U.S. patent application number 11/732727 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-09 for blender container.
This patent application is currently assigned to Homeland Housewares LLC. Invention is credited to Lenny Sands.
Application Number | 20070183256 11/732727 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34929549 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070183256 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sands; Lenny |
August 9, 2007 |
Blender container
Abstract
A blender system including a mixing base capable of agitating
the contents of associated containers. The mixing base includes a
rotatable shaft within a recessed well, a pressure-actuated switch
positioned about the periphery of the recessed well, and a locking
groove. One container that may be used with the mixing base has an
opening at one end and a base at a second end, where the base is
tapered. The container also includes one or more locking members in
spaced relation about the periphery of the container body. The
container body may include a handle coupled to the exterior of the
container. The container includes a ring engageable with, 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, and a cap
engageable with, and removable from, the container.
Inventors: |
Sands; Lenny; (Encino,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CISLO & THOMAS, LLP
233 WILSHIRE BLVD
SUITE 900
SANTA MONICA
CA
90401-1211
US
|
Assignee: |
Homeland Housewares LLC
|
Family ID: |
34929549 |
Appl. No.: |
11/732727 |
Filed: |
April 4, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11332793 |
Jan 13, 2006 |
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11732727 |
Apr 4, 2007 |
|
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|
10824531 |
Apr 13, 2004 |
7066640 |
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11332793 |
Jan 13, 2006 |
|
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10649757 |
Aug 26, 2003 |
6817750 |
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10824531 |
Apr 13, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
366/205 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47J 43/046 20130101;
A47J 43/06 20130101; A47J 43/0716 20130101; A47J 19/027 20130101;
A47J 43/0727 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
366/205 |
International
Class: |
A47J 43/046 20060101
A47J043/046; A47J 43/06 20060101 A47J043/06 |
Claims
1. A blender container, comprising: a body having an opening at a
first end and a base at a second end, said body having a hollow
interior and being substantially tapered at said second end; at
least one handle coupled to the exterior of said body; a stop ridge
positioned below the body opening and extending from the exterior
of said body; at least one locking member disposed in spaced
relationship about a periphery of said stop ridge; means for
blending contents contained in said hollow body interior; and at
least one ring being selectively engageable with, and removable
from, said body at said first end.
2. The blender container of claim 1, further comprising at least
one thread positioned on the periphery of said body opening,
wherein said at least one thread is positioned away from said stop
ridge.
3. The blender container of claim 1, further comprising means for
agitating the container contents, said means being selectively
attachable and removable to said body at said first end.
4. The blender container of claim 3, wherein said agitating means
includes at least one blade rotatably coupled to a mixer base.
5. The blender container of claim 1, wherein said at least one ring
comprises at least one sidewall and a lip coupled at one end to
said at least one sidewall, and wherein said at least one ring
comprises an inner. surface conducive to providing a fit selected
from a group consisting essentially of an interference fit and a
friction fit.
6. The blender container of claim 1, wherein said at least one ring
comprises a plurality of rings.
7. The blender container of claim 1, further comprising at least
one ridge positioned on the interior of said body.
8. The blender container of claim 1, wherein said at least one
handle is substantially C-shaped.
9. The blender container of claim 1, further comprising at least
one cap configured for coupling to said body opening at said first
end, the at least one cap being selectively engageable with, and
removable from, said body first end.
10. The blender container of claim 9, wherein said at least one cap
comprises an inner surface conducive to providing a fit selected
from a group consisting essentially of an interference fit and a
friction fit.
11. The blender container of claim 9, wherein said at least one cap
includes a plurality of openings adapted for shaking out coarse
items contained within said hollow body.
12. A blender container, comprising: a hollow body being open at a
first end and closed at a second end, said hollow body being
substantially tapered at said second end and provided with at least
one interior ridge; a base member adapted to blend the contents of
said hollow body when operatively coupled to said first open end of
said hollow body; at least one means for facilitating drinking from
said first open end, the at least one drinking facilitating means
being engageable with, and removable from, the hollow body first
end; and means for locking said operatively coupled hollow body and
base member to a blender base.
13. The blender container of claim 12, wherein said substantially
tapered second end facilitates blending of contents within said
hollow body.
14. The blender container of claim 12, wherein said at least one
drinking facilitating means includes at least one annular member
operatively engaged with said first open end of said hollow body,
and wherein said at least one annular member comprises an inner
surface conducive to providing a fit selected from a group
consisting essentially of an interference fit and a friction
fit.
15. The blender container of claim 12, wherein said at least one
drinking facilitating means comprises a plurality of annular
members.
