U.S. patent application number 16/241114 was filed with the patent office on 2020-08-27 for modular blending system.
The applicant listed for this patent is VITA-MIX MANAGEMENT CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Richard D. Boozer, Joseph Hobbs, David J. Kolar, Susan Mayer, Fred Mehlman, Casey Zale.
Application Number | 20200268012 16/241114 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004812598 |
Filed Date | 2020-08-27 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200268012 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kolar; David J. ; et
al. |
August 27, 2020 |
MODULAR BLENDING SYSTEM
Abstract
A modular blending system is shown and described. The modular
blending system may include a storage device capable of storing a
plurality of flavoring products, and an ice shaving mechanism
removably attached to the storage device, the ice shaving mechanism
including an ice dispenser. The modular blending system may also
include a fluid dispensing unit in fluid communication with the
flavoring products, where the fluid dispensing unit is separate
from the ice dispenser.
Inventors: |
Kolar; David J.; (Stow,
OH) ; Hobbs; Joseph; (Olmsted Township, OH) ;
Mayer; Susan; (Olmsted Township, OH) ; Mehlman;
Fred; (Brunswick, OH) ; Boozer; Richard D.;
(Wakeman, OH) ; Zale; Casey; (Olmsted Township,
OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
VITA-MIX MANAGEMENT CORPORATION |
OLMSTED TOWNSHIP |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004812598 |
Appl. No.: |
16/241114 |
Filed: |
January 7, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14061103 |
Oct 23, 2013 |
10172373 |
|
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16241114 |
|
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61786720 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
|
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61717336 |
Oct 23, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47J 31/407 20130101;
A23G 9/22 20130101; A47J 31/00 20130101; A47J 31/40 20130101; A23G
9/30 20130101; A47J 31/402 20130101; A23G 9/045 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A23G 9/30 20060101
A23G009/30; A47J 31/40 20060101 A47J031/40; A47J 31/00 20060101
A47J031/00; A23G 9/04 20060101 A23G009/04; A23G 9/22 20060101
A23G009/22 |
Claims
1-31. (canceled)
32. A method of cleaning a modular blending system comprising the
steps of: attaching a cleaning system having a fixture and at least
one tube with the modular blending system; inserting an end of the
tube into a cleaning solution; initiating operation of a pump;
pumping the cleaning solution into the tube through the fixture and
into the modular blending system; soaking the modular blending
system; initiating operation of the pump; and evacuating the
cleaning solution from the modular blending system.
33. The method of claim 32, further comprising the step of:
operating the pump in first and second directions with the cleaning
solution in the modular blending system.
34. The method of claim 32, wherein the cleaning solution is
evacuated from the modular blending system by utilizing
gravity.
35. A tray configured to be selectively held within a storage
device, the tray comprising: a floor configured to be positioned
within the storage device; at least one wall extending from the
floor; an opening in the at least one wall, the opening configured
to receive a receptacle spout; and a base plate moveably secured
with the floor, wherein the base plate moves relative to the floor
to assist with evacuating fluid from a receptacle.
36. The tray of claim 35, wherein the base plate is pivotally
secured with the floor.
37. The tray of claim 36, further comprising at least one biasing
member, the biasing member pivotally securing the base plate with
the floor.
38. The tray of claim 37, wherein the biasing member is at least
one of a leaf spring, elastic band, and torsion spring.
39. The tray of claim 37, wherein the at least one biasing member
is applies a predetermined biasing force to the base plate to pivot
the base plate a predetermined amount as weight on the base plate
is reduced.
40. The tray of claim 39, further comprising a fluid receptacle
received on the base plate wherein as fluid evacuates the
receptacle the base plate pivots away from the floor.
41. The tray of claim 40, wherein the amount the base plate pivots
away from the floor corresponds to an amount of the fluid evacuated
from the receptacle.
42. A tray configured to be selectively held within a storage
device, the tray comprising: a floor having a front portion and a
rear portion; at least one wall extending upward from the front
portion of the floor; an aperture in the at least one wall, the
aperture configured to receive a receptacle spout; and a base plate
configured to pivot relative to the floor to assist with evacuating
fluid from a receptacle positioned on the base plate, wherein the
base plate pivots from a first position substantially parallel with
the floor to a second position angled towards the front portion of
the floor.
43. The tray of claim 42, further comprising a biasing member
secured between the floor and the base plate, wherein the biasing
member applies a predetermined biasing force to the base plate to
pivot the base plate a predetermined amount as weight on the base
plate is reduced.
44. The tray of claim 43, further comprising a fluid receptacle
engaged with the base plate, wherein as weight of the receptacle is
reduced the base plate pivots away from the floor.
45. The tray of claim 44, wherein as the base plate pivots away
from the floor fluid in the receptacle evacuates therefrom.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/717,33; entitled "Modular Blending
System," filed on Oct. 23, 2012 and U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/786,720, entitled "Lifting Mechanism," filed on
Mar. 15, 2013, both of which are hereby incorporated in its
entirety by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is generally related to a blending
system and, more particularly, to a modular blending system with
selectively attached discrete components.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Blending systems are often utilized to create iced
beverages, desserts and a wide variety of other food items.
Commercial establishments use these blending systems to create
these various food items. Typical blending systems include an ice
shaving apparatus, flavor dispenser, blender and refrigeration
system. Operators will utilize the blending system to shave ice,
add flavoring and in some situations further blend the combination.
These steps create the applicable food item.
[0004] In operation of such systems the ice shaver reduces larger
ice cubes into small ice shavings. Next some kind of flavoring is
dispensed into the shaved ice. The flavoring may be any sort of
flavoring, including, without limitation, fruit juices, pureed
fruit, coffee, and any other applicable flavoring. Once the
operator adds the flavoring to the shaved ice, the combination may
be blended together to further mix such. This may create a smooth
drinkable combination.
[0005] The components of such blending systems are typically
integrally formed i.e., the components are fixedly attached
together. Moreover, in prior art blending systems the ice shaver
and flavor dispenser are integral units whereby the contents of
both are ultimately dispensed from a single dispenser.
[0006] Utilizing integrally formed components has several
disadvantages. For example, if one of the components of the
blending system fails to operate properly and it is unable to be
repaired the entire blending system may have to be replaced as
opposed to the single component. Further, cleaning the dispensing
system with integrally formed components may be difficult. In such
systems, one must disassemble as many of the components as feasible
to clean. This may present additional challenges in that it is time
consuming to disassemble and reassemble the components. Further
still, the components in such systems are difficult to clean and
may not come appropriately clean. As the components are
intertwined, it may be difficult to reach certain components and
appropriately clean such components. Also, cleaning such systems
may require shutting down the entire system. This may result in all
of the components being generally unavailable for use during the
cleaning.
[0007] Another disadvantage is the combined dispenser for the ice
and the flavoring. The combined use may make it difficult to
appropriately clean the applicable dispenser. The combined
dispenser may have remnants of prior flavoring used when dispensing
ice. This may result in the ice not being pure.
