recessed area 26 .
- the recessed area 26 extends from one side of the base 12 , preferably the front 12 a , to a top 12 b of the base 12 and generally covers the front width of the base 12 .
- a conventional clutch 64 is positioned near the top of the recessed area 26 .
- the clutch 64 is driven by the motor 14 .
- a storage area 66 located in the recessed area 26 , provides a location to store a cap 68 .
- a projection 102 extends from the storage area 66 .
- the cap 68 is releasably mounted to the projection 102 by a threaded engagement.
- the projection 102 is generally similar in shape to that of the dispensing spout 48 and located generally in the center of the recessed area 26 .
- the shape and location of the projection 102 can be modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
- the cap 68 could be secured in the recesses area 26 through other means, such as a channel or a hook.
- an aligning groove 90 runs along a perimeter of the recessed area 26 .
- a jar 28 is removably mounted to the base 12 .
- the jar 28 is open at the top and shaped to contain food for blending.
- the jar 28 is preferably formed of high strength, light weight material, such as a polymeric material. However, it is understood by those skilled in the art that the jar 28 could be formed of a variety of materials, such as glass or other similar material.
- the jar 28 has a lid 92 to enclose the open end of the jar 28 and keep blended foodstuff in the jar 28 .
- a blending tool 94 in the interior of the base 12 is operatively connected to the motor 14 to blend the foodstuff.
- the blending tool 94 is preferably in the form of a series of sharp blades 94 a which are driven by the clutch 64 .
- the jar 28 includes a handle 30 which allows the jar to be easily removed from the base 12 .
- the handle 30 of the jar 28 is preferably permanently attached to the jar 28 or pivotally attached to the jar 28 .
- the handle 30 allows the jar 28 to be easily removed from the base 12 . It is understood by those skilled in the art that the jar 28 is not required to have a handle 30 . For instance, the user could merely grab the jar 28 with the palm of their hand and remove the jar 28 from the base 12 .
- a collar 32 is removably mounted between the base 12 and the jar 28 .
- the collar 32 has an outer housing 52 that is preferably formed of high strength, light weight material, such as a polymeric material.
- the interior of the collar 32 includes a series of threads 32 a for securing the collar 32 to the bottom of the jar 28 .
- the blending tool 94 positioned within the collar 32 , is operatively engaged with the motor 14 when the jar 28 is position on the base 12 .
- a dispensing tube 48 projects from a side of the collar 32 .
- the dispensing tube 48 includes locking keys 50 ( FIGS. 6 and 13 ) or threads 104 ( FIG. 14 ) on the exterior periphery of the dispensing tube 33 .
- the dispensing tube 48 is in fluid communication with the interior of the collar 32 and jar 28 .
- a dispensing spout 36 is removably mounted to one of the collar 32 and the jar 28 .
- the dispensing spout 36 includes a gate valve 38 .
- the gate valve 38 positioned in the dispensing spout 36 , is movable between a first position, as seen in FIG. 12 , where food flows through the gate valve 38 and a second position, as seen in FIG. 11 , wherein food is prevented from flowing through the gate valve 38 .
- the dispensing spout 36 further includes a dispensing handle 40 .
- the dispensing handle 40 is secured to the gate valve 38 for moving the gate valve 38 between the first and second positions.
- a valve bore 54 extends across the width of the dispensing spout 36 .
- a generally arcuate stopper rib 56 is positioned at a periphery of one side of the valve bore 54 and a radially extending key slot 58 extends outwardly from a periphery of the valve bore 54 .
- the gate valve 38 includes a generally cylindrical seat 41 sized to complimentary fit within the valve bore 54 .
- the seat 41 includes O-rings 41 a positioned at opposite ends of the seat 41 to sealingly position the seat 41 within the valve bore 54 .
- the dispensing handle 40 is located at one end of the seat 41 .
- a hub 42 is located on a side of the seat 41 opposite the handle 40 .
- the gate valve 38 is removably retained in the dispensing spout 36 with a key and slot arrangement. That is, an alignment key 44 extends from a peripheral edge of the hub 42 .
- the seat 41 also includes a dispensing groove 46 in one side thereof to control the flow of blended foodstuff through the dispensing valve 36 .
- the user would align the alignment key 44 of the gate valve 38 with the key slot 58 of the dispensing spout 36 .
- the gate valve 38 then slides into the valve bore 54 of the dispensing spout 36 .
- a user then grasps the handle 40 connected to the gate valve 38 and moves the handle 40 upwards towards the jar 28 .
- the alignment key 44 moves in a circular path along the exterior side of the dispensing spout 36 until the alignment key 44 comes into abutting contact with the stopper rib 56 . In this position as seen in FIG. 11 , the gate valve 38 is in this closed position.
- the gate valve 38 When the gate valve 38 is in this closed position, the dispensing groove 46 is out of alignment with an outlet 96 of the dispensing tube 48 of the collar 32 . Food is therefore prevented from flowing through the dispensing spout 36 .
- the gate valve 38 In the position as seen in FIG. 12 , the gate valve 38 is in the open position. To move the gate valve 38 from the closed position to the open position, the user grasps the handle 40 and moves the handle 40 downward away from the jar 28 . During this motion of the handle 40 , the alignment key 44 moves in a circular path along the exterior side of the dispensing spout 36 away from the stopper rib 56 . In this open position, the dispensing groove 46 is in alignment with the outlet of the dispensing tube 48 of the collar 32 . Food is therefore permitted to flow through the dispensing spout 36 .
- the user moves the handle 40 of the gate valve 38 away from the jar 28 as shown in FIG. 12 .
- the alignment key 44 of the gate valve 38 reaches the key slot 58 of the dispensing spout 36
- the user can easily remove the gate valve 38 from the valve bore 54 of the dispensing spout 36 by sliding the gate valve 38 axially out of the dispensing spout 36 .
- the ability to either insert the gate valve 38 into the dispensing spout 36 or remove the gate valve 38 from the dispensing spout 36 allows a user to easily clean these parts of the mixing device 10 in preparation for storage or further blending of food.
- a second preferred embodiment of the dispensing spout 36 is removably mounted to one of the collar 32 and the jar 28 .
- the dispensing spout 36 includes a plunger valve 112 and spring 124 attached to a stopper 118 , positioned therein, and movable between a first position wherein food flows through the dispensing spout 36 and a second position where food is prevented from flowing through the dispensing spout 36 .
- the plunger valve 112 , spring 124 and stopper 118 are removable from the dispensing spout 36 .
- the dispensing spout 36 further includes a dispensing handle 114 .
- the dispensing handle 114 is secured to the plunger valve 112 for moving the plunger valve 112 between the first and second positions.
- the handle 114 is either lifted or lowered to either raise or lower the plunger valve 112 to allow or prevent the blended foodstuff from flowing out the dispensing tube 48 .
