U.S. patent application number 11/683091 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-17 for mixing device configured to blend food.
This patent application is currently assigned to HAMILTON BEACH/PROCTOR-SILEX, INC.. Invention is credited to Atle Larsen, Ernest B. Pryor, Mark C. Steiner.
Application Number | 20080089171 11/683091 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39302962 |
Filed Date | 2008-04-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080089171 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Larsen; Atle ; et
al. |
April 17, 2008 |
Mixing Device Configured to Blend Food
Abstract
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 said
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.
Inventors: |
Larsen; Atle; (Richmond,
VA) ; Pryor; Ernest B.; (Glen Allen, VA) ;
Steiner; Mark C.; (Midlothian, VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PANITCH SCHWARZE BELISARIO & NADEL LLP
ONE COMMERCE SQUARE, 2005 MARKET STREET, SUITE 2200
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103
US
|
Assignee: |
HAMILTON BEACH/PROCTOR-SILEX,
INC.
Glen Allen
VA
|
Family ID: |
39302962 |
Appl. No.: |
11/683091 |
Filed: |
March 7, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11581725 |
Oct 16, 2006 |
|
|
|
11683091 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
366/206 ;
366/168.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47J 43/0727 20130101;
A47J 43/0716 20130101; A47J 43/046 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
366/206 ;
366/168.1 |
International
Class: |
B01F 7/00 20060101
B01F007/00; B01F 15/00 20060101 B01F015/00 |
Claims
1. A mixing device configured to blend food, the device comprising:
a) a base housing a motor; b) a jar removably mounted to said base
for containing food; c) a collar removably mounted between said
base and said jar, said collar including a blending tool
operatively engaged with said motor when positioned on said base;
and d) a dispensing spout removably mounted to one of said collar
and said jar, said dispensing spout including a plunger valve
positioned therein and movable between a first position wherein
food flows through said dispensing spout and a second position
wherein food is prevented from flowing through said dispensing
spout, said plunger valve being removable from said dispensing
spout.
2. A device in accordance with claim 1, further including a
dispensing handle secured to said plunger valve for moving said
plunger valve between said first and second positions.
3. A device in accordance with claim 2, further including a
dispensing tube projecting from a side of said collar, said
dispensing spout being removably mounted to said dispensing
tube.
4. A device in accordance with claim 3, said dispensing spout
further including a handle, a lid, a spring, a stopper and a
base.
5. A device in accordance with claim 4, wherein said lid is
removably retained on said base of said dispensing spout with a
threaded engagement to enclose said plunger valve, said spring and
said stopper therein.
6. A mixing device configured to blend food, the device comprising:
a) a base housing a motor, said base having a recessed area, a
projection extends from said recessed area; b) a jar removably
mounted to said base for containing food; c) a collar removably
mounted between said base and said jar, said collar including a
blending tool operatively engaged with said motor when positioned
on said base; and d) a splash guard removably mounted to said base,
said splash guard covers said recessed area, wherein a space
defined by said recessed area of said base and said splash guard
provides storage for a cap, said cap is releasably mounted to said
projection.
7. A device in accordance with claim 6, wherein said recessed area
extends from one side of said base to a top of said base.
8. A device in accordance with claim 7, wherein said base includes
a pivot arm on a top of said base, said pivot arm is movable
between a first arrangement wherein said pivot arm engages a lock
groove on said splash guard to lock said splash guard onto said
base and a second arrangement wherein said pivot arm pivots away
from said top of said base to disengage said lock groove of said
splash guard to allow for the removal of said splash guard from
said base.
9. A device in accordance with claim 7, further including an
aligning groove along a perimeter of said recessed area of said
base to allow proper positioning of said splash guard.
10. A device in accordance with claim 6, wherein said splash guard
is configured to snap-fit onto a front and an upper surface of said
base.
11. A device in accordance with claim 6, further including a
dispensing tube projecting from a side of said collar, said
dispensing spout being removably mounted to said dispensing
tube.
12. A device in accordance with claim 11, wherein said cap
releasably engages said dispensing tube when said dispensing spout
is not in use and said cap releasably engages said projection of
said recessed area when said dispensing spout is in use.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/581,725, filed Oct. 16,
2006.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 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.
[0003] 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.
[0004] 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.
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] 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:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment
of a mixing device in accordance with the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the mixing device shown
in FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the mixing device shown
in FIG. 2, taken along line 2A-2A of FIG. 2;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the mixing device shown
in FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a base of the mixing device
shown in FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the base of the mixing
device shown in FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a right side perspective view of a collar of the
mixing device shown in FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a front right perspective view of a splash guard
of the mixing device shown in FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a front right perspective view of the base and
splash guard assembled;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the base and splash
guard assembled;
[0020] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the splash guard
and base;
[0021] FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of a dispensing
spout with a dispensing handle in a closed position;
[0022] FIG. 12 is a greatly enlarged perspective view of the
dispensing spout with the dispensing handle in an open
position;
[0023] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the dispensing spout and a
gate valve;
[0024] 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;
[0025] FIG. 15 is a rear left side perspective view of the second
preferred embodiment of the dispensing spout;
[0026] FIG. 16 is a rear left side perspective view of the second
preferred embodiment of a cap of the present invention; and
[0027] FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the second preferred
embodiment of the dispensing spout.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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 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.
[0030] In reference to FIGS. 5, 10 and 14, the base 12 includes a
recessed area 26. The recessed area 26 extends from one side of the
base 12, preferably the front 12a, to a top 12b 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.
Specifically, a projection 102 extends from the storage area 66.
The cap 68 is releasably mounted to the projection 102 by a
threaded engagement. In the preferred embodiment, 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.
However, it is understood by those skilled in the art that the
shape and location of the projection 102 can be modified without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Also, the cap
68 could be secured in the recesses area 26 through other means,
such as a channel or a hook. Further, an aligning groove 90 runs
along a perimeter of the recessed area 26.
[0031] In the preferred embodiment, 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 94a 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.
[0032] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 6 and 14, 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 32a 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. That is, the operation of
the clutch 64 on the base 12 in connection with the blending tool
94 of the jar 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 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.
[0033] In reference to FIGS. 11-13, one preferred embodiment of 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.
[0034] 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 41a 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. As
described in more detail hereinafter, 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.
[0035] To assemble the gate valve 38 in the dispensing spout 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. 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 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. 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. 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.
[0036] To remove the gate valve 38 from 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. When 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.
[0037] In reference to FIGS. 15 and 17, 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. In the preferred
embodiment, 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. However,
it is understood by those skilled in the art that 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.
[0038] 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. As shown in FIGS. 14
and 15, 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. However,
it is understood by those skilled in the art that 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. In this
configuration, 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.
[0039] To assemble the second embodiment of the dispensing spout
36, a user places the plunger valve 112 inside the spring 124.
Next, 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. Next 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. Preferably
the handle 114 includes projections (not shown) that engage slots
122 in the upper portion of the plunger valve 112. However, it is
understood by those skilled in the art that 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. For example, 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. To allow blended foodstuff to flow
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.
[0040] To remove the plunger valve 112 from the dispensing spout 36
of the second preferred embodiment, 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.
[0041] Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 13-15, 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). However, 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. Specifically, this fastening mechanisms permits
engaging and disengaging of the dispensing spout 36 relative to the
collar 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 dispensing spout 36 relative
to the collar 32. In addition, one having ordinary skill in the art
will realize that the dispensing spout 36 may be fixed to the
collar 32. In the preferred embodiment, 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. One
skilled in the art would recognize that the 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.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 7 and 10, 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. While two alignment slots
70 and ridges 74 are preferred, the present invention is not
limited to any particular number of slots 70 and ridges 74.
Further, a lock groove 78 on an upper perimeter of the splash guard
60 couples to a latch 80 located on the back surface 12c 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.
[0043] In operation the splash guard 60 is configured to lock or
snap-fit onto the front 12a and top 12b of the base 12. To mount
the splash guard 60 to 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 12a and top 12b
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. Further, slots 98,
preferably provided on a lower end of the front 12a 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. Those skilled in the art would recognize that 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 80a of the latch 80 slides over a
shoulder 78a of the lock groove 78. Once the tongue 80a has slid
over the shoulder 78a, the tongue 80a snaps downward onto a far
edge of the shoulder 78a and resists motion to remove the latch 80
from the lock groove 78. Those skilled in the art would recognize
that 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.
[0044] In reference to FIGS. 6-7, 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.
[0045] In operation, when a user desires to removably mount the
collar 32 and jar 28 on the splash guard 60, the user aligns the
vertical alignment grooves 82 on the exterior surface 84 of the
collar 32 with the vertical alignment ribs 86 on the interior
surface 88 of the splash guard 60. The collar 32 then slides
downward towards the splash guard 60 until coming into abutting
contact with the splash guard 60, where the clutch 64 becomes
drivingly engaged with the blending tool 94.
[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 5 and 10, when the splash guard 60
is in place over the recessed area 26 of the base 12, 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). Further, one skilled in the art would
recognize that the shape of the storage area 66 could be changed to
accommodate different components without departing from the scope
of the invention.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 3, 4 and 9, the latch 80 located on a
back surface 12c 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
12b 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 80b of the latch
80 is secured to a horizontal pin 13 located in a channel 17 in the
back surface 12c 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 80a of the latch 80
is located on a second end of the latch 80 opposite the first end
80b. The latch 80 pivots on the horizontal pin 13 at first end 80b
to move the second end of the latch 80 with the tongue 80a 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 the latch 80 with
the lock groove 78. Further, the latch 80 could be omitted and the
splash guard 60 merely snap-fits onto the base 12.
[0048] 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 12a and top 12b 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. Also, the user should ensure that
the hole 62 of the splash guard 60 is directly aligned with the
clutch 64 of the base 12. Next, the user pivots the latch 80
located on a back surface 12c 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. When the splash guard 60 has been mounted to
the base 12, the configuration will appear as shown in FIG. 8.
[0049] The user then mounts the jar 28 to the top of the collar 32.
At this point, the user attaches the dispensing spout 36 to the
dispensing tube 48 of the collar 32. As previously described, 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. Next, either 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.
Before beginning to blend foodstuff, the user should ensure that
the handle 40, 114 is in the upper most position (as shown in FIGS.
1 and 15) so that the gate valve 38 or plunger valve 112 is in the
closed position. This prevents the blended foodstuff from escaping
from the blender. Next, the user mounts the collar 32 to the top of
the splash guard 60. In order to properly align the collar 32 with
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. Once the user has properly connected the outlet cord 20
of the base 12 to an outlet (not shown), the mixing device 10 is
ready to blend food.
[0050] It is understood by those skilled in the art that 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. To attach the cap 68 to 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. 14 and 16) or rotates the cap
68 with a one-quarter twist so that a fastening mechanism (not
shown) on the interior of the cap 68 engage the locking keys 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
dispensing spout 36. For example, 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. 14, 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.
[0051] When a user has completed blending food in the mixing device
10, the user can dispense the blended food via the dispensing spout
36. During this operation, 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. To prevent food from flowing through this process, 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.
[0052] When the user is finished using the mixing device 10, and is
ready to begin clean up and preparation for storage of the mixing
device 10, the various components of the mixing device 10 can be
easily separated and removed to assist the user in clean up. First,
the user would remove the jar 28 from the top of the collar 32.
Next, the collar 32 is removed from the splash guard 60 in a
vertical direction. The splash guard 60 is then removed from the
front 12a and top 12b 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. Further, because 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. In normal use, 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.
[0053] To clean the gate valve 38 of the first preferred
embodiment, the user moves the handle 40 of the gate valve 38 away
from the jar 28 as shown in FIG. 12. When 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 gate valve 38 can now
be easily cleaned as it is separated from the rest of the mixing
device 10. Specifically, 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. Alternatively, the user can place the gate valve
38 into a dishwasher for cleaning.
[0054] To clean the plunger valve 112 of the second preferred
embodiment, the user disengages the handle 114 from the upper
portion of the plunger valve 112. Next, 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.
[0055] To clean the dispensing spout 36, 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.
[0056] 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.
* * * * *