Chamber for food preparation machine with rotatable door

Abstract

A chamber for a food preparation machine includes an upper end, a lower end opposite the upper end, an opening disposed in the lower end, a rod coupled to the chamber and movable relative to the chamber, and a door coupled to the rod and movable therewith between an open position in which the door does not close the opening and a closed position in which the door closes the opening. The rod is movable linearly along and rotationally about a longitudinal axis thereof. When the door is in the open position, a portion of the opening remains covered by the door.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 217360-0017-W001CHAMBER FOR FOOD PREPARATION MACHINE WITH ROTATABLE DOORCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 723,364, filed November 21, 2024, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to food preparation machines, such as blenders, and, in particular, to blend chambers of such food preparation machines in which preparation (e g., blending) of a food product takes place.BACKGROUND

[0003] Food preparation machines, such as blenders, are widely used for preparing beverages and other food products, including smoothies, milkshakes, and protein shakes. In conventional blenders, the blending process typically occurs within a blend chamber that houses a blending mechanism, such as a rotatable blade. The food product is often contained within a cup, which is positioned inside the blend chamber for blending. After the blending operation, it is necessary to clean the blend chamber and the blending mechanism to maintain hygiene and prevent crosscontamination between successive uses.SUMMARY

[0004] A challenge with existing food preparation machines is the cleaning of the blend chamber, particularly in automated or semi-automated systems where the chamber must be cleaned between uses without contaminating the cup or its contents. Cleaning fluids or run-off generated during the cleaning process may inadvertently contact the cup or the area intended to remain clean, thereby increasing the risk of contamination and reducing the overall hygiene of the system. Furthermore, existing solutions may require complex mechanisms or manual intervention to shield the cup during cleaning, which can be inefficient and may not reliably prevent exposure to cleaning fluids.Attorney Docket No. 217360-0017-W001

[0005] Another technical problem encountered in the art relates to the design and operation of the chamber door. Conventional doors may require significant space to open and close, increasing the overall footprint of the machine and complicating integration into compact environments. Additionally, the mechanisms for opening, closing, and sealing the chamber may be prone to leakage or may not effectively direct cleaning fluids toward a drainage system, resulting in residual fluid accumulation and maintenance challenges.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for an improved blend chamber for a food preparation machine that enables effective cleaning of the chamber and blending mechanism while reliably shielding the cup and its contents from cleaning fluids and run-off. There is also a need for a chamber door mechanism that minimizes the required space for operation, ensures effective sealing, and facilitates efficient drainage of cleaning fluids.

[0007] The present disclosure addresses these technical problems by providing, among other things, a blend chamber with a rotatable door mechanism. The chamber includes a door that is movable between an open position, allowing access for placement and removal of the cup, and a closed position, in which the door seals the chamber opening and shields the cup from the chamber interior during cleaning. The door is coupled to a rod that is movable both linearly and rotationally, enabling the door to open and close with a reduced footprint. The chamber further comprises features such as a drainage aperture, guide ribs, and a door drain in fluid communication with a drainage system, ensuring that cleaning fluids are efficiently collected and directed away from the cup area. These technical solutions, individually and in various combinations, improve the hygiene, operational efficiency, and compactness of food preparation machines.

[0008] For example, in some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a chamber for a food preparation machine, the chamber including: an upper end; a lower end opposite the upper end; an opening disposed within the lower end; a rod coupled to the chamber and movable relative to the chamber; and a door coupled to the rod and movable therewith between an open position in which the door does not close the opening and a closed position in which the door closes the opening, wherein the rod is movable linearly along and rotationally about aAttorney Docket No. 217360-0017-W001 longitudinal axis thereof, and wherein, when the door is in the open position, a portion of opening remains covered by the door.

[0009] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a chamber, wherein a lower end of the rod is in fluid communication with a drain, and wherein the rod includes a fluid aperture extending radially therethrough, the fluid aperture configured to allow fluid to enter the rod.

[0010] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a chamber, wherein the door includes a door drain in fluid communication with the fluid aperture.

[0011] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a chamber, wherein the door is configured to move linearly away from the opening and rotate about the longitudinal axis of the rod when moved from the closed position toward the open position.

[0012] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a chamber, wherein the door rotates less than 90 degrees between the closed position and the open position.

[0013] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a chamber, further including an actuating rod configured to selectively engage the door to move the door linearly towards the closed position.

[0014] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a chamber, wherein the door includes a latching hook configured to selectively engage with the actuating rod such that the latching hook is disengaged from the actuating rod when the door is in the open position.

[0015] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a chamber, wherein the actuating rod and the rod are disposed on opposite sides of the chamber.

[0016] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a chamber, further including a ridge disposed about the opening and extending toward an interior of the chamber, wherein the ridge includes a drainage aperture, and wherein, when the door is in the open position, at least a portion of the door is disposed below the drainage aperture.Attorney Docket No. 217360-0017-W001

[0017] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a chamber, wherein the food preparation machine is a blender including a blending mechanism and a rinsing and sanitizing system operable to clean and sanitize the blending mechanism within the chamber when the door is in the closed position.

[0018] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a chamber for a food preparation machine, the chamber including: an upper end; a lower end opposite the upper end; an opening disposed within the lower end; a ridge disposed about the opening and extending toward an interior of the chamber, a rod coupled to the chamber and movable relative to the chamber; and a door coupled to the rod and movable therewith between an open position in which the door does not close the opening and a closed position in which the door closes the opening, wherein the ridge includes a drainage aperture, and wherein, when the door is in the open position, at least a portion of the door is disposed below the drainage aperture.

[0019] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a chamber, wherein the drainage aperture is disposed adjacent to a rear of the chamber, and wherein the lower end of the chamber slopes toward the drainage aperture.

[0020] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a chamber, further including a guide rib extending about the interior of the chamber, the guide rib configured to direct fluid toward the rear of the chamber.

[0021] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a chamber, wherein the guide rib is sloped such that a lowest elevation position on the guide rib is aligned with the drainage aperture and disposed above the drainage aperture.

[0022] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a chamber for a food preparation machine, the chamber including: an upper end; a lower end opposite the upper end; an opening disposed within the lower end; a rod coupled to the chamber and movable relative to the chamber; and a door coupled to the rod and movable therewith between an open position in which the door does not close the opening and a closed position in which the door closes the opening, wherein the rod is movable linearly along and rotationally about a longitudinal axis thereof, and wherein, when the door moves from the closed position toward the open position,Attorney Docket No. 217360-0017-W001 the door moves linearly with the rod away from the opening and rotates about the longitudinal axis of the rod.

[0023] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a chamber, wherein the rod moves linearly away from the opening before rotating.

[0024] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a chamber, wherein the rod moves linearly a distance less than a height of the door.

[0025] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a chamber, wherein the rod rotates through an angle less than 90 degrees from the closed position toward the open position.

[0026] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a chamber, wherein a portion of the door is disposed below the opening when the door is in the open position.

[0027] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a chamber, wherein the door includes a door drain in fluid communication with a fluid aperture of the rod, wherein the rod is in fluid communication with a drainage system, and wherein, when the door is in the open position, the door is configured to collect fluid that drips through the opening and direct the fluid toward the drainage system.

[0028] Other features and aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] FIG. l is a perspective view of a blender in which a blend chamber embodying aspects of the present disclosure may be incorporated.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the blender of FIG. 1, with an access door in an open position.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a blend chamber in accordance with the present disclosure.Attorney Docket No. 217360-0017-W001

[0032] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the interior of the blend chamber, taken along section line 4 — 4 in FIG. 3.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the interior of the blend chamber, taken along section line 5 — 5 in FIG. 3, illustrating a door of the blend chamber in the closed position.

[0034] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the interior of the blend chamber, taken along section line 6 — 6 in FIG. 3, illustrating the door of the blend chamber in the open position.

[0035] FIG. 7 is a top view of the door of the blend chamber.

[0036] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the door and a rod, taken along section line 8 — 8 inFIG. 5.

[0037] FIG. 9 is perspective view of a latching hook for the door of the blend chamber.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0039] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a blender 100 as an example of a food preparation machine of the present disclosure. The blender 100 is adapted to prepare a food product, such as a frozen milkshake or a smoothie, within a cup 102. In other embodiments, the blender 100 may be utilized to prepare other types of food products, or the blender 100 may alternatively be another type of food preparation machine (e.g., an aerator, whipper, etc.) configured to prepare a food product. The blender 100 includes an external housing 104, which, in the illustrated embodiment, supports a user interface 108. The user interface 108 in the illustrated embodiment includes a control panel 112 for a user to provide an input to the blender 100. The user interface 108 also includes a screen 114, such as a touch screen or video screen, to display information to the user. The user interface 108 provides a user with information and the ability to control theAttorney Docket No. 217360-0017-W001 blender 100 (e.g., to select a desired thickness of the blended food product). In other embodiments, the control panel 112 may be omitted (e.g., the user may provide inputs to the blender 100 solely via the screen 114, or via an external device, such as a mobile phone, etc.). In other embodiments, the screen 114 may be omitted, and the user interface 108 may include one or more LEDs or other indicators to display information to the user.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 104 further includes an access door 116 (FIG. 2) that selectively provides access to components of the blender 100 located within the housing 104 (e.g., access for maintenance). The blender 100 further includes a cup holder 120 to support the cup 102 and an elevator assembly 124 coupled to the cup holder 120 to raise and lower the cup 102. A blend chamber 128 is disposed within the housing 104 and contains a blending mechanism 132 therein. As such, the blending mechanism 132 is at least partially enclosed within the blend chamber 128.

[0041] The blending mechanism 132 of the illustrated embodiment includes a rotatable cutting blade 136 coupled to a drive mechanism 142. The cutting blade 136 is supported by a shaft 140 that transmits rotational energy to the cutting blade 136 from the drive mechanism 142. The blending mechanism 132 further includes a lid 138 that engages the cup 102 during blending to inhibit the food product being blended from splashing or spilling out of the cup 102. The lid 138 engages a rim of the cup 102 and further serves to stabilize the cup 102 within the cup holder 120 during the blending process. The lid 138 may be weighted or biased into engagement with the cup 102 by a spring 144 during the blending process.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the elevator assembly 124 is operable to raise the cup holder 120, and thus move the cup 102 supported therein, at least partially into the blend chamber 128 so that the cutting blade 136 enters the cup 102. The cutting blade 136 may then be driven by the drive mechanism 142 to blend the food product within the cup 102. In some embodiments, the elevator assembly 124 may move the cup 102 up and down relative to the cutting blade 136 during blending to evenly blend the food product. In other embodiments, the cup 102 may be held stationary during blending, and the drive mechanism 142 may be configured to move the rotating cutting blade 136 up and down relative to the cup 102 duringAttorney Docket No. 217360-0017-W001 blending. After blending, the elevator assembly 124 is operable to lower the cup holder 120 and the cup 102 out of the blend chamber 128.

[0043] The illustrated blender 100 further includes a rinsing and sanitizing system 148 operable to clean and sanitize the blending mechanism 132 and the blend chamber 128 after the blending process (i.e., after the cup 102 has been lowered out of the blend chamber 128). The rinsing and sanitizing system 148 may include, for example, a cleaning fluid source (e.g., a water reservoir, cleaning solution reservoir, a plumbed water line, or the like), one or more nozzles for spraying the cleaning fluid against the inner walls of the blend chamber 128 and the cutting blade 136, and a pump for conveying the cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid source to the one or more nozzles. In some embodiments, the rinsing and sanitizing system 148 may additionally include a heater configured to heat the cleaning fluid for enhanced cleaning and sanitizing. In some embodiments, the heater may be configured to boil the cleaning fluid to produce steam, which is then directed into the blend chamber 128. As described in greater detail below, a door 240 is provided to seal the blend chamber 128 during operation of the rinsing and sanitizing system 148, thereby shielding the cup from any cleaning fluid, run-off, etc. from the blend chamber 128.

[0044] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate an embodiment of the blend chamber 128 in accordance with the present disclosure. The blend chamber 128 includes an upper end 152 and a lower end 156 opposite the upper end 152. The blend chamber 128 further includes a forward wall 160, a rearward wall 162 opposite the forward wall 160, a first side wall 164, and a second side wall 170. The first side wall 164 and the second side wall 170 extend between the forward wall 160 and the rearward wall 162. The forward wall 160, the rearward wall 162, the first side wall 164, and the second side wall 170 define an interior 220 and meet at each corner to form a plurality of internal fillets 222 on the interior 220. The fillets 222 define the generally curved interior 220 of the blend chamber 128. The upper end 152 of the blend chamber 128 defines a generally triangular pyramid shape to house a portion of the blending mechanism 132. The upper end 152 includes a shaft hole 168 to receive the shaft 140 of the blend mechanism 132 to actuate the cutting blade 136. The lower end 156 of the blend chamber 128 includes an opening 172 (FIG. 4) to allow the elevator assembly 124 to raise the cup 102 into the blend chamber 128 and to lower the cup 102 from the blend chamber 128 after blending.Attorney Docket No. 217360-0017-W001

[0045] With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the blend chamber 128 includes a first support flange 178 near the upper end 152 and a second support flange 182 near the lower end 156. The first support flange 178 and the second support flange 182 extend around the forward wall 160, the rearward wall 162, the first side wall 164, and the second side wall 170. The first support flange 178 and the second support flange 182 extend outwardly from the forward wall 160, the rearward wall 162, the first side wall 164, and the second side wall 170. The first support flange 178 and the second support flange 182 each generally form a rectangular shape with curved edges. The first and second support flanges 178, 182 may be coupled to the blender 100 to support the blend chamber 128. In the illustrated embodiment, the forward wall 160 includes a maintenance window 166 that may be removed to perform maintenance on the blending mechanism 132.

[0046] The lower end 156 of the blend chamber 128 is shaped such that the forward wall 160, the rearward wall 162, the first side wall 164, and the second side wall 170 slope or taper toward the opening 172. The opening 172 is defined as a generally circular aperture, such that the cup 102 may be inserted into the blend chamber 128 for blending. The opening 172 includes a sealing surface 264 on a distal portion of the lower end 156 of the blend chamber 128. The opening 172 may be selectively sealed, at the sealing surface 264, by the door 240, which is described in further detail below. The lower end 156 includes a base 202 that continually slopes around a circumference of the opening 172. The base 202 slopes from a point of highest elevation 196 to a point of lowest elevation 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the point of highest elevation 196 is disposed adjacent to the forward wall 160, and the point of lowest elevation 204 is disposed adjacent to the rearward wall 162. In other embodiments, the points of highest and lowest elevation 196, 204 may be disposed adjacent to other walls or corners of the blend chamber 128. The base 202 extends vertically away from the lower end 156 inside of the blend chamber 128 to form a ridge 208. The ridge 208 is co-axial with the opening 172 and extends around a majority of a circumference of the opening 172. The ridge 208 ceases to extend around the opening 172 at a drainage aperture 216 (FIG. 5). The drainage aperture 216 is positioned at the lowest elevation 204 of the base 202, such that any fluid on the base 202 is directed towards the drainage aperture 216. The ridge 208 prevents fluid from entering the opening 172 at a location other than through the drainage aperture 216.Attorney Docket No. 217360-0017-W001

[0047] With reference to FIG. 4, the interior 220 may include a plurality of guide ribs 290. The guide ribs 290 are projections that extend away from the interior 220 at a position inside of the interior 220 (e.g., extend inwards). Each guide rib 290 is formed as a ring that continuously slopes from a highest point on the forward wall 160 to a lowest point on the rearward wall 162, with the lowest point being aligned with the drainage aperture 216. In some embodiments, the guide ribs 290 terminate on the rearward wall 162 to form a notch (not shown). The notch (not shown) is defined by an absence of the guide ribs 290 on the rearward wall 162 at a point above the drainage aperture 216. In some embodiments, a single guide rib 290 may spiral around the interior 220. The single guide rib 290 may terminate on the rearward wall 162 at a position adjacent the drainage aperture 216.

[0048] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 8, the blend chamber 128 supports an actuating rod 192 via the first support flange 178 and the second support flange 182. The actuating rod 192 includes an upper end 228 and a lower end 232 opposite the upper end 228. The actuating rod 192 defines a longitudinal axis 224 between the upper end 228 and the lower end 232. The actuating rod 192 is hollow and therefore has an inner diameter 226 that defines a rod aperture 230 extending along the longitudinal axis 224 between the upper end 228 and the lower end 232. The drive mechanism 142 is operable to move the actuating rod 192 linearly and rotationally about the longitudinal axis 224. In some embodiments, the actuating rod 192 may be moveable by a motor coupled to a drive train. In some embodiments, the actuating rod 192 may be moveable by two motors and two drive trains that independently control linear and rotational movement. The drive mechanism 142 may selectively move the actuating rod 192 in a linear direction and a rotational direction. Specifically, the drive mechanism 142 may first move the actuating rod 192 in a linear direction and subsequently rotate the actuating rod 192, or vice versa. In other embodiments, the drive mechanism 142 may move the actuating rod 192 linearly and rotate the actuating rod 192 simultaneously. For example, the actuating rod 192 may be coupled to a helical cam arrangement.

[0049] The lower end 232 of the actuating rod 192 is in fluid communication with a drainage system (not shown) of the blender 100. The drainage system may convey fluid (e.g., cleaning fluid run-off) from the blend chamber 128 to a drain reservoir or to a plumbed drain line. The upper end 228 of the actuating rod 192 may be used as a chimney to exhaust steam producedAttorney Docket No. 217360-0017-W001 during operation of the rinsing and sanitizing system 148. A fluid aperture 236 (FIG. 8) is disposed between the upper end 228 and the lower end 232 of the actuating rod 192 and extends radially through the actuating rod 192 to receive fluid from the door 240. The fluid aperture 236 is positioned below the opening 172, such that the fluid may be fed by gravity to the fluid aperture 236 from inside of the blend chamber 128. Thus, the fluid aperture 236 couples the blend chamber 128 to the drainage system of the blender 100. The fluid aperture 236 forms a round cut-out in the actuating rod 192 and defines a drain diameter D.

[0050] With reference to FIGS. 3-8, the opening 172 of the blend chamber 128 is selectively sealed by the door 240. The door 240 includes a first side 234 and a second side 238 opposite the first side 234. The door 240 includes a body 250 that is generally circular in cross-sectional shape and a rod connection 254 extending from the body 250 on the first side 234. The rod connection 254 includes an aperture 262 to receive the actuating rod 192. Specifically, the rod connection 254 is aligned with the fluid aperture 236 of the actuating rod 192.

[0051] The blend chamber 128 defines a first height 130 and the door 240 defines a second height 134 less than the first height 130. The door 240 defines an inner diameter 242 and an outer diameter 246. The door 240 includes a planar portion 244 between the inner diameter 242 and the outer diameter 246. The door 240 has a planar bottom 258 and a recessed portion 248 that is within the inner diameter 242. The recessed portion 248 includes contoured walls 252 sloped towards a door drain 256. The door drain 256 forms a tunnel from the recessed portion 248 and through the rod connection 254. The door drain 256 defines the drain diameter D. As seen in FIG. 8, the door drain 256 is in fluid connection with the fluid aperture 236 of the actuating rod 192. The fluid entering the actuating rod 192 through the fluid aperture 236 from the door drain 256 is fed by gravity toward the lower end 232 of the actuating rod 192 to be received in the drainage system (not shown). The fluid aperture 236 may also receive steam from the door drain 256. The steam may exit through the upper end 228 of the actuating rod 192.

[0052] The blend chamber 128 further includes a supporting rod 194. The supporting rod 194 is coupled to the blend chamber 128 by the first support flange 178 and the second support flange 182. Specifically, the first support flange 178 and the second support flange 182 define a plurality of rod apertures 284 to receive the supporting rod 194 and the actuating rod 192. AsAttorney Docket No. 217360-0017-W001 seen in FIG. 5, the actuating rod 192 is positioned on a first side of the blend chamber 128 nearest the first side wall 164. The supporting rod 194 is positioned on a second side of the blend chamber 128 (opposite the first side) and nearest the second side wall 170.

[0053] With reference to FIGS. 7-9, coupled to the body 250 of the door 240 is a latching hook 268. The latching hook 268 forms a generally rounded body 282 to match with the curvature of the body 250. The rounded body 282 including a top end 266 and a bottom end 270. The latching hook 268 includes a plurality of fastener holes 272, such that a fastener may be received in the plurality of fastener holes 272 to couple the latching hook 268 to the body 250 of the door 240. The top end 266 includes a hook 274 with an interior surface 278. The interior surface 278 of the hook 274 engages a plunger 276 (FIG. 7). The plunger 276 is coupled to the supporting rod 194. The plunger 276 includes a base 280 configured to apply an upward force on the latching hook 268, as will described in greater detail herein.

[0054] The door 240 is moveable between a closed position (FIG. 5) and an open position (FIG. 6). In the closed position, the door 240 engages the lower end 156 of the blend chamber 128. In particular, a portion of the blend chamber 128 is received in the recessed portion 248 of the door 240. The door 240 includes a seal 260 to sealingly couple the blend chamber 128 to the door 240. The seal 260 engages with the sealing surface 264 of the opening 172, such that the entirety of the opening 172 is sealed when the door is in the closed position. In the closed position, the base 280 of the plunger 276 applies the upward force on the latching hook 268, and the actuating rod applies 192 applies an upward force to the door 240 via the rod connection 254 such that uniform sealing of the door 240 and the blend chamber 128 may be accomplished.

[0055] To move the door 240 from the closed position toward the open position (FIG. 6), the door 240 is vertically displaced away from the blend chamber 128 along the longitudinal axis 224 (i.e., downward from the blend chamber 128 along the longitudinal axis). The door 240 is then rotated through an angle a about the longitudinal axis 224. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle a in which the door 240 rotates from closed position to the open position is less than 90 degrees. As seen in FIG. 6, the recessed portion 248 of the door 240 is positioned below the drainage aperture 216 when the door 240 is in the open position, such that residual fluid may be collected from the blend chamber 128 and deposited into the door 240 while the door 240 is inAttorney Docket No. 217360-0017-W001 the open position. The fluid deposited into the door 240 is first received into the door drain 256 and then the actuating rod 192 via the fluid aperture 236. Thus, even when the door 240 is in the open position, dripping of fluid from the blend chamber 128 is directed toward the drainage system.

[0056] The door 240 is coupled to the actuating rod 192 via the rod connection 254. In moving the door 240 from the closed position to the open position, the actuating rod 192 first translates downward along the longitudinal axis 224 a distance. In the illustrated embodiment, the distance is 0.5 inches. However, the distance may vary in other embodiments. After moving the distance, the actuating rod 192 rotates counter-clockwise about longitudinal axis 224. The actuating rod 192 rotates at the angle a, which is less than 90 degrees.

[0057] In operation, a cup 102 containing a food product to be blended is placed within the cup holder 120. The door 240 of the blend chamber 128 is moved to the open position, if not already there. The cup holder 120 is raised, such that the cup 102 is located within the blend chamber 128. The blending mechanism 132 then acts on the food product within the cup 102. After blending, the cup holder 120 is lowered such that a user can retrieve the cup 102, and the door 240 is moved to the closed position. The rinsing and sanitizing system 148 then acts on the blending mechanism 132 and the interior 220 of the blend chamber 128 to clean and sanitize the blender 100 between each blending process. The door 240, specifically the seal 260, seals the opening 172 such that no fluid escapes the blend chamber 128 during cleaning and sanitizing. The fluid enters the door 240 through the opening 172 and funnels via the contoured walls 252 toward the door drain 256. The door drain 256 is fluidly connected to the fluid aperture 236 of the actuating rod 192. The fluid is then fed by gravity towards a drainage system (not shown). Any steam that may be produced during cleaning and sanitizing is released through the upper end 228 of the actuating rod 192. After cleaning and sanitizing, the door 240 may be moved to the open position to prepare for a subsequent blending process. If residual fluid remains on the walls after the cleaning and sanitizing process, the guide ribs 290 may direct the fluid toward the notch on the rearward wall 162 at a position above the drainage aperture 216. Additionally, the base 202 of the blend chamber 128 directs any remaining fluid towards the drainage aperture 216, and the location of the door 240 above the drainage aperture 216 when in the open positionAttorney Docket No. 217360-0017-W001 allows any remaining fluid to drip through the drainage aperture 216 and into the door 240, rather than through the opening 172.

[0058] The embodiments described above and illustrated in the figures are presented by way of example only and are not intended as a limitation upon the concepts and principles of the present disclosure. As such, it will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that various changes in the elements and their configuration and arrangement are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For example, one having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that specific features of the numerous embodiments disclosed may be mixed and matched in other ways where not specifically inhibited, even though specific illustration of such embodiments may not be exhaustively covered herein.REPRESENTATIVE FEATURES

[0059] Representative features are set out in the following clauses, which stand alone or may be combined, in any combination, with one or more features disclosed in the text and / or drawings of the specification.

[0060] Clause 1. A chamber for a food preparation machine, the chamber comprising: an upper end; a lower end opposite the upper end; an opening disposed within the lower end; a rod coupled to the chamber and movable relative to the chamber; and a door coupled to the rod and movable therewith between an open position in which the door does not close the opening and a closed position in which the door closes the opening, wherein the rod is movable linearly along and rotationally about a longitudinal axis thereof, and wherein, when the door is in the open position, a portion of opening remains covered by the door.

[0061] Clause 2. The chamber of clause 1, wherein a lower end of the rod is in fluid communication with a drain, and wherein the rod includes a fluid aperture extending radially therethrough, the fluid aperture configured to allow fluid to enter the rod.

[0062] Clause 3. The chamber of clause 2, wherein the door includes a door drain in fluid communication with the fluid aperture.Attorney Docket No. 217360-0017-W001

[0063] Clause 4. The chamber of any one of clauses 1-3, wherein the door is configured to move linearly away from the opening and rotate about the longitudinal axis of the rod when moved from the closed position toward the open position.

[0064] Clause 5. The chamber of clause 4, wherein the door rotates less than 90 degrees between the closed position and the open position.

[0065] Clause 6. The chamber of any one of clauses 1-3, further comprising an actuating rod configured to selectively engage the door to move the door linearly towards the closed position.

[0066] Clause 7. The chamber of clause 6, wherein the door includes a latching hook configured to selectively engage with the actuating rod such that the latching hook is disengaged from the actuating rod when the door is in the open position.

[0067] Clause 8. The chamber of clause 6, wherein the actuating rod and the rod are disposed on opposite sides of the chamber.

[0068] Clause 9. The chamber of any one of clauses 1-3, further comprising a ridge disposed about the opening and extending toward an interior of the chamber, wherein the ridge includes a drainage aperture, and wherein, when the door is in the open position, at least a portion of the door is disposed below the drainage aperture.

[0069] Clause 10. The chamber of any preceding clause, wherein the food preparation machine is a blender including a blending mechanism and a rinsing and sanitizing system operable to clean and sanitize the blending mechanism within the chamber when the door is in the closed position.

[0070] Clause 11. A chamber for a food preparation machine, the chamber comprising: an upper end; a lower end opposite the upper end; an opening disposed within the lower end; a ridge disposed about the opening and extending toward an interior of the chamber, a rod coupled to the chamber and movable relative to the chamber; and a door coupled to the rod and movable therewith between an open position in which the door does not close the opening and a closed position in which the door closes the opening, wherein the ridge includes a drainage aperture,Attorney Docket No. 217360-0017-W001 and wherein, when the door is in the open position, at least a portion of the door is disposed below the drainage aperture.

[0071] Clause 12. The chamber of clause 11, wherein the drainage aperture is disposed adjacent to a rear of the chamber, and wherein the lower end of the chamber slopes toward the drainage aperture.

[0072] Clause 13. The chamber of clause 12, further comprising a guide rib extending about the interior of the chamber, the guide rib configured to direct fluid toward the rear of the chamber.

[0073] Clause 14. The chamber of clause 13, wherein the guide rib is sloped such that a lowest elevation position on the guide rib is aligned with the drainage aperture and disposed above the drainage aperture.

[0074] Clause 15. A chamber for a food preparation machine, the chamber comprising: an upper end; a lower end opposite the upper end; an opening disposed within the lower end; a rod coupled to the chamber and movable relative to the chamber; and a door coupled to the rod and movable therewith between an open position in which the door does not close the opening and a closed position in which the door closes the opening, wherein the rod is movable linearly along and rotationally about a longitudinal axis thereof, and wherein, when the door moves from the closed position toward the open position, the door moves linearly with the rod away from the opening and rotates about the longitudinal axis of the rod.

[0075] Clause 16. The chamber of clause 15, wherein the rod moves linearly away from the opening before rotating.

[0076] Clause 17. The chamber of clause 16, wherein the rod moves linearly a distance less than a height of the door.

[0077] Clause 18. The chamber of clause 17, wherein the rod rotates through an angle less than 90 degrees from the closed position toward the open position.

[0078] Clause 19. The chamber of clause 18, wherein a portion of the door is disposed below the opening when the door is in the open position.Attorney Docket No. 217360-0017-W001

[0079] Clause 20. The chamber of clause 19, wherein the door includes a door drain in fluid communication with a fluid aperture of the rod, wherein the rod is in fluid communication with a drainage system, and wherein, when the door is in the open position, the door is configured to collect fluid that drips through the opening and direct the fluid toward the drainage system.

[0080] Various features of the disclosure are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 217360-0017-W001CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A chamber for a food preparation machine, the chamber comprising: an upper end; a lower end opposite the upper end; an opening disposed within the lower end; a rod coupled to the chamber and movable relative to the chamber; and a door coupled to the rod and movable therewith between an open position in which the door does not close the opening and a closed position in which the door closes the opening, wherein the rod is movable linearly along and rotationally about a longitudinal axis thereof, and wherein, when the door is in the open position, a portion of opening remains covered by the door.

2. The chamber of claim 1, wherein a lower end of the rod is in fluid communication with a drain, and wherein the rod includes a fluid aperture extending radially therethrough, the fluid aperture configured to allow fluid to enter the rod.

3. The chamber of claim 2, wherein the door includes a door drain in fluid communication with the fluid aperture.

4. The chamber of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the door is configured to move linearly away from the opening and rotate about the longitudinal axis of the rod when moved from the closed position toward the open position.

5. The chamber of claim 4, wherein the door rotates less than 90 degrees between the closed position and the open position.

6. The chamber of any one of claims 1-3, further comprising an actuating rod configured to selectively engage the door to move the door linearly towards the closed position.Attorney Docket No. 217360-0017-W0017. The chamber of claim 6, wherein the door includes a latching hook configured to selectively engage with the actuating rod such that the latching hook is disengaged from the actuating rod when the door is in the open position.

8. The chamber of claim 6, wherein the actuating rod and the rod are disposed on opposite sides of the chamber.

9. The chamber of any one of claims 1-3, further comprising a ridge disposed about the opening and extending toward an interior of the chamber, wherein the ridge includes a drainage aperture, and wherein, when the door is in the open position, at least a portion of the door is disposed below the drainage aperture.

10. The chamber of any preceding claim, wherein the food preparation machine is a blender including a blending mechanism and a rinsing and sanitizing system operable to clean and sanitize the blending mechanism within the chamber when the door is in the closed position.

11. A chamber for a food preparation machine, the chamber comprising: an upper end; a lower end opposite the upper end; an opening disposed within the lower end; a ridge disposed about the opening and extending toward an interior of the chamber, a rod coupled to the chamber and movable relative to the chamber; and a door coupled to the rod and movable therewith between an open position in which the door does not close the opening and a closed position in which the door closes the opening, wherein the ridge includes a drainage aperture, and wherein, when the door is in the open position, at least a portion of the door is disposed below the drainage aperture.Attorney Docket No. 217360-0017-W00112. The chamber of claim 11 , wherein the drainage aperture is disposed adjacent to a rear of the chamber, and wherein the lower end of the chamber slopes toward the drainage aperture.

13. The chamber of claim 12, further comprising a guide rib extending about the interior of the chamber, the guide rib configured to direct fluid toward the rear of the chamber.

14. The chamber of claim 13, wherein the guide rib is sloped such that a lowest elevation position on the guide rib is aligned with the drainage aperture and disposed above the drainage aperture.

15. A chamber for a food preparation machine, the chamber comprising: an upper end; a lower end opposite the upper end; an opening disposed within the lower end; a rod coupled to the chamber and movable relative to the chamber; and a door coupled to the rod and movable therewith between an open position in which the door does not close the opening and a closed position in which the door closes the opening, wherein the rod is movable linearly along and rotationally about a longitudinal axis thereof, and wherein, when the door moves from the closed position toward the open position, the door moves linearly with the rod away from the opening and rotates about the longitudinal axis of the rod.

16. The chamber of claim 15, wherein the rod moves linearly away from the opening before rotating.

17. The chamber of claim 16, wherein the rod moves linearly a distance less than a height of the door.Attorney Docket No. 217360-0017-W00118. The chamber of claim 17, wherein the rod rotates through an angle less than 90 degrees from the closed position toward the open position.

19. The chamber of claim 18, wherein a portion of the door is disposed below the opening when the door is in the open position.

20. The chamber of claim 19, wherein the door includes a door drain in fluid communication with a fluid aperture of the rod, wherein the rod is in fluid communication with a drainage system, and wherein, when the door is in the open position, the door is configured to collect fluid that drips through the opening and direct the fluid toward the drainage system.

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