U.S. patent application number 12/560034 was filed with the patent office on 2010-04-08 for sifter apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Wilton Industries, Inc.. Invention is credited to Traci Chapple, Jeffrey Chiu, Jennifer Courington, Lou Henry, Sarah Mault, Chris Mellen.
Application Number | 20100084321 12/560034 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42036536 |
Filed Date | 2010-04-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100084321 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Henry; Lou ; et al. |
April 8, 2010 |
SIFTER APPARATUS
Abstract
A sifter apparatus is provided that comprises a body having a
crank fastener and a mesh sifter support, a lid configured to be
attached to the body, a crank configured to be coupled to the crank
fastener, a wire structure configured to be coupled to the crank, a
bottom configured to be attached to the body, and a mesh sifter
configured to be supported by the mesh sifter support.
Inventors: |
Henry; Lou; (New York,
NY) ; Mellen; Chris; (New York, NY) ;
Courington; Jennifer; (Woodridge, IL) ; Chiu;
Jeffrey; (Woodridge, IL) ; Mault; Sarah;
(Woodridge, IL) ; Chapple; Traci; (Woodridge,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCGUIREWOODS, LLP
1750 TYSONS BLVD, SUITE 1800
MCLEAN
VA
22102
US
|
Assignee: |
Wilton Industries, Inc.
Woodridge
IL
|
Family ID: |
42036536 |
Appl. No.: |
12/560034 |
Filed: |
September 15, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61097898 |
Sep 18, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
209/364 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47J 47/01 20130101;
B65D 51/246 20130101; A47J 47/04 20130101; G09F 23/00 20130101;
B65D 47/0895 20130101; B65D 2203/00 20130101; B65D 45/20
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
209/364 |
International
Class: |
B07B 1/46 20060101
B07B001/46 |
Claims
1. A sifter apparatus, comprising: a body having a crank fastener
and a mesh sifter support; a lid configured to be attached to the
body; a crank configured to be coupled to the crank fastener; a
wire structure configured to be coupled to the crank; a bottom
configured to be attached to the body; and a mesh sifter configured
to be supported by the mesh sifter support.
2. The sifter apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lid
comprises: a friction gasket configured to engage an inner wall of
the body.
3. The sifter apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the crank
fastener comprises: a threading.
4. The sifter apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the crank
comprises: a thread retainer configured to attach to an arm; and a
plug configured to attach to the crank fastener.
5. The sifter apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the crank
further comprises: a knob retainer configured to attach to the arm;
and a knob configured to attach to the knob retainer, wherein the
knob may rotate freely around a portion of the arm.
6. The sifter apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wire
structure comprises: a wire plug configured to attach to the crank;
and a wire coupled to the wire plug.
7. A sifter apparatus, comprising: a body comprising a crank
fastener and a mesh sifter support; and a crank rotatably coupled
to crank fastener.
8. The sifter apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising: a
wire structure configured to be coupled to the crank.
9. The sifter apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising: a
lid configured to be removably affixed to the body.
10. The sifter apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising:
a handle that is integrated with the body.
11. The sifter apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising:
a bottom configured to be attached to the body.
12. The sifter apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the bottom
is selected from a group comprising: a measurement container; and a
bottom cover.
13. The sifter apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the body
further comprises: a bottom cover fastener configured to engage the
bottom.
14. A sifter apparatus, comprising: a body having a crank fastener
and a mesh sifter support; a crank configured to be coupled to the
crank fastener; and a mesh sifter configured to be supported by the
mesh sifter support.
15. The sifter apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising
a lid that is configured to be removably attached to the body,
wherein the lid comprises: a friction gasket configured to engage
an inner wall of the body.
16. The sifter apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the crank
fastener comprises: a threading.
17. The sifter apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the crank
comprises: a thread retainer configured to attach to an arm; and a
plug configured to attach to the crank fastener.