- the handle 114 can be modified such that it may be twisted or depressed to raise or lower the plunger valve 112 without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
- the dispensing spout 36 of the second preferred embodiment includes a base 116 , the stopper 118 , the plunger valve 112 having the spring 124 , a lid 120 and the handle 114 .
- the base 116 of the dispensing spout 36 of the second preferred embodiment threadingly engages the collar 32 via threads 104 , 106 .
- the stopper 118 rests inside the base 116 of the dispensing spout 36 .
- a lower portion of the plunger valve 112 engages an interior portion of the stopper 118 . When the plunger valve 112 and stopper 118 are connected, these two structures move in unison.
- the stopper 118 is preferably formed of rubber.
- the stopper 118 can be formed of a variety of materials that would provide a proper seal to prevent blended foodstuff from flowing out of the dispensing spout 36 .
- the lid 120 encloses the plunger valve 112 , the spring 124 and the stopper 118 within the base 116 by threadingly connecting to a top portion of the base 116 .
- the plunger valve 112 extends through a central opening 121 in the lid 120 .
- the handle 114 engages an upper portion of the plunger valve 112 to control the motion of the plunger valve 112 .
- the components of the second preferred embodiment of the dispensing spout 36 are removably connected to allow the dispensing spout 36 to be properly cleaned after a user blends foodstuff in the mixing device 10 .
- a user places the plunger valve 112 inside the spring 124 .
- the user inserts the plunger valve 112 and the spring 124 inside the stopper 118 such that a lower portion of the plunger valve 112 grips an interior portion of the stopper 118 .
- a user then places the assembled plunger valve 112 , spring 124 and stopper 118 into the opening of the base 116 .
- a user threadingly engages the lid 120 to the base to enclose the plunger valve 112 , spring 124 and the stopper 118 .
- the handle 114 is then operatively connected to an upper portion of the plunger valve 112 .
- the handle 114 includes projections (not shown) that engage slots 122 in the upper portion of the plunger valve 112 .
- the connection between the upper portion of the plunger valve 112 and the handle 114 can be modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
- the handle 114 can be friction-fitted to the plunger valve 112 or a detent could be used.
- the spring 124 of the plunger valve 112 biases the stopper 118 in the closed position such that the stopper 118 prevents blended foodstuff from flowing out of the dispensing spout 36 .
- a user would lift the handle 114 to pull the plunger valve 112 in an upward direction, which in turn pulls the stopper 118 upward against the force of the spring 124 .
- the user disengages the handle 114 from the upper portion of the plunger valve 112 .
- the user then unscrews the lid 120 from the base 116 which exposes the plunger valve 112 , the spring 124 and the stopper 118 .
- the plunger valve 112 , spring 124 and stopper 118 can then be lifted from the base 116 .
- Each of these components can be hand washed or machine washed to clean the dispensing spout 36 .
- the dispensing tube 48 is generally hollow and is in communication with the interior of the collar 32 .
- the dispensing spout 36 is preferably removably mounted on the dispensing tube 48 of the collar 32 .
- the dispensing spout 36 preferably includes threads 106 that mate the threads 104 on the exterior periphery of the dispensing tube 48 which extends from the collar 32 ( FIGS. 14 and 15 ).
- the dispensing spout 36 can also include a fastening mechanism (not shown) that mates with locking keys 50 on the exterior periphery of the dispensing tube 48 which extends from the collar 32 ( FIGS. 11 and 13 ).
- This fastening mechanism between the dispensing spout 36 and the dispensing tube 48 permits twist-locking of the dispensing spout 36 to the collar 32 .
- this fastening mechanisms permits engaging and disengaging of the dispensing spout 36 relative to the collar 32 by one-quarter twist engagement.
- the fastening mechanisms is not limited to threaded or one-quarter twist engagements and may be comprised of nearly any fastening device that permits removable mounting of the dispensing spout 36 relative to the collar 32 .
- the dispensing spout 36 may be fixed to the collar 32 .
- blended foodstuff would flow from the jar 28 , through the dispensing tube 48 of the collar 32 , into the dispensing spout 36 , through the dispensing groove 46 of the gate valve 38 , and out of the dispensing spout 36 .
- dispensing spout 36 could alternatively be removably attached to a dispensing spout (not shown) of the jar 28 without departing from the scope of the invention.
- a splash guard 60 is removably mounted to an exterior of the base 12 .
- the splash guard 60 is shaped to align with and complimentary cover the recessed area 26 of the base 12 .
- the splash guard 60 is preferably formed of a high strength, light weight material, such as a polymeric material.
- a top portion of the splash guard 60 contains a hole 62 through which the clutch 64 of the base 12 passes through.
- Two equidistantly spaced vertical alignment slots 70 are located on an exterior surface 72 of the splash guard 60 which complimentary engage two vertical alignment ridges 74 on an interior surface 76 of the outer housing 16 of the base 12 .
- a lock groove 78 on an upper perimeter of the splash guard 60 couples to a latch 80 located on the back surface 12 c of the base 12 when the splash guard 60 is mounted to the base 12 .
- the latch 80 removably secures the splash guard 60 to the exterior of the base 16 .
- the splash guard 60 is configured to lock or snap-fit onto the front 12 a and top 12 b of the base 12 .
- a user aligns the vertical alignment slots 70 on the exterior surface 72 of the splash guard 60 with the vertical alignment ridges 74 on the interior surface 76 of the base 12 the splash guard 60 .
- the user then moves the splash guard 60 downward until it is flush with the front 12 a and top 12 b of the base 12 .
- the splash guard 60 is snap-fitted to the base 12 when an outer perimeter of the splash guard 60 interferingly fits with the aligning groove 90 of the base 12 .
- slots 98 preferably provided on a lower end of the front 12 a of the base 12 , engage hooks (not shown) that protrude from a lower inside surface of the splash guard 60 when the splash guard 60 is mounted to the base 12 .
- hooks not shown
- other snap-fitting means such as clips or prongs, can be used to snap-fit the splash guard 60 to the base 12 .
- the splash guard 60 is locked to the base 12 when the latch 80 of the base 12 locks to the lock groove 78 of the splash guard 60 .
- the latch 80 locks onto the lock groove 78 when a tongue 80 a of the latch 80 slides over a shoulder 78 a of the lock groove 78 .
- the tongue 80 a Once the tongue 80 a has slid over the shoulder 78 a , the tongue 80 a snaps downward onto a far edge of the shoulder 78 a and resists motion to remove the latch 80 from the lock groove 78 .
- the splash guard 60 is not required to be locked to the base 12 .
- the snap-fitting of the splash guard 60 to the base 12 provides an adequately secure connection between the two structures.
- the locking action of the splash guard 60 to the base 12 merely provides further assurance to the user that the two structures will not become separated until so desired by the user.
- the outer housing 52 of the collar 32 has three equidistantly spaced vertical alignment grooves 82 on an exterior surface 84 of the collar 32 .