[0008] Moreover, such blending systems often include a storage unit
for storing flavorings or other liquid or puree foodstuffs to be
mixed with the iced item. The storage unit may be a refrigerated
unit or any unit configured to house the flavorings. Often storage
units include racks for housing a plurality of different
flavorings. Each rack may include one or more receptacles. Each
receptacle may be configured to receive a flavoring container
therein. For example, flavorings are often provided in a bag or a
bag-in-box (BIB) packaging that may be placed within the receptacle
and removed once the bag or flavoring container is empty and
replaced with a new flavoring container.
[0009] Current designs for storage units commonly provide a level
base for the box or bag of flavoring to rest on. The level base
allows the flavoring container to rest evenly within the receptacle
without the risk of tipping over or falling out of the receptacle.
However, flavoring containers often fail to empty completely into
the system and are often discarded before all the flavoring or
liquid has been removed from the container. For example, some bags
and other packaging are unable to fully drain the liquid into an
engaging nozzle because the nozzle may be positioned above the
bottom of the bag.
SUMMARY
[0010] A modular blending system is shown and described. The
modular blending system may include a storage device capable of
storing a plurality of flavoring products, and an ice shaving
mechanism removably attached to the storage device, the ice shaving
mechanism including an ice dispenser. The modular blending system
may also include a fluid dispensing unit in fluid communication
with the flavoring products, where the fluid dispensing unit is
separate from the ice dispenser.
[0011] A modular blending system may include a refrigeration unit,
an ice shaving mechanism selectively secured to the refrigeration
unit, the ice shaving mechanism including an ice dispenser, and a
blender selectively secured to the refrigeration unit. The modular
blending system may also include a fluid dispensing unit in fluid
communication with the refrigeration unit, wherein the fluid
dispensing unit is separate from the ice dispenser.
[0012] A modular blending system may include a refrigeration unit,
an ice shaving mechanism selectively secured to the refrigeration
unit, the ice shaving mechanism including an ice dispenser, and a
fluid dispensing unit in fluid communication with the refrigeration
unit, where the fluid dispensing unit is separate from the ice
dispenser. The modular blending system may also include at least
one tube fluidly engaged with the fluid dispensing unit at one end
and configured to fluidly engage with a dispensing receptacle at a
second end where fluid from the dispensing receptacle is
transferred through the tube to the fluid dispensing unit, and a
cleaning system operatively coupled with the fluid dispensing and
the tube, where the cleaning system utilizes gravity to evacuate
the tube of cleaning fluids.
[0013] A method of cleaning a modular blending system may include
the steps of attaching a cleaning system having a fixture and at
least one tube with the modular blending system, inserting an end
of the tube into a cleaning solution, and initiating operation of a
pump. The method may also include the steps of pumping the cleaning
solution into the tube through the fixture and into the modular
blending system, soaking the modular blending system, initiating
operation of the pump, and evacuating the cleaning solution from
the modular blending system.
[0014] A tray configured to be selectively held within a storage
device of a modular blending system may include a floor configured
to be positioned within the storage device, at least one wall
extending from the floor, and an opening in the at least one wall,
the opening configured to receive a receptacle spout. The tray may
also include a base plate moveably secured with the floor, where
the base plate moves relative to the floor to assist with
evacuating fluid from a receptacle.
[0015] A tray configured to be selectively held within a storage
device of a modular blending system, the tray may include a floor
having a front portion and a rear portion, and at least one wall
extending upward from the front portion of the floor. The tray may
also include an aperture in the at least one wall, the aperture
configured to receive a receptacle spout, and a base plate
configured to pivot relative to the floor to assist with evacuating
fluid from a receptacle positioned on the base plate, where the
base plate pivots from a first position substantially parallel with
the floor to a second position angled towards the front portion of
the floor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The system may be better understood by reference to the
following detailed description taken in connection with the
following illustrations.
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular blending
system.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of the modular blending
system of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a modular blending system
with a door of a refrigeration unit in an open position.
[0020] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a modular blending system.
[0021] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a modular blending system with
a partially exploded view of a dispenser.
[0022] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a modular blending system with
an exploded view of a dispenser and container cleaner.
[0023] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a modular blending system with
an exploded view of a dispenser, container cleaner, and
refrigeration unit dispensing portion.
[0024] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a modular blending system with
further exploded views of a dispenser, container cleaner,
refrigeration unit, and dispenser.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a drain tray with a
support.
[0026] FIG. 10 is side view of a drain tray with a support.
[0027] FIG. 11 is a top view of a drain tray with a support.
[0028] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of a modular blending system with a door of a refrigeration unit in
an open position.
[0029] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a tray for a storage unit
of a modular blending system.
[0030] FIG. 14 is a top view of the tray of FIG. 13.
[0031] FIG. 15 is a front view of the tray of FIG. 13.
[0032] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the tray of FIG. 14
taken along line A-A.
[0033] FIG. 17 is a rear view of the tray of FIG. 13.
[0034] FIG. 18 is a side view of the tray of FIG. 13.
[0035] FIG. 19 is a bottom view of the tray of FIG. 13.
[0036] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a tray and base plate
having a leaf spring.
[0037] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a tray and base plate
having a torsion spring.
[0038] FIG. 22 is a non-emptied receptacle in a horizontal position
in a tray.
[0039] FIG. 23 is an emptied receptacle in a lifted position in a
tray.
[0040] {4541446:} 6
[0041] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a tray for a storage unit
of a modular blending system.
[0042] FIG. 25 is a top view of the tray of FIG. 24.
[0043] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the tray of FIG. 25
taken along line A-A.
[0044] FIG. 27 is a front view of the tray of FIG. 24.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0045] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary
embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying
drawings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be
utilized and structural and functional changes may be made.
Moreover, features of the various embodiments may be combined or
altered. As such, the following description is presented by way of
illustration only and should not limit in any way the various
alternatives and modifications that may be made to the illustrated
embodiments.
[0046] A modular blending system 10 as shown in FIGS. 1-8 may
include a refrigeration unit 20, an ice shaver 24, a blender 28,
and a content dispenser 32. The modular blending system 10 may also
include a container 36, a support 40, a container cleaner 44, and a
graphical user interface 48. At least one of the aforementioned
components may be modular with respect to the modular blending
system 10. Alternatively, all of the components may be modular with
respect to the modular blending system 10. Further still, any of
the aforementioned components may be modular. The present teachings
are not limited to a specific configuration and are not limited to
the configurations depicted in the corresponding drawings. Any
appropriate configuration and combination of modular components may
be used without departing from the present teachings.
[0047] The refrigeration unit 20 of the modular blending system 10
may be of any appropriate configuration and is not limited to that
shown and described. The refrigeration unit 20 may be an
off-the-shelf standard refrigeration unit or may be a customized
unit created specifically for the modular blending system 10. The
refrigeration unit 20 may include a chiller 49--such as shown in
FIGS. 4-8--of any appropriate configuration and a housing 50 formed
of any appropriate insulative material. The combination of such may
generally keep contents of the refrigeration unit 20 at a
predetermined temperature. The refrigeration unit 20 may further
include a door 52. The door 52 may be attached with the housing 50
in any appropriate manner, such as by way of a non-limiting example
through use of hinges 54. The door 52 may be selectively openable
and closeable relative to the housing 50. The door 52 may include a
handle 58 such that the operator may grasp the handle 58 in opening
or closing the door 52. The handle 58 may be positioned on a side
of the door 52 generally opposite the hinges 54. The handle 58 may
be of a shape and size to make grasping of such easier for the
operator.