18. The sifter apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the crank
further comprises: a knob retainer configured to attach to the arm;
and a knob configured to attach to the knob retainer, wherein the
knob may rotate freely around a portion of the arm.
19. The sifter apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising:
a wire structure a wire structure configured to be coupled to the
crank, wherein the wire structure comprises: a wire plug configured
to attach to the crank; and a wire coupled to the wire plug.
20. The sifter apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising:
a bottom configured to be attached to the body.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority and the benefit thereof
from a U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/097,898, filed on Sep.
18, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all
purposes as if fully set forth herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to an apparatus for sifting products,
such as, for example, flour.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Generally, sifting devices may be used to sift flour for
cooking, baking, or the like. Common sifting devices include, for
example, sifting devices sold by Norpro.TM., Progressives.TM.,
Oxo.TM., Kaiser.TM., Harold Import.TM., or Good Cook.TM.. When
using some of these sifting devices, a user may experience
discomfort, hand fatigue, difficult cleaning, noisiness, inaccurate
measurements, or difficult operation.
[0004] The invention provides a versatile, user-friendly, and
effective apparatus for sifting products, such as, for example
flour, or the like.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] According to an aspect of the invention, a sifter apparatus
is provided that comprises: a body having a crank fastener and a
mesh sifter support; a lid configured to be attached to the body; a
crank configured to be coupled to the crank fastener; a wire
structure configured to be coupled to the crank; a bottom
configured to be attached to the body; and a mesh sifter configured
to be supported by the mesh sifter support. The lid may comprise a
friction gasket configured to engage an inner wall of the body. The
crank fastener may comprise a threading. The crank may comprise: a
thread retainer configured to attach to an arm; and a plug
configured to attach to the crank fastener. The crank may further
comprise: a knob retainer configured to attach to the arm; and a
knob configured to attach to the knob retainer, wherein the knob
may rotate freely around a portion of the arm. The wire structure
may comprise: a wire plug configured to attach to the crank; and a
wire coupled to the wire plug.
[0006] According another aspect of the invention, a sifter
apparatus is provided that comprises: a body comprising a crank
fastener and a mesh sifter support; and a crank rotatably coupled
to crank fastener. The sifter apparatus may further comprise: a
wire structure configured to be coupled to the crank; a lid
configured to be removably affixed to the body; a handle that is
integrated with the body; and/or a bottom configured to be attached
to the body. The bottom may be selected from a group comprising: a
measurement container; and a bottom cover. The body may further
comprise a bottom cover fastener configured to engage the
bottom.
[0007] According to a further aspect of the invention, a sifter
apparatus is provided, comprising: a body having a crank fastener
and a mesh sifter support; a crank configured to be coupled to the
crank fastener; and a mesh sifter configured to be supported by the
mesh sifter support. The sifter apparatus may further comprise a
lid that is configured to be removably attached to the body,
wherein the lid may comprise a friction gasket configured to engage
an inner wall of the body. The crank fastener may comprise a
threading. The crank may comprise: a thread retainer configured to
attach to an arm; and a plug configured to attach to the crank
fastener. The crank may further comprise: a knob retainer
configured to attach to the arm; and a knob configured to attach to
the knob retainer, wherein the knob may rotate freely around a
portion of the arm. The sifter apparatus may further comprise: a
wire structure a wire structure configured to be coupled to the
crank, wherein the wire structure may comprise: a wire plug
configured to attach to the crank; and a wire coupled to the wire
plug. The sifter apparatus may further comprise a bottom configured
to be attached to the body.
[0008] Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the
invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the
following detailed description and drawings. Moreover, it is noted
that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following
detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further
explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as
claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the invention, are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention and together with the detailed description serve to
explain the principles of the invention. No attempt is made to show
structural details of the invention in more detail than may be
necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention and the
various ways in which it may be practiced.
