Blender / juicer appliance with safety latching device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a blender / juicer appliance comprising: a base comprising a rotary drive unit; a blender assembly comprising a blender jug and a blender tool unit, the blender tool unit being configured to couple with the rotary drive unit; a juicer assembly comprising a juicer bowl and a juicer tool unit, the juicer tool unit being configured to couple with the rotary drive unit; and a latch assembly attached to the base and movable between a blending position and a juicing position. In the blending position, the latch assembly engages the blender assembly to secure the blender assembly to the base, and in the juicing position, the latch assembly engages the juicer assembly to secure the juicer assembly to the base.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to small kitchen appliances, and more particularly to combination blenders / juicers. Background Technology

[0002] A blender is a household appliance capable of mixing liquids and chopping dry foods. Blenders are also used to liquefy fruits and vegetables and to blend solids and liquids. A typical blender includes a blender can assembly comprising a collar and a container that sits on top of a blender base or a housing housing the motor. The collar includes a mixing tool (typically a series of blades) rotatably mounted thereon. This mixing tool is rotatably engaged with the drive shaft of the motor in an operating configuration. Food is placed in the container, and the blender can assembly engages with the blender base. The food is blended within the volume defined by the blender can, and the blender can assembly is removed from the blender base to dispense or pour the blended food.

[0003] A juicer is a small appliance used to extract juice from fruits and vegetables. Centrifugal juicers use a rapidly rotating cutter / filter inside the juicer's casing. As the cutter / filter rotates, teeth on the bottom plate of the casing shred the food into a pulp, and centrifugal force pulls the juice from the pulp through perforated walls, where it flows out of the juicer via a tube. Once most of the juice has been extracted, the remaining pulp is discharged into a separate collection chamber.

[0004] Appliances combining blending and juicing functions are well-known, especially smaller (or "single-person") models. In one design, in blender mode, the blender can is mounted on a base (usually with a connecting collar). The blending tool is mounted on a motor. The blender can and collar capture the food being blended. In juicer mode, the user places the "juicer unit" on the base. The juicer unit has: a lid with food grooves into which the food to be juiced is placed; a pulping / juicing chamber in which juicing occurs; a cutter / filter mounted on the motor; a pulp outlet for collecting the pulp; and a juice outlet. Typically, the user can position the aforementioned blender can below the juice outlet to collect the juice (and in some cases, the blender can can be used as a drinking glass for the juice). Thus, the same base / motor can be used for both functions.

[0005] Different design improvements may be needed for combination blenders / juicers. Summary of the Invention

[0006] As a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention relate to a blender / juicer apparatus. The apparatus includes: a base comprising a rotary drive unit; a blender assembly including a blender bowl and a blending tool unit configured to be coupled to the rotary drive unit; a juicer assembly including a juicing bowl and a juicing tool unit configured to be coupled to the rotary drive unit; and a latching assembly attached to the base and movable between a blending position and a juicing position. In the blending position, the latching assembly engages the blender assembly to secure it to the base, and in the juicing position, the latching assembly engages the juicer assembly to secure it to the base.

[0007] As a second aspect, embodiments of the present invention relate to a blender / juicer appliance comprising: a base including a rotary drive unit; a blender assembly including a blender bowl and a blending tool unit configured to be coupled to the rotary drive unit; a juicer assembly including a juicing bowl and a juicing tool unit configured to be coupled to the rotary drive unit; and a latching assembly attached to the base and movable between a blending position and a juicing position, wherein in the blending position, the latching assembly engages the blender assembly to secure it to the base, and in the juicing position, the latching assembly engages the juicer assembly to secure it to the base. The latching assembly is configured such that in the blending position, the latching assembly prevents proper engagement of the juicer assembly with the base.

[0008] As a third aspect, embodiments of the present invention relate to a blender / juicer apparatus comprising: a base including a rotary drive unit; a blender assembly including a blender bowl and a blending tool unit configured to be coupled to the rotary drive unit; a juicer assembly including a juicing bowl and a juicing tool unit configured to be coupled to the rotary drive unit; and a latching assembly attached to the base and movable between a blending position and a juicing position, wherein in the blending position, the latching assembly engages the blender assembly to secure the blender assembly to the base, and in the juicing position, the latching assembly engages the juicer assembly to secure the juicer assembly to the base. The latching assembly includes: an arm member configured such that in the blending position, the arm member engages a feature on the base, and in the juicing position, the arm member engages a feature on the juicer assembly, wherein in the juicing position, the arm member is substantially inverted from its positioning in the blending position; and a steering knuckle member pivotally attached to the arm member at a first pivot axis and pivotally attached to the base at a second pivot axis. In the stirring position, the first pivot axis is above the second pivot axis, and in the juicing position, the second pivot axis is above the first pivot axis. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a blender / juicer according to an embodiment of the present invention, shown in blending mode.

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a blender / juicer, shown in juicing mode.

[0011] Figure 3A yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the base of a blender / juicer, with the latching system shown in the blending position.

[0012] Figure 3B yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the base of a blender / juicer, with the latching system shown in the juicing position.

[0013] Figure 4A Is it like this? Figure 3A The diagram shows a perspective view of the latching system, in which the mixer tank is positioned for locking to the housing.

[0014] Figure 4B Is it like this? Figure 4A A partial perspective view of the latching system shown.

[0015] Figure 4C Is it like this? Figure 3B The diagram shows a perspective view of the latching system, in which the blender can is positioned for locking to the housing.

[0016] Figure 4D yes Figure 4C A partial perspective view of the latching system in the image.

[0017] Figure 4E yes Figure 4C Enlarged partial perspective view of the spring and sliding components of the latching system.

[0018] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 An enlarged partial perspective view of a blender / juicer in its blending mode, showing a latching system for locking the blender can into place.

[0019] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A perspective sectional view of a blender / juicer, showing the latching system in the blending position.

[0020] Figure 6A yes Figure 1 Bottom perspective view of the blender collar of a blender / juicer.

[0021] Figure 7 yes Figure 1The blender / juicer is shown in perspective view in its juicing mode, with the latching system engaging the juicing lid.

[0022] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A perspective sectional view of a blender / juicer, showing a latching system in the juicing position for locking the juicing components to the housing.

[0023] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 A partial perspective sectional view of a blender / juicer, showing how the latching system prevents the juicing bowl from attaching to the housing when the latch is in the first position. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The invention will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are illustrated. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0025] In the accompanying drawings, certain layers, components, or parts may be exaggerated for clarity, and dashed lines indicate optional features or operations unless otherwise stated. However, the invention can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0026] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or segment from another region, layer, or segment. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the invention, the first element, component, region, layer, or segment discussed below may be referred to as a second element, assembly, region, layer, or segment. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the order of operations (or steps) is not limited to the order shown in the claims or drawings.

[0027] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. It will be further understood that terms defined, for example, in common dictionaries, should be interpreted as having the same meaning as they have in the context of this specification and in the relevant field, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless specifically defined herein. For the sake of brevity and / or clarity, well-known functions or structures may not be described in detail.

[0028] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as used herein. It will be further understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “comprising” and / or “including” specify the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or collections thereof. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0029] As used herein, phrases such as “between X and Y” and “between approximately X and Y” should be interpreted as including both X and Y. As used herein, phrases such as “between approximately X and Y” mean “between approximately X and approximately Y”. As used herein, phrases such as “from approximately X to Y” mean “from approximately X to approximately Y”.

[0030] Now referring to the attached diagram, in Figure 1 and Figure 2 A blender / juicer is shown, generally designated as 10. The blender / juicer 10 is... Figure 1 It is shown as being in stirring mode, and Figure 2 The text indicates that it is in juicing mode. (The text then repeats itself, seemingly unrelated to the previous sentence.) Figure 1 As shown, in blending mode, the blender / juicer 10 includes a base 12 covered by a housing 14 and a blender assembly 15, which includes a blender tank 16, a collar 18 serving as a transition between the base 12 and the blender tank 16, and a blending tool unit 20. Figure 1 Not shown in the image, but... Figure 6 (See in the middle). For example Figure 2 As shown, in juicing mode, the blender / juicer 10 includes a juicing assembly 115, which includes a juicing bowl 118, a juicing lid 120, a pulp receiver 122, a pusher 124, and a juicing tool unit 130. Figure 2 Not shown in the image, but... Figure 9 (See in the middle). For example Figure 2 As shown, once juice is produced, the blender bowl 16 can be used as a juice receiver. It should be understood that in blending mode, the juicing bowl 118, juicing lid 120, slurry receiver 122, pusher 124, and juicing tool unit 130 are not used, and in juicing mode, the collar 18 and blending tool unit 20 are not used.

[0031] Now for reference Figure 3A and Figure 3BThe image shows a base 12. As shown, the housing 14 is generally cylindrical and includes a recess 40 on each side for receiving a latching system 50. An operating switch 41 and a surrounding frame 42 are mounted within one of the recesses 40. On its top surface, the base 12 includes an annular member 43 surrounding a fitting 44. Figure 6 and Figure 8 As can be seen, accessory 44 is attached to a motor 45 (or other rotary drive unit) positioned within housing 14. Accessory 44 serves as a stirring tool unit 20 (such as...). Figure 6 (as shown) and juicing tool unit 130 (as shown) Figure 8 The interface is shown. The operating switch 41 is operatively connected to the motor 45 via wires, controls, a microprocessor, etc., allowing the user to operate the blender / juicer at different speeds. Furthermore, a small hole 46 is present in the upper surface; the hole 46 leads to a switch (not shown) that functions as a safety switch in blending mode.

[0032] Now for reference Figures 4A-4E The latching system 50 is shown therein. The latching system 50 is configured to be in the stirring position ( Figure 4A and Figure 4B ) and juicing location ( Figure 4C-4E The blender / juicer 10 moves between the mixing position and the juicing position, where the latching system captures the collar 18 and the juicing bowl 118 and the lid 120, respectively. The blender / juicer 10 includes two substantially identical latching systems 50 (one in each recess 40); therefore, only one latching system 50 will be described in detail herein, and it should be understood that the description also applies to the other latching system 50 on the opposite side of the blender / juicer 10.

[0033] The latching system 50 includes an elongated and generally rectangular wire frame arm 52 having two long side sections 53 and two shorter end sections 54a, 54b spanning the ends of the side sections 53. A bracket 56 is generally positioned at the center of the arm 52. The rubber steering knuckle member 60 has a central boss 62 with a through hole 63 through which the upper end section 54a extends. The upper section 54a is freely rotatable within the through hole 63, thereby forming a pivot axis P1. At one end, the steering knuckle member 60 includes a knob 64 with a through hole 65 for receiving a pin 66. The pin 66 extends into a hole 67 in a flange 68, which extends from a sliding member 69 mounted on the housing 14 to slide vertically within a recess 40. Thus, the pin 66 defines a second pivot axis P2 for the steering knuckle member 60. At the end opposite the knob 64, the steering knuckle member 60 includes two fingers 68a, 68b forming a V-shape.

[0034] refer to Figure 4D and Figure 4EThe sliding member 69 is slidably mounted on the support member 70 fixed to the base 12. Spring 71 ( Figure 4E The sliding member 69 is in a compressed state and engages with the support member 70. A switch 72 (e.g., a microswitch) is mounted to the support member 70 and positioned such that when the sliding member 69 slides upward, it engages the switch 72 (see...). Figure 4B ).

[0035] exist Figure 3A , Figure 4A , Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the stirring position shown, the latching system 50 is arranged such that the arm 52 is generally below the pivot axis P2. The lower end section 54b of the arm 52 is positioned to be captured below the frame 42 of the operating switch 41. The upper end section 54a of the arm 52 is located above the pivot axis P2, such that the pivot axis P1 is slightly radially inward of the pivot axis P2. This positioning establishes an “eccentric” arrangement of the lower end section 54b, the pivot axis P2, and the pivot axis P1, thus biasing the pivot axis P1 toward the housing 14. The pressure applied by the spring 71 to the sliding member 69 helps to keep the lower end section 54b positioned below the frame 42.

[0036] from Figure 4A and Figure 6 As can be seen, the fingers 68a and 68b capture the collar 18 used in the stirring mode. More specifically, the longer finger 68a engages the upper surface of the housing 14 and is positioned above the upper surface of the housing 14, while the shorter finger 68b engages the inner surface of the collar 18 and is positioned below the inner surface of the collar 18. The offset of the steering knuckle member 60 toward the lower end of the base 12 forces the fingers 68a and 68b against the collar 18 and the housing 14, thereby securing the collar 18 in place. Furthermore, one of the two fingers 73 extending downward from within the collar 18 (see...) Figure 6A It is fitted into the hole 46 in the base 12. The finger 73 is inserted into the hole 46 to activate the switch associated with the hole 46, thereby indicating that the stirring component is correctly positioned and stirring can begin.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the collar 18 is connected via a threaded interface (see...). Figure 6 The mixing unit 20 (which includes the mixing blade 22) is attached to the mixing tank 16, and the mixing tool unit 20 is mounted to the fitting 44. These individual components can be mounted together, individually, or in combination on the base 12. For example, in some embodiments, the mixing tool unit 20 can be fitted into the inner surface of the mixing tank 16 (via press fit or interference fit, optionally reinforced by washers), the mixing tank 16 can be screwed onto the collar 18, and the entire assembly can be mounted on the housing 14 when the steering knuckle member 60 rests on the upper surface of the housing 14 via the fingers 68a, as... Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown. Subsequently, arm 52 can pivot about pivot axis P2 and be pulled downward until the lower end segment 54b "clears" the lower edge of frame 42. This action forces the fingers 68a, 68b against the upper surface of housing 14 and the inner surface of collar 18, respectively. Spring 71 helps to hold the fingers 68a, 68b (and correspondingly collar 18, mixer tank 16, and mixing tool unit 20) in this position.

[0038] Now for reference Figure 3B , Figure 4C-4E , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The latch unit 40 in the juicing position is shown. Figure 4C and Figure 4D As shown, in the juicing position, the steering knuckle member 60 rotates about the pivot axis P2, such that the boss 62 and the fingers 68a, 68b are located below the pivot axis P2, and the fingers 68a, 68b extend generally downwards. The arm 52 rotates about the pivot axis P2, thus extending generally upwards (i.e., substantially inverted from its position in the stirring position), such that the end section 54b is at its highest point. From Figure 7 As can be seen, the end segment 54b is captured within the groove 120a above the tab 120b in the juicing cap 120. In the stirring position, the latching unit 40 is arranged eccentrically with the end segment 54b, pivot axis P2, and pivot axis P1. The spring 70 biases the sliding member 69 and subsequently downwards the arm 52, which causes the arm 52 to remain captured by the tab 120b.

[0039] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in juicing mode, the juicing bowl 118 is mounted on the housing 14. The pulp receiver 122 is also mounted on the housing 14. The lid 120 covers the juicing bowl and the pulp receiver 122. Figure 8 Juicing tool unit 130 is shown, which in particular includes an inner bowl 132 and a fitting 134. The inner bowl includes a cutting / juicing disc located at the bottom, and the fitting is received in fitting 44 to connect the juicing tool unit 130 to a motor 45. The cover 120 includes grooves 125 extending above and below the main surface of the cover 120 to provide a path for the pusher 124.

[0040] As described above and as Figure 8As shown, when the latching unit 50 is in the juicing position, the arm 52 captures the tab 120a in the lid 120. This secures the lid 120 to the bowl 118, which in turn forces the bowl 118 to be positioned on the upper surface of the housing 14. Securing the lid 120 also secures the pulp receiver 122 in place to receive the pulp produced by the juicing operation. Therefore, securing the latching unit 40 in the juicing position enables the blender / juicer 10 to be used for juicing operations. Figure 2 and Figure 7 It is also shown how the blender bowl 16 can be positioned below the juice outlet 126 in the juicing bowl 118 to receive the juice produced by the blender / juicer 10.

[0041] It should also be noted that, in the juicing position, the sliding member 69 is positioned upwards from its orientation in the stirring position (in comparison). Figure 4B and Figure 4D (This is when it is most clearly visible). This upward movement causes the sliding member 69 to engage the switch 72. This engagement allows the blender / juicer 10 to operate in juicing mode; conversely, the absence of this engagement prevents the blender / juicer 10 from operating in juicing mode.

[0042] Now for reference Figure 9 It can be seen that the bias of the latch unit 40 can prompt the user to use the juicer / blender 10 correctly. Figure 9 A juicing bowl 118, likely used for juicing, is shown positioned on the housing 14. However, the latching unit 40 is shown in the stirring position, with the fingers 68a, 68b of the steering knuckle member 60 engaged with the collar 18. Due to the presence of the fingers 68b, the juicing bowl 118 cannot be properly and fully positioned on the housing 14. Therefore, the latching unit 40 is arranged to prevent the components of the blender / juicer 10 from failing to properly lock the juicing bowl 118 onto the housing 14 in juicing mode (i.e., the juicing bowl 118 must be equipped with the latching unit 40 in the juicing position).

[0043] Those skilled in the art will understand that the juicer / blender 10 can take other forms. For example, the blending and / or juicing components can be modified such that the latching system 40 engages different components. As an example, the blender / juicer can be configured to lack a blender collar. In such a configuration, the latching system 40 can directly engage the blender bowl 16. As another example, the juicing component can be configured such that the lid 120 is secured to the juicer bowl 118 via a press-fit or a separate latch, such that the latching system 40 engages the juicer bowl 118 instead of the lid 120. Other configurations are also conceivable.

[0044] Furthermore, in some embodiments, one or both of the switches capable of stirring / juicing may be omitted, allowing the blender / juicer 10 to operate without the need for switches to be engaged.

[0045] Furthermore, the latching system 40 itself can be configured differently. As an example, the arm 52 can be formed of different materials (e.g., polymer materials). Optionally, one of the side segments 52, near the lower segment 54b, can be open, such that the lower segment 54b forms an L-shaped or C-shaped hook for engagement with the frame 22 and the mixer bowl 118. As another example, the sliding member 69 can be omitted, such that the pivot axis P2 is fixed relative to the housing 14. As yet another example, the steering knuckle member 60 can have more fingers, only a single finger, and / or can include features on the finger that improve engagement with the collar 18.

[0046] Furthermore, the latching system 40 can take a completely different form. As an example, the latching system may include an arm mounted to the housing 14 for pivoting about a horizontal axis extending radially outward from the base 12. Such an arm includes a C-shaped hook at one end and a pair of fingers resembling fingers 68a, 68b at the opposite end. The arm can rotate about the aforementioned pivot axis to position the C-shaped hook to engage with the juicing bowl (for juicing) or with the base, wherein the fingers will secure the collar 18 as described above. Other variations will also be conceived by those skilled in the art.

[0047] The foregoing is illustrative of the invention and should not be construed as limiting it. Although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily understand that many modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the invention. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims. The invention is defined by the following claims, and equivalents of the claims are included therein.

Claims

1. A blender / juicing machine, comprising: The base includes a rotation drive unit; A mixer assembly, the mixer assembly including a mixer tank and a mixing tool unit, the mixing tool unit being configured to be connected to the rotary drive unit; A juicer assembly, the juicer assembly including a juicing bowl and a juicing tool unit, the juicing tool unit being configured to be connected to the rotary drive unit; as well as A latching assembly is attached to the base and movable between a stirring position and a juicing position, wherein in the stirring position, the latching assembly engages the blender assembly to secure the blender assembly to the base, and in the juicing position, the latching assembly engages the juicer assembly to secure the juicer assembly to the base. The latching assembly includes an arm member configured such that, in the stirring position, the arm member engages a feature on the base, and in the juicing position, the arm member engages a feature on the juicer assembly. The latch assembly includes a steering knuckle member pivotally attached to the arm member at a first pivot axis and pivotally attached to the base at a second pivot axis.

2. The blender / juicing machine according to claim 1, wherein, In the juicing position, the arm member is substantially inverted from its position in the stirring position.

3. The blender / juicing machine according to claim 1, wherein, In the stirring position, the first pivot axis is above the second pivot axis, and in the juicing position, the second pivot axis is above the first pivot axis.

4. The blender / juicing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The juicer assembly includes a juicer lid positioned above the juicing bowl, and wherein, in the juicing position, the latch assembly engages the juicer lid.

5. The blender / juicing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The mixer assembly includes a mixer collar that engages with the base, and wherein, in the mixing position, the latch assembly engages the mixer collar.

6. The blender / juicer of claim 1, further comprising a switch mounted on the base, the switch being positioned and configured to (a) engage with the latching assembly when the latching assembly is in the juicing position to enable the blender / juicer to operate in juicing mode, and (b) prevent the blender / juicer from operating in juicing mode when the latching assembly is not in the juicing position.

7. A blender / juicing machine, comprising: The base includes a rotation drive unit; A mixer assembly, the mixer assembly including a mixer tank and a mixing tool unit, the mixing tool unit being configured to be connected to the rotary drive unit; A juicer assembly, the juicer assembly including a juicing bowl and a juicing tool unit, the juicing tool unit being configured to be connected to the rotary drive unit; as well as A latching assembly is attached to the base and is movable between a stirring position and a juicing position, wherein in the stirring position, the latching assembly engages the blender assembly to secure the blender assembly to the base, and in the juicing position, the latching assembly engages the juicer assembly to secure the juicer assembly to the base. The latching assembly is configured such that, in the stirring position, the latching assembly prevents the juicer assembly from properly engaging with the base. The latching assembly includes an arm member configured such that, in the stirring position, the arm member engages a feature on the base, and in the juicing position, the arm member engages a feature on the juicer assembly. The latch assembly includes a steering knuckle member pivotally attached to the arm member at a first pivot axis and pivotally attached to the base at a second pivot axis.

8. The blender / juicing machine according to claim 7, wherein, In the juicing position, the arm member is substantially inverted from its position in the stirring position.

9. The blender / juicing machine according to claim 7, wherein, In the stirring position, the first pivot axis is above the second pivot axis, and in the juicing position, the second pivot axis is above the first pivot axis.

10. The blender / juicing machine according to claim 7, wherein, The juicer assembly includes a juicer lid positioned above the juicing bowl, and wherein, in the juicing position, the latch assembly engages the juicer lid.

11. The blender / juicing machine according to claim 7, wherein, The mixer assembly includes a mixer collar that engages with the base, and wherein, in the mixing position, the latch assembly engages the mixer collar.

12. The blender / juicer of claim 7, further comprising a switch mounted on the base, the switch being positioned and configured to (a) engage with the latching assembly when the latching assembly is in the juicing position to enable the blender / juicer to operate in juicing mode, and (b) prevent the blender / juicer from operating in juicing mode when the latching assembly is not in the juicing position.

13. A blender / juicing machine, comprising: The base includes a rotation drive unit; A mixer assembly, the mixer assembly including a mixer tank and a mixing tool unit, the mixing tool unit being configured to be connected to the rotary drive unit; A juicer assembly, the juicer assembly including a juicing bowl and a juicing tool unit, the juicing tool unit being configured to be connected to the rotary drive unit; as well as A latching assembly attached to the base and movable between a stirring position and a juicing position, wherein in the stirring position, the latching assembly engages the blender assembly to secure the blender assembly to the base, and in the juicing position, the latching assembly engages the juicer assembly to secure the juicer assembly to the base, the latching assembly comprising: An arm member configured such that, in the stirring position, the arm member engages a feature on the base, and in the juicing position, the arm member engages a feature on the juicer assembly, wherein, in the juicing position, the arm member is substantially inverted from its positioning in the stirring position; and A steering knuckle member, which is pivotally attached to the arm member at a first pivot axis and pivotally attached to the base at a second pivot axis; In the stirring position, the first pivot axis is above the second pivot axis, and in the juicing position, the second pivot axis is above the first pivot axis.

14. The blender / juicer of claim 13, further comprising a switch mounted on the base, the switch being positioned and configured to (a) engage with the latching assembly when the latching assembly is in the juicing position to enable the blender / juicer to operate in juicing mode, and (b) prevent the blender / juicer from operating in juicing mode when the latching assembly is not in the juicing position.

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