- the vertical alignment grooves 82 of the collar 32 complimentarily engage three vertical alignment ribs 86 on an interior surface 88 of the splash guard 60 when the collar 32 is mounted to the splash guard 60 . While three alignment grooves 82 and ribs 86 are preferred, the present invention is not limited to any particular number of grooves 82 and ribs 86 .
- the storage area 66 is completely enclosed.
- Various blender components such as the cap 68 , used to enclose the dispensing tube 48 of the collar 32 when the dispensing tube 36 is not in use, can be stored and protected in the storage area 66 of the base 12 .
- Those skilled in the art would recognize that various blender components or spare parts could be stored in the storage area 66 , such as an alternate blending tool (not shown).
- an alternate blending tool not shown
- the shape of the storage area 66 could be changed to accommodate different components without departing from the scope of the invention.
- the latch 80 located on a back surface 12 c of the base 12 is moveable between a first arrangement wherein the latch 80 engages the lock groove 78 of the splash guard 60 to lock the splash guard 60 onto the base 12 and a second arrangement wherein the latch 80 pivots away from the top 12 b of the base 12 to disengage the lock groove 78 of the splash guard 60 .
- This movement of the latch 80 allows for easy removal of the splash guard 60 from the base 12 .
- a first end 80 b of the latch 80 is secured to a horizontal pin 13 located in a channel 17 in the back surface 12 c of the base 12 .
- the horizontal pin 13 is located on a distal end of a tab 15 which is pivotably mounted within the channel 17 by a hinge mechanism 19 .
- the tongue 80 a of the latch 80 is located on a second end of the latch 80 opposite the first end 80 b .
- the latch 80 pivots on the horizontal pin 13 at first end 80 b to move the second end of the latch 80 with the tongue 80 a in a vertical motion to act as an over the center latching mechanism.
- the pivot arm could be spring-biased or include a turning key to more securely lock the latch 80 with the lock groove 78 .
- the latch 80 could be omitted and the splash guard 60 merely snap-fits onto the base 12 .
- the user In operation, when a user desires to operate the mixing device 10 to blend food, the user takes the base 12 and places it on a countertop or tabletop (not shown). The user should make sure that the feet 24 of the mixing device 10 are flush against the top of the countertop or tabletop. The user then takes the splash guard 60 , making sure to align the vertical alignment slots 70 with the vertical alignment ridges 74 , and removably mounts the splash guard 60 onto the front 12 a and top 12 b of the base 12 so that the storage area 66 is completely enclosed. When mounting the splash guard 60 to the base 12 , the user should make sure that the aligning groove 90 of the base 12 is flush against the exterior perimeter of the splash guard 60 .
- the user should ensure that the hole 62 of the splash guard 60 is directly aligned with the clutch 64 of the base 12 .
- the user pivots the latch 80 located on a back surface 12 c of the base 12 upwards to couple with the lock groove 78 of the splash guard 60 .
- the splash guard 60 is now locked into place.
- the configuration will appear as shown in FIG. 8 .
- the user then mounts the jar 28 to the top of the collar 32 .
- the user attaches the dispensing spout 36 to the dispensing tube 48 of the collar 32 .
- the dispensing spout 36 either threadingly engages the dispensing tube or removably locks onto the locking keys 50 of the dispensing tube 48 of the collar 32 via the fastening mechanism (not shown) with a one-quarter twist engagement.
- the plunger valve 112 is inserted into the dispensing spout 36 or the gate valve 38 is inserted into the dispensing spout 36 as previously mentioned.
- the user should ensure that the handle 40 , 114 is in the upper most position (as shown in FIGS.
- the user mounts the collar 32 to the top of the splash guard 60 .
- the vertical alignment grooves 82 on the exterior surface 84 of the collar 32 are aligned with the vertical alignment ribs 86 of the splash guard 60 .
- the collar 32 is then slid downward until it reaches abutting contact with the splash guard 60 .
- the cap 68 located in the recessed area 26 of the base 12 can be used to cover the end of the dispensing tube 48 of the collar 32 .
- the cap 68 can engage or disengage the dispensing tube 48 in a similar manner in which the dispensing spout 36 is attached to the end of the dispensing tube 48 .
- a user either mates the threads 108 of the cap 68 with the threads 104 of the dispensing tube 48 ( FIGS.
- the cap 68 threadingly engages the dispensing tube 48 when the dispensing spout 36 is not in use and the cap 68 threadingly engages the projection 102 of the recessed area 26 when the dispensing spout 36 is in use. As seen in FIG.
- a seal 110 located on the end of the threads 104 assures that the dispensing spout 36 or cap 68 sealingly engage the dispensing tube 48 .
- Those skilled in the art would also understand that various other blender components, such as tools or extra blending instruments, can be stored in a storage area 66 of the base 12 .
- the user can dispense the blended food via the dispensing spout 36 .
- the blended food flows from the jar 28 down through the collar 32 , through the dispensing tube 48 into the first end of the dispensing spout 36 through the gate valve 38 or below the stopper 118 and out the second end of the dispensing spout 36 .
- a user can take the handle 40 of the gate valve 38 or the handle 114 of the plunger valve 112 and move it in an upward direction. In this configuration, the dispensing groove 46 is not aligned with the dispensing tube 48 of the collar 32 in the first preferred embodiment and the stopper 118 blocks the flow of foodstuff in the dispensing spout 36 in the second preferred embodiment.
- the various components of the mixing device 10 can be easily separated and removed to assist the user in clean up.
- the user would remove the jar 28 from the top of the collar 32 .
- the collar 32 is removed from the splash guard 60 in a vertical direction.
- the splash guard 60 is then removed from the front 12 a and top 12 b of the base 12 in a vertical direction.
- the splash guard 60 can now be easily cleaned separate from the other parts of the mixing device 10 .
- the jar 28 , collar 32 and splash guard 60 are separable and constructed of durable, lightweight material, all three items are capable of being cleaned in a dishwasher.
- the base 12 of the mixing device 10 should not need extensive cleaning because the splash guard 60 will accumulate most of the errant blended food.
- the user moves the handle 40 of the gate valve 38 away from the jar 28 as shown in FIG. 12 .
- the user can easily remove the gate valve 38 from the valve bore 54 of the dispensing spout 36 by sliding the gate valve 38 axially out of the dispensing spout 36 .
- the gate valve 38 can now be easily cleaned as it is separated from the rest of the mixing device 10 .
- the dispensing groove 46 of the gate valve 38 is exposed to permit the user to easily clean the interior of the gate valve 38 .
- the user can place the gate valve 38 into a dishwasher for cleaning.
- the user disengages the handle 114 from the upper portion of the plunger valve 112 .
- the user unscrews the lid 120 from the base 116 to expose the plunger valve 112 , spring 124 and stopper 118 .
- the plunger valve 112 , spring 124 and stopper 118 can then be removed from the base 116 .
- Each component can now be individually cleaned or placed in a dishwasher to remove any residual blended foodstuff in preparation for storage or blending other foodstuff.