[0010] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example of a sifting
apparatus, according to principles of the invention;
[0011] FIG. 2A shows a further perspective view of the sifting
apparatus of FIG. 1, including an example of a container;
[0012] FIG. 2B shows a further perspective view of the sifting
apparatus of FIG. 1, including an example of a bottom cover;
[0013] FIG. 3A shows a first side view of the sifting apparatus of
FIG. 1, including the container, with internal components shown in
cross-hatched lines;
[0014] FIG. 3B shows the first side view of the sifting apparatus
of FIG. 28, including internal components and the bottom cover;
[0015] FIG. 4A shows a second side view of the sifting apparatus of
FIG. 1, offset by about 180.degree. in the x-z plane from the first
side view of FIG. 3A;
[0016] FIG. 4B shows a second side view of the sifting apparatus of
FIG. 2B, offset by about 180.degree. in the x-z plane from the
first side view of FIG. 3B;
[0017] FIG. 5A shows a third side view of the sifting apparatus of
FIG. 1, offset by about 90.degree. in the x-z plane from the first
side view of FIG. 3A;
[0018] FIG. 5B shows a third side view of the sifting apparatus of
FIG. 2B, offset by about 90.degree. in the x-z plane from the first
side view of FIG. 38;
[0019] FIG. 6 shows a top view of the sifting apparatus of FIG.
1;
[0020] FIG. 7A shows a bottom view of the sifting apparatus of FIG.
1;
[0021] FIG. 7B shows a bottom view of the sifting apparatus of FIG.
2B;
[0022] FIG. 8A shows a perspective view of an example of a body
that may be used in the sifting apparatus of FIG. 1, according to
principles of the invention;
[0023] FIG. 8B shows a perspective view of an example of a body
that may be used in the sifting apparatus of FIG. 2B;
[0024] FIG. 9 shows a first side view of the body of FIG. 8A;
[0025] FIG. 10 shows a second side view of the body of FIG. 8A,
offset by about 90.degree. in the x-z plane from the first side
view of FIG. 9;
[0026] FIG. 11 shows a top view of the body of FIG. 8A;
[0027] FIG. 12 shows a first cross-section view of the body of FIG.
8A;
[0028] FIG. 13 shows a second cross-section view of the body of
FIG. 8A, offset by about 90.degree. in the x-z plane from the first
cross-section view of FIG. 12;
[0029] FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of an example of a
container that may be used in the sifting apparatus of FIG. 1,
according to principles of the invention;
[0030] FIG. 15 shows a top view of the container of FIG. 14;
[0031] FIG. 16 shows a bottom view of the container of FIG. 14;
[0032] FIG. 17 shows a side view of the container of FIG. 14;
[0033] FIG. 18 shows a cross-section view of the container of FIG.
14;
[0034] FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of an example of a bottom
cover that may be used in the sifting apparatus of FIG. 2A,
according to principles of the invention;
[0035] FIG. 20 shows a bottom view of the bottom cover of FIG.
19;
[0036] FIG. 21 shows a top view of the bottom cover of FIG. 19;
[0037] FIG. 22 shows a side view of the bottom cover of FIG.
19;
[0038] FIG. 23 shows a cross-section view of the bottom cover of
FIG. 19;
[0039] FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of an example of a handle
that may be used in the sifting apparatus of FIG. 1, according to
principles of the invention;
[0040] FIG. 25 shows a bottom view of the handle of FIG. 24;
[0041] FIG. 26 shows a top view of the handle of FIG. 24;
[0042] FIG. 27 shows a side view of the handle of FIG. 24;
[0043] FIG. 28 shows a front view of the handle of FIG. 24;
[0044] FIG. 29 shows a back view of the handle of FIG. 24;
[0045] FIG. 30 shows a cross-section view of the handle of FIG.
24;
[0046] FIG. 31 shows a perspective view of an example of a mesh
sifter that may be used in the sifting apparatus of FIG. 1,
according to principles of the invention;
[0047] FIG. 32 shows a side view of the mesh sifter of FIG. 31;
[0048] FIG. 33 shows a top view of the mesh sifter of FIG. 31;
[0049] FIG. 34 shows a bottom view of the mesh sifter of FIG.
