Anti-cavitation agitator with vertical tank actuation

Abstract

A food preparation appliance (e.g., a blending, mixing, or food processing appliance) allows for the movement of rotatable blades relative to a container holding the contents, caused by a drive shaft and / or driven shaft, and for the axial movement of the container relative to the blades on the drive shaft and / or driven shaft. For example, the blades can be guided to move vertically or axially relative to the container (or vice versa) within defined limits. These aspects provide consumers with an intuitive and proactive way to prevent cavitation and improve blending performance by allowing users to manually and indirectly physically agitate the mixture during blending operations using the up-and-down movement of the container. This option of manual operation is part of the disclosed mixer design, thus allowing consumers to conveniently use it as an anti-cavitation method.

Description

[0001] Priority Statement

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 018,000, filed April 30, 2020, entitled “ANTI-CAVITATION BLENDER WITHVERTICAL JAR ACTUATION”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to apparatus and methods for food preparation and mixing, and more specifically, to food processing machines or mixers that include enhancing features and techniques for more uniform processing or mixing. Background Technology

[0004] Food preparation appliances (such as blenders and food processors) are typically used to process food, for example, by chopping, crushing, cutting, liquefying, blending, mixing, etc. These appliances usually have a container (such as a can) in which the food to be processed is held. One or more rotatable blades are arranged inside the can. When the can is mounted on a base housing a drive motor, the drive motor is operatively connected to one or more rotatable blades within the can. A lid is typically placed on top of the can to close it during operation of the appliance.

[0005] Several factors can affect blending performance during typical mixer operation, including mixer design features (such as blade and can design) and motor speed and power. The properties of the ingredients to be blended also affect blending performance. Typical mixers are designed for comprehensive blending performance, but there are certain types of recipes that are more difficult to blend with all mixers and may experience cavitation.

[0006] In some blenders and food processors, the contents of the container tend to rotate around the internal volume of the container during processing. However, the contents are not always uniformly mixed. For example, often the contents closest to the blades may be liquefied, while those farther from the blades remain intact (e.g., in large chunks). Sometimes, the blades may spin freely without contacting or mixing a sufficient amount of the contents in the container.

[0007] One or more blades of the appliance may also be configured to apply rotational and axial forces to the contents of the container during mixer operation. For example, some blades are angled upwards or downwards to force the contents (e.g., food) upwards / downwards upon impact with the blades, resulting in axial flow of the contents within the container. However, the performance of the blades can vary with the speed of blade rotation and the contents being mixed. In some cases, for example, excessively high blade rotation speeds may cause cavitation in the processed contents, or cause the contents to be pushed upwards and out of the top of the container (or, if equipped with a lid, to contact the lid). Cavitation of the contents within the container can also lead to inhomogeneity in the final mixture and thus reduce the efficiency and usefulness of the appliance.

[0008] Cavitation is the creation of air pockets around the blades, which leads to stalled flow of the ingredients and often requires the user to stop the agitator and stir the ingredients to regain proper blending and flow. Agitator tampers are sometimes designed for and included in some agitator models, allowing the user to safely stir and agitate the blend from the top while the agitator is operating. However, these tampers may not always be used by the user and may be difficult to obtain when cavitation occurs during blending, causing the user to search for a tamper or stir or shake the ingredients by other means.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need to provide improved, convenient, intuitive, and easy-to-use food preparation equipment with anti-aircraft features. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The various aspects of the invention described herein provide food preparation apparatus (e.g., blending, mixing, or food processing apparatus) that allow movement of rotatable blades relative to a container holding the contents, such as vertical or axial movement of the blades relative to the container, and vice versa. The disclosed aspects provide consumers with an intuitive and proactive way to prevent cavitation and improve blending performance by allowing users to manually and indirectly physically agitate the mixture during blending operations using the up-and-down movement of the container. This manual operation option is part of the disclosed stirrer design, thus allowing consumers to conveniently use it as an anti-cavitation method. This ergonomic construction avoids the need for complex connections to additional parts or anti-cavitation features.

[0011] The present invention preferably provides biased vertical actuation of the agitator can relative to the agitator blades during blending operations or before or after agitator use. The can assembly causes the blades and blade drive assembly to move up and down along the central drive axis of the can assembly, and preferably includes one or more springs or other compressible biasing elements to return the can and blade drive assembly to the starting position when the consumer does not perform the vertical actuation process.

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention describe a stirrer comprising a base unit and a housing, wherein when the tank assembly is mounted to the base unit, the housing also allows for vertically downward tank actuation while ensuring that the motor drive system within the base unit remains connected to the blade drive assembly during operation.

[0013] This invention offers advantages over other existing methods of mixing ingredients. For example, the disclosed apparatus is safer, faster, and always ready for immediate use, as is characteristic of the appliance. Other mixing methods (e.g., stirring with a tamping rod) may require additional steps such as positioning the tamping rod and inserting it through the cap opening to agitate the ingredients. For existing mixers that do not include a tamping rod, an additional step of shutting off the mixer is required before stirring, because the mixture cannot be agitated while the mixer is operating unless stirred with the tamping rod.

[0014] The integrated agitation method of the invention allows for very quick, easy, safe, and intuitive agitation of blended ingredients during mixer operation, if desired.

[0015] These and various other features and advantages will become clear by reading the following detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The invention will be further explained with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same structure is indicated by the same reference numerals throughout several views, and in the drawings:

[0017] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of a food preparation utensil exemplified in the form of a stirrer in a stationary position.