- the user removes the dispensing spout 36 from the dispensing tube 48 of the collar 32 . This is accomplished by rotating the dispensing spout 36 so that the threads 104 , 106 no longer matingly engage ( FIGS. 14 and 15 ) or so that the fastening mechanism (not shown) no longer engages the locking keys 50 on the exterior periphery of the dispensing tube 48 ( FIG. 13 ).
- the dispensing spout 36 can now be easily cleaned as it is separated form the rest of the mixing device 10 structure. Specifically, the interior surfaces of the dispensing spout 36 are exposed to allow the user to directly clean the interior of the dispensing spout 36 . Alternatively, the user can place the dispensing spout 36 into a dishwasher for easy cleaning.
Abstract
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/581,725, filed Oct. 16, 2006.
- The present application is directed to a mixing device configured to blend food and, more particularly, to a mixing device or blender that includes a removably mounted dispensing spout and a removably mounted splash guard that encloses a storage space.
- Mixing devices or blenders are a relatively common household or kitchen appliance that are used to blend foodstuff, typically drinks or other foodstuff that is blended into a semi-fluid state. A typical blender includes a base that encloses a motor housing and a container comprised of a jar and a mixing assembly. The base includes a blending tool rotatably mounted thereto. The blending tool is rotatably engageable with a drive shaft of the motor in an operating configuration. More recently it has become popular to provide the blending jar or collar with a spout having a valve. The spout is used to dispense “smoothie” type products. That is, foodstuff is placed into the container and the container is engaged with the base. The foodstuff is blended and a handle of the spout is positioned to raise the valve to dispense or pour the blended foodstuff from base of the container.
- When dispensing blended foodstuff through a spout, the foodstuff inside the spout can leave quit a mess. It would be desirable to remove the spout from the blender after blending the foodstuff. This would allow a user to more easily clean the spout before either using the blender for other foodstuff or storing the blender. In the same sense, it would be desirable to remove the valve housed inside the spout so that the valve can be properly cleaned before either storage or its next use.
- When using a conventional mixing device or blender, blended foodstuff often escapes from inside the container either through the top of the jar or through the spout and splashes on the exterior of the mixing device. It would be desirable to include a removably mounted splash guard on the front of the base of the blender to prevent the front of the blender from accumulating splashed or spilled foodstuff. The splash guard may be positioned on the front of the base of the blender under the spout such that spilled or splashed blended foodstuff does not collect on the base of the blender. It would be desirable if the splash guard was removably mounted to the base so that the splash guard could be cleaned separately from the dispensing blender.
- Further, blenders often come with various small parts, components or accessories that enhance a user's experience of the blender. Typically, such small parts are stored loosely with the blender and are often lost as a result. It would be desirable to further provide a self-storage space inside the blender, separate from the areas used to blend the foodstuff. This storage space would allow a user to keep small, ancillary components of the blender in a place that is easily assessable but not obstructive to the normal use of the blender. For example, it would be desirable to provide a space and a structure inside the blender to secure a cap which is used to prevent foodstuff from escaping from the blender.
- Briefly stated, the present invention is directed to a mixing device configured to blend food. The device includes a base housing a motor. A jar is removably mounted to the base for containing food. A collar is removably mounted between the base and the jar. The collar includes a blending tool operatively engaged with the motor when positioned on the base. A dispensing spout is removably mounted to one of the collar and the jar. The dispensing spout includes a plunger valve positioned therein. The plunger valve is movable between a first position wherein food flows through the dispensing spout and a second position where food is prevented from flowing through the dispensing spout. The plunger valve is removably mounted to the dispensing spout.
- In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a mixing device configured to blend food. The mixing device includes a base enclosing a motor. The base includes a recessed area and a projection extends from the recessed area. A jar is removably mounted to the base for containing food. A collar is removably mounted between the base and the jar. The collar has a blending tool that is operatively engaged with the motor when the collar is positioned on the base. Further, a splash guard is removably mounted to the base. The splash guard covers the recessed area. A space defined by the recessed area of the base and the splash guard provides storage for a cap. The cap is releasably mounted to the projection.
- The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention described in the present application, there is shown in the drawings, an embodiment which is presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of a mixing device in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the mixing device shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the mixing device shown inFIG. 2 , taken alongline 2A-2A ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the mixing device shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a base of the mixing device shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the base of the mixing device shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6 is a right side perspective view of a collar of the mixing device shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 7 is a front right perspective view of a splash guard of the mixing device shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 8 is a front right perspective view of the base and splash guard assembled; -
FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the base and splash guard assembled; -
FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the splash guard and base; -
FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of a dispensing spout with a dispensing handle in a closed position; -
FIG. 12 is a greatly enlarged perspective view of the dispensing spout with the dispensing handle in an open position; -
FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the dispensing spout and a gate valve; -
FIG. 14 is a front right side perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the mixing device shown inFIG. 1 with the splash guard and dispensing spout removed for clarity; -
FIG. 15 is a rear left side perspective view of the second preferred embodiment of the dispensing spout; -
FIG. 16 is a rear left side perspective view of the second preferred embodiment of a cap of the present invention; and -
FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the second preferred embodiment of the dispensing spout. - Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right”, “left”, “lower” and “upper” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the dispensing blender and designated parts thereof. The terminology includes the above-listed words, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.
- Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals are used to indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in
FIGS. 1-17 a mixing device, generally designated 10, configured to blend food (not shown). The mixingdevice 10 is preferably in the form of a conventional kitchen blender, but could be other products such as a food processor or smoothie machine. The mixingdevice 10 includes a base 12 housing a motor 14. Thebase 12 has anouter housing 16 which is preferably formed of high strength, light weight material, such as a polymeric material. Theouter housing 16 is used to contain the motor 14 and other operational elements of the blender well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Theouter housing 16 includesvent openings 18 in the base thereof and anelectrical cord 20 for providing power to the motor 14. Theouter housing 16 also includes a series ofpush buttons 22 used for controlling the operation and speed of the motor 14, in a manner well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. The base 12 preferably includes a series offeet 24 for providing themixing device 10 with stability. - In reference to
FIGS. 5 , 10 and 14, thebase 12 includes a recessedarea 26. The recessedarea 26 extends from one side of thebase 12, preferably the front 12 a, to a top 12 b of thebase 12 and generally covers the front width of thebase 12. Aconventional clutch 64 is positioned near the top of the recessedarea 26. The clutch 64 is driven by the motor 14. Astorage area 66, located in the recessedarea 26, provides a location to store acap 68. Specifically, aprojection 102 extends from thestorage area 66. Thecap 68 is releasably mounted to theprojection 102 by a threaded engagement. In the preferred embodiment, theprojection 102 is generally similar in shape to that of the dispensingspout 48 and located generally in the center of the recessedarea 26. However, it is understood by those skilled in the art that the shape and location of theprojection 102 can be modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Also, thecap 68 could be secured in therecesses area 26 through other means, such as a channel or a hook. Further, an aligninggroove 90 runs along a perimeter of the recessedarea 26. - In the preferred embodiment, a
jar 28 is removably mounted to thebase 12. Thejar 28 is open at the top and shaped to contain food for blending. Thejar 28 is preferably formed of high strength, light weight material, such as a polymeric material. However, it is understood by those skilled in the art that thejar 28 could be formed of a variety of materials, such as glass or other similar material. Thejar 28 has alid 92 to enclose the open end of thejar 28 and keep blended foodstuff in thejar 28. A blendingtool 94 in the interior of thebase 12 is operatively connected to the motor 14 to blend the foodstuff. Theblending tool 94 is preferably in the form of a series ofsharp blades 94 a which are driven by the clutch 64. Thejar 28 includes ahandle 30 which allows the jar to be easily removed from thebase 12. Thehandle 30 of thejar 28 is preferably permanently attached to thejar 28 or pivotally attached to thejar 28. Thehandle 30 allows thejar 28 to be easily removed from thebase 12. It is understood by those skilled in the art that thejar 28 is not required to have ahandle 30. For instance, the user could merely grab thejar 28 with the palm of their hand and remove thejar 28 from thebase 12. - Referring now to
FIGS. 1 , 6 and 14, acollar 32 is removably mounted between the base 12 and thejar 28. Thecollar 32 has anouter housing 52 that is preferably formed of high strength, light weight material, such as a polymeric material. The interior of thecollar 32 includes a series ofthreads 32 a for securing thecollar 32 to the bottom of thejar 28. Theblending tool 94, positioned within thecollar 32, is operatively engaged with the motor 14 when thejar 28 is position on thebase 12. That is, the operation of the clutch 64 on the base 12 in connection with theblending tool 94 of thejar 28 is well understood by those skilled in the art and, therefore, further description thereof is a matter for purposes of convenience only and is not limiting. As described in more detail hereinafter, a dispensingtube 48 projects from a side of thecollar 32. The dispensingtube 48 includes locking keys 50 (FIGS. 6 and 13 ) or threads 104 (FIG. 14 ) on the exterior periphery of the dispensing tube 33. The dispensingtube 48 is in fluid communication with the interior of thecollar 32 andjar 28. - In reference to
FIGS. 11-13 , one preferred embodiment of a dispensingspout 36 is removably mounted to one of thecollar 32 and thejar 28. The dispensingspout 36 includes agate valve 38. Thegate valve 38, positioned in the dispensingspout 36, is movable between a first position, as seen inFIG. 12 , where food flows through thegate valve 38 and a second position, as seen inFIG. 11 , wherein food is prevented from flowing through thegate valve 38. The dispensingspout 36 further includes a dispensinghandle 40. The dispensing handle 40 is secured to thegate valve 38 for moving thegate valve 38 between the first and second positions. A valve bore 54 extends across the width of the dispensingspout 36. A generallyarcuate stopper rib 56 is positioned at a periphery of one side of the valve bore 54 and a radially extendingkey slot 58 extends outwardly from a periphery of the valve bore 54. - The
gate valve 38 includes a generallycylindrical seat 41 sized to complimentary fit within the valve bore 54. Theseat 41 includes O-rings 41 a positioned at opposite ends of theseat 41 to sealingly position theseat 41 within the valve bore 54. The dispensing handle 40 is located at one end of theseat 41. Ahub 42 is located on a side of theseat 41 opposite thehandle 40. As described in more detail hereinafter, thegate valve 38 is removably retained in the dispensingspout 36 with a key and slot arrangement. That is, analignment key 44 extends from a peripheral edge of thehub 42. Theseat 41 also includes a dispensinggroove 46 in one side thereof to control the flow of blended foodstuff through the dispensingvalve 36. - To assemble the
gate valve 38 in the dispensingspout 36, the user would align thealignment key 44 of thegate valve 38 with thekey slot 58 of the dispensingspout 36. Thegate valve 38 then slides into the valve bore 54 of the dispensingspout 36. A user then grasps thehandle 40 connected to thegate valve 38 and moves thehandle 40 upwards towards thejar 28. During this motion of thehandle 40, thealignment key 44 moves in a circular path along the exterior side of the dispensingspout 36 until thealignment key 44 comes into abutting contact with thestopper rib 56. In this position as seen inFIG. 11 , thegate valve 38 is in this closed position. When thegate valve 38 is in this closed position, the dispensinggroove 46 is out of alignment with anoutlet 96 of the dispensingtube 48 of thecollar 32. Food is therefore prevented from flowing through the dispensingspout 36. In the position as seen inFIG. 12 , thegate valve 38 is in the open position. To move thegate valve 38 from the closed position to the open position, the user grasps thehandle 40 and moves thehandle 40 downward away from thejar 28. During this motion of thehandle 40, thealignment key 44 moves in a circular path along the exterior side of the dispensingspout 36 away from thestopper rib 56. In this open position, the dispensinggroove 46 is in alignment with the outlet of the dispensingtube 48 of thecollar 32. Food is therefore permitted to flow through the dispensingspout 36. - To remove the
gate valve 38 from the dispensingspout 36, the user moves thehandle 40 of thegate valve 38 away from thejar 28 as shown inFIG. 12 . When thealignment key 44 of thegate valve 38 reaches thekey slot 58 of the dispensingspout 36, the user can easily remove thegate valve 38 from the valve bore 54 of the dispensingspout 36 by sliding thegate valve 38 axially out of the dispensingspout 36. The ability to either insert thegate valve 38 into the dispensingspout 36 or remove thegate valve 38 from the dispensingspout 36 allows a user to easily clean these parts of the mixingdevice 10 in preparation for storage or further blending of food. - In reference to
