Ventilation type utensil cover

Abstract

A vented appliance cover includes an outer sealing section having a rim and a shoulder defining a central opening, and a skirt; a central cap having a flange and a cup wherein, in the fully inserted position, the flange rests on the shoulder; a gap is formed between the inner diameter of the skirt part and the outer diameter of the cup part; the skirt has an expansion notch and the cup has a locking tab wherein the central cap is rotatable relative to the outer sealing section to align the locking tab with the expansion notch, and wherein the expansion notch allows the locking tab to travel a vertical distance equal to the height of the expansion notch; and wherein pressure on the center cap raises the center cap to create a vent path to the atmosphere while preventing the center cap from being ejected.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 256,188, filed on October 15, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to small kitchen appliances and, more particularly, to lids for such appliances, such as blenders. Background Art

[0004] When an appliance contains hot liquid, particularly an appliance in which the liquid is agitated, such as a blender, the agitation of the hot liquid rapidly heats the air inside the blender jar. The resulting increase in pressure within the jar can expel the hot liquid contents through any gaps that may be present, or actually push the jar lid out of position, allowing even greater amounts of hot liquid to quickly overflow from the jar. This creates a significant safety hazard, as the overflowing hot liquid may be heated enough to burn anyone located near the blender. Of course, even if no one is injured, the liquid expelled from the blender can create an extremely unpleasant mess that the user must clean up.

[0005] Many blenders on the market have a capped lid that is positioned in the center of the lid and held in place by a friction fit or locking tab, and if hot liquids are being blended, the cap can be removed to release pressure in the blender jar. However, when the center cap is in place, these blenders have a reduced capacity—typically marked with some form of "maximum" fill mark. In addition, because these products require the center cap to be removed to release pressure when the blender is in operation, the user must find some means to loosely cover the opening left by removing the center cap to prevent the liquid contents from overflowing while still allowing pressure to be released. Typically, the user holds a folded towel over the open portion of the lid. Other products utilize a center cap with a series of baffled vents that direct excess exhaust pressure to the atmosphere in a controlled manner while minimizing the release of liquid. However, these configurations are significantly more complex, more expensive, and more difficult to manufacture. When the lid is in place, these lids typically also occupy considerable space in the jar, which limits the capacity of the jar.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an improved device to allow pressure to be vented from a small appliance for use with heated liquids while also preventing the liquid from escaping the appliance. Utility Model Content