31;
[0050] FIG. 35 shows a perspective view of an example of a wire
structure that may be used in the sifting apparatus of FIG. 1,
according to principles of the invention;
[0051] FIG. 36 shows a top view of the wire structure of FIG.
35;
[0052] FIG. 37 shows a side view of the wire structure of FIG.
35;
[0053] FIG. 38 shows a cross-section view of the wire structure of
FIG. 35;
[0054] FIG. 39 shows a perspective view of an example of a crank
that may be used in the sifting apparatus of FIG. 1, according to
principles of the invention;
[0055] FIG. 40 shows a first side view of the crank of FIG. 39;
[0056] FIG. 41 shows a second side view of the crank of FIG. 39,
offset by about -90.degree. in the x-z plane from the first side
view of FIG. 40;
[0057] FIG. 42 shows a third side view of the crank of FIG. 39,
offset by about +90.degree. in the x-z plane from the first side
view of FIG. 40;
[0058] FIG. 43 shows a top view of the crank of FIG. 39;
[0059] FIG. 44 shows a cross-section view of the crank of FIG.
39;
[0060] FIG. 45 shows an exploded view of the crank of FIG. 39;
[0061] FIG. 46 shows a perspective view of an example of a lid that
may be used in the sifting apparatus of FIG. 1, according to
principles of the invention;
[0062] FIG. 47 shows a first side view of the lid of FIG. 46,
including an example of a seal;
[0063] FIG. 48 shows a first side view of the lid of FIG. 46,
without a seal;
[0064] FIG. 49 shows a second side view of the lid of FIG. 46,
offset by about 90.degree. in the x-z plane from the first side
view of FIG. 47;
[0065] FIG. 50 shows a top view of the lid of FIG. 46;
[0066] FIG. 51 shows a cross-section view of the lid of FIG.
46;
[0067] FIG. 52 shows a bottom view of the lid of FIG. 46;
[0068] FIG. 53 shows a perspective view of an example of a seal
that may be used in the lid of FIG. 46;
[0069] FIG. 54 shows a side view of the seal of FIG. 53; and
[0070] FIG. 55 shows a cross-section view of the seal of FIG.
53.
[0071] The present invention is further described in the detailed
description that follows.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0072] The embodiments of the invention and the various features
and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with
reference to the non-limiting embodiments and examples that are
described and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings and
detailed description. It should be noted that the features
illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and
features of one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments
as the skilled artisan would recognize, even if not explicitly
stated herein. Descriptions of well-known components and processing
techniques may be omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the
embodiments of the invention. The examples used herein are intended
merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the
invention may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in
the art to practice the embodiments of the invention. Accordingly,
the examples and embodiments herein should not be construed as
limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the
appended claims and applicable law. Moreover, it is noted that like
reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several
views of the drawings.
[0073] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example of a sifting
apparatus 100A, according to principles of the invention. The
sifting apparatus 100A comprises a body 110, a handle 120, a
container 130 (or a bottom cover 133), a mesh sifter 140, a wire
structure 150, a crank 160, and a lid 170. The handle 120 or crank
160 may be overmolded for better grip. The handle 120 may be
coupled to the body 110, or integrally formed with the body 110.
The crank 160 may be attached to either side (or both sides) of the
body 110 for comfortable use for either left-handed or right-handed
users. The body 110 may be made from, e.g., clarified acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene (ABS), or the like. The container 130 may
comprise a measurement container attached to the bottom of the body
110 to catch and measure sifting products, such as, e.g., flour, or
the like.
[0074] FIGS. 2A-7B show various views of the sifting apparatus 100A
(or 100B). Specifically, FIG. 2A shows a further perspective view
of the sifting apparatus 100A, including the container 130; FIG. 2B
shows a further perspective view of the sifting apparatus 100B,
including a bottom cover 133;
[0075] FIG. 3A shows a first side view of the sifting apparatus
100A, including the container 130 and internal components shown in
cross-hatched lines; FIG. 3B shows a first side view of the sifting
apparatus 100B, including the bottom cover 133 and internal
components; FIG. 4A shows a second side view of the sifting
apparatus 100A, offset by about 180.degree. in the x-z plane from
the first side view of FIG. 3A; FIG. 46 shows a second side view of
the sifting apparatus 100B, offset by about 180.degree. in the x-z
plane from the first side view of FIG. 3B; FIG. 5A shows a third
side view of the sifting apparatus 100A, offset by about 90.degree.
in the x-z plane from the first side view of FIG. 3A; FIG. 5B shows
a third side view of the sifting apparatus 100B, offset by about
90.degree. in the x-z plane from the first side view of FIG. 3B;
FIG. 6 shows a top view of the sifting apparatus 100A (or 100B);
FIG. 7A shows a bottom view of the sifting apparatus 100A,
including the container 130; and FIG. 7B shows a bottom view of the
sifting apparatus 100B, including the bottom cover 133.
[0076] As seen in FIG. 3A, the body 110 may include one or more
crank fasteners 112 and a sifter mesh support 135 (also shown in
FIGS. 12, 13). The crank fasteners 112 may include, e.g.,
threadings, snap-locks, tongue/groove fasteners, or the like, as is
known by those having ordinary skill in the art. The sifter mesh
support 135 may include, e.g., a ledge, two or more protrusions on
the body 110, or the like, configured to support the sifter mesh
140, as shown in FIG. 3A.
[0077] The crank 160 is removable and may be placed on either (or
both) side of the body 110. The crank 160 may be coupled to the
body 110 through a plug 162, allowing the crank 160 to engage and
turn the wire structure 150 (via the plug 162). The plug 162 may
include threads (e.g., shown in FIG. 45), or other fastening
mechanisms configured to engage the crank fasteners 112.
[0078] The lid 170 may include a seal 175, such as, e.g., a
friction fit gasket, or the like, that may engage the inner walls
of the body 110, thereby keeping sifting products from, e.g.,
dusting a work area during operation of the sifter apparatus 100A.
Additionally, the lid 170 may include threadings (not shown) to
engage an upper portion of the body 110.
[0079] As seen in FIG. 3B and FIG. 86, the body 110 may include a
bottom cover fastener 117 around the entire perimeter, or a portion
thereof, of the body 110, to which the bottom cover 133 may be
attached.
[0080] FIG. 8A shows a perspective view of an example of the body
110 that may be used in the sifting apparatus 100A. FIG. 8B shows a
perspective view of another example of the body 110 that may be
used in the sifting apparatus 100B, including the bottom cover
fastener 117. The bottom cover fastener 117 may include, for
example, a lip, one or more protrusions (not shown), one or more
recesses (not shown), a threading (not shown), or the like, any of
which may be provided around the entire perimeter of the body 110,
or one or more portions thereof.
[0081] FIGS. 9-13 show various views of the body 110, any of which
may further include the bottom cover fastener 117 (shown in FIG.
8B). Specifically, FIG. 9 shows a first side view of the body 110;
FIG. 10 shows a second side view of the body 110, offset by about
90.degree. in the x-z plane from the first side view of FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 shows a top view of the body 110; FIG. 12 shows a first
cross-section A-A view of the body 110; and FIG. 13 shows a second
cross-section B-B view of the body 110, offset by about 90.degree.
in the x-z plane from the first cross-section view of FIG. 12.
[0082] As seen in FIG. 13, the body 110 may include a container
engaging portion 118 that is configured to receive and fasten the
container 130 to the body 110. The container engaging portion 118
may include, e.g., a threading (e.g., 1/4 turn), a snap-lock, a
tongue/groove, or the like, configured to engage a body engaging
portion 131 of the container 130 (e.g., shown in FIG. 14) to secure
the container 130 to the body 110.
[0083] Alternatively (or additionally), the body 110 may include
the bottom cover fastener 117 (shown in FIG. 8B) that is configured
to engage the bottom cover 133 and secure it to the body 110.