16. The blender container of claim 12, wherein said locking means
includes at least one blender base locking member protruding from
the outer periphery of said first open end over said operatively
coupled base member.
17. The blender container of claim 12, further comprising at least
one cap operatively coupled to said first open end, the at least
one cap, the at least one cap being selectively engageable with,
and removable from, said body first end.
18. The blender container of claim 17, wherein said at least one
cap comprises an inner surface conducive to providing a fit
selected from a group consisting essentially of an interference fit
and a friction fit.
19. The blender container of claim 17, wherein said at least one
cap includes a plurality of openings adapted for shaking out coarse
items contained within said hollow body.
20. A blender container, comprising: a mug-like body being tapered
at one end; at least one substantially elongated ridge disposed on
the interior of said mug-like body; means for blending contents
contained within said mug-like body; at least one annular member
adapted for engaging with said mug-like body opposite said tapered
end; and means for operatively locking said mug-like body to a
blender base.
21. The blender container of claim 20, wherein said blending means
includes a base member with at least one blade adapted to agitate
contents within said mug-like body.
22. The blender container of claim 21, wherein said base member is
operatively coupled to said mug-like body away from said tapered
end.
23. The blender container of claim 20, wherein said at least one
annular member comprises at least one sidewall and a lip coupled at
one end to said at least one sidewall, and wherein said at least
one annular member comprises an inner surface conducive to
providing a fit selected from a group consisting essentially of an
interference fit and a friction fit.
24. The blender container of claim 20, wherein said at least one
annular member comprises a plurality of annular members.
25. The blender container of claim 20, wherein said operative
locking means includes at least one blender base locking tab
protruding from the outer periphery of said mug-like body away from
said tapered end.
26. The blender container of claim 20, further comprising at least
one perforated cap operatively coupled to said mug-like body away
from said tapered end, the at least one cap being selectively
engageable with, and removable from, said body first end.
27. The blender container of claim 26, wherein said at least one
cap comprises an inner surface conducive to providing a fit
selected from a group consisting essentially of an interference fit
and a friction fit.
28. A blender container, comprising: a body having an opening at a
first end and a base at a second end, said body having a hollow
interior and being substantially tapered at said second end, and
the body having an exterior surface for gripping and holding the
body; a stop ridge positioned below the body opening and extending
from the exterior of said body; at least one locking member
disposed in spaced relationship about a periphery of said stop
ridge; means for blending contents contained in said hollow body
interior; and at least one ring being selectively engageable with,
and removable from, said body at said first end.
29. The blender container of claim 28, further comprising at least
one thread positioned on the periphery of said body opening,
wherein said at least one thread is positioned away from said stop
ridge.
30. The blender container of claim 28, further comprising means for
agitating the container contents, said agitating means being
selectively attachable and removable to said body at said first
end.
31. The blender container of claim 30, wherein said agitating means
includes at least one blade rotatably coupled to a mixer base.
32. The blender container of claim 28, wherein said at least one
ring comprises at least one sidewall and a lip coupled at one end
to said at least one sidewall, and wherein said at least one ring
comprises an inner surface conducive to providing a fit selected
from a group consisting essentially of an interference fit and a
friction fit.
33. The blender container of claim 28, wherein said at least one
ring comprises a plurality of rings.
34. The blender container of claim 28, further comprising at least
one ridge positioned on the interior of said body.
35. The blender container of claim 28, further comprising at least
one cap configured for coupling to said body opening at said first
end, the at least one cap being selectively engageable with, and
removable from, said body first end.
36. The blender container of claim 35, wherein said at least one
cap comprises an inner surface conducive to providing a fit
selected from a group consisting essentially of an interference fit
and a friction fit.
37. The blender container of claim 35, wherein said at least one
cap includes a plurality of openings adapted for shaking out coarse
items contained within said hollow body.
38. A blender container, comprising: a hollow body being open at a
first end and closed at a second end, said hollow body being
substantially tapered at said second end and provided with at least
one interior ridge, and the hollow body having an exterior surface
for gripping and holding the hollow body; a base member adapted to
blend the contents of said hollow body when operatively coupled to
said first open end of said hollow body; at least one means for
facilitating drinking from said first open end, the drinking
facilitating means being engageable with the hollow body first end;
and means for locking said operatively coupled hollow body and base
member to a blender base.
39. The blender container of claim 38, wherein said substantially
tapered second end facilitates blending of contents within said
hollow body.
40. The blender container of claim 38, wherein said at least one
drinking facilitating means includes at least one annular member
operatively engaged with said first open end of said hollow body,
and wherein said at least one annular member comprises an inner
surface conducive to providing a fit selected from a group
consisting essentially of an interference fit and a friction
fit.
41. The blender container of claim 38, wherein at least one annular
member comprises a plurality of rings.
42. The blender container of claim 38, wherein said locking means
includes at least one blender base locking member protruding from
the outer periphery of said first open end over said operatively
coupled base member.
43. The blender container of claim 38, further comprising at least
one cap operatively coupled to said first open end, the at least
one cap being selectively engageable with, and removable from, said
body first end.
44. The blender container of claim 43, wherein said at least one
cap comprises an inner surface conducive to providing a fit
selected from a group consisting essentially of an interference fit
and a friction fit.
45. The blender container of claim 43, wherein said at least one
cap includes a plurality of openings adapted for shaking out coarse
items contained within said hollow body.
46. A blender container, comprising: a mug-like body being tapered
at one end, the mug-like body having an exterior surface for
gripping and holding the mug-like body; at least one substantially
elongated ridge disposed on the interior of said mug-like body;
means for blending contents contained within said mug-like body; at
least one annular member adapted for engaging with said mug-like
body opposite said tapered end; and means for operatively locking
said mug-like body to a blender base.
47. The blender container of claim 46, wherein said blending means
includes a base member with at least one blade adapted to agitate
contents within said mug-like body.
48. The blender container of claim 47, wherein said base member is
operatively coupled to said mug-like body away from said tapered
end.
49. The blender container of claim 46, wherein said operative
locking means includes at least one blender base locking tab
protruding from the outer periphery of said mug-like body away from
said tapered end.
50. The blender container of claim 46, wherein said at least one
annular member is operatively engaged with said first open end of
said mug-like body, and wherein said at least one annular member
comprises an inner surface conducive to providing a fit selected
from a group consisting essentially of an interference fit and a
friction fit.
51. The blender container of claim 46, wherein said at least one
annular member comprises a plurality of annular members.
52. The blender container of claim 46, further comprising at least
one perforated cap operatively coupled to said mug-like body away
from said tapered end, the at least one cap being selectively
engageable with, and removable from, said mug-like body away from
said tapered end.
53. The blender container of claim 52, wherein said at least one
cap comprises an inner surface conducive to providing a fit
selected from a group consisting essentially of an interference fit
and a friction fit.
54. The blender container of claim 52, wherein said at least one
cap includes a plurality of openings adapted for shaking out coarse
items contained within said hollow body.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This document is a continuation application which is related
to, and claims priority through, U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/332,793, entitled "Blender Container," filed on Jan. 13, 2006,
which, in turn, is a divisional application that is related to, and
claims priority through, U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/824,531, filed on Apr. 13, 2004, which, in turn, is a
continuation-in-part application that is related to, and claims
priority from, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/649,757, filed
on Aug. 26, 2003, and issued on Nov. 16, 2004, as U.S. Pat. No.
6,817,750 B1, all the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated
in their entirety by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] 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
[0003] 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
[0004] 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.
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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)
[0009] 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).
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a
blender system in accordance with the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
an individualized blender container in accordance with the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 2B is an inverted perspective view of the
individualized blender container as shown in FIG. 2A.
[0013] FIG. 2C is an exploded perspective view of the
individualized blender container as shown in FIG. 2A.
[0014] FIG. 2D is a perspective view of another exemplary
embodiment of an individualized blender container in accordance
with the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a
blender base in accordance with the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the blender base as shown in
FIG. 3.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view, taken along line
5-5, of the blender base as shown in FIG. 4.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view, taken along line
6-6, of the blender base as shown in FIG. 5.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment
of a blender container in accordance with the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of another exemplary
embodiment of a blender container in accordance with the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment
of blender container base in accordance with the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 10-10,
of the blender container as shown in FIG. 7.
[0023] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a
mug-type container with a drinking ring in accordance with the
present invention.
[0024] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the mug-type container as
shown in FIG. 11.
[0025] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the drinking ring as shown
in FIG. 11.
[0026] 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.
[0027] FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of an exemplary cap
adapted for use with the mug-type container as shown in FIG.
12.
[0028] 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
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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.
[0032] 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.
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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.
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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).
[0037] 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.
[0038] 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 F.sub.1 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 F.sub.2 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.
[0039] 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.
[0040] 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.
[0041] 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.
[0042] 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.
[0043] 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.
[0044] 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.
[0045] 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.
[0046] 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.
[0047] 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.
[0048] 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.
[0049] 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.
[0050] 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.
* * * * *