FIGS. 15 and 17 , a second preferred embodiment of the dispensingspout 36 is removably mounted to one of thecollar 32 and thejar 28. The dispensingspout 36 includes aplunger valve 112 and spring 124 attached to astopper 118, positioned therein, and movable between a first position wherein food flows through the dispensingspout 36 and a second position where food is prevented from flowing through the dispensingspout 36. Theplunger valve 112, spring 124 andstopper 118 are removable from the dispensingspout 36. The dispensingspout 36 further includes adispensing handle 114. The dispensing handle 114 is secured to theplunger valve 112 for moving theplunger valve 112 between the first and second positions. In the preferred embodiment, thehandle 114 is either lifted or lowered to either raise or lower theplunger valve 112 to allow or prevent the blended foodstuff from flowing out the dispensingtube 48. However, it is understood by those skilled in the art that thehandle 114 can be modified such that it may be twisted or depressed to raise or lower theplunger valve 112 without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. - The dispensing
spout 36 of the second preferred embodiment includes abase 116, thestopper 118, theplunger valve 112 having the spring 124, alid 120 and thehandle 114. As shown inFIGS. 14 and 15 , thebase 116 of the dispensingspout 36 of the second preferred embodiment threadingly engages thecollar 32 viathreads stopper 118 rests inside thebase 116 of the dispensingspout 36. A lower portion of theplunger valve 112 engages an interior portion of thestopper 118. When theplunger valve 112 andstopper 118 are connected, these two structures move in unison. Thestopper 118 is preferably formed of rubber. However, it is understood by those skilled in the art that thestopper 118 can be formed of a variety of materials that would provide a proper seal to prevent blended foodstuff from flowing out of the dispensingspout 36. Thelid 120 encloses theplunger valve 112, the spring 124 and thestopper 118 within thebase 116 by threadingly connecting to a top portion of thebase 116. In this configuration, theplunger valve 112 extends through acentral opening 121 in thelid 120. Thehandle 114 engages an upper portion of theplunger valve 112 to control the motion of theplunger valve 112. The components of the second preferred embodiment of the dispensingspout 36 are removably connected to allow the dispensingspout 36 to be properly cleaned after a user blends foodstuff in themixing device 10. - To assemble the second embodiment of the dispensing
spout 36, a user places theplunger valve 112 inside the spring 124. Next, the user inserts theplunger valve 112 and the spring 124 inside thestopper 118 such that a lower portion of theplunger valve 112 grips an interior portion of thestopper 118. A user then places the assembledplunger valve 112, spring 124 andstopper 118 into the opening of thebase 116. Next a user threadingly engages thelid 120 to the base to enclose theplunger valve 112, spring 124 and thestopper 118. Thehandle 114 is then operatively connected to an upper portion of theplunger valve 112. Preferably thehandle 114 includes projections (not shown) that engageslots 122 in the upper portion of theplunger valve 112. However, it is understood by those skilled in the art that the connection between the upper portion of theplunger valve 112 and thehandle 114 can be modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, thehandle 114 can be friction-fitted to theplunger valve 112 or a detent could be used. The spring 124 of theplunger valve 112 biases thestopper 118 in the closed position such that thestopper 118 prevents blended foodstuff from flowing out of the dispensingspout 36. To allow blended foodstuff to flow out of the dispensingspout 36, a user would lift thehandle 114 to pull theplunger valve 112 in an upward direction, which in turn pulls thestopper 118 upward against the force of the spring 124. - To remove the
plunger valve 112 from the dispensingspout 36 of the second preferred embodiment, the user disengages thehandle 114 from the upper portion of theplunger valve 112. The user then unscrews thelid 120 from the base 116 which exposes theplunger valve 112, the spring 124 and thestopper 118. Theplunger valve 112, spring 124 andstopper 118 can then be lifted from thebase 116. Each of these components can be hand washed or machine washed to clean the dispensingspout 36. - Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 13-15, the dispensing
tube 48 is generally hollow and is in communication with the interior of thecollar 32. The dispensingspout 36 is preferably removably mounted on the dispensingtube 48 of thecollar 32. The dispensingspout 36 preferably includesthreads 106 that mate thethreads 104 on the exterior periphery of the dispensingtube 48 which extends from the collar 32 (FIGS. 14 and 15 ). However, the dispensingspout 36 can also include a fastening mechanism (not shown) that mates with lockingkeys 50 on the exterior periphery of the dispensingtube 48 which extends from the collar 32 (FIGS. 11 and 13 ). This fastening mechanism between the dispensingspout 36 and the dispensingtube 48 permits twist-locking of the dispensingspout 36 to thecollar 32. Specifically, this fastening mechanisms permits engaging and disengaging of the dispensingspout 36 relative to thecollar 32 by one-quarter twist engagement. However, the fastening mechanisms is not limited to threaded or one-quarter twist engagements and may be comprised of nearly any fastening device that permits removable mounting of the dispensingspout 36 relative to thecollar 32. In addition, one having ordinary skill in the art will realize that the dispensingspout 36 may be fixed to thecollar 32. In the preferred embodiment, blended foodstuff would flow from thejar 28, through the dispensingtube 48 of thecollar 32, into the dispensingspout 36, through the dispensinggroove 46 of thegate valve 38, and out of the dispensingspout 36. One skilled in the art would recognize that the dispensingspout 36 could alternatively be removably attached to a dispensing spout (not shown) of thejar 28 without departing from the scope of the invention. - Referring to
FIGS. 1 , 2, 5, 7 and 10, asplash guard 60 is removably mounted to an exterior of thebase 12. Thesplash guard 60 is shaped to align with and complimentary cover the recessedarea 26 of thebase 12. Thesplash guard 60 is preferably formed of a high strength, light weight material, such as a polymeric material. A top portion of thesplash guard 60 contains ahole 62 through which the clutch 64 of the base 12 passes through. Two equidistantly spacedvertical alignment slots 70 are located on anexterior surface 72 of thesplash guard 60 which complimentary engage twovertical alignment ridges 74 on aninterior surface 76 of theouter housing 16 of thebase 12. While twoalignment slots 70 andridges 74 are preferred, the present invention is not limited to any particular number ofslots 70 andridges 74. Further, alock groove 78 on an upper perimeter of thesplash guard 60 couples to alatch 80 located on theback surface 12 c of the base 12 when thesplash guard 60 is mounted to thebase 12. Thelatch 80 removably secures thesplash guard 60 to the exterior of thebase 16. - In operation the