[0048] The refrigeration unit 20 may include an interior chamber
57. The interior chamber 57 may be of any appropriate
configuration. The interior chamber 57 may store the contents
dispensed through the content dispenser 32. The interior chamber 57
may include shelving to help store such contents as further
described below. The interior chamber 57 may be generally
circumscribed by the housing 50. The interior chamber 57 may be
made of a generally insulative material, which in addition to the
chiller 49 may keep the contents at a predetermined
temperature.
[0049] Further, the refrigeration unit 20 may include a plurality
of wheeled casters 56. The wheeled casters 56 may be attached to
the housing 50 in any appropriate manner. The wheeled casters 56
may allow the refrigeration unit 20 and more particularly the
modular blending system 10 to be selectively positionable. Using
the wheeled casters 56, the modular blending system 10 may be
rolled to an appropriate operative position. For example, the
modular blending system 10 may be positioned in close proximity to
a water source, a power source or a drain as needed. Once in the
appropriate position, at least a pair of the wheeled casters 56 may
be locked such that the modular blending system 10 is stationary;
although all of the wheeled casters 56 may be locked. This may
prevent unwanted movement of the modular blending system 10.
[0050] Alternatively, the modular blending system 10 may include a
storage system (not shown) alternatively or in addition to the
refrigeration unit 20. In such modular blending systems, the
contents added to the ice shavings may not needed to be
refrigerated. Therefore, the refrigeration unit 20 may not be
needed. The storage system may be of a similar construction to that
of the refrigeration unit 20. By way of a non-limiting example, the
storage system may include any one of an interior chamber, housing
with a door, and wheeled casters. Further still, the storage system
may be a pre-existing work space that may possess the appropriate
configuration. In such embodiments, the remaining components of the
modular blending system may be placed on such work space. In yet
other embodiments, the modular blending system may utilize both the
refrigeration unit 20 and the storage system. The present teachings
are not limited to a specific configuration.
[0051] The ice shaver 24 may be operatively and selectively
attached with the refrigeration unit 20 in any appropriate manner,
for example, the ice shaver 24 may be positioned on a top portion
59 of the refrigeration unit 20. The refrigeration unit 20 may
include an ice maker (not shown), an ice maker may be operatively
attached with the ice shaver 24 such that ice is dispensed into the
ice shaver 24 as needed, or the modular blending system 10 may be
positioned in proximity to an ice maker. The ice maker, whether
separate or part of the refrigeration unit 20, may create ice that
may be manually or automatically transported to the ice shaver 24
in any appropriate manner. Alternatively, ice may be obtained from
a separate ice maker and either manually or automatically
transported to the ice shaver 24. Once the ice shaver 24 includes
ice, it may weigh out an appropriate amount of ice and expel
such.
[0052] Further, the ice shaver 24 may include an ice container 60.
The ice container 60 may be of any appropriate shape and size and
may be made from any appropriate material; for example, plastic,
metal or the like. The ice container 60 may be of a general bowl
shape such that it may operatively hold ice added thereto. The ice
shaver 24 may further include a selectively removable container lid
62 that may be selectively and operably coupled with the ice
container 60 in any manner. The container lid 62 may be made of any
appropriate material; for example, plastic, metal or the like. The
container lid 62 may be selectively removed from the ice shaver 24
to add ice to the ice shaver 24. The container lid 62 may then be
operatively coupled to the ice container 60 to operate the ice
shaver 24.
[0053] Either of the container lid 62 and container 60 or both may
include a sensor (not shown) or sensors. The sensors may be capable
of detecting operative coupling of the container lid 62 with the
container 60. Upon detection of such operative coupling, the ice
shaver 24 may be operated to shave the ice within the container 60.
Otherwise, if the sensors do not detect such operative condition,
the ice shaver 24 may not be operable. This may generally prevent
ice from inadvertently being dispensed from the top of the
container 60.
[0054] The ice shaver 24 may further include an ice shaving
mechanism 64. The ice shaving mechanism 64 may be any appropriate
device; the present teachings are not limited to a specific
configuration. The ice shaving mechanism 64 may be operably coupled
with the container 60 so as to appropriately shave the ice held
therein. The ice held within the container 60 may be transported
through any appropriate mechanism to the ice shaving mechanism 64
and may then be shaved in any appropriate manner.
[0055] The ice shaver 24 may include an ice shoot 66 that may be
operably coupled with the ice shaving mechanism 64. The ice shoot
66 may expel the shaved ice from the ice shaver 24 in any
appropriate manner. The present teachings are not limited to a
specific configuration. The ice shaving mechanism 64 may be
programmed to shave the ice in any predetermined manner, i.e., the
ice shaving mechanism 64 may be programmed to produce a
predetermined shape and size of ice. This may provide additional
flexibility for the operator to determine what kind of product the
modular blending system 10 is to produce.
[0056] The ice shaver 24 may include a housing 68. The housing 68
may generally circumscribe the ice shaving mechanism 64 generally
obstructing such from view. The housing 68 may generally hold the
container 60 within an operative position and may have attached
thereto the ice shoot 66. The housing 68 may further include a
refrigeration attachment mechanism 70 of any appropriate
configuration. The refrigeration attachment mechanism 70 may
selectively secure the ice shaver 24 with the refrigeration unit
20. The refrigeration attachment mechanism 70 may selectively
position the ice shaver 24 in an operative position on the top
portion 59 refrigeration unit 20. The refrigeration attachment
mechanism 70 may also permit the ice shaver 24 to be selectively
attached with the refrigeration unit 20 in a plurality of operative
positions.
[0057] The refrigeration unit 20 may include mating shaped and
sized ice shaver attachment mechanism 72 that may selectively
engage with the refrigeration attachment mechanism 70. This may
selectively secure the ice shaver 24 with the refrigeration unit
20. The attachment mechanisms 70, 72 may also be configured such
that the ice shaver 24 may be selectively removed from the
refrigeration unit 20--resulting in the ice shaver 24 being modular
with respect to the refrigeration unit 20. This modularity permits
the ice shaver 24 to be removed from the modular blending system 10
so as to clean, repair or even replace the ice shaver 24. Removing
the ice shaver 24 may make it easier to clean as more components
may be accessed and cleaned. The modularity also allows a new ice
shaver 24 to be added without having to replace the entire modular
blending system 10. Further, the operative engagement of the ice
shaver attachment mechanism 72 and the refrigeration attachment
mechanism 70 may be of a configuration to permit easy removal of
the ice shaver 24 from the refrigeration unit 20. It may also be of
a configuration such that selective attachment of the ice shaver 24
with the refrigeration unit 20 is easy for an operator to
accomplish. Moreover, the ice shaver 24 remains fully operable when
detached from the refrigeration unit 20.