[0018] Figure 2 It is in a vertically compressed position. Figure 1 Front perspective view of the mixer.

[0019] Figure 3 According to various embodiments Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the tank assembly and base unit of the agitator, showing various operating components.

[0020] Figure 4 According to various embodiments Figure 1 Another cross-sectional view of the agitator, which shows the various operating components.

[0021] Figure 5 According to various embodiments Figure 1 Another cross-sectional view of the agitator, showing the various operating components.

[0022] Figure 6 It is illustrated that various embodiments are used for Figure 1 The blades, driven shaft, and partial cross-sections of related components of the agitator.

[0023] Figure 7 According to various embodiments, it is used for Figure 1 A detailed cross-sectional view of a linear support unit of a mixer having a fixed sliding surface and movable parts.

[0024] Figure 8 It is according to various embodiments for use in order to Figure 7 A detailed cross-sectional view of the fastener arrangement of the linear support unit connected to the upper support retaining the mounting component.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a profile cross-sectional view of the lower part of the agitator tank assembly with integrated linear support unit in a stationary position according to the second embodiment.

[0026] Figure 10 It is a vertically compressed position with integrated linear support unit according to various embodiments. Figure 9 A sectional view of the agitator tank assembly.

[0027] Figure 11 According to various embodiments Figure 9 A lower sectional view of the agitator tank assembly.

[0028] Figure 12 Various embodiments are shown. Figure 9 Various sliding components of the linear support unit of the agitator tank assembly.

[0029] Figure 13 Various embodiments are shown. Figure 9 The connection points and features of the linear support unit of the upper agitator tank sleeve of the stirrer.

[0030] Figure 14 This is a perspective sectional view of the lower part of a stirrer tank assembly with an integrated linear support unit in a stationary position, according to various embodiments.

[0031] Figure 15 It is a vertically compressed position with integrated linear support unit according to various embodiments. Figure 14 A perspective sectional view of the agitator tank assembly.

[0032] Figure 16 This is a lower perspective view of a linear support unit component attached to a tank assembly having an integrated sliding member, according to various embodiments.

[0033] Figure 17 It is an attachment line support unit component according to various embodiments. Figure 16 Bottom perspective view of the can sleeve ring of the can assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Refer to the attached diagram, and first refer to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 An embodiment of a food preparation appliance (e.g., a blending or mixing appliance) is generally indicated by 100 and exemplified in the form of a mixer. The mixer 100 includes a base unit 102 having a motor unit 138, the base unit 102 also being configured to support a can assembly 101 including a can 104. The can 104 has blades 124 fitted within and operatively coupled to a driven shaft 126. The can assembly 101 and / or the base unit 102 operate to allow the can 104 to move vertically (or vice versa) relative to the can blades 124 and the driven shaft 126. Before, during, or after the can 104 is vertically actuated, the motor unit 138 can selectively rotate the blades 124 and the driven shaft 126 of the can assembly 101.

[0035] A stirrer 100 is shown in two different operating positions. Figure 1 A stirrer 100 with a tank assembly 101 is shown in a stationary position. Figure 2 A stirrer 100 with a tank assembly 101 is shown in a vertically downward compression position.

[0036] Figure 1 A base unit 102, comprising a lower housing 103 and an upper housing 109, is shown. Figure 2 This illustrates a reduction in the lower housing 103 during vertical actuation of the stirrer as described below, where the upper housing 109 covers more of the lower housing 103. The relative vertical movement of the various components between the rest position and the vertical compression position can provide benefits for blending, such as improved cavitation. Specifically, when the stirrer 100 as described below… Figure 2 When in the compressed position, the blade 124 moves vertically relative to the bottom 106 of the container 104, and the contents of the container 104 are agitated by the vertical movement of the container 104 relative to the blade 124. Therefore, the bottom 106 of the container can be manually moved relative to the blade 124, which preferably remains stationary during the movement of the container 104 when the stirrer 100 is vertically actuated. In the stirrer 100 as... Figure 1 As shown in the static position, blade 124 is oriented at its lower position relative to the bottom 106 of tank 104 within tank 104. Similarly, in stirrer 100 as... Figure 2 As shown in the fully compressed position, blade 124 is oriented at its high position in tank 104 relative to the bottom 106 of tank 104.

[0037] Can 104 is part of can assembly 101 resting on top of upper housing 109 of base unit 102. The bottom 106 of the can is preferably shaped to releasably rest on upper housing 109 of base unit 102. Can 104 preferably includes a handle 122 for gripping and manipulating can 104. Can 104 may also have a spout (not shown) typically formed at its upper edge 116 to facilitate emptying the contents of can 104 after processing. In some embodiments, the sidewalls 110 of can 104 taper outward in cross-sectional dimensions from bottom to top, such that the cross-sectional dimension measured across can 104 at can edge 116 is larger than the cross-sectional dimension measured across can at the transition point from sidewall 110 to bottom 106, and in various embodiments, this bottom can be removed from can 104. This tapering improves the blending of the contents therein and also improves the ease of manufacturing can 104. The upper edge 116 of the can 104 may be generally circular (although an optional nozzle is possible). However, it should be understood that, without departing from the scope of the invention, the can 104 may have a uniform cross-section along the height of the sidewall 110, or may have a different cross-section. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The illustrated non-uniform cross-sectional dimensions. Can 104 can be made of any suitable material, including but not limited to plastics, glass, metals, metal alloys, composite materials, and combinations thereof. Can 104 may include a lid 120 removably attached to the upper edge 116, such as... Figure 2 As shown.

[0038] Figure 1 The resting position of the base unit 102 shown corresponds to the default resting position of the stirrer 100. As shown, the base 102 is in a resting position and is not compressed. When the user pushes downwards on the can assembly 101, the stirrer 100 moves from... Figure 1 Move from rest position to Figure 2 In the vertically compressed position, when the can assembly 101 is compressed, it transmits the downward force exerted by the user to the upper housing 109 of the base unit 102. When the user releases the can assembly 101 of the stirrer 100, the base unit 102 then preferably returns from the compressed position to the rest position. According to various embodiments, any movable part of the stirrer 100 (e.g., the can assembly 101 or the upper housing 109) can be configured to receive the downward force from the user, directly or indirectly.

[0039] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The rotatable blade 124 is operatively connected to a vertically oriented driven shaft 126. Preferably, the driven shaft 126 passes through an orifice in the bottom 106 of the can 104. Figure 5 As shown, the bottom 106 of the tank 104 is preferably provided with a driven shaft guide, which is fitted with a bearing 130. Figure 5The bearing includes a driven shaft 126 that guides and supports the tank 104 during sliding axial movement. The blade 124, when driven by the motor unit 138, can selectively rotate relative to the tank 104 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The tank 104, including the bottom 106, is preferably vertically movable by a user relative to the blade 124 and the driven shaft 126 to allow manual agitation of the tank 104 and its contents, thereby improving the performance of the agitator 100 and / or reducing cavitation within the tank 104.

[0040] The base unit 102 preferably supports and positions the can assembly 101, and operably controls and powers the rotation of the blades 124 during blending. Figure 4 As shown, the base unit 102 includes an upper housing 109 and a lower housing 103. The lower housing includes a base plate portion 132 located on any use surface and preferably includes a plurality of fixed supports 150, each of which may include a fixing member 158 defining a sliding surface 168 of a lower support retainer 176, as described below. The lower housing 103 preferably houses and supports a drive motor unit 138 configured to selectively rotate a motor drive shaft 140, which is preferably releasably operably connected to a driven shaft 126 of the tank assembly 101, as described below. Thus, the motor unit 138 of the base unit 102 is preferably a fixing member of the lower housing 103 and is configured to operably rotate blades 124 during operation of the stirrer 100. The motor unit 138 may also optionally rotate a coaxial motor cooling fan 142 directly driven at the rotational speed of the motor unit 138. The tank assembly 101 is configured to be positioned on top of the upper housing 109 of the base unit 102. In a preferred embodiment, various components of the can assembly 101 are releasably interfaced with the upper housing 109 of the base unit 102.

[0041] The upper housing 109 of the base unit 102 is configured to move relative to the lower housing 103, such that when the can 104 is supported on the upper housing 109, it moves together with the lower housing 103. When the motor 138 is fixed to the lower housing 103, the motor unit 138, its drive shaft 140, and the driven shaft and blades of the can assembly 101 remain fixed relative to the axially moving upper housing 109 and can 104 in the axial direction of the drive shaft 140. The upper housing 109 is preferably shaped to be mounted above and primarily surround the lower housing, and may include one or more components. The upper housing 109 provides a joint 111 on which the can assembly 101 can rest, and includes a structure forming a skirt 113 for moving or sliding around and relative to the lower housing 103. The internal structure of the upper housing 109 preferably provides the same number of movable supports 151 as the fixed supports 150. The movable support portion 151 is more preferably axially aligned with the fixed support portion 150, such that the linear strut 156 can be fitted between them to allow axial movement, as described in more detail below. The movable support portions 151 are movable because they move together with the upper housing 109 relative to the fixed support portion 150 of the fixed lower housing. It is also preferably that the movable support portion 151 is integrally formed with at least one internal component of the upper housing 109.

[0042] like Figure 4 As shown, the can assembly 101 preferably further includes a generally annular can sleeve ring 108, which can be sized and shaped in a complementary manner to the engagement 111 of the upper housing 109, such that the annular sleeve ring and thus the entire can assembly 101 can be selectively removed and separated from the engagement 111 of the upper housing 109 of the base unit 102, for example, by axial lifting. The upper housing 109 may be formed of one or more parts and / or components. In various embodiments, the upper housing 109 of the base unit 102 also preferably provides one or more outer surfaces (e.g., the outer surface surrounding the lower housing 103) and can be used to mount the user controller 134 and / or display and / or other features to the base unit 102 of the stirrer 100.

[0043] The separable drive connection 148 preferably provides operable rotatable connections between the drive shaft 140 of the base unit 102 and the driven shaft 126 of the can assembly 101. The separable drive connection 148 preferably allows axial separation, for example, when the can assembly 101 is removed from the base unit 102. When interfaced with the upper housing 109 of the base unit 102, the can assembly 101 includes the driven shaft 126 (driven by the drive shaft 140), which is operably connected to the drive motor unit 138 for use by the separable drive connection 148, which includes a driven shaft input coupling 133 and a drive shaft output coupling 152. The driven shaft 126 preferably includes a coupling 133 at its lower end, which is opposite to the upper end attached to the blade 124. The detachable drive connection 148 can be located outside and below the can 104, and when the can assembly 101 is interfaced with the base unit 102, it is preferably rotatably connected to the drive shaft 140 via the drive shaft 126.

[0044] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5 The can sleeve 108 of the can assembly 101 is threaded to the can 104 via a can sleeve thread 115, which preferably interfaces with a complementary external thread (not shown) of the can 104. The can sleeve 108 is an annular member that can be securely attached to the can 104 of the can assembly 101, for example, to position and / or stabilize the can 104 on the base unit 102. For example, the bottom 106 may be integral with the can sleeve 108, but as shown, when threaded to the can 104, it can be attached to the can 104 via the can sleeve 108. The can sleeve 108 is preferably located near the bottom 106 of the can 104. The can sleeve 108 is preferably configured to fit into the upper housing 109 of the base unit 102. When the can assembly 101 is removed from the base unit 102 and the upper housing 109, the can sleeve 108 preferably extends below the shaft 126 in the rest position to prevent tipping when the can assembly 101 is removed from the base unit 102. Alternatively, when the can assembly 101 is placed on a flat surface, the driven shaft 126 can move upward within the can sleeve.

[0045] exist Figure 3 In the middle, the bottom 106 of the tank 104 includes an opening therein for receiving and supporting the driven shaft 126. Driven shaft bearing 130 and driven shaft seal 131 (see...) Figure 5 Preferably, it is located between the bottom 106 and the driven shaft 126. The bottom 106 can be fitted onto the tank seat seal. Figure 3The gap shown by the recess 147 in the can seat and the circumferential sidewall 110 extending upward from the bottom 106 of the can 104, such that the bottom 106, the lid 120, and the sidewall 110 together define the internal space (generally, the processing chamber) 114 of the can 104. The sidewall 110 terminates at an upper edge 116 to define an opening 110 at the top of the can 104 through which food or other contents to be processed are loaded into the internal space 114 of the can 104. The bottom 106 has Figure 3 The central opening shown is for the bearing 130 during installation. Figure 5 As shown. The bearing 130 facilitates the rotational movement of the driven shaft 126 relative to the bottom 106 and also allows the driven shaft 126 to move axially relative to the tank 104.

[0046] refer to Figure 5 The driven shaft seal 131 is preferably supported within a recess surrounding an opening through the bottom 106. The driven shaft seal prevents leakage from the internal space 114 of the tank 104 during rotational movement of the driven shaft driven by the motor unit 138 and the drive shaft 140, and during axial movement of the tank 104.

[0047] As described herein, the can assembly 101 is removably positioned on top of the upper housing 109 of the base unit 102. The can assembly 101 can be removed from the base unit 102, for example, by lifting the can assembly 101 from the upper housing 109 of the base unit 102. Therefore, the can assembly 101 is preferably a removable assembly comprising a can 104, a bottom 106, a can sleeve 108, a blade 124, a driven shaft 126, a driven shaft input coupling 133, a driven shaft bearing 130, a driven shaft seal 131, a shaft spring (not shown), a shaft spring seat 155, and a drive connection seal 149. When the user removes the can assembly 101 from the base unit 102, all can assembly components can preferably be removed together.

[0048] In some examples, one or more ball bearings may be used for the shaft seal 149, which preferably substantially prevents the shaft spring and shaft spring seat 155 from spinning when the driven shaft 126 rotates during operation of the agitator 100. The shaft spring (not shown) may surround the driven shaft 126 and may be conical. Such a shaft spring may be positioned between the shaft spring seat 155 and the bottom surface of the bottom 106 or another functional component movable together with the bottom 106.

[0049] A shaft spring may be provided, for example, operably between the spring seat 155 and the bottom 106, for pushing the driven shaft input coupling 133 away from the bottom 106, such that when the tank assembly 101 is properly positioned on the base unit 102, the coupling 133 is aligned to be received by the drive shaft output coupling 152. The linear strut 156 and any shaft spring preferably work together to vertically bias the agitator tank 104 upwards to a static (resting) position, such as... Figure 1 As shown.

[0050] Due to the movement of can 104, the bearings, bushings, and / or seals within can assembly 101 about shaft 126 may be subjected to axial and radial forces. According to various embodiments, the bearings used throughout and herein may include ball bearings, journal bearings, lubricated bearings, plastic washers, and various other bearing and seal types and composite materials.

[0051] As described above, one or more linear guide members may be used to maintain the alignment of the upper housing 109 with the lower housing 103 during the movement described above, and preferably also to axially bias the upper housing 109 away from the lower housing 103, such as... Figure 4 As shown. An example of a linear guide component includes a linear strut unit 156, which is preferably integrated into a base unit 102 and operably connects an upper housing 109 of the base unit 102 to a lower housing 103, such that a movable component 160 is operably connected to a can assembly 101, and the movable component 160 moves relative to a fixed guide surface 168 (e.g., a bearing surface) of a fixed component 158. The linear strut unit preferably includes a compression-type bias spring 162 that pushes the upper housing 109 away from the lower housing 103, as described in more detail below.

[0052] For reference Figure 7 As shown in more detail, one or more linear strut units 156 preferably define a fixed guide surface 168 for guiding the movable member 160 in the extension direction of the drive shaft 140. The movable member 160 is preferably operatively connected to the can assembly 101 when positioned on the upper housing 109, such that when the can 104 and the movable member 160 move axially in the extension of the drive shaft 140, the driven shaft 126 and thus the blades 124 remain fixed relative to the fixed guide surface 168.

[0053] Each linear strut unit 156 may preferably provide both offset features and alignment guidance features. A preferred example of the linear strut unit 156 has generally linear compression. The compression of the linear strut unit 156 may correspond to the axial movement of the blade 124 within the tank 104 and relative to the tank, which imparts cavitation vane movement relative to the tank 104, as described herein. See also... Figures 3 to 5The linear support unit 156 can be housed within the base unit 102, thus enabling axial movement of the tank 104 via the arrangement of the base unit 102. Other alternative embodiments providing operable relative movement outside the base unit 102 are described below.

[0054] Each linear strut unit 156 preferably includes a compressible bias spring 162 positioned between an upper retaining mount 174 on the upper housing 109 and a lower retaining mount 176 on the lower housing 103. The upper and lower retaining mounts are preferably integrally formed with the upper housing 109 and the lower housing 103, respectively. Each movable member 160 is preferably a rod fixed to an upper retaining mount 174 and movable relative to a lower retaining mount when the rod (as movable member 160) slides along a bearing surface of a fixed member 158. Various springs (e.g., shaft springs and / or one or more springs 162) are included in one or more linear guide members (e.g., Figure 4 The linear support unit 156) contains compressible springs 162 which are compressed when the can 104 and thus the upper housing 109 are subjected to a downward force toward the lower housing 103, and expand back to their uncompressed state (or as close as possible to the weight of any food in the upper housing, can assembly 101 and can 104) when the downward force is removed.

[0055] As shown, the linear support unit 156 is a vertically oriented, journal-connected, and spring-loaded support that is aligned with the drive shaft 140 and serves as an upward bias (vertically oriented away from the base plate portion 132 of the base unit 102) and guide feature for the can assembly 101, and also assists in aligning the upper housing 109 of the base unit 102 with the lower housing 103. The linear support unit 156 also preferably controls and guides the vertical movement of the blades 124 on the shaft 126 within the can 104.

[0056] As described above, each linear strut unit 156 preferably defines a fixed guide surface 168. Each fixed guide surface 168 preferably includes one or more guide bearings or bushings positioned within a retaining member 158 of the lower strut retaining mount 176 attached to the lower housing 103 for guiding the movable member 160 in the extension direction of the drive shaft 140 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 5 In various embodiments, each movable component 160 may be a guide rail or rod that slides within one or more fixed guide surfaces 168. The movable component 160 is operatively connected to the tank assembly 101 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 4This arrangement ensures that when the can assembly 101 and the movable part 160 move in the extending direction of the drive shaft 140, the driven shaft 126 and thus the blades 124 remain fixed relative to a fixed sliding surface (e.g., a fixed part 158 ​​and / or a guide surface 168). A bearing 130 is disposed at the bottom 106 of the can 104, thereby preferably allowing sliding movement of the driven shaft 126 relative to the bottom 106.

[0057] Each linear strut unit 156 may include a movable part 160 and a fixed part 158 ​​that move relative to each other during relative movement. As an example of a movable part 160, a guide rail or rod is shown; as an example of a fixed part, a sleeve 158 having a guide surface 168 is shown. The movable part 160 may be operatively connected to the tank 104 via an upper strut retaining mount 174. The upper strut retaining mount 174 may include a narrowed upper neck 175. Fasteners 166 may attach the movable part 160 to the upper strut retaining mount 174 via the upper neck 175 using threads 167 or any other suitable attachments or fasteners. The lower end of the movable part 160 slidably interfaces with or is attached to the guide surface 168 of the fixed part 158. As described above, the sliding surface preferably includes one or more guide bearings that are fitted to or included therein in the fixed part 158.

[0058] The guide surface 168 (e.g., a guide bearing) is optionally lubricated and preferably reduces adhesion and provides smooth and repeatable compression. In a preferred embodiment, the guide surface 168 is made of nylon.

[0059] In an alternative embodiment, among other variations, the movable part may be a sleeve, and the fixed part may be a guide rail.

[0060] A stop 170 is shown attached to the lower end of the movable part 160. As shown, the stop 170 is a fastener threaded onto the movable part 160 and is configured to prevent the movable part 160 from retracting upwards or disengaging from the lower support retaining mount 176 of the fixed part 158. Preferably, the stop 170 does not secure the movable part 160 to the fixed part 158, but rather provides a sliding guide feature. The lower support retaining mount 176 includes a lower neck 177 to allow for securing, guiding, and sliding of the fitting. When the stirrer 100 as... Figure 1 When in the stationary position, the opening or recess 172 is located below the stop 170. When the stirrer 100 is in the neutral position... Figure 2 When the device moves toward the compression position, the stop 170 and the movable member 160 protrude into and along the recess 172.

[0061] The movable component 160 can have various relative and absolute lengths, including shorter or longer than shown. The movable component 160 is preferably long enough to allow movement within a desired range from the upper housing 109 to the lower housing 103, and a longer guide surface 168, for example, that overlaps more with the movable component 160, can reinforce the respective linear strut units 156. The movable component 160 is preferably vertical and smooth. In the linear strut unit 156, the movable component 160 (e.g., a guide rail or shaft) and the housings 174 and 158 feature work together to prevent the spring 162 from buckling at various stages and levels of compression.

[0062] like Figure 8 As shown, the movable part 160 may include threads 167 for secure connection to the fastener 166, or in an alternative embodiment, the end of the movable part 160 may be attached to various housing parts using a barbed plastic part and / or a part with a T-shaped end.

[0063] In some examples, the linear support unit 156 has a maximum travel of approximately 19 mm from the stirrer rest position to the compressed position. However, any distance, whether larger or smaller, can also be considered, such as greater than or less than 19 mm. The movement of the blades 124 and the linear support unit 156 can be generally linear and vertical, but in other embodiments, at least some horizontal or lateral movement or play (whether intentional or otherwise) may be present, for example, lateral movement of the components of the stirrer 100 when the user moves the stirrer can 104 downward, thereby compressing the base unit 102, which can be caused by various bias features within the base unit 102. In some preferred embodiments, a downward force of approximately 12.5 pounds can be the amount of nominal force required to fully compress the can 104 and compress the linear support unit 156 and the shaft spring.

[0064] An example of a tank 104 filled with water weighs approximately 6.75 pounds. In other examples (e.g., a full tank 104), a user can apply a downward force of approximately 5.75 pounds to fully compress the agitator tank 104 relative to the base unit 102. In some preferred embodiments, when the agitator 100 is as... Figure 1 When the linear strut unit 156 and its spring 162 are in a stationary state as shown in the static position, they will be at least partially but not completely compressed.

[0065] According to various embodiments, fewer springs or other biasing features can be used to provide compression of the stirrer 100. The linear strut unit 156 or other guiding or biasing structures can be four as shown, or fewer or more according to various embodiments.

[0066] As used herein, directional and / or orientation terms (e.g., down, up, bottom, and top) refer to... Figure 1 The illustrated appliance 100 is oriented vertically. The term vertical refers to the direction relative to the height of the container 104 and along the drive shaft 140 and driven shaft 126, while horizontal refers to the direction perpendicular to the height of the container 104, for example, in… Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment is horizontal. Although in the illustrated embodiment the appliance is in the form of a stirrer 100, it should be understood that the appliance may be in the form of a food processor or other suitable appliance in which blades operate within a container 104 to process the food or other contents contained in the container 104.

[0067] As mentioned above Figures 1 to 8 As shown in the first embodiment, the linear support unit 156 allows for offset movement of the can assembly 101 relative to the lower housing 103 of the base unit 102. (See reference...) Figures 9 to 17 The illustrated alternative embodiment shows a linear support unit that allows for full biased movement and spring compression within the agitator tank assembly, as described in more detail below. Therefore, various operating structures and components can be changed and modified without departing from the scope of the invention. Note that the various embodiments described herein provide a relative movement of a base component with another base component, a relative movement of a tank component with another tank component, a relative movement of a base component with a tank component, etc. The invention is characterized by a base unit having: a fixing portion that positions and drives the blades to a defined axial position within the tank; and a drive system, wherein the tank is movable relative to the base unit fixing portion in a direction extending (e.g., vertically) of the drive system.

[0068] refer to Figures 9 to 13 A second embodiment of the blending apparatus as described herein is shown and described, such as a mixer similar to mixer 100. In particular, an alternative can assembly 201 is shown and described. The components of can assembly 201 may be substantially similar to those of can assembly 101 of mixer 100, with some notable exceptions discussed below. Specifically, can assembly 201 includes overall movement occurring within can assembly 201. Although the construction of can assembly 201 deviates from some aspects of can assembly 101, the invention still covers the overall functionality including the variations discussed below.

[0069] For reference Figure 9 As shown, and with Figures 1 to 8 Unlike the publicly disclosed can sleeve ring 108, the can assembly 201 includes... Figures 9 to 13The can sleeve ring in the second embodiment is a multi-part can sleeve ring comprising a movable inner can sleeve ring 208 attached to can 204 and a relatively fixed outer can sleeve ring 207. The outer can sleeve ring 207 is fixed to the lower can assembly frame 235, which remains fixed together when the lower can assembly frame 235 is positioned onto a complementary upper feature (not shown) of a fixed base unit (not shown). Such a base unit can be any conventional design, as long as it provides a complementary feature for engaging with the lower can assembly frame 235. The fixing portion of can assembly 201 may include both frame 235 and outer can sleeve ring 207, which are preferably fixed or integrated with each other, and the fixing portion also includes a support for a driven shaft 226 that can be driven by a drive shaft (e.g., disclosed above at 140). The driven shaft 226 can pass through a driven shaft guide 205, which is also fixed to frame 235 and sleeve ring 207 and allows axial movement of the driven shaft 226 relative to can 204. The inner can collar 208 is movable relative to the frame 235 and allows the can 204 to move downward or toward the frame 235 when the user applies a downward axial force to the can 204.

[0070] Figure 9 The can assembly 201 is shown in a stationary position, typically corresponding to the above. Figure 1 The blade 224 is in a static configuration. As shown, the blade 224 is operatively connected to the adjacent driven shaft 226 and aligned via a bearing 230. As shown, the bearing 230 is at least partially supported by a driven shaft retainer 205 that holds it in place.

[0071] As shown in the figure, the lower can assembly frame 235 is provided with one or more fixing parts 258, which can be formed as a sleeve-shaped bag with a guiding surface. Figure 9 As shown, the movable part 260 is fixed to the inner collar 208 and is part of a linear support similar to the linear support unit 156 described above. The linear support has a compressible spring 262 that pushes the inner collar 208 upward to a non-compressed resting state of the can assembly 201. In this resting state, the movable part 260 preferably does not protrude beyond the frame 235, as shown. An opening 272 is provided through the bottom of each fixed part 258 to allow the can assembly 201 to be pushed upward as shown. Figure 10 When the compression position is shown, one or more movable parts 260 are allowed to extend downward through the frame 235. Figure 11 It shows Figure 9 A perspective view of the object at rest.

[0072] As described herein, movable parts 260 are upwardly biased by springs 262, and each movable part 260 preferably slidably contacts one or more fixed bushing inserts. Each bushing insert can form a guide surface 268 preferably supported within a fixed part 258. Multiple bushing inserts can be stacked to form a higher effective guide surface 268. The various fastening and mounting points of the stirrer tank 104 described above are also applicable to the second embodiment of the tank assembly 201 with overall movement. Also shown is a tank seat seal 246 that presses against a portion of the inner collar 208 when the tank 204 is tightened to the inner collar 208 using the threaded interface between the collar thread 215 and the tank thread 213, according to the illustrated embodiment. Figure 9 The can assembly 201 shown can be completely removed from the corresponding base unit, for example, by the user lifting the can assembly 201.

[0073] The detachable drive connection 248 is equivalent to the drive connection 148 described above. When the can assembly 201 is placed on the base unit, the input connector 233 of the driven shaft 226, as shown, is operably connected to the drive shaft output connector 252, so that the motor unit drive shaft connected at the recess 241 provides power to the blades 224 through the driven shaft 226. Figure 11 It shows that in such a state Figure 9 Partial cross-sectional perspective view of the tank assembly 201 in its stationary position.

[0074] Figure 10 It shows Figure 9The bottom of the can assembly is compressed, but the support spring 262 is compressed therein. When the can assembly 201 reaches the compressed state shown, it has one or more movable parts that move relative to one or more fixed parts. For example, the movable part of the can assembly 201 includes a can 204 connected to an inner collar 208 that moves with the can, and the inner collar 208 is connected to one or more movable parts 260 (e.g., guide rails). As shown, a preferred embodiment of the can assembly 201 includes relative inward movement, with each part of the can assembly 201 remaining fixed during axial movement, and each other part remaining fixed, for example, relative to a corresponding base unit. The movable part of the can assembly 201 moves axially relative to one or more fixed parts. As shown, the fixed parts include an outer can collar 208, a fixing part 256 including a sliding surface 268 fitted therein, and a frame 235. When movement occurs between the movable and fixed parts of the can assembly 201, one or more bias features are compressed or decompressed. For example, one or more biasing springs (e.g., 262) that may be mounted around the movable member 260 and configured to bias the inner ring 208 (and any components attached thereto) upward relative to the outer ring 207 (and any components attached thereto) are compressed, and the can assembly 201 moves closer to the motor unit (e.g., motor unit 138 of the base unit 102), resulting in the blades 224 and driven shaft 226 rising relative to the can 204 and agitating the contents of the can 204 at a higher level than before. Although the can 204 moves downward in the preferred embodiment, the relative upward movement of the blades 224 may be noticeable when the can 204 is actuated. As shown, the movable member 260 may protrude beyond the bottom of the outer ring 207.

[0075] Now refer to Figure 12 and Figure 13 Various optional details relate to the inner collar 208, the outer collar 207, and their sliding interfaces, which are shown and described in detail here.

[0076] refer to Figure 12 The image shows a collar guide protrusion 280 attached to the outer collar 207. The collar guide protrusion has a first edge 280A and a second edge 280B. Figure 13The diagram illustrates a corresponding collar guide recess 282 attached to the inner collar 208. The collar guide recess 282 may include a first notch 282A and a second notch 282B. The collar guide protrusion 280 and the collar guide recess 282 are configured to slidably stabilize the movement of the can assembly 201 during operation and preferably increase the stability of the can assembly in various positions and / or during use. As shown, a first edge 280A of the collar guide protrusion 280 may slidably interface with the first notch 282A of the collar guide recess 282. Similarly, a second edge 280B of the collar guide protrusion 280 may slidably interface with the second notch 282B of the collar guide recess 282. Other structures, guidelines, and variations are also considered herein.

[0077] refer to Figure 14 and Figure 15 A third embodiment of the blending apparatus as described herein is shown and described, such as a mixer similar to mixer 100. In particular, an alternative can assembly 301 with internal movement is shown and described. The components of can assembly 301 may be substantially the same as those of can assembly 101 of mixer 100, with certain exceptions, and may be substantially the same as those of can assembly 201 described above. Specifically, can assembly 301 includes overall movement occurring within can assembly 301, as in can assembly 201. Figure 14 The tank assembly 301 is shown in a stationary position. Figure 15 The can assembly 301 in the compressed position is shown, as described herein.

[0078] As shown in the figure, the can assembly 301 includes a movable portion and a fixed portion, wherein the fixed portion is supported by a base unit, and the movable portion includes a can 304 and an inner collar 308. The can assembly 301 includes a can 304 threadedly attached to the inner collar 308, which also provides a bottom for the can 304. When a user applies a downward force to the can 304, the inner collar 308 is configured to slidably move relative to an outer collar 307 that can be mounted to the base unit. The inner collar 308 is vertically movable relative to the outer collar 307 via a movable portion 360 fixed to the inner collar 308 and slidably interfaced with a fixed portion 358 of the outer collar 307. Also shown, one or more guide bearings form a guide surface 368 and are shown within the fixed portion 358, as described herein. Blade 324 is located within canister 304 and is operatively coupled to driven shaft 330, which receives rotatable connection via a separable drive connection 348, which may be similar to 148 and / or 248, as described herein. As shown, driven shaft bearing 305 surrounds, aligns with, and encloses driven shaft 330, which may be similar to driven shaft 126, as described herein. Driven shaft bearing 305 is secured to outer ring 308 as part of the fixing structure of canister assembly 301.

[0079] refer to Figure 16 and Figure 17 Selected components are shown for use in various embodiments herein. The components of the illustrated embodiments may represent certain features for stirrers 100 and / or tank assemblies 101, 201 and / or 301 as described herein.

[0080] refer to Figure 16 The lower perspective view shows parts of the can assembly 401 to specifically illustrate various supports and guide components of the example can assembly 401. According to various embodiments, a can 404 is shown with a handle 422, which has a similar... Figures 14 to 15 The can sleeve ring 308 and the can sleeve ring 408 are shown. The driven shaft bearing 430 is also shown from below. Various suspension components, including a movable component 460 and a corresponding spring 462, are also shown. Fixed components are not shown, although fixed components 158, 258, and 358 can be used with… Figure 16 Used together with the examples shown.

[0081] Now go to Figure 17 ,like Figure 16 The can sleeve ring 408 is shown in the top perspective view, with the can 404 removed. The can seat sealing recess is shown as 447, and the can sleeve ring thread 415 is also shown. As described in other embodiments herein, a can seat seal (e.g., 146) can be used to provide a watertight seal between the can 404 and the can sleeve ring 408.

[0082] The invention has now been described with reference to several embodiments thereof. The detailed descriptions and examples above are provided for clarity only and should not be construed as limiting anything unnecessarily. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. The above-described and other implementations are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A food preparation utensil, comprising: A base unit includes a housing, the housing including a base plate portion for supporting the base unit on a surface for use, and a drive motor supported by the base plate portion, the drive motor including a drive shaft extending from the drive motor in a direction away from the base plate portion; A can assembly configured to releasably interface with the base unit, the can assembly including a can having a bottom and a driven shaft, the driven shaft being rotatably positioned through a bearing passing through the bottom, the driven shaft having a rotatable blade at one end of the driven shaft inside the can of the can assembly and a drive connection at the other end of the driven shaft outside the can, and the drive connection being complementary to the end of the drive shaft to rotatably connect to and be driven by the drive shaft when the can assembly is interfaced with the base unit; and At least one linear guide member is defined as a fixed guide surface for guiding a movable member in the extension direction of the drive shaft, the movable member being operatively connected to the can such that when the can and the movable member move in the extension direction of the drive shaft, the driven shaft and the blade remain axially fixed relative to the fixed guide surface, and the bearing at the bottom allows sliding movement of the driven shaft relative to the bottom.

2. The food preparation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, Both the movable component and the fixed guide surface are part of the base unit.

3. The food preparation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The base unit includes an upper base portion that is movable relative to a lower fixed base portion. The upper base portion and the lower fixed base portion are operably connected to each other via the linear guide member, wherein the fixed member is on the lower base portion and the movable member is on the upper base portion.

4. The food preparation apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, A biasing element is provided to bias the upper base portion away from the lower base portion in order to define a first operating position of the can assembly.

5. The food preparation apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The biasing element includes a compression spring associated with the linear guide member.

6. The food preparation apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, It also includes multiple linear guide components.

7. The food preparation apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The movable component extends in the extension direction of the drive shaft, and the fixed guide surface also extends in the extension direction of the drive shaft, wherein the movable component and the fixed component are aligned with each other to guide and allow movement of the upper base portion and the can assembly relative to the lower base portion, such that the can assembly can be forced to move from the first operating position to the second operating position against bias.

8. The food preparation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, Both the movable component and the fixed guide surface are part of the can assembly.

9. The food preparation apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The first collar is connected to the tank and includes the movable component, and the second collar is operably supported to the first collar for movement relative to the first collar and includes the fixed component.

10. The food preparation apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, A biasing element is provided to bias the first collar away from the second collar, thereby defining a first operating position of the tank.

11. The food preparation apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The biasing element includes a compression spring associated with the linear guide member.

12. The food preparation apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, It also includes multiple linear guide components.

13. The food preparation apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The movable component extends in the extension direction of the drive shaft, and the fixed guide surface also extends in the extension direction of the drive shaft, wherein the movable component and the fixed component are aligned with each other to guide and allow movement of the first collar and the can relative to the second collar, such that the can is forced to move from the first operating position to the second operating position against bias.

14. The food preparation apparatus according to claim 13, wherein, The fixing component of the second collar is provided by a frame within the second collar, the frame also providing a driven shaft guide with a through hole through which the driven shaft extends, the driven shaft guide including at least one bearing surface along which the driven shaft is rotatable.

15. The food preparation apparatus according to claim 14, wherein, The bearing surface is provided by at least one bearing element disposed within the through hole of the driven shaft guide.

16. The food preparation apparatus according to claim 15, wherein, The driven shaft guide extends along the driven shaft through the bearing at the bottom of the tank assembly.

17. A method of using a food preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, comprising: The can assembly is positioned on a base unit configured to rotate blades mounted on a vertical axis, the can assembly including a can containing food contents; The tank is biased to a stationary position using one or more linear strut units operably connected to the tank assembly; Pressing the can downwards by moving the movable part of the linear support unit relative to the fixed guide surface causes the can to move downwards; and As a result of the pressing, at least a portion of the shaft and the blades move upward relative to each other within the can, thereby agitating the food contents in the can based on the relative linear movement of the blades relative to the can.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The pressing and moving steps are performed when the shaft and the blade are rotatably driven by a drive shaft from a drive motor supported within the base unit.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The pressing step causes the movable component, which is operably provided as part of the first part of the base unit, to move relative to the fixed guide surface of the second part of the base unit.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein, The pressing step causes the movable component, which is operably provided as part of the first part of the can assembly, to move relative to the fixed guide surface of the second part of the can assembly.

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