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a vented appliance cover comprising: an outer sealing section having a rim and a shoulder defining a central opening, and at least one downwardly depending skirt; a center cap having a flange and a cup depending downwardly from the flange, wherein the flange rests on the shoulder in a fully inserted position of the center cap relative to the outer sealing section; wherein at least a portion of the downwardly depending skirt is provided with an inner diameter spaced apart from an outer diameter of the downwardly depending cup by a gap, the gap forming a portion of a vent path between the outer sealing section and the center cap; the downwardly depending skirt having at least one expansion notch, and the downwardly depending cup having at least one locking tab, wherein the center cap is rotatable relative to the outer sealing section to align the locking tab with the expansion notch, and wherein the expansion notch allows the locking tab to travel a vertical distance equal to the height of the expansion notch; and wherein a force is applied to the underside of the center cap while the locking tab is aligned with the expansion notch to raise the center cap and separate the flange from the shoulder, thereby opening the vent path to the atmosphere.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vented appliance cover is provided, comprising: an outer sealing section having a rim and a shoulder defining a central opening, and at least one downwardly depending skirt; a center cap having a flange and at least one guide rail depending downwardly from the flange, wherein the flange rests on the shoulder when the center cap is in a fully inserted position within the center opening; a vent path between at least one downwardly depending skirt of the outer sealing section and the center cap; the downwardly depending skirt having at least one expansion notch, and at least one downwardly depending guide rail having at least one locking tab, wherein the center cap is rotatable relative to the outer sealing section so that at least one locking tab is aligned with at least one expansion notch, and wherein the expansion notch is provided at a height that allows the locking tab to travel a vertical distance equal to the height of the expansion notch; and wherein, while the locking tab is aligned with the expansion notch, a force is applied to the underside of the center cap to raise the center cap a vertical distance and separate the flange from the shoulder, thereby allowing the vent path to open to the atmosphere.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an associated method of closing the open top of an appliance can while allowing pressure to be generated, comprising the following steps: providing a vented appliance lid, comprising: an outer sealing section having a rim and shoulder defining a central opening, and at least one downwardly depending skirt; a center cap having a flange and a cup depending downwardly from the flange, wherein the flange rests on the shoulder in a fully inserted position of the center cap in the center opening; wherein at least a portion of the downwardly depending skirt is provided with an inner diameter spaced apart from an outer diameter of the downwardly depending cup by a gap, the gap defining a first portion of a vent path between the outer sealing section and the center cap; the downwardly depending skirt having at least one expanded notch, and the downwardly depending cup Having at least one locking tab, wherein the center cap can be rotated relative to the outer sealing section to align the at least one locking tab with the at least one expansion notch, and wherein the expansion notch is set at a height that allows the locking tab to travel a vertical distance equal to the height of the expansion notch; and wherein, while the locking tab is aligned with the expansion notch, a force is applied to the underside of the center cap to raise the center cap a vertical distance and separate the flange from the shoulder to allow a vent path to open to the atmosphere; the center cap is inserted into the outer sealing section by inserting the locking tab into at least one vertical tab track until the locking tab encounters a vertical tab stop; and the center cap is rotated until the locking tab is aligned with the at least one expansion notch so that the center cap can be raised without popping out of the outer sealing section.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vented appliance cover is provided, comprising: an outer sealing section having a rim and a shoulder defining a central opening, and at least one downwardly depending skirt; a central cap having a flange and a cup depending downwardly from the flange, wherein in a fully inserted position of the central cap in the central opening, the flange rests on the shoulder; wherein at least a portion of the downwardly depending skirt is provided with an inner diameter spaced apart from an outer diameter of the downwardly depending cup by a gap; the downwardly depending skirt has at least one expansion notch, and the downwardly depending cup has at least one locking protrusion The invention relates to a sheet, wherein the center cap is rotatable relative to the outer sealing section so that the at least one locking tab is aligned with the at least one expansion recess, and wherein the expansion recess is set at a height that allows the locking tab to travel a vertical distance equal to the height of the expansion recess; and wherein, while the locking tab is aligned with the expansion recess, a force is applied to the underside of the center cap to raise the center cap by the vertical distance and separate the flange from the shoulder, whereby the gap forms at least a portion of a ventilation path between the outer sealing section and the center cap and allows the ventilation path to open to the atmosphere.

[0011] Preferably, the downwardly depending skirt further includes at least one vertical tab track, the at least one vertical tab track having a vertical tab stop at the bottom end of the at least one vertical tab track, the vertical tab track extending below the lower edge of the downwardly depending skirt; and wherein the at least one vertical tab track is provided with a width sufficient to allow the locking tab to travel vertically within the at least one vertical tab track until the locking tab encounters the vertical tab stop.

[0012] Preferably, said at least one vertical tab track and vertical tab stop are located adjacent said expansion recess.

[0013] Preferably, one side of the vertical tab stop is open to allow the center cap to rotate relative to the outer seal segment in a direction toward the expansion recess once the center cap is fully inserted into the outer seal segment.

[0014] Preferably, the vented appliance cover further comprises a rotation stop located on a side of the expansion recess opposite to the at least one vertical tab track and the vertical tab stop, such that once the locking tab is roughly aligned with the expansion recess, the rotation stop prevents further rotation of the center cap.

[0015] Preferably, each of the locking tab and the expansion recess is provided with a corresponding chamfer to facilitate vertical travel of the locking tab into the expansion recess.

[0016] Preferably, the shoulder is provided with a gentle slope leading to the central opening.

[0017] Preferably, the gentle slope of the shoulder is rounded.

[0018] Preferably, said cap flange is provided with a profile corresponding to said gentle slope of said shoulder.

[0019] Preferably, the rim is provided with at least one lifting flange.

[0020] Preferably, the downwardly depending skirt is provided with at least one sealing flange configured for sealing engagement with the inner diameter of the blender jar.

[0021] Preferably, the cup is provided with at least one vertical guide rail, wherein the at least one vertical guide rail is configured for sliding engagement with the at least one vertical tab track, and wherein the locking tab is located on an outer surface of the at least one vertical guide rail.

[0022] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vented appliance cover is provided, comprising: an outer sealing section having a rim and a shoulder defining a central opening, and a downwardly depending skirt; a center cap having a flange and at least one guide rail depending downwardly from the flange, wherein the flange rests on the shoulder when the center cap is in a fully inserted position within the center opening; the downwardly depending skirt having at least one expansion notch, and at least one downwardly depending track having at least one locking tab, wherein the center cap is rotatable relative to the outer sealing section so that the at least one locking tab is aligned with the at least one expansion notch, and wherein the expansion notch is provided at a height that allows the locking tab to travel a vertical distance equal to the height of the expansion notch; and wherein, while the locking tab is aligned with the expansion notch, a force is applied to the underside of the center cap to raise the center cap the vertical distance and separate the flange from the shoulder, thereby creating at least a portion of a vent path between the downwardly depending skirt of the outer sealing section and the center cap and allowing the vent path to open to the atmosphere.

[0023] Preferably, the downwardly depending skirt further includes at least one vertical tab track having a vertical tab stop at a bottom end of the at least one vertical tab track, the vertical tab track extending below a lower edge of the downwardly depending skirt; and wherein the tab track is provided with a width sufficient to allow the guide rail to travel vertically within the vertical tab track until the locking tab encounters the vertical tab stop.

[0024] Preferably, the vertical tab track and the vertical tab stop are located adjacent the expansion recess.

[0025] Preferably, one side of the vertical tab stop is open to allow the center cap to rotate relative to the outer seal segment in a direction toward the expansion recess once the center cap is fully inserted into the outer seal segment.

[0026] Preferably, the vented appliance cover further comprises a rotation stop located on a side of the expansion recess opposite the vertical tab track and the vertical tab stop such that once the locking tab is aligned with the expansion recess, the rotation stop prevents further rotation of the center cap.

[0027] Preferably, each of the locking tab and the expansion recess is provided with a corresponding chamfer to facilitate vertical travel of the locking tab into the expansion recess.

[0028] Preferably, the shoulder is provided with a gentle slope leading to the central opening.

[0029] Preferably, the gentle slope of the shoulder is rounded.

[0030] Preferably, the cap flange is provided with a profile corresponding to the gentle slope of the shoulder.

[0031] Preferably, the rim is provided with at least one lifting flange.

[0032] Preferably, the downwardly depending skirt is provided with at least one sealing flange configured for sealing engagement with the inner diameter of the appliance canister.

[0033] These aspects are merely illustrative of the numerous aspects associated with the present disclosure and should not be considered as limiting in any manner. These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings to which reference is made. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Reference is now made more particularly to the drawings, which illustrate the best presently known mode of carrying out the disclosure and wherein like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the several views.

[0035] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a blender incorporating a vented appliance lid according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Partial cross-sectional view of a mixer.

[0037] Figure 3 is a top perspective view of a vented appliance cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A bottom perspective view of a vented device cover.

[0039] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 and Figure 4 A partial cross-sectional view of a vented appliance cover.

[0040] Figure 6 yes Figures 3 to 5 A partial cross-sectional view of a vented appliance cover.

[0041] Figure 7 is a top perspective view of an outer sealing section of a vented appliance cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A bottom perspective view of the outer sealing section of the vented device cover.

[0043] Fig. 9 yes Figure 7 and Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the outer sealing section of a vented appliance cover.

[0044] Fig.10 is a top perspective view of a center cap for a vented appliance cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 Side view of the center cap.

[0046] Fig.12 yes Fig.10 and Fig.11 A bottom-up stereoscopic view of the center cap.

[0047] Fig.13 yes Figures 10 to 12 A cross-sectional view of the center cap.

[0048] Fig.14 is a top perspective view of a center cap for a vented appliance cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] The following description of the technology is merely an illustrative description of the nature of the subject matter, manufacture and use of one or more utility models and is not intended to limit the scope, application or use of any particular utility model or patent issued therefrom in this or other applications claiming priority to this application. The following definitions and non-limiting guidelines must be considered when reviewing the description of the technology described herein.

[0050] The headings (such as "Introduction" and "Summary") and subheadings used herein are intended only for the general organization of the subject matter in the disclosure and are not intended to limit the disclosure of the technology or any aspect thereof. In particular, the subject matter disclosed in the "Introduction" may include novel technology and may not constitute a description of the prior art. The subject matter disclosed in the "Summary" is not an exhaustive or complete disclosure of the entire scope of the technology or any embodiment thereof. The classification or discussion of materials with particular utility in portions of this specification is for convenience, and it should not be inferred that the material must necessarily or exclusively function according to its classification when used in any given composition.

[0051] The citation of references herein does not constitute an admission that these references are prior art or have any relevance to the patentability of the technology disclosed herein.All references cited in the "Detailed Description" section of this specification are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0052] The description and specific examples, while stating embodiments of the technology, are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the technology. Furthermore, recitation of multiple embodiments having stated features is not intended to exclude other embodiments having additional features, or other embodiments incorporating different combinations of the stated features. Specific examples are provided for the purpose of illustrating how to make and use devices and systems of the technology, and are not intended to represent that a given embodiment of the technology has or has not been made or tested, unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0053] As described herein, unless otherwise specified, all composition percentages are by weight of the total composition. As used herein, the word "includes" and its variants are intended to be non-restrictive, such that the statement of an item in a list does not exclude other similar items that may also be used in the materials, compositions, devices, and methods of this technology. Similarly, the terms "can" and "may" and their variants are intended to be non-restrictive, such that the statement that an embodiment can or may include certain elements or features does not exclude other embodiments of the present technology that do not include these elements or features.

[0054] As used herein, "a" and "an" mean that there is "at least one" of the item; if possible, there can be multiple such items. When "about" is applied to a numerical value, it means that the calculation or measurement allows for some slight imprecision in the numerical value (somewhat close to exact in the numerical value; approximately or reasonably close to the numerical value; about the same). If for some reason the imprecision provided by "about" cannot be understood in the art as such ordinary meaning, then "about" as used herein at least indicates the variation that may be caused by ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters. In addition, the disclosure of a range includes the disclosure of all different values ​​and further divided ranges within the entire range.

[0055] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A blender 10 is shown that includes an embodiment of a vented appliance lid 14 according to the present disclosure. Although the vented appliance lid 14 is described as a blender lid in the embodiment shown herein, it should be understood that embodiments of the lid 14 may be used with other kitchen appliances. However, in the current embodiment, the vented appliance lid 14 closes the open upper end of the blender jar 12 to contain the contents of the blender 10 during operation.

[0056] Figures 3 to 6An embodiment of a vented appliance lid 14 is further illustrated in greater detail. The vented appliance lid 14 includes an annular outer sealing section 16 and a center cap 18. The center cap 18 is inserted through a center opening 20 in the outer sealing section 16. The outer sealing section 16 includes a lid rim 22 having an extension at one area to form a lifting flange 24 that a user can grasp to pull the vented appliance lid 14 upwardly out of the blender jar 12. An outer skirt 26 depending downwardly on the underside of the lid rim 22 is provided with one or more flexible sealing flanges 28. When the vented appliance lid 14 is inserted into the blender jar 12, the sealing flanges engage the inner surface of the blender jar 12 to form a seal between the vented appliance lid 14 and the blender jar 12.

[0057] Figures 7 to 9 The outer seal section 16 of the exemplary vented appliance lid 14 is shown in more detail. The outer seal section 16 is provided with a lid shoulder 30 that follows the inner circumference of the lid rim 22 and surrounds the central opening 20. In addition to the outer skirt 26, the outer seal section 16 also includes an inner skirt 32 that also depends downwardly from the lid rim 22. The lid shoulder 30 connects the lid rim 22 to the inner skirt 32. In a preferred embodiment, the lid shoulder 30 is provided with a downward slope, which may be curved, leading to the central opening 20.

[0058] The inner skirt 32 includes a plurality of features to facilitate the desired engagement with the center cap 18. Although these features will be described here, a more detailed description of their interaction with corresponding features of the center cap 18 will be presented below. The inner surface of the inner skirt 32 is provided with an inwardly extending section that forms a ledge 34 that extends partially around the circumference of the inner skirt 32. The ledge 34 is interrupted by at least one (two in a preferred embodiment) vertical tab track 36. There may be a chamfered transition surface leading from the ledge 34 to the vertical tab track 36. A vertical tab stop 38 is located at the bottom of each vertical tab track 36. The vertical tab track 36 extends and the vertical tab stop 38 is located below the bottom edge of the inner skirt 32. Adjacent to the vertical tab track 36 and the vertical tab stop 38 but slightly spaced apart in the circumferential direction is an expanded notch 40 that extends upward toward the lid rim 22. The rotation stop 42 is located distally of the expansion recess 40 relative to the vertical tab track 36 and the vertical tab stop 38. The rotation stop 42 extends downwardly from the bottom edge of the inner skirt 32.

[0059] Figures 10 to 13The center cap 18 of the illustrated embodiment of the vented appliance lid 14 is illustrated. The center cap 18 is configured to be inserted into and selectively secured within the center opening 20 of the outer seal segment 16. However, corresponding features of the center cap 18 and the outer seal segment 16 are configured to cooperate with each other to allow a desired amount of vertical displacement of the center cap 18 relative to the outer seal segment 16 while still preventing the center cap 18 from being ejected from the center opening 20 due to any increase in pressure within the blender jar 14. The controlled vertical displacement of the center cap 18 creates a vent path to release pressure from the interior of the blender jar 14 while minimizing spillage of the liquid contents of the blender jar 14.

[0060] The center cap 18 includes a cap flange 50, a cap shoulder 52, and a cup 54. The cap flange 50 and the shoulder 52 are configured to fit matingly within the lid rim 22 and the lid shoulder 30. As the cap flange 50 transitions toward the cap shoulder 52, the underside of the cap flange 50 is preferably provided with a concave surface that matches the shape of the lid shoulder 30. As a result, when the center cap 18 is fully inserted into the center opening 20, the cap flange 50 rests on the lid shoulder 30 to close the gap between the outer sealing section 16 and the center cap 18.

[0061] At least a portion of the circumference of the cup portion 54 is provided with an outer diameter that is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the inner skirt portion 32. This size difference allows the gap between the two components to form part of a vent path between the two components to allow pressure from the interior of the blender jar 14 to escape to the atmosphere. Figure 5 14. The center cap 18 is shown as arrow A in the figure. When the center cap 18 is fully inserted into the center opening 20, the engagement of the cap flange 50 with the lid shoulder 30 closes the gap between the two components. However, if the center cap 18 is slightly lifted, the cap flange 50 separates from the lid shoulder 30. This separation of the cap flange 50 from the lid shoulder 30 opens a vent path A between the cup 54 and the inner skirt 32 to allow pressure from the blender jar 14 to vent to the atmosphere. In response to the increased pressure within the blender jar 14, the center cap 18 lifts to separate the cap flange 50 from the lid shoulder 30, thereby opening the vent path A.

[0062] In one embodiment, the vent path A created by separating the cap flange 50 from the cover shoulder 30 has a width of at least 506 mm according to UL specifications. 2 However, the vent path A, and more particularly, the components of the outer seal segment 16 and the center cap 18, can be adjusted to provide a vent path area suitable for a particular application.

[0063] The outer surface of the cup 54 is provided with at least one, preferably two, locking tabs 56 that engage with the above-mentioned features of the inner skirt 32. Each locking tab 56 may be located on a guide track 58. The guide track 58 appropriately positions the locking tab 56 so that it can engage with a corresponding feature of the inner skirt while the remainder of the cup 54 remains spaced apart from the inner skirt 32. In particular, the guide track 58 positions the locking tab 56 so that it extends beyond the diameter of the inner skirt ledge 34 but within the depth of the corresponding vertical tab track 36. The locking tab 56 is horizontally oriented and may be provided with a chamfer at one corner to facilitate engagement with a feature of the inner skirt 32, as described below.

[0064] The cup portion 54 may be provided with measurement markings, such as 1 tablespoon, 2 tablespoons, 3 tablespoons, and the like. Figure 5 , to allow the cup portion 54 to also be used as a measuring cup.

[0065] The engagement of the corresponding features of the center cap 18 and the inner skirt 32 is Figures 3 to 6 34. When the center cap 18 is inserted into the center opening 20, full insertion may be prevented by the locking tabs 56 being blocked by the inner skirt ledge 34. To further insert the center cap 18, the center cap 18 must be rotated to align one or more locking tabs 56 with the corresponding one or more vertical tab tracks 36. The larger diameter of the inner skirt 32 at the location of the vertical tab tracks 36 allows the locking tabs 56 to pass through until they encounter the vertical tab stops 38, which blocks further insertion.

[0066] Note that at the same time, the underside of the cap shoulder 52 may encounter the inner skirt ledge 34. Thus, there may be two positions at which further insertion of the center cap 18 is forcibly stopped. In addition, the engagement of the cap shoulder 52 and the inner skirt ledge 34 may serve as an additional closure of the vent path A between the outer sealing segment 16 and the center cap 18.

[0067] Although further downward vertical movement of the center cap 18 is blocked once the locking tab 56 reaches the vertical tab stop 38, the center cap 18 can still be rotated relative to the outer seal segment 16. The center cap 18 is provided with a handle 60 to facilitate rotation of the center cap 18. Rotation of the center cap 18 moves the locking tab 56 to align with the expansion recess 40. Alignment of the locking tab 56 with the expansion recess 40 is facilitated by the rotation stop 42, which prevents the center cap 18 from being further rotated beyond the desired alignment position. This position is also referred to as the "locked" position of the center cap 18. For example, Figure 4 As shown, the top of the outer sealing section 16 may be provided with symbols or text to indicate to the user whether the center cap is in the locked position or the unlocked position.

[0068] The alignment of the locking tab 56 with the upwardly extending expansion notch 40 allows the locking tab 56 and therefore the center cap 18 to move vertically by an amount equal to the height (t) of the expansion notch 40. As described above, when the center cap 18 is allowed to lift relative to the outer sealing section 16, the cap flange 50 is slightly lifted away from the lid shoulder 30, which opens the vent path A from the interior of the blender jar 14, through the gap between the inner skirt 32 and the cup 54, through the now open gap between the cup flange 50 and the lid shoulder 30 to the atmosphere. In addition, in embodiments where the bottom of the cap shoulder 52 can engage the inner skirt rim 34, the lifting of the center cap 18 will also separate the two components to prevent their engagement to keep the vent path A closed.

[0069] Thus, as pressure increases within the blender jar 14, the greater pressure below the center cap 18 lifts it from opening the vent path A. However, continued engagement of the locking tab 56 with the expanded notch 40 prevents the center cap 18 from being ejected. As the internal pressure within the blender jar 12 decreases as excess pressure is vented, the pressure above and below the center cap 18 equalizes, allowing the center cap 18 to drop back to a position where the discharge path A is closed.

[0070] The arrangement of the cap flange 50 and the lid shoulder 30 also operates to minimize overflowing liquid while still allowing excess pressure within the blender jar 12 to be vented. The steam that overflows from the blender jar 12 through the vent path A will contain a large amount of moisture. As the steam flows along the vent path A, its pressure drops rapidly with temperature, which causes the moisture contained in the steam to condense on the surface of the vented appliance lid 14. As the steam rises along the vent path A of the vented appliance lid 14, it encounters the underside of the cap flange 50, which tends to collect condensed moisture from the overflowing steam. This condensed fluid falls from the cap flange 50 and is directed back toward the vent path A by the downwardly inclined lid shoulder 30, and is directed below the vent path A so that it returns to the blender jar 12.

[0071] Fig.14 Another embodiment of a cap 118 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the cap does not include a cup. Instead, only one or more downwardly depending rails 158 extend from the cap flange 152. Each rail 158 includes a locking tab 156. The remainder of the cap 118 incorporates features similar to the cap 18, including the flange 150 and the handle 160. The cap 118 cooperates with the outer sealing section of the exemplary vented appliance cover described above.

[0072] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described above to explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, so that other technical personnel in the field can make use of the present invention. However, since various modifications can be made to the constructions and methods described and illustrated herein without departing from the scope of the present invention, all contents contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings, including all materials expressly incorporated herein by reference, should be interpreted as illustrative rather than restrictive. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by the above exemplary embodiments, but should only be defined according to the attached claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A ventilated appliance cover, characterized in that: include: an outer seal section having a rim and shoulder defining a central opening, and at least one downwardly depending skirt; a center cap having a flange and a cup depending downwardly from said flange, wherein said flange rests on said shoulder in a fully inserted position of said center cap within said center opening; wherein at least a portion of the downwardly depending skirt is provided with an inner diameter spaced apart from an outer diameter of the downwardly depending cup; the downwardly depending skirt having at least one expansion notch and the downwardly depending cup having at least one locking tab, wherein the center cap is rotatable relative to the outer seal segment to align the at least one locking tab with the at least one expansion notch, and wherein the expansion notch is disposed at a height that allows the locking tab to travel a vertical distance equal to the height of the expansion notch; and Wherein, while the locking tab is aligned with the expansion recess, a force is applied to the underside of the center cap to raise the center cap the vertical distance and separate the flange from the shoulder, whereby the gap forms at least a portion of a vent path between the outer sealing section and the center cap and allows the vent path to open to the atmosphere.

2. The ventilated appliance cover according to claim 1, characterized in that: The downwardly depending skirt further comprises at least one vertical tab track having a vertical tab stop at a bottom end of the at least one vertical tab track, the vertical tab track extending below a lower edge of the downwardly depending skirt; and Wherein, the at least one vertical tab track is provided with a width sufficient to allow the locking tab to travel vertically within the at least one vertical tab track until the locking tab encounters the vertical tab stop.

3. The ventilated appliance cover according to claim 2, characterized in that: The at least one vertical tab track and vertical tab stop are located adjacent the expansion recess.

4. The ventilated appliance cover according to claim 3, characterized in that: One side of the vertical tab stop is open to allow the center cap to rotate relative to the outer seal segment in a direction toward the expansion recess once the center cap is fully inserted into the outer seal segment.

5. The ventilated appliance cover according to claim 4, characterized in that: It further includes a rotation stop located on a side of the expansion recess opposite the at least one vertical tab track and the vertical tab stop, such that once the locking tab is substantially aligned with the expansion recess, the rotation stop prevents further rotation of the center cap.

6. The ventilated appliance cover according to claim 5, characterized in that: Each of the locking tab and the expansion recess is provided with a corresponding chamfer to facilitate vertical travel of the locking tab into the expansion recess.

7. The ventilated appliance cover according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shoulder is provided with a gentle slope leading to the central opening.

8. The ventilated appliance cover according to claim 7, characterized in that: The gentle slope of the shoulder is rounded.

9. The ventilated appliance cover according to claim 7, characterized in that: The cap flange is provided with a profile corresponding to the gentle slope of the shoulder.

10. The ventilated appliance cover according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rim is provided with at least one lifting flange.

11. The ventilated appliance cover according to claim 1, characterized in that: The downwardly depending skirt is provided with at least one sealing flange configured for sealing engagement with an inner diameter of a blender jar.

12. The ventilated appliance cover according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cup is provided with at least one vertical rail, wherein the at least one vertical rail is configured for sliding engagement with the at least one vertical tab track, and wherein the locking tab is located on an outer surface of the at least one vertical rail.

13. A ventilated appliance cover, characterized in that: include: an outer seal section having a rim and shoulder defining a central opening, and a downwardly depending skirt; a center cap having a flange and at least one rail depending downwardly from said flange, wherein said flange rests on said shoulder in a fully inserted position of said center cap within said center opening; the downwardly depending skirt having at least one expansion notch and at least one downwardly depending track having at least one locking tab, wherein the center cap is rotatable relative to the outer seal segment to align the at least one locking tab with the at least one expansion notch, and wherein the expansion notch is disposed at a height that allows the locking tab to travel a vertical distance equal to the height of the expansion notch; and wherein, while the locking tab is aligned with the expansion notch, a force is applied to the underside of the center cap to raise the center cap the vertical distance and separate the flange from the shoulder, thereby creating at least a portion of a vent path between the downwardly depending skirt of the outer sealing section and the center cap and allowing the vent path to open to the atmosphere.

14. The ventilated appliance cover according to claim 13, characterized in that: The downwardly depending skirt further comprises at least one vertical tab track having a vertical tab stop at a bottom end of the at least one vertical tab track, the vertical tab track extending below a lower edge of the downwardly depending skirt; and Wherein, the tab track is provided with a width sufficient to allow the guide rail to travel vertically within the vertical tab track until the locking tab encounters the vertical tab stop.

15. The ventilated appliance cover according to claim 14, characterized in that: The vertical tab track and the vertical tab stop are located adjacent the expansion recess.

16. The ventilated appliance cover according to claim 15, characterized in that: One side of the vertical tab stop is open to allow the center cap to rotate relative to the outer seal segment in a direction toward the expansion recess once the center cap is fully inserted into the outer seal segment.

17. The ventilated appliance cover according to claim 16, characterized in that: It further includes a rotation stop located on a side of the expansion recess opposite the vertical tab track and vertical tab stop such that once the locking tab is aligned with the expansion recess, the rotation stop prevents further rotation of the center cap.

18. The ventilated appliance cover according to claim 17, characterized in that: Each of the locking tab and the expansion recess is provided with a corresponding chamfer to facilitate vertical travel of the locking tab into the expansion recess.

19. The ventilated appliance cover according to claim 13, wherein: The shoulder is provided with a gentle slope leading to the central opening.

20. The vented appliance cover according to claim 19, wherein: The gentle slope of the shoulder is rounded.

21. The ventilated appliance cover according to claim 19, wherein: The cap flange is provided with a profile corresponding to the gentle slope of the shoulder.

22. The vented appliance cover according to claim 13, wherein: The rim is provided with at least one lifting flange.

23. The ventilated appliance cover according to claim 13, wherein: The downwardly depending skirt is provided with at least one sealing flange configured for sealing engagement with an inner diameter of a utensil canister.

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