[0058] The ice shaver 24 may include a water dispenser 77. The
water dispenser 77 may be positioned in any appropriate position on
the ice shaver 24. By way of a non-limiting example, the water
dispenser 77 may extend outward from the housing immediately or in
proximity to the ice shoot 66. As shown in FIG. 2, 4-8, the water
dispenser 77 may be positioned immediately below the ice shoot 66
and immediately above the container 36. This position of the water
dispenser 77 may permit the operator to dispense water into the
container 36 as may be necessary to create a product, such as a
drink. For example, certain drinks require a predetermined amount
of water to be added instead of just ice. The operator may be able
to dispense a predetermined amount of water from the water
dispenser 77 into the container 36 along with a predetermined
amount of ice from the ice shoot 66. With the water dispenser 77 in
close proximity to the ice shoot 66, the operator may be able to
accomplish adding the water and ice generally simultaneously,
immediately after one another, or otherwise in a predetermined
manner. The water dispenser 77 may be operatively engaged with a
water source (not shown), which may be the same as the water source
for the cleaning unit (described below) or a different water
source. Further, the water source may be the same or different from
the water source to generate ice. The water dispenser 77 may
include a water filtration system to help ensure that the water
dispensed therefrom is of appropriate quality. The water dispenser
77 may also be operatively engaged with a water source that is
already filtered. The present teachings are not limited to the
configurations described herein; any appropriate configuration of
water dispenser 77 may be utilized without departing from the
present teachings. For example, the water dispenser 77 may be a
component separate from the ice dispenser.
[0059] The blender 28 may be any appropriate type of blender and
may be of any configuration. The present teachings are not limited
to a specific configuration of the blender 28. By way of a
non-limiting example, the blender 28 may be THE QUIET ONE blender
from Vita-Mix Corporation. The blender 28 may be selectively
attached to the refrigeration unit 20 in any appropriate manner,
such as on the top portion 59 thereof By way of a non-limiting
example, the refrigeration unit 20 may include a blender attachment
mechanism 80 attached to the top portion 59 thereof. The blender 28
may be selectively attached with the attachment mechanism 80 in any
appropriate manner. Additionally, the blender 28 may be selectively
removable from the attachment mechanism 80 resulting in the blender
28 being removable from the refrigeration unit 20. The blender 28
remains fully operable when detached from the refrigeration unit
20. This may make the blender 28 modular with respect to the
refrigeration unit 20.
[0060] Further, the attachment mechanism 80 may be positioned on
the refrigeration unit 20 generally positioning the blender 28 in
an appropriate operative position. By way of a non-limiting
example, the blender 28 may be positioned adjacent the dispenser 32
and in close proximity to the ice shaver 24. Alternatively, the
blender 28 may be positioned adjacent the ice shaver 24 and in
close proximity to the dispenser 32. The present teachings are not
limited to a specific location--any appropriate location may be
used without departing from the present teachings. The blender 28
may include a sound box 82. The sound box 82 may be of any
appropriate configuration. The sound box 82 may generally dampen
sounds that may be produced during operation of the blender 28.
[0061] The dispenser 32 may be operatively and selectively attached
with the refrigeration unit 20 in any appropriate manner. The
dispenser 32 may dispense contents, such as flavoring or the like,
that may be stored within the refrigeration unit 20 in any
appropriate manner. The dispenser 32 may include a housing 90. The
housing 90 may be made of any appropriate material and may
generally circumscribe a nozzle 92 from which the contents may be
dispensed. The nozzle 92 may include a plurality of ports that may
expel a predetermined content from the refrigeration unit 20. The
operator may initiate use of the dispenser 32 through use of the
graphical user interface 48. Upon such initiation, a metered dose
of the flavoring may be dispensed from the dispenser 32 in any
appropriate manner.
[0062] As shown in FIGS. 1-8, the dispenser 32 is separate from the
ice shaver 24. During operation, ice may be expelled from the ice
shaver 24, or more specifically, the ice shoot 66 and then--or
before, as applicable--contents may be expelled separately from the
dispenser 32, or more specifically, the nozzle 92. Still further,
water may be dispensed from the water dispenser 77. Alternatively,
the ice, contents, and/or water can all be dispensed simultaneously
to reduce the time it takes to prepare a beverage. The dispenser 32
being separate and independent of the ice shaver 24 may make the
modular blending system 10 easier to clean. By way of a
non-limiting example, the dispenser 32, ice shaver 24, and water
dispenser 77 may all be cleaned apart from one another.
Accordingly, the components may be cleaned upon different
intervals, different processes may be used to clean each, and
different solutions may be used to clean each. Further still, the
components being independent may allow for replacement of one
without having to replace the other. This may allow operation of
the modular blending system 10 even while one component may be
undergoing cleaning or replacement. For instance, if the ice shaver
24 is undergoing cleaning or replacement, drinks can still be made
with the modular blending system 10, either without ice or with ice
added manually. The dispenser 32 being independent of the ice
shaver 24 may generally prevent unwanted mixing of the contents
dispensed through the dispenser 32 with ice from the ice shaver 24.
This may result in a better quality end product. Further, the
dispenser 32 being independent of the water dispenser 77 may
generally prevent unwanted mixing of the contents dispensed through
the dispenser 32 with water from the water dispenser 77.
[0063] The dispenser 32 may be attached with the support 40. The
support 40 may include a dispenser attachment mechanism 94 such
that the housing 90 of the dispenser 32 may be attached thereto.
The housing 90 may be attached in any appropriate manner, such as
through the use of fasteners 96. The fasteners 96 may permit the
housing 90 to be selectively securable to the support 40. This may
permit the dispenser 32 to be removed from the modular blending
system 10 so as to clean such, resulting in the dispenser 32 being
modular.
[0064] The container 36 may be of any appropriate configuration and
made of any material. By way of a non-limiting example, the
container 36 may be the ADVANCE container from Vita-Mix
Corporation. The container 36 may selectively engage with the
support 40 resulting in the container 36 being modular with the
modular blending system 10. As the support 40 may be attached with
the refrigeration unit 20, the container 36 may be selectively
attached with the refrigeration unit 20.
[0065] The container 36 may be positioned in an operative position
with respect to the ice shaver 24 or dispenser 32, or both the ice
shaver 24 and dispenser 32. By way of a non-limiting example, the
container 36 may be operatively positioned such that ice may be
expelled from the ice shaver 24--or more specifically, the ice
shoot 66 and into the container 36. Further, the container 36 may
be operatively positioned relative to the dispenser 32 such that
contents, such as flavoring, may be expelled from the dispenser 32
into the container 36. The container 36 may be positioned such that
water may be dispensed from the water dispenser 77 into the
container 36 as is necessary. The container 36 may be positioned
such that it need not be moved to have the ice, water and contents
expelled therein.
[0066] Further, the container 36 may be of a shape and size that it
is also operatively positioned on the blender 28. This may permit
the contents, water and ice expelled into the container 36 (as is
necessary) to further undergo a blending operation as desired. The
operator may manually lift the container 36 from the support 40 and
insert it into or onto as applicable, the blender 28. The blender
28 may then be used to blend the contents within the container
36.
[0067] The container 36 may include a handle 102 that may make it
easier for the operator to position the container 36 as required.
The container 36 may also include a spout 104 of any appropriate
shape. The spout 104 may be positioned generally opposite the
handle 102. The spout 104 may be shaped and sized to assist
expelling contents of the container 36 into an appropriate vessel,
typically for consumption by a customer.
[0068] The container cleaner 44 may be operatively and selectively
attached with the support 40. The container cleaner 44 may be of
any appropriate configuration. By way of a non-limiting example,
the container cleaner 44 may include a generally high-pressure
nozzle 110 that may expel water at a rate to generally clean the
container 36. The container cleaner 44 may further include tubing
112 operatively coupled with the high-pressure nozzle 110 that may
supply the appropriate amount of water from a water source. In
addition, a sanitizing solution, soap, detergent, or similar
cleaning agents may be coupled with the tubing 112 or may otherwise
be a separate source such that sanitizer, soap, or detergent may be
mixed with the water from the high-pressure nozzle 110.
[0069] The container cleaner 44 may further include a liquid vessel
114 that may generally hold the water expelled from the
high-pressure nozzle 110. The liquid vessel 114 may be of any
appropriate shape and size such that the container 36 may generally
fit therein. Additionally, the liquid vessel 114 may be of a shape
and size such that any other mechanism or device from the modular
blending system 10 or used in association therewith may be inserted
therein and cleaned. The container cleaner 44 may further include a
drain mechanism 116 that may drain away the waste water or combined
waste water and cleaning agent after use of the container cleaner
44. Tubing 118 may be operatively coupled with the drain 118 to
transport such waste water or combined waste water and cleaning
agent to an appropriate drainage mechanism.
[0070] The graphical user interface 48 may be attached to the
modular blending system 10 at any appropriate location. By way of a
non-limiting example, the graphical user interface 48 may be
attached to the ice shaver 24 such as shown in FIGS. 1-8, or may be
selectively attached thereto such that the graphical user interface
48 may be removed from the modular blending system 10. In such
embodiment, the graphical user interface 48 may be wirelessly
coupled with the central processing unit coupled with the modular
blending system 10 or may include the central processing unit and
be wirelessly coupled with the modular blending system 10. Any
configuration may be utilized. The graphical user interface 48 may
be of any appropriate configuration, including, without limitation
being a touch screen 120 operated graphical user interface.
Specifically, the graphical user interface 48 may be operatively
coupled with at least any one of the refrigeration unit 20, ice
shaver 24, blender 28, dispenser 32, water dispenser 77, and
container cleaner 44, including, without limitation, all of the
refrigeration unit 20, ice shaver 24, blender 28, dispenser 32,
water dispenser 77 and container cleaner 44. The graphical user
interface 48 may functionally operate any of the foregoing.
[0071] Alternatively, the graphical user interface 48 may be
separate from the modular blending system 10. In these embodiments,
the graphical user interface 48 may be wirelessly coupled with the
modular blending system 10. As with hard-wired embodiments, the
wireless embodiments may be operatively coupled with at least any
one of the refrigeration unit 20, ice shaver 24, blender 28,
dispenser 32, water dispenser 77, and container cleaner 44. The
wireless graphical user interface 48 may be a mobile device, such
as a smart phone, tablet, laptop computer, or any other such device
with an application that functions as the graphical user interface
otherwise described herein.
[0072] The graphical user interface 48, regardless of being
hard-wired or wireless, may be operatively coupled with a central
processing unit (not shown) operatively coupled with at least any
one of the refrigeration unit 20, ice shaver 24, blender 28,
dispenser 32, water dispenser 77, and container cleaner 44. The
central process unit may be positioned within the graphical user
interface 48 or may be exterior of such. The graphical user
interface 48 may be hard-wired or wirelessly coupled with the
central processing unit.
[0073] The touch screen 120 of the graphical user interface 48 may
operate the applicable functionality of the modular blending system
10. The operator may operate the modular blending system 10 through
operation of the graphical user interface 48. The operator may
select an applicable function on the graphical user interface 48
and the applicable system will function accordingly. By way of a
non-limiting example, the operator may select an amount of ice to
be shaved by the ice shaver 24. The operator may then elect what
flavoring is dispensed from the dispenser 32 into the container 36
and the amount so dispensed. For example, the graphical user
interface 48 may control which of the plurality of flavorings
stored within the refrigeration unit 20 or stored outside thereof
may be dispensed through the dispenser 32 and the amounts
dispensed. The graphical user interface 48 may also control
functions such as the operating conditions of the refrigeration
unit 20--for example, the temperature of the refrigeration unit 20.
The graphical user interface 48 may also control the blending of
the blender 28, time, cycles, etc. and may control a cleaning
operation of the container cleaner 44. Further still, the graphical
user interface 48 may be programmed such that the operator may
merely select the product desired and the graphical user interface
48 through the central processing unit will dispense the
appropriate amounts of ice, flavoring, or water into the container
36. Further, the blender 28 may function as pre-programmed to
create the applicable product selected by the operator.
[0074] The graphical user interface 48 may be programmable in any
appropriate manner and to any extent. The graphical user interface
48 may be customizable as well as the modular blending system 10.
By way of a non-limiting example, the appearance of the graphical
user interface 48 may be programmed to have a certain look and
feel, such as a specific color, color pattern, font, size,
graphical appearance, logos, etc. The graphical user interface 48
may include predetermined recipes for products--such recipes may be
merely the operator's reference, may be used to automate the
modular blending system 10 or a combination of both. The graphical
user interface 48 may further include instructions, such as an
instruction manual for the modular blending system 10. The
instructions may be of any appropriate format, including, being a
pictorial representation of the steps necessary to accomplish a
task, e.g., creating products, cleaning the modular blending system
10, maintenance of the modular blending system 10 and the like.
[0075] The graphical user interface 48 may be utilized to service
and maintain the modular blending system 10. The graphical user
interface 48 may be programmed to instruct the timing, application
and parameters for the cleaning mode. By way of a non-limiting
example, the graphical user interface 48 may identify when the
modular blending system 10 or any component thereof is to be
cleaned. Further, the graphical user interface 48 may render
inoperative any component of the modular blending system 10 until
it is cleaned or serviced as applicable--such as a weekly cleaning.
The graphical user interface 48 may also include a service screen
for a technician to service the modular blending system 10 or any
component thereof. The graphical user interface 48 may indicate
service issues, provide instructions for repair, or provide other
instructions to maintain any of the components.
[0076] The modular blending system 10 may store and dispense a
plurality of contents, such as flavorings, stored in a
predetermined location through the dispenser 32 into the container
36. The flavorings are typically a liquid or pureed solid that may
be stored within a receptacle (not shown). The flavorings may need
to be kept generally cool--requiring that the receptacles be stored
within the refrigeration unit 20. The refrigeration unit 20 may
therefore include at least one tray 130, or a plurality of trays
130, that may be selectively positioned within the refrigeration
unit 20.
[0077] The trays 130 may be of any appropriate shape and size and
are not limited to the configurations shown herein. The trays 130
may generally hold the flavoring receptacle in an operative
position relative to the dispenser 32 within the refrigeration unit
20. The size and shape of the trays 130 may be customizable such
that they may be selectively adjusted to the appropriate shape and
size to hold different sized receptacles. By way of a non-limiting
example, receptacles of different flavorings may be of different
shapes and sizes depending upon several factors, such as, the
popularity of the flavoring, content of the flavoring, form of the
flavoring (i.e., a liquid or pureed solid), and the like. The trays
130 may be customized to account for the sizes of the receptacles.
The width, height, or depth of the trays 130 may be adjustable in
any appropriate manner to accommodate the specific size of the
receptacle operatively positioned therein. Further, the trays 130
may be adjustable to accommodate for the shape, size and
configuration of the refrigeration unit 20 in which it is
inserted.
[0078] The trays 130 or a single tray 130 may be operatively
positioned within the refrigeration unit 20 in any appropriate
manner. The tray 130 may be positioned on a floor 131 of the
refrigeration unit 20. The tray 130 may be shaped and sized such
that it generally encompasses the entire floor 131. Further, the
tray 130 may be shaped and sized to generally fill the entire
interior chamber 57 or a portion thereof. Alternatively, a
plurality of trays 130 may be of shapes and sizes such that they
fit on the entire floor 131. Further still, the trays 130 may be of
a configuration such that a plurality thereof may be stacked on top
of one another within the refrigeration unit 20. Any appropriate
number of trays 130 may be stacked from the floor 131 and may fill
any appropriate portion of the interior chamber 57. In this
configuration, the trays 130 may be of a shape and size such that
they operatively position the receptacles with respect to the
dispenser 32.
[0079] The trays 130 may also be operatively secured within the
refrigeration unit 20 utilizing a tray positioning device, such as
the shelving unit 132 shown in FIGS. 3-8. The trays 130 may be
attached to the shelving unit 132 positioned within the
refrigeration unit 20 in any appropriate manner. The trays 130 may
be selectively attached to the shelving unit 132 to generally hold
the trays 130 in an operative position relative to the receptacle.
This may also permit the receptacle to be located in an operative
position relative to the dispenser 32 such that the receptacle is
drainable in an efficient and effective manner through the
dispenser 32. The operator may insert the receptacle into the
applicable tray 130 and the receptacle will be in the appropriate
position to be operatively connected with the dispenser 32 to
permit efficient draining of the receptacle. The trays 130 may be
removable from the shelving unit 132 such that the applicable
receptacle may be added to the tray 130 and then reinserted into
the shelving unit 132 and refrigeration unit 20.
[0080] The shelving unit 132 may be of any appropriate
configuration and is not limited to that shown. By way of a
non-limiting example, the shelving unit 132 may span generally the
entire interior chamber 57, sit on the floor 131, selectively or
fixedly attach to side walls of the refrigeration unit 20, suspend
from a top of the refrigeration unit 20, or any combination of the
same. The shelving unit 132 may include a floor on each shelf such
that the tray 130 may be positioned thereon. Alternatively, the
shelving unit 132 may not include a floor on each shelf, but may be
configured such that the tray 130 may suspend from a portion of the
shelving unit 132. This may accommodate for trays 130 of different
depths. Further still, at least any one of the following of the
shelving unit 132 may be customizable: the distance between the
shelves, the width of the applicable shelves, the number of shelves
utilized vertically or horizontally, or any combination of
such.
[0081] Further, a pumping unit 134 with a metering device may be
operatively attached with the trays 130, or more specifically the
receptacle. The pumping unit 134 may be operatively connected with
the dispenser 32 to expel the flavorings as required. The operator
may select the amount and type of the flavoring to be added to the
shaved ice on the graphical user interface 48. The central
processing unit may initiate operation of the appropriate pumping
unit or pumping units 134--any appropriate number of pumping units
may be utilized (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or each tray 130 may have a pumping
unit)--to withdraw the appropriate flavoring from the appropriate
tray 132 up through the dispenser 32. To assist with the movement
of the flavoring, a plurality of tubes may be operatively
positioned between the pumping units 134 and the dispenser 32,
i.e., each flavoring may have a tube operatively coupled therewith,
i.e., a continuous tube may be utilized between the dispenser 32
and the pumping unit 132. A holder (not shown) may be utilized to
organize such tubing in operative positions within the
refrigeration unit 20. This may provide an organized, easy to use
modular blending system 10.
[0082] The pumping unit 134 may be configured to provide dynamic
braking and reversing of the flow of fluid from the applicable
dispensing manifold to the fluid dispenser 32. This dynamic braking
and reversing may generally prevent leakage from the tubes,
dispenser, fluid dispenser, and the like. This may also allow for a
more accurate dispensing of fluid from the dispenser to and through
the fluid dispenser 32, which may increase the quality of the
product so produced. The pumping unit 134 may be of any appropriate
configuration. By way of a non-limiting example, the pumping unit
134 may include a peristaltic pump, which can move liquid within
the tubes in operative communication therewith. Any appropriately
sized and powered peristaltic pump may be used without departing
from the present teachings.
[0083] The graphical user interface 48 through the central
processing unit may be utilized the location of a receptacle within
the shelving unit 132 or a particular tray 130. The graphical user
interface 48 may identify the product held in a predetermined
receptacle, in a predetermined shelving unit 132, in a particular
tray 130 or any combination of such. By way of a non-limiting
example, the graphical user interface 48 may identify that a
predetermined shelving unit 132--bottom left--may contain a tray
130 that includes a receptacle having coffee that is one-half full
or contains 51 ounces of coffee. The graphical user interface 48
may be programmed with this information manually or through use of
a bar code scanner or the like. The graphical user interface 48 may
identify when a particular receptacle needs to be replaced, i.e.,
it may record the inventory level of product held therein. This may
be accomplished by entering or otherwise identifying (such as by
weighing) the weight of the receptacle being operatively attached
to the modular blending system 10. The modular blending system 10
may meter out the product held in that particular receptacle, such
as through use of pumping units 134, and may total the amount so
dispensed. This may allow the modular blending system 10 to notify
the operator in advance of a particular receptacle becoming empty
so that it may be reordered in advance and may identify the
specific inventory level of a particular product identified by the
operator. The graphical user interface 48 may alert the operator to
this condition such that the operator may manually order
replacement product. In addition or alternatively, the modular
blending system 10 may interact with a separate computing system,
or utilize its central processing unit to automatically reorder
product in advance of it becoming empty.
[0084] Further, the tubes operatively coupled with the flavoring,
pumping units 134 and dispenser 32 may include a protective layer
to generally prevent against premature wear to the tubes during
operation of the modular blending system 10. The protective layer
may be of any appropriate configuration that may provide a surface
generally resistant of wear. By way of a non-limiting example, the
protective layer may include a sock that generally circumscribes
the tube. The sock may extend any appropriate length of the tube,
such as that portion that undergoes wear during operation of the
modular blending system 10. The sock may be made of any appropriate
material, including, without limitation, Kevlar, Mylar or any
similar protective material.
[0085] The modularity of the modular blending system 10 may allow
replacement of any one of the various components, may allow for
different configurations thereof, and may be easier to clean. For
example, any one of the refrigeration unit 20, ice shaver 24,
blender 28, content dispenser 32, container 36, water dispenser 77,
support 40, container cleaner 44, and graphical user interface 48
is inoperative may be replaced without having to replace any of the
other components. Additionally, the operator may create a modular
blending system 10 that may include only some of the components.
For example, if blending of the shaved ice with flavoring is not
necessary, the modular blending system 10 may not include the
blender 28. If at a future point, the blender 28 is needed, it may
be added thereto. The operator may select which components to
attach. This may even allow the operator to retro-fit the modular
blending system 10 with already existing components. The operator
need not purchase new components. The modular blending system 10
may be built piece by piece as opposed to all at once.
[0086] The modularity of the modular blending system 10 also allows
each of the components to operate independently of one another.
Each of the components, i.e., the refrigeration unit 20, ice shaver
24, blender 28, content dispenser 32, the water dispenser 77,
container 36, support 40, and container cleaner 44 may be operated
through the graphical user interface 48 or through a control
mechanism on each such component. For example, the refrigeration
unit 20 may function independent of the other components. The
refrigeration unit 20 may operate at a first predetermined
temperature and the dispenser 32 may include a cooling mechanism
that may operate at a second predetermined temperature. The first
and second temperatures may be different, or alternatively may be
generally the same. Further, preselected of the components may be
made operational while the remaining components may be made
inoperative.
[0087] Further still, the modular blending system 10 may position
the discrete components thereof in a manner that permits efficient
operation of the modular blending system 10. The refrigeration unit
20, ice shaver 24, blender 28, content dispenser 32, water
dispenser 77, support 40 and container 36 may be positioned such
that the intersection of these modular components may dispense the
applicable product into a single area. This allows for efficient
operation of the modular blending system 10 by a single operator.
For example, the operator may place the container 36 onto the
support 40. The operator may then dispense ice from the ice shaver
24 through the ice shoot 66 and water through the water dispenser
77. The shaved ice or water may be dispensed within the container
36. The operator may then active the dispenser 32 and the
applicable flavoring may be dispensed from the receptacle within
the refrigeration unit 20 into the container 36 without movement of
the container 36. With the blender 28 being in close proximity, the
operator may lift the container 36 and operatively connect such
with the blender 28. The operator may operate the blender 28 as
appropriate. Upon completion of such blending, the operator may
dispense the contents into a vessel for consumption by a
customer.
[0088] The position of the container cleaner 44 may be such that
the operator after dispensing the contents from the container 36
for the customer, may operatively position the container 36
relative to the container cleaner 44. The container cleaner 44 may
dispense water through the nozzle 110 cleaning the container 36
such that the above process may be repeated. The graphical user
interface 48 may also be in a position where a single operator may
efficiently manipulate the graphical user interface 48 without
having to move. The location of the modular components of the
modular blending system 10 may permit a single operator to
efficiently operate such to create the appropriate consumable and
clean the container in anticipation of repeating the process for
additional customers.
[0089] To clean the modular blending system 10, the operator may
only need shut down one of the components and clean it. The
remaining components may remain operational. This may allow for
certain uses of the modular blending system 10 despite certain of
the components being cleaned. For example, if the blender 28 is
being cleaned, the ice shaver 24, refrigeration unit 20, and
dispenser 32 may continue to operate and prepare the appropriate
iced items.
[0090] Additional embodiments of a modular blending system
according the present teachings are described below. In the
descriptions, all of the details and components may not be fully
described or shown. Rather, the features or components are
described and, in some instances, differences with the
above-described embodiments may be pointed out. Moreover, it should
be appreciated that these additional embodiments may include
elements or components utilized in the above-described embodiments
although not shown or described. Thus, the descriptions of these
additional embodiments are merely exemplary and not all-inclusive
nor exclusive. Moreover, it should be appreciated that the
features, components, elements and functionalities of the various
embodiments may be combined or altered to achieve a desired modular
blending system without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present teachings.
[0091] A modular blending system 200 may include a refrigeration
unit 220, an ice shaver 224, a blender 228, and a content dispenser
232. The modular blending system 200 may also include a container
236, a support 240, a container cleaner 244, and a graphical user
interface 248. At least one of the aforementioned components may be
modular with respect to the modular blending system 200.
Alternatively, all of the components may be modular with respect to
the modular blending system 200, i.e., they may be selectively
attachable to and removable from the modular blending system 200.
The modular blending system 200 may further include a cleaning
system 250. The cleaning system 250 may be selectively engaged with
the modular blending system 200. Upon such engagement, the
graphical user interface 248 may indicate available cleaning
options to the operator. The operator may select the appropriate
cleaning operation and the cleaning system 250 may operate in
accordance with such.
[0092] To utilize the cleaning system 250 the operator may first
pull product bags, i.e., the flavoring, from the refrigeration unit
220. The operator may then clean all of the applicable connectors
and may attach the cleaning system 250. The cleaning system 250 may
include a sanitizing connector 252 with tubing that may easily and
selectively attach to the appropriate components of the modular
blending system 200. Once the cleaning system 250 is connected, the
operator may then put the container 236 under the dispenser 232 and
place the tubing 254 of the cleaning system 250 into any
appropriate cleaner/sanitizer.
[0093] The operator may then use the graphical user interface 248
to begin operation of the pumping units or in the alternative may
directly operate the pumping units. Operating the pumping units may
begin emptying the flavoring from the modular blending system 200
and inserting the cleaner/sanitizer therein. Specifically, the
flavoring may be removed from and cleaner/sanitizer inserted into
the tubing 254. After a predetermined amount of soaking time, the
pumping units may be operated in any appropriate manner to insert
fresh cleaner/sanitizer into the tubing 254 while also removing the
older cleaner/sanitizer.
[0094] After a predetermined amount of soaking time, the pumping
units may be operated, this time in a reverse direction to expel
the cleaner/sanitizer from the tubing 254 and pumping units. In
addition to reversing the flow in the system to remove the product
remnants and cleaner/sanitizer, the modular blending system 200 and
cleaning system 250 may utilize gravity to assist with removing the
product remnants and cleaner/sanitizer. The operative position of
the cleaning system 250 with respect to the modular blending system
200 may permit gravity to assist with evacuating the tubing of the
modular blending system 200. This may fully expel the
cleaner/sanitizer and any flavoring remnants from the modular
blending system 200.
[0095] The operator may also utilize the cleaning system 250 to
create a washing machine effect within the modular blending system
200. After the afore-mentioned soaking, the operator may reverse
the direction of the pumping units. However, instead of expelling
the cleaner/sanitizer from the tubing 254, the operator may operate
the pumping unit in a forward direction preventing the
cleaner/sanitizer from being expelled from the modular blending
system 200. The operator may repeat this reverse-forward operation
of the pumping unit a predetermined number of times. Causing the
pumping unit to go from reverse to forward and back causes the
cleaner/sanitizer to move forward and backward within the tubing
254 of the modular blending system 200. This movement of the
cleaner/sanitizer within the tubing 254 creates the washing machine
effect and may further clean the modular blending system 200
resulting in a superior cleaning. This back and forth effect may
cause more debris and other items that may have otherwise been
stuck to the tube to become unstuck and expelled from the modular
blending system 200. Once the appropriate number of cycles has been
completed, the pumping units may be operated in a reverse direction
expelling the cleaner/sanitizer from the tubing 254 and pumping
units.
[0096] The operator may then remove the cleaning system 250;
specifically, the tubing 254 and sanitize connector 252. The
flavoring may be added back to the modular blending system 200 as
applicable and the pumping units may be used to prime such
flavoring. The modular blending system 200 may now be in an
operative condition. Using gravity as indicated above to further
assist with evacuating the modular blending system 200 may result
in the first product created from the newly cleaned modular
blending system 200 being free of any flavoring remnants and
cleaner/sanitizer. Other prior art blending systems may waste the
first product due to containing cleaner/sanitizer after
cleaning.
[0097] Further, the modular blending system 10 or 200 may include a
tray 330 configured to adjust the positioning of a flavoring
receptacle 323 placed therein as content is removed from the
receptacle 323. By way of a non-limiting example, the tray 330 may
include a base plate 310. The base plate 310 may be movable with
respect to a bottom portion 312 of the tray 330, such as pivotable
with respect thereto. The tray 330 may further include an opening
320 to receive a receptacle spout 327. As the base plate 310
pivots, the angle of the receptacle 323 may change to assist in
evacuating substantially all of the liquid from the receptacle 323
through the opening 320.
[0098] The base plate 310 may be movable between at least first and
second positions. The first position may be generally parallel to
the bottom portion 312 and the second position may be at an angle
of approximately between 0-90 degrees from parallel with the bottom
portion 312. In an embodiment, the second position may be
approximately 25 degrees from parallel with the bottom portion
312.
[0099] The base plate 310 may be biased toward the second position.
For example, the tray 330 may include a biasing member 314, such as
a spring, elastic band, or any appropriate biasing mechanism--the
present teachings are not limited to the configurations shown and
described herein. The biasing member 314 may be configured bias the
base plate 310 to a predetermined angle and configured to allow the
base plate 310 move toward the first position in response to a
weight applied to the base plate 310.
[0100] In embodiments shown, the biasing member 314 may comprise an
elastic band 316. The elastic band 316 may be connected on a first
end to a side of the tray 330 and on a second end to the base plate
310. The elastic band 316 may extend when a liquid receptacle 323
is placed in the tray 330 to allow the base plate 310 to move to
the first position, generally parallel with the bottom portion 312
of the tray 330. As liquid is removed from the receptacle 323 and
the weight of the receptacle 323 is reduced, the elastic band 316
may contract to move the base plate 310 toward the angled second
position and assist with evacuating liquid from the receptacle 323.
It will be appreciated that the tray 330 may include more than one
biasing member 314, such as an elastic band 316 positioned on each
side of the tray 330.
[0101] In an embodiment, the biasing member may be a leaf spring
315, as shown in FIG. 20. The leaf spring 315 may be positioned
between the bottom portion 312 and the base plate 310 to bias the
base plate 312 to the lifted position.
[0102] In an embodiment, the biasing member 314 may be a torsion
spring 318. The torsion spring 318 may be positioned near a side or
corner of the base plate 310. The torsion spring 318 may be
connected to a rod 319 that is connected to the base plate 310. The
torsion spring 318 may rotate the rod 319 to move or pivot the base
plate 310 between the first position and lifted second
position.
[0103] The force applied by the biasing mechanism 314 may be
adjustable to offset a predetermined weight. For example, the
length of the elastic band 316 may be adjusted to tighten or loosen
the band, thereby increasing or decreasing the force applied by the
biasing member 314. The biasing force may be tuned to a specific
application to set a predetermined weight at which the base plate
310 will be raised toward the second position.
[0104] In an embodiment, the tray or trays 330 within the storage
unit 20 or 220 may be positioned at an angle. For example, the
trays 330 may be positioned at an angle greater than parallel to a
base of the interior chamber 57 of the storage unit 20 or 220, such
as 25 degrees with respect to the base of the interior chamber 57.
The angled trays 330 may be used in conjunction with a biasing
member 314 as described above, or may alleviate the need for the
biasing device 314.
[0105] In use, the tray 330 may be positioned within the storage
unit 20 or 220 and the biasing member 314 may be tuned to a desired
force. A flavoring receptacle 323 may be placed within the tray 330
and may move the base plate 310 to the first position, generally
parallel with the bottom portion 312 of the tray 330. At the
predetermined weight, the biasing member 314 may move the base
plate 310 toward the second position. As liquid or substance is
removed from the receptacle 323, the base plate 310 may approach
and reach the second position.
[0106] A tray 430 configured to adjust the positioning of a
flavoring receptacle 323 placed therein as content is removed from
the receptacle 323 is shown in FIGS. 24-27. The tray 430 may
include a floor 412, a plurality of walls 417 extending from the
floor and a base plate 410 pivotally attached with the floor 412.
While four walls 417 are shown and described, it should be
understood that any number of walls 417 may be utilized, including,
without limitation, one, two or three.
[0107] The tray 430 may further include an aperture 420 configured
to receive a receptacle spout 327. In such embodiments, the base
plate 410 is configured such that as it pivots, the angle of the
receptacle 323 may change to assist in evacuating substantially all
of the liquid from the receptacle 323 through the opening 420.
[0108] The base plate 410 may be movable between at least first and
second positions. The first position may be generally parallel to
the floor 412 and the second position may be at an angle of
approximately between 0-90 degrees from parallel with the floor
412. In an embodiment, the second position may be approximately 25
degrees from parallel with the floor 412.
[0109] The base plate 310 may be biased toward the second position.
For example, the tray 330 may include a biasing member 421, such as
a spring, elastic band, or any appropriate biasing mechanism--the
present teachings are not limited to the configurations shown and
described herein. The biasing member 421 may be configured bias the
base plate 410 to a predetermined angle and configured to allow the
base plate 410 move toward the first position in response to a
weight applied to the base plate 410 and to move away from the
floor 412 as weight is removed from the base plate 410.
[0110] As shown in FIG. 25, the biasing member 421 may comprise a
leaf spring or a plurality of leaf springs such as the two shown in
FIG. 25. The leaf spring 421 may be attached on a first end to the
floor 412 of the tray 430 and on a second end to the base plate
410. Fasteners 427 may be utilized to attach the leaf spring 421.
The leaf spring 421 may bias away from the floor 412. However, then
the receptacle 323 is placed in the tray 430 the weight of the
receptacle 323 overcomes some or all of the biasing force of the
leaf spring forcing the base plate 410 to move to the first
position, generally parallel with the bottom portion 412. As liquid
is removed from the receptacle 323 and the weight of the receptacle
323 is reduced, the biasing force of the leaf spring 421 may
overcome to a predetermined amount the weight of the remaining
liquid in the receptacle 323. This may allow the base plate 310 to
pivot toward the angled second position and assist with evacuating
liquid from the receptacle 323.
[0111] Although the embodiments have been illustrated in the
accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed
description, it is to be understood that the system is not to be
limited to just the embodiments disclosed, but that the system
described herein is capable of numerous rearrangements,
modifications and substitutions.
* * * * *