[0084] The body 110 may further include one or more openings 116
(e.g., circular holes) for receiving a portion of the wire
structure 150 and supporting the wire structure 150, so that it may
be rotated by operation of the crank 160.
[0085] FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of an example of a bottom
that may be used in the sifting apparatus 100A, which includes the
container 130. As seen in FIG. 14, the container 130 includes the
body engaging portion 131 and a stop ring 132. The body engaging
portion 131, e.g., a 1/4 turn threading, a snap-lock ring, or the
like. The stop ring 132 may be configured to engage the lower
perimeter of the body 110 and provide, e.g., a seal between the
body 110 and stop ring 132, as well as optimum coupling between the
body 110 and container 130.
[0086] FIGS. 15-18 show various views of the container 130,
according to principles of the invention. Specifically, FIG. 15
shows a top view of the container 130; FIG. 16 shows a bottom view
of the container 130; FIG. 17 shows a side view of the container
130; and FIG. 18 shows a cross-section C-C view of the container
130. As seen in FIG. 17, the container 130 may include a
measurement pad print area 137 on which measurement print data may
be added.
[0087] FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of another example of a
bottom that may be used in the sifting apparatus 100B, which
includes the bottom cover 133. As seen in FIG. 19, the bottom cover
133 includes a body engaging portion 134, which may include a
protrusion (e.g., a lip, one or more protruding members, or the
like), a recess (not shown), a threading (not shown), or the like,
that engages the bottom cover fastener 117 on the body 110 to
securely attach the bottom cover 133 to the body 110 in the sifting
apparatus 100B.
[0088] FIGS. 20-23 show various views of the bottom cover 133,
according to principles of the invention. Specifically, FIG. 20
shows a bottom view of the bottom cover 133; FIG. 21 shows a top
view of the bottom cover 133; FIG. 22 shows a side view of the
bottom cover 133; and FIG. 23 shows a cross-section C-C view of the
bottom cover 133.
[0089] FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of an example of a handle
120 that may be used in the sifting apparatus 100A (or 100B). The
handle 120 may include an overmolded area 125 (shown in FIG. 8A),
which may include a material such as, e.g., a thermoplastic
elastomer (TPE), or the like.
[0090] FIGS. 25-30 show various further views of the handle 120.
Specifically, FIG. 25 shows a bottom view of the handle 120; FIG.
26 shows a top view of the handle 120; FIG. 27 shows a side view of
the handle 120; FIG. 28 shows a front view of the handle 120; FIG.
29 shows a back view of the handle 120; and FIG. 30 shows a
cross-section J-J view of the handle 120.
[0091] FIG. 31 shows a perspective view of an example of the mesh
sifter 140 that may be used in the sifting apparatus 100A (or
100B), according to principles of the invention. The mesh sifter
140 may include a mesh body 147 and a ring portion 145 (e.g., a
rolled edge, or the like) that may be supported by the mesh sifter
support 135, when the mesh sifter 140 is placed in the sifting
apparatus 100A (or 100B).
[0092] FIGS. 32-34 show various further views of the mesh sifter
140. In particular, FIG. 32 shows a side view of the mesh sifter
140; FIG. 33 shows a top view of the mesh sifter 140; and FIG. 34
shows a bottom view of the mesh sifter 140.
[0093] FIG. 35 shows a perspective view of an example of the wire
structure 150 that may be used in the sifting apparatus 100A (or
100B), according to principles of the invention. As seen, the wire
structure 150 may include a plurality of wires 152 (e.g., four
wires), a pair of wire plugs 154, and a pair of thread retainer
engaging portions 156 configured to engage the crank 160. The wires
152, wire plugs 154, and thread retainer engaging portions 156 may
be made from, e.g., metal (e.g., stainless steel), plastic (e.g.,
ABS), or the like. Further, the wires 152 may have a thickness of,
e.g., about 2.35 mm. The thread retainer engaging portions 156 are
configured to engage with the crank 160 to turn the wires 152 when
the crank 160 is coupled (e.g., threaded) to the body 110.
[0094] FIGS. 36-38 show various further views of the wire structure
150. In particular, FIG. 36 shows a top view of the wire structure
150; FIG. 37 shows a side view of the wire structure 150; and FIG.
38 shows a cross-section D-D view of the wire structure 150. As
seen in FIG. 38, the wires 152 may be permanently fixed to the wire
plugs 154.
[0095] FIG. 39 shows a perspective view of an example of the crank
160 that may be used in the sifting apparatus 100A (or 100B),
according to principles of the invention. As seen, the crank 160
may include a thread retainer 161, the plug 162, an arm 166 and a
knob 168. The various components of the crank 160 (such as, e.g.,
the thread retainer 161, the plug 162, the arm 166 and knob 168)
may include, e.g., metal, plastic (e.g., ABS), or the like, or any
combination thereof.
[0096] FIGS. 40-45 show various further views of the crank 160. In
particular,
[0097] FIG. 40 shows a first side view of the crank 160; FIG. 41
shows a second side view of the crank 160, offset by about
-90.degree. in the x-z plane from the first side view of FIG. 40;
FIG. 42 shows a third side view of the crank 160, offset by about
+90.degree. in the x-z plane from the first side view of FIG. 40;
FIG. 43 shows a top view of the crank 160; FIG. 44 shows a
cross-section E-E view of the crank 160; and FIG. 45 shows an
exploded view of the crank 160.
[0098] As seen in FIG. 45, the knob 168 is attached to a knob
retainer 167, which is configured rotatably attach to the arm 166.
The knob 168 and knob retainer 167 are configured to rotate freely
around the arm 166. The arm 166, which is configured to attach to
the thread retainer 161, rotates freely with respect to the plug
162. The thread retainer 161 includes an opening 1610 for receiving
and lockably engaging one of the thread retainer engaging portions
156. The thread retainer 161 also locks the arm 166 to the plug
162.
[0099] FIG. 46 shows a perspective view of an example of the lid
170 that may be used in the sifting apparatus 100A (or 100B),
according to principles of the invention. As seen, the lid 170 may
include the seal 175, which is configured to engage an inner wall
of the body 110 and provide a seal that may prevent sifting
products from being spilt during operation or handling of the
sifter apparatus 100A (or 100B). The seal 175 may include, e.g.,
silicone, rubber, or the like.
[0100] FIGS. 47-82 show various further views of the lid 170. In
particular,
[0101] FIG. 47 shows a first side view of the lid 170, including
the seal 175; FIG. 48 shows the first side view of the lid 170,
including a recess 173 for receiving the seal 175; FIG. 49 shows a
second side view of the lid 170, offset by about 90.degree. in the
x-z plane from the first side view of FIG. 47; FIG. 50 shows a top
view of the lid 170; FIG. 51 shows a cross-section F-F view of the
lid 170; and FIG. 52 shows a bottom view of the lid 170.
[0102] FIG. 53 shows a perspective view of an example of the seal
175 that may be used in the lid 170, according to principles of the
invention. FIGS. 54-55 show various further views of the seal 170.
In particular, FIG. 54 shows a side view of the seal 175; and FIG.
55 shows a cross-section K-K view of the seal 170.
[0103] It is noted that any of the elements disclosed herein may be
made from or comprise, e.g., any one or more of the following,
without limitation: metal (e.g., steel, stainless steel, aluminum,
iron, cast iron, alloys, or the like), glass (e.g., Pyrex,
borosilicate glass, sintered, or the like), ceramic, synthetic
materials (e.g., plastic, silicone, rubber, polypropylene, or the
like), or the like.
[0104] While the invention has been described in terms of exemplary
embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the
invention can be practiced with modifications in the spirit and
scope of the appended claims. These examples given above are merely
illustrative and are not meant to be an exhaustive list of all
possible designs, embodiments, applications or modifications of the
invention.
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