splash guard 60 is configured to lock or snap-fit onto the front 12 a and top 12 b of thebase 12. To mount thesplash guard 60 to thebase 12, a user aligns thevertical alignment slots 70 on theexterior surface 72 of thesplash guard 60 with thevertical alignment ridges 74 on theinterior surface 76 of the base 12 thesplash guard 60. The user then moves thesplash guard 60 downward until it is flush with the front 12 a and top 12 b of thebase 12. Thesplash guard 60 is snap-fitted to the base 12 when an outer perimeter of thesplash guard 60 interferingly fits with the aligninggroove 90 of thebase 12. Further,slots 98, preferably provided on a lower end of the front 12 a of thebase 12, engage hooks (not shown) that protrude from a lower inside surface of thesplash guard 60 when thesplash guard 60 is mounted to thebase 12. Those skilled in the art would recognize that other snap-fitting means, such as clips or prongs, can be used to snap-fit thesplash guard 60 to thebase 12. Thesplash guard 60 is locked to the base 12 when thelatch 80 of the base 12 locks to thelock groove 78 of thesplash guard 60. Thelatch 80 locks onto thelock groove 78 when atongue 80 a of thelatch 80 slides over ashoulder 78 a of thelock groove 78. Once thetongue 80 a has slid over theshoulder 78 a, thetongue 80 a snaps downward onto a far edge of theshoulder 78 a and resists motion to remove thelatch 80 from thelock groove 78. Those skilled in the art would recognize that thesplash guard 60 is not required to be locked to thebase 12. The snap-fitting of thesplash guard 60 to thebase 12 provides an adequately secure connection between the two structures. The locking action of thesplash guard 60 to the base 12 merely provides further assurance to the user that the two structures will not become separated until so desired by the user. - In reference to
FIGS. 6-7 , theouter housing 52 of thecollar 32 has three equidistantly spacedvertical alignment grooves 82 on anexterior surface 84 of thecollar 32. Thevertical alignment grooves 82 of thecollar 32 complimentarily engage threevertical alignment ribs 86 on aninterior surface 88 of thesplash guard 60 when thecollar 32 is mounted to thesplash guard 60. While threealignment grooves 82 andribs 86 are preferred, the present invention is not limited to any particular number ofgrooves 82 andribs 86. - In operation, when a user desires to removably mount the
collar 32 andjar 28 on thesplash guard 60, the user aligns thevertical alignment grooves 82 on theexterior surface 84 of thecollar 32 with thevertical alignment ribs 86 on theinterior surface 88 of thesplash guard 60. Thecollar 32 then slides downward towards thesplash guard 60 until coming into abutting contact with thesplash guard 60, where the clutch 64 becomes drivingly engaged with theblending tool 94. - Referring now to
FIGS. 1 , 5 and 10, when thesplash guard 60 is in place over the recessedarea 26 of thebase 12, thestorage area 66 is completely enclosed. Various blender components, such as thecap 68, used to enclose the dispensingtube 48 of thecollar 32 when the dispensingtube 36 is not in use, can be stored and protected in thestorage area 66 of thebase 12. Those skilled in the art would recognize that various blender components or spare parts could be stored in thestorage area 66, such as an alternate blending tool (not shown). Further, one skilled in the art would recognize that the shape of thestorage area 66 could be changed to accommodate different components without departing from the scope of the invention. - Referring to
FIGS. 3 , 4 and 9, thelatch 80 located on aback surface 12 c of thebase 12 is moveable between a first arrangement wherein thelatch 80 engages thelock groove 78 of thesplash guard 60 to lock thesplash guard 60 onto thebase 12 and a second arrangement wherein thelatch 80 pivots away from the top 12 b of the base 12 to disengage thelock groove 78 of thesplash guard 60. This movement of thelatch 80 allows for easy removal of thesplash guard 60 from thebase 12. Afirst end 80 b of thelatch 80 is secured to ahorizontal pin 13 located in achannel 17 in theback surface 12 c of thebase 12. Thehorizontal pin 13 is located on a distal end of atab 15 which is pivotably mounted within thechannel 17 by ahinge mechanism 19. Thetongue 80 a of thelatch 80 is located on a second end of thelatch 80 opposite thefirst end 80 b. Thelatch 80 pivots on thehorizontal pin 13 atfirst end 80 b to move the second end of thelatch 80 with thetongue 80 a in a vertical motion to act as an over the center latching mechanism. Those skilled in the art would appreciate that the motion and shape of the pivot arm can be changed without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, the pivot arm could be spring-biased or include a turning key to more securely lock thelatch 80 with thelock groove 78. Further, thelatch 80 could be omitted and thesplash guard 60 merely snap-fits onto thebase 12. - In operation, when a user desires to operate the
mixing device 10 to blend food, the user takes thebase 12 and places it on a countertop or tabletop (not shown). The user should make sure that thefeet 24 of the mixingdevice 10 are flush against the top of the countertop or tabletop. The user then takes thesplash guard 60, making sure to align thevertical alignment slots 70 with thevertical alignment ridges 74, and removably mounts thesplash guard 60 onto the front 12 a and top 12 b of the base 12 so that thestorage area 66 is completely enclosed. When mounting thesplash guard 60 to thebase 12, the user should make sure that the aligninggroove 90 of thebase 12 is flush against the exterior perimeter of thesplash guard 60. Also, the user should ensure that thehole 62 of thesplash guard 60 is directly aligned with the clutch 64 of thebase 12. Next, the user pivots thelatch 80 located on aback surface 12 c of the base 12 upwards to couple with thelock groove 78 of thesplash guard 60. Thesplash guard 60 is now locked into place. When thesplash guard 60 has been mounted to thebase 12, the configuration will appear as shown inFIG. 8 . - The user then mounts the
jar 28 to the top of thecollar 32. At this point, the user attaches the dispensingspout 36 to the dispensingtube 48 of thecollar 32. As previously described, the dispensingspout 36 either threadingly engages the dispensing tube or removably locks onto the lockingkeys 50 of the dispensingtube 48 of thecollar 32 via the fastening mechanism (not shown) with a one-quarter twist engagement. Next, either theplunger valve 112 is inserted into the dispensingspout 36 or thegate valve 38 is inserted into the dispensingspout 36 as previously mentioned. Before beginning to blend foodstuff, the user should ensure that thehandle FIGS. 1 and 15 ) so that thegate valve 38 orplunger valve 112 is in the closed position. This prevents the blended foodstuff from escaping from the blender. Next, the user mounts thecollar 32 to the top of thesplash guard 60. In order to properly align thecollar 32 with thesplash guard 60, thevertical alignment grooves 82 on theexterior surface 84 of thecollar 32 are aligned with thevertical alignment ribs 86 of thesplash guard 60. Thecollar 32 is then slid downward until it reaches abutting contact with thesplash guard 60. Once the user has properly connected theoutlet cord 20 of the base 12 to an outlet (not shown), the mixingdevice 10 is ready to blend food. - It is understood by those skilled in the art that the
cap 68 located in the recessedarea 26 of the base 12 can be used to cover the end of the dispensingtube 48 of thecollar 32. Thecap 68 can engage or disengage the dispensingtube 48 in a similar manner in which the dispensingspout 36 is attached to the end of the dispensingtube 48. To attach thecap 68 to the dispensingtube 48, a user either mates thethreads 108 of thecap 68 with thethreads 104 of the dispensing tube 48 (FIGS. 14 and 16 ) or rotates thecap 68 with a one-quarter twist so that a fastening mechanism (not shown) on the interior of thecap 68 engage the lockingkeys 50 on the exterior periphery of the dispensing tube 48 (FIG. 13 ). This configuration allows a user to blend food in the mixing device without the option of dispensing the blended food through the dispensingspout 36. For example, thecap 68 threadingly engages the dispensingtube 48 when the dispensingspout 36 is not in use and thecap 68 threadingly engages theprojection 102 of the recessedarea 26 when the dispensingspout 36 is in use. As seen inFIG. 14 , aseal 110 located on the end of thethreads 104 assures that the dispensingspout 36 orcap 68 sealingly engage the dispensingtube 48. Those skilled in the art would also understand that various other blender components, such as tools or extra blending instruments, can be stored in astorage area 66 of thebase 12. - When a user has completed blending food in the
mixing device 10, the user can dispense the blended food via the dispensingspout 36. During this operation, the blended food flows from thejar 28 down through thecollar 32, through the dispensingtube 48 into the first end of the dispensingspout 36 through thegate valve 38 or below thestopper 118 and out the second end of the dispensingspout 36. To prevent food from flowing through this process, a user can take thehandle 40 of thegate valve 38 or thehandle 114 of theplunger valve 112 and move it in an upward direction. In this configuration, the dispensinggroove 46 is not aligned with the dispensingtube 48 of thecollar 32 in the first preferred embodiment and thestopper 118 blocks the flow of foodstuff in the dispensingspout 36 in the second preferred embodiment. - When the user is finished using the
mixing device 10, and is ready to begin clean up and preparation for storage of the mixingdevice 10, the various components of the mixingdevice 10 can be easily separated and removed to assist the user in clean up. First, the user would remove thejar 28 from the top of thecollar 32. Next, thecollar 32 is removed from thesplash guard 60 in a vertical direction. Thesplash guard 60 is then removed from the front 12 a and top 12 b of the base 12 in a vertical direction. Thesplash guard 60 can now be easily cleaned separate from the other parts of the mixingdevice 10. Further, because thejar 28,collar 32 andsplash guard 60 are separable and constructed of durable, lightweight material, all three items are capable of being cleaned in a dishwasher. In normal use, thebase 12 of the mixingdevice 10 should not need extensive cleaning because thesplash guard 60 will accumulate most of the errant blended food. - To clean the
gate valve 38 of the first preferred embodiment, the user moves thehandle 40 of thegate valve 38 away from thejar 28 as shown inFIG. 12 . When thealignment key 44 of thegate valve 38 reaches thekey slot 58 of the dispensingspout 36, the user can easily remove thegate valve 38 from the valve bore 54 of the dispensingspout 36 by sliding thegate valve 38 axially out of the dispensingspout 36. Thegate valve 38 can now be easily cleaned as it is separated from the rest of the mixingdevice 10. Specifically, the dispensinggroove 46 of thegate valve 38 is exposed to permit the user to easily clean the interior of thegate valve 38. Alternatively, the user can place thegate valve 38 into a dishwasher for cleaning. - To clean the
plunger valve 112 of the second preferred embodiment, the user disengages thehandle 114 from the upper portion of theplunger valve 112. Next, the user unscrews thelid 120 from the base 116 to expose theplunger valve 112, spring 124 andstopper 118. Theplunger valve 112, spring 124 andstopper 118 can then be removed from thebase 116. Each component can now be individually cleaned or placed in a dishwasher to remove any residual blended foodstuff in preparation for storage or blending other foodstuff. - To clean the dispensing
spout 36, the user removes the dispensingspout 36 from the dispensingtube 48 of thecollar 32. This is accomplished by rotating the dispensingspout 36 so that thethreads FIGS. 14 and 15 ) or so that the fastening mechanism (not shown) no longer engages the lockingkeys 50 on the exterior periphery of the dispensing tube 48 (FIG. 13 ). The dispensingspout 36 can now be easily cleaned as it is separated form the rest of the mixingdevice 10 structure. Specifically, the interior surfaces of the dispensingspout 36 are exposed to allow the user to directly clean the interior of the dispensingspout 36. Alternatively, the user can place the dispensingspout 36 into a dishwasher for easy cleaning. - It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiment described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (12)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/683,091 US20080089171A1 (en) | 2006-10-16 | 2007-03-07 | Mixing Device Configured to Blend Food |
CN2007101817541A CN101164481B (en) | 2006-10-16 | 2007-10-16 | Mixing device configured to blend food |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/581,725 US7871195B2 (en) | 2006-10-16 | 2006-10-16 | Mixing device configured to blend food |
US11/683,091 US20080089171A1 (en) | 2006-10-16 | 2007-03-07 | Mixing Device Configured to Blend Food |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/581,725 Continuation-In-Part US7871195B2 (en) | 2006-10-16 | 2006-10-16 | Mixing device configured to blend food |
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US20080089171A1 true US20080089171A1 (en) | 2008-04-17 |
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US11/581,725 Expired - Fee Related US7871195B2 (en) | 2006-10-16 | 2006-10-16 | Mixing device configured to blend food |
US11/683,091 Abandoned US20080089171A1 (en) | 2006-10-16 | 2007-03-07 | Mixing Device Configured to Blend Food |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/581,725 Expired - Fee Related US7871195B2 (en) | 2006-10-16 | 2006-10-16 | Mixing device configured to blend food |
Country Status (2)
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US (2) | US7871195B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN101164481B (en) |
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USD846350S1 (en) | 2016-08-31 | 2019-04-23 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Food processor and parts thereof |
USD846351S1 (en) | 2016-08-31 | 2019-04-23 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Food processor and parts thereof |
USD811804S1 (en) | 2016-08-31 | 2018-03-06 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Food processor and parts thereof |
USD846352S1 (en) | 2016-08-31 | 2019-04-23 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Food processor and parts thereof |
USD812963S1 (en) | 2016-08-31 | 2018-03-20 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Food processor and parts thereof |
CN108937637A (en) * | 2017-05-17 | 2018-12-07 | Seb公司 | The mixing for being used for liquid or paste food preparation and mixing plant equipped with the snap fit system being fastened on knife rest on locking retaining ring |
USD851444S1 (en) * | 2017-06-22 | 2019-06-18 | Nuwave, Llc | Vaccum blender base |
USD846342S1 (en) | 2017-07-24 | 2019-04-23 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Food processor and parts thereof |
USD861428S1 (en) | 2017-07-24 | 2019-10-01 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Food processor |
USD840745S1 (en) | 2017-07-24 | 2019-02-19 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Food processor |
USD876166S1 (en) | 2017-07-24 | 2020-02-25 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Container for food processor |
USD876885S1 (en) | 2017-07-24 | 2020-03-03 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Lid for a food processor |
USD846341S1 (en) | 2017-07-24 | 2019-04-23 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Food processor and parts thereof |
US11319204B2 (en) * | 2018-03-19 | 2022-05-03 | Mayu Water Art Ltd. | Device for circulating stored drinking water with vortex circulation |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN101164481B (en) | 2011-09-28 |
US20080089170A1 (en) | 2008-04-17 |
CN101164481A (en) | 2008-04-23 |
US7871195B2 (en) | 2011-01-18 |
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Legal Events
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: HAMILTON BEACH/PROCTOR-SILEX, INC., VIRGINIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:LARSEN, ATLE;PRYOR, ERNEST B., JR.;STEINER, MARK C.;REEL/FRAME:019214/0150 Effective date: 20070424 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: HAMILTON BEACH BRANDS, INC.,VIRGINIA Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:HAMILTON BEACH/PROCTOR-SILEX, INC.;REEL/FRAME:020174/0160 Effective date: 20070928 Owner name: HAMILTON BEACH BRANDS, INC., VIRGINIA Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:HAMILTON BEACH/PROCTOR-SILEX, INC.;REEL/FRAME:020174/0160 Effective date: 20070928 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |