Plunger retaining assembly for micro puree machine and micro puree machine

Abstract

The utility model discloses a plunger retaining assembly for a micro puree machine and the micro puree machine. The plunger retention assembly for a micropuree machine includes a lid coupleable to a cup. The cover defines a central passage through an interior of the cover. A plunger coupling may extend through the central passage. A plunger has an attachment portion insertable through the central passage from a bottom surface of the cap. The attachment portion defines a passage for removably receiving the plunger coupling portion. The present disclosure facilitates complete sealing of the mixing cup during processing while also allowing the nozzle to be opened to dispense ingredients.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 579,599, titled "Automatic Cup Lock for Mini - Puree Machine", filed on August 30, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a food processing device, and more particularly, to a mini - puree machine having an automatic lock for locking a processing bowl to the machine / a sealable processing bowl. Background Art

[0004] Household kitchen appliances are known in the art for making ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt, smoothies, etc. Typically, a user adds a series of non - frozen ingredients to a mixing bowl that has usually been pre - cooled in a refrigerator. Then the ingredients are agitated with one or more paddles (sometimes called beaters), while a refrigeration mechanism freezes the ingredients simultaneously. These devices have known drawbacks, including but not limited to, the time and effort required by the user to complete the ice cream - making process. Such machines are also impractical for preparing most non - dessert foods.

[0005] Another known type of machine for making frozen foods can be referred to as a mini - puree machine. Typically, a machine of this nature rotates a blade and inserts the blade into a pre - frozen ingredient or combination of ingredients. In addition to being able to make frozen desserts such as ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt, smoothies, etc., a mini - puree machine can also prepare non - dessert - type foods, such as non - dessert purees and mousses. Summary of the Utility Model

[0006] In various embodiments, the present disclosure describes illustrative systems, methods, and devices that facilitate fully sealing a mixing bowl during processing while also allowing an opening nozzle to dispense ingredients.

[0007] In an embodiment, the plunger retention assembly for a mini - puree machine of the present disclosure includes a lid that can be coupled to a cup. The lid defines a central passage through the interior of the lid. A plunger coupling can extend through the central passage. The plunger has an attachment portion that can be inserted through the central passage from the bottom surface of the lid. The attachment portion defines a passage for removably receiving the plunger coupling.

[0008] In another embodiment, the lid includes at least one retaining member inside the lid. The outer surface of the attachment portion includes at least one engagement feature for engaging with the at least one retaining member. The at least one retaining member is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the at least one retaining member engages with the engagement feature to hold the plunger in the lid. In the second position, the at least one retaining member disengages from the engagement feature to allow the removal of the plunger from the lid. In an embodiment, the at least one retaining member is four retaining members. In an embodiment, the at least one retaining member is biased towards the central channel. In an embodiment, the lid has a release lever operably coupled to the at least one retaining member to move the at least one retaining member between the first position and the second position. In an embodiment, the plunger coupling portion is configured to move with a driven shaft of a micro puree machine. In an embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the attachment portion is rectangular. In an embodiment, the at least one engagement feature is four engagement features. In an embodiment, the bottom surface of the lid defines an opening in communication with the central channel. In an embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the opening corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the attachment portion. In an embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the opening is rectangular. In an embodiment, the at least one engagement feature has an upper inclined protrusion for engaging with the lower inclined surface of the at least one retaining member to move the at least one retaining member away from the central channel when the attachment portion is inserted into the channel. In an embodiment, the passage of the attachment portion includes at least one protrusion for engaging with a corresponding slot defined on the outer surface of the plunger coupling portion. In an embodiment, when the at least one protrusion is rotated into the corresponding slot, the plunger is locked to the plunger coupling portion. In an embodiment, the at least one protrusion is four protrusions. In an embodiment, the diameter of the upper portion of the corresponding slot is selected to be wider than the diameter of the lower portion of the corresponding slot, such that a shelf is defined between the upper portion and the lower portion. The shelf is configured to prevent the at least one protrusion from disengaging from the corresponding slot. In an embodiment, the plunger and the plunger coupling portion further include corresponding tactile features for providing a tactile input to the user that the plunger is properly installed in the plunger coupling portion.

[0009] Embodiments of the micro puree machine of the present disclosure include a plunger retaining assembly. The plunger retaining assembly includes a lid that can be coupled to a cup. The lid defines a central channel passing through the interior of the lid. A plunger coupling portion can extend through the central channel of the lid. The plunger has an attachment portion inserted through the central channel from the bottom surface of the lid. The attachment portion defines a passage for removably receiving the plunger coupling portion.

[0010] In other embodiments, the inside of the cap includes at least one retaining member. The outer surface of the attachment portion includes at least one engagement feature for engaging with the at least one retaining member. The at least one retaining member is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the at least one retaining member engages with the engagement feature to hold the plunger in the cap. In the second position, the at least one retaining member disengages from the engagement feature to allow removal of the plunger from the cap. In an embodiment, the through portion of the attachment portion includes at least one protrusion for engaging a corresponding slot defined on the outer surface of the plunger coupling portion.

[0011] Reading the following detailed description and reviewing the related drawings will make the advantages of these and other structures apparent. The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely explanatory and do not limit the aspects of the present disclosure that are claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Reference will be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1A An isometric view of a micro puree machine according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0014] Figure 1B A micro puree machine is shown with a cup assembly removed from a housing according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1A of the micro puree machine.

[0015] Figures 1C to 1G Illustrates an embodiment of an extrusion assembly, a cup assembly, and / or a nozzle assembly of a micro puree machine according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 1A of the micro puree machine;

[0016] Figure 2A Illustrates a portion of another micro puree machine according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 2B Illustrates a flip-up cup assembly that can be coupled to a micro puree machine according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 2A of the micro puree machine;

[0018] Figure 3A Shows another flip-up cup assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 3B Shows a blade of a flip-up cup assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 3A of the flip-up cup assembly;

[0020] Figure 3C Is according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 3A andFigure 3B Cross-sectional view of the reversible cup assembly and the first lid;

[0021] Figure 3D Detail view showing an embodiment of a plunger coupled to the underside of a second lid, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Illustrates the use of a Figures 3A to 3D reversible cup assembly, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figures 5A to 5F Illustrates another micro puree machine, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 6A and Figure 6B Illustrates a micro puree machine with an automatic cup lock, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figures 7A to 7J Illustrates a plunger retaining assembly, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0026] Figures 8A to 8G Illustrates a plunger locking assembly, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0027] In the following description, regardless of the different illustrated embodiments, the same components have the same reference numerals. For clarity and conciseness in illustrating the embodiments, the drawings may not necessarily reflect proper proportions and may have certain structures shown in a schematic form. The present disclosure may illustrate and / or describe structures in one embodiment, in one or more other embodiments in the same manner or in a similar manner and / or in combination with the structures of other embodiments or in place of the structures of other embodiments.

[0028] In the specification and claims, for the purposes of describing and defining the present invention, the terms "about" and "substantially" represent the inherent degree of uncertainty attributable to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. The terms "about" and "substantially" also represent the degree to which a quantitative representation may vary from the stated reference without causing a change in the basic function of the subject matter being discussed. Open-ended terms such as "comprising," "including," and the plural form of each include the listed parts and may include additional parts not listed, while terms such as "and / or" include one or more of the listed parts and combinations of the listed parts. The use of terms such as "top," "bottom," "above," "below," etc. is only for the purpose of clearly illustrating the present disclosure and does not limit the structure, orientation, and / or operation of the present disclosure in any way.

[0029] Notably, the mechanisms and techniques described herein can be used to construct machines for processing (e.g., micro-pureeing and perhaps aerating) and extruding ice cream and other frozen ingredients. That is, both the processing and extrusion functions can be performed by a single machine. In such a machine, the same shaft can be used to drive a blade to process the frozen ingredients in a cup (i.e., a container), and to drive a plunger to extrude the processed ingredients from the cup. Additionally, such a machine can include a user interface that enables a user to control the execution time of each function. In some implementations of such a machine, a first shaft can be used to drive processing, a second shaft can be used to drive extrusion, and such implementations can be considered to have a first subsystem or module for processing and a second subsystem or module for extrusion.

[0030] In some embodiments, a single lid (e.g., on the open end of the cup) can be provided that houses (or is coupled to) a blade for processing the ingredients and also houses (or is coupled to) a plunger for extruding the processed ingredients. In such embodiments, as described in more detail elsewhere herein, a single shaft driven by one or more motors (e.g., one motor for driving the blade to rotate; another motor for driving the driven shaft to move linearly along its axis) can drive both the processing using the blade and the extrusion using the plunger, and the end of the cup opposite the lid can include an opening for extruding the processed ingredients from the cup.

[0031] In other embodiments, to enable the performance of both functions, the user can flip the processing cup from a first arrangement to a second arrangement, in which the driven shaft engages a blade at a first end of the processing cup (e.g., a blade housed in or coupled to a first lid at the first open end of the processing cup), and in the second arrangement, the driven shaft engages a plunger at a second end of the processing cup (e.g., a plunger housed in or coupled to a second lid at the open second end of the processing cup), as described in more detail herein. In such embodiments, the first lid can also include an opening for extruding the ingredients from the cup during extrusion using the plunger in the second arrangement. Additionally, in such embodiments, a single shaft driven by one or more motors can drive both the processing using the blade and the extrusion using the plunger, as described in more detail elsewhere herein.

[0032] In other embodiments, to be able to perform two functions, the user may replace a first lid for processing (e.g., housing or coupled to a blade) with a second lid for extrusion (e.g., housing or coupled to a plunger) from the open end of the processing cup, as described in more detail elsewhere herein. In such an embodiment, a single shaft driven by one or more motors may drive both processing using a blade and extrusion using a plunger, or alternatively, a separate shaft may be used for extrusion, where such a separate shaft drives the plunger, as described in more detail elsewhere herein.

[0033] Figure 1A An isometric view of a micro puree machine 10 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1B The cup assembly 350 removed from the housing 120 of a micro puree machine 10 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1A of the micro puree machine 10. Figures 1C to 1G Embodiments of an extrusion assembly, a cup assembly, and / or a nozzle assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated.

[0034] The micro puree machine 10 may include a housing 120, which may include a user interface (not shown) for receiving user input to control the micro puree machine 10 and / or display information. The micro puree machine 10 may also include a cup assembly 350 and a nozzle assembly 603. The combination of the nozzle assembly 603 and the cup assembly 350, which may include a lid 400 configured for extrusion, may be referred to herein as an extrusion assembly. The nozzle assembly 603 may include a nozzle housing 607 and a nozzle 608.

[0035] The cup assembly 350 may include a cup 352 configured to hold one or more processed ingredients, ingredients to be processed, or ingredients being processed. The user may couple the cup assembly 350 to the housing 120 by rotating the cup assembly 350 relative to the housing 120 (e.g., using a threaded or bayonet connection), or by other coupling mechanisms and / or techniques. The cup assembly 350 may be assembled to the housing 120 in a manner such that a central axis A of the cup assembly 350 extends perpendicular to a vertical axis V of the housing 120, as shown. However, the present disclosure contemