TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention technically relates to blenders. In particular, the present invention technically relates to blenders and their containers. More particularly, the present invention technically relates to blender systems having mixing containers and drinking containers.
BACKGROUND ART
Various devices for blending various liquids and solids have been developed over the years. These devices have various features and options to suit a wide variety of uses and applications. For example, there are many blenders that are either handheld or freestanding devices. These devices have been useful but somewhat difficult to clean, use and store unused products, especially, when preparing smaller batches. More specifically, freestanding devices can be too large and cumbersome to use to make smaller portions and are generally better designed for blending larger quantities of fluids and ingredients. Handheld units may be useful designed for blending larger quantities of fluids and ingredients. Handheld units may be useful to make individualized portions, but they may lack the power to properly blend ingredients together. Furthermore, these handheld units are generally used with open containers such as bowls or cups that can increase the chances of spilling or splattering during preparation of the ingredients. Moreover, the unused portion would have to be poured out of the open container and into a sealable container to be stored or to be readily carried by a person. Accordingly, there remains a need for an individualized blender system that may be easier to use, clean and adapted to store unused products.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
Exemplary embodiments disclosed here are directed to an individualized blender system. According to one exemplary embodiment, the blender system is composed of a base including a motor, an individual-sized container and a combination blender and/or juicer canister. The base includes a body, a motor, an agitating structure coupled to the motor, a recessed well for receiving a container and a pressure-sensitive switch that selectively powers the motor. In use, the container or canister may be placed on the base; and pressure is applied to the container or canister, thereby activating the motor and agitating the contents of the container or canister. The base also includes a locking groove that permits the user to lock the container or canister on the base while keeping the motor in the powered position.
According to another exemplary embodiment, the individually sized container may be bullet-shaped. In alternate embodiments, the container may have a cylindrical, polygonal, cubical, or pyramidal shape. Also, the container may be sealed with a simple cap or a cap having an agitating structure. The container may also include a plurality of ridges that form a stable platform for standing the container like a typical drinking vessel. That is, the bullet-shape container may be inverted so that the container rests on the ridges, and the cap is readily accessible. Additionally, the container may include locking members that engage the locking grooves provided on the blender base.
According to yet another exemplary embodiment, the blender canister includes, at a minimum, a body, a selectively removable base having an agitating structure, locking members that engage the locking grooves provided on the blender base and a selectively removable structure for sieving the container contents. In use, with the sieving structure provided in the body of the blender canister, fruits and vegetables may be placed and blended within the bore of the sieving structure. The pulp remaining from the fruits and vegetables remain within the bore of the sieving structure and the resultant juice may be decanted from the blender canister. Alternatively, the blender canister may be used without the removable structure for sieving the container contents.
According to still another embodiment, a container that may be used with a mixing base has an opening at one end and a base at a second end, where the second end is tapered. The container may also include one or more locking members in spaced relation about the periphery of the container body. The container body has a hollow interior and may include a gripping or holding structure that is coupled to the exterior of the body. The container may also include a ring that is selectively attachable and removable from the periphery of the body opening such that when the ring is coupled to the container, the user is able to drink from the container without spilling or dripping.
A different embodiment is directed to caps that may be coupled to one or more of the containers disclosed herein. One cap may have a generally planar top surface and at least one sidewall. The cap may be secured to the open container via at least one coupling structure. The cap may also include openings that are spaced about the top of the container. The openings may have varying sizes, shapes, and density on the cap depending upon the intended or desired use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)
For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the below-referenced accompanying Drawing(s). Reference numbers refer to the same or equivalent parts of the present invention throughout the several figures of the Drawing(s).
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a blender system in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an individualized blender container in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2B is an inverted perspective view of the individualized blender container as shown in FIG. 2A.
FIG. 2C is an exploded perspective view of the individualized blender container as shown in FIG. 2A.
FIG. 2D is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of an individualized blender container in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a blender base in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the blender base as shown in FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view, taken along line 5-5, of the blender base as shown in FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view, taken along line 6-6, of the blender base as shown in FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a blender container in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a blender container in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of blender container base in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 10-10, of the blender container as shown in FIG. 7.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mug-type container with a drinking ring in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the mug-type container as shown in FIG. 11.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the drinking ring as shown in FIG. 11.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the mug-type container, as shown in FIG. 12, being coupled in an inverted state to a blender base in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of an exemplary cap adapted for use with the mug-type container as shown in FIG. 12.
FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of another exemplary cap adapted for use with the mug-type container as shown in FIG. 12.
MODE(S) FOR CARRYING-OUT THE INVENTION
The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the exemplary embodiments may be constructed and/or utilized. The description generally sets forth the functions and/or sequence of steps for constructing and operating the exemplary embodiments in connection with the illustrated embodiments. However, that the same or equivalent functions and/or sequences of steps may be accomplished by different embodiments is understood and is intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.
Some embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the related drawings of FIGS. 1-16. Additional embodiments, features and/or advantages of the invention will become apparent from the ensuing description of the mode(s) for carrying-out the present invention or may be learned by practicing the present invention. In the figures, the drawings are not to scale with like numerals referring to like features throughout both the drawings and the description.
Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 is directed to an exemplary embodiment of an individualized blender system. Specifically, FIG. 1 generally shows a container 101 engaged to a blender base 100, and a blender container 106. As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the container 101 is a bullet-shaped container. The container 101 may have a plurality of shapes. Also, the container 101 may include a plurality of ridges 102 provided on the outer surface of the container 101. The container 101 also includes a structure for agitating 108 the contents of the container. The structure for agitating 108 the container contents can be a blade element coupled to an impeller in a shaft or other transmission structure. The blade element may have one, two, three, four, or more cutting elements. The cutting elements are generally flat members that may have sharpened edges, pointed tips, and one or more bends along the surface of the cutting elements.
The blender container 106 includes selectively removable lid 104, 105, and a base member 110 which may be provided with an agitating structure 108. As shown in FIG. 1, the lid is composed of two components, but it is contemplated that a one-piece or multi-piece cap may also be used. The lid 104 may be locked on to the opening of the container 106 via a cap-locking member 107. The cap-locking member 107 may be an L-shaped ridge located at the lip of the container 106. The cap-locking member 107 engages a corresponding member (not shown) on the lid 104 in order to securely fix the lid 104 to the container 106.
According to one exemplary embodiment, the blender container 106 may include a juicer element 111. Juicer element 111 is composed of a main body 113 and a plurality of sieve elements 114 spaced about the periphery of the main body 113. According to the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, juicer element 111 may also include a funnel 112 at one end of the main body 113. Additionally, juicer element 111 may also include an annular stop member 115 positioned at one end of the juicer so as to prevent over-insertion of the juicer element 111 into the blender container 106.
FIGS. 2A through 2C illustrate various views of the individualized container 101. That is, an individualized container 101 is sized for smaller servings that would be prepared/consumed by one and/or a few individuals. As shown in FIG. 2A, the container 101 is resting on external ridges 102. The external ridges 102 are shaped so as to permit the container 101 to rest on the apex of the container 101 without tipping over. The number of ridges 102 may be varied from what is depicted so long as the container 101 can stand upright on a substantially flat surface. As shown in FIG. 2A, the container 101 may be used as a drinking vessel. That is, an individual may blend contents of the container 101, remove the container 101, base 100, access the contents of the container, and secure the cap 200 onto the container 101 to store for later use.
In one configuration, the container 101 may be also enclosed with a cap 200. In an alternate configuration, the container 101 may be enclosed with a base 202 having an agitating structure 203 as shown in FIG. 2D. As shown in FIG. 2C, the cap 200 may be affixed to the opening of the container 101 by threads 204. The cap 200 may be secured to the container 101 by a technique such as, but not limited to, a friction fit or a snap-fit. As shown in FIG. 2B, the container 101 is inverted and may rest on the cap 200.
FIG. 2D illustrates an alternate embodiment of the container 101 having a larger volume as compared to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 2A-2C. Also, the base 202 includes another exemplary embodiment of an agitating structure 203. Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 2A through 2C, the container 101 includes locking members 201 that are spaced about the periphery of the container 101. The locking members 201 allow the user to operate the blender without requiring the constant application of force to the container (in order to keep the motor switched on).
FIG. 3 is directed to the base 100 and the various components that are associated with the base's recessed well 300. The base 100 includes a motor (not shown) that is coupled to an impeller 301. The impeller 301 includes a plurality of blades 303 that radiate from the center of the impeller 301. Along the periphery of the recessed well 300, a plurality of bushings 305 may be placed about the periphery of the recessed well 300. In another exemplary embodiment of the base 100, the base does not include the bushings 305. The bushings 305 may be made from a generally resilient material such as, but not limited to, rubber or silicone that may serve to reduce the vibrations during the agitation of the container contents.
Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the recessed well 300 includes a plurality of pressure-activated switches 302. In use, the weight of the container 101 or the blender container 106 causes the downward movement of the switch 302, thereby activating the motor. As shown in FIG. 3, a locking groove 304 may be provided adjacent to the switch 302. Accordingly, in use, when the locking members 201 contact and depress the switch 302, the container 101, 106 may be rotated such that the locking member 201 engages the locking groove 304. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, when a force F1 is applied to the switch 302, the switch 302 moves downward. This downward motion causes the cam 600 on the switch 302 to contact and exert a force F2 on a switching structure 501 that is connected to the motor 500, thereby powering the motor. Accordingly, depending on the intended use or application, the container 101, 106 may be depressed to activate the motor 500 for short periods of time. Alternatively, the container 101, 106 may be depressed and rotated slightly so as to allow the locking members 201 to engage the locking groove 304 to permit the continued operation of the motor 500 without requiring the user to exert constant pressure to keep the motor powered.
FIG. 7 is directed to an exemplary embodiment of the blender container 106. The blender container 106 comprises a main body that defines a volume and a lid 104, 105 that is affixed thereto. The lid includes a plurality of openings 700 that may be used to decant the contents of the container 106 while the lid 104 remains affixed to the container 106. The blender container 106 also includes a plurality of generally elongated ridges 123 integrally formed on the interior of blender container 106, as generally depicted in FIGS. 7, 10. Base member 110 is sized to fit within the recessed well 300. Also, base member 110 is coupled to container 106 by a screw-fit relation. Base member 110 may include an agitating structure 108, as shown in FIG. 9.
Turning back to FIG. 7, the blender container 106 also includes a plurality of locking members 109 spaced about the periphery of the blender container 106 near base member 110 of the container 106. As shown in the exemplary blender container 106 depicted in FIG. 7, a juicer 111 may be provided within the body of the blender container 106. The blender container 106 may be used without the juicer 111. The blender container 106 may include a handle 800 and a spout 801 that facilitates the decanting of the contents of the container.
FIG. 10 illustrates the cross-sectional view of the blender container 106. The cross-sectional view shows the juicer element 111 placed within the body of the blender container 106. As shown in FIG. 10, the juicer element 111 is secured to the bottom of the blender container 106. Additionally, the bore of the juicer 111 may be accessed by removing cap element 105. In use, fruits and/or vegetables may be placed into the bore 1003 of the juicer 111. Rotation of the motor is transmitted through shaft 1000 and mating impeller 1001, thereby transmitting a rotational force to the agitating structure 108. The contents of the juicer 1003 are then blended, thereby causing the resulting juice to move from the bore 1003 into the container body 1002 through the sieve elements 114. The remaining pulp is separated and trapped within the bore 1003 of the juicer 111. By providing a two-part cap 104, 105, an individual user can access the bore 1003 of the juicer 111 without removing the entire cap or stopping the machine for fear of spillage or splattering. For example, the individual user may remove cap 105 to access the bore 1003 of the juicer 111 to add more products for juice extraction. The resulting juice that is located within the space 1002 may be decanted from the container without removing the lid through the openings.
FIG. 11 illustrates one embodiment of a mug-type container 1100. The container 1100 includes at least one wall 1101 that defines a fluid containing area. As shown in the figure, the wall 1101 may be slightly tapered when moving from the mouth of the container 1100 to the base of the container 1100. The container 1100 also includes a structure for grasping or holding container 1100. In one embodiment, the grasping/holding structure may be a handle 1102, which is fixed to the outer wall 1101. In one exemplary embodiment, handle 1102 is generally C-shaped.
The container 1100 also includes a plurality of locking members 1104 that are positioned about the periphery of the container 1100. In one embodiment, locking members 1104 are protuberances that extend substantially perpendicular from the wall 1101 of container 1100. Also, as shown in FIG. 11, locking members 1104 may have a generally rectangular shape. Locking members 1104 may be used to operatively couple mug-type container 1100 to blender base 100 (FIG. 1) in the manner generally described, supra, in reference to FIGS. 3-6. The locking members 1104 may have a plurality of different shapes. Container 1100 further includes a plurality of substantially elongated ridges 1107 (FIGS. 11-12 and 14) being integrally formed on the interior of the container body.
As shown in FIG. 12, the container 1100 may be provided with a plurality of threads 1200 on the outer wall 1101 that allow a ring 1103 (FIG. 13) to be coupled to container 1100. As shown in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 11, the locking members 1104 may be coupled to a ring-shaped ridge 1105. The ridge 1105 may also serve as a stop so that ring 1103 is not over threaded beyond the opening of container 1100.
Ring 1103 is positioned atop the mouth of container 1100 (FIG. 11). Ring 1103 may be fixed to the container 1100 via threads or other coupling structure. FIG. 13 shows one embodiment of ring 1103 that may be coupled to the mouth of container 1100. In one embodiment, ring 1103 has a generally cylindrical wall having an outer surface and an inner surface. Ring 1103 may include a plurality of threads 1300 that are found on the inner surface of ring 1103. In another embodiment, ring 1103 includes a top surface or lip that is coupled to the wall of the ring 1300. The ring 1103 may be coupled over the threads 1200 of container 1100 so that it is easier for an individual to drink from container 1100. Alternatively, the ring 1103 may be thread-less and engageable with, and removable from, the container 1100 at a first end, i.e., the mouth of the container 1100. The ring 1103 comprises at least one sidewall and a lip coupled at one end to said at least one sidewall; and the ring 1103 comprises an inner surface conducive to providing a fit, selected from a group consisting essentially of an interference fit and a friction fit, with the container 1100 at the first end. Further, the present invention container comprises a plurality of rings 1103.
FIG. 14 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of container 1100 being fixed to base member 110. Specifically, container 1100 is inverted and threadedly coupled to base member 110. The coupled container (1100) may then be inserted into the recess well 300 of blender base 100. As shown in FIG. 14, the base of container 1100 is slightly tapered at 1400. The taper of container 1100 creates a dome-like structure that facilitates blending of the contents of container 1100.
FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate exemplary embodiments of container caps 1500, 1600, respectively, that may be coupled to containers 101, 1100. The caps 1500, 1600 contain generally planar top surfaces 1502, 1603 and at least one sidewall 1503, 1604, respectively. According to various embodiments, top surfaces 1502, 1603 of container caps 1500, 1600 and the respective sidewalls 1503, 1604 are generally perpendicular to one another. The caps 1500, 1600 may be secured to containers 101, 1100 by a coupling structure. In one embodiment, the coupling structure may be ridges for a snap fit. In another embodiment, a plurality of threads (not shown) may be provided on the inner surface of sidewalls 1503, 1604, respectively. The threads are sized to engage the threads that are on the plurality of the containers 101, 1100 that are described herein. Alternatively, the caps 1500, 1600 may be thread-less and simply engageable with, and removable from, the container 1100 at a first end, i.e., from the mouth of the container 1100.
As generally shown in FIG. 15, each cap 1500, 1600 may be provided with a plurality of openings, such as at 1501, 1601, 1602, respectively, in a spaced relationship. Each set of openings 1501, 1601, 1602 may have varying sizes, shapes, and density as needed.
As generally shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, openings 1501, 1601, 1602 may be generally circular in shape. These openings 1501, 1601, 1602 may have a plurality of different shapes. Furthermore, the clustering or density of the openings on caps 1500, 1600 may be varied depending upon the intended use of container caps 1500, 1600. For instance, cap 1500, as shown in FIG. 15, may be used for shaking out large or coarse items that are contained within container 1100. In FIG. 16, openings 1601, 1602 being in closer proximity to each other may be useful for those blended items that have a smaller diameter or that may be poured or strained out of the hollow interior of blender container 1100.
In closing, that the embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the principles of these varying embodiments is understood. Other modifications that may be made are within the scope of these embodiments described herein. Thus, by way of example, but not of limitation, alternative configurations may be utilized in accordance with the teachings herein. Accordingly, the drawing(s) and description are illustrative and not meant to be a limitation thereof. Therefore, that the invention covers all embodiments and variations thereof, as long as such embodiments and variations come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, is intended.
Patent Application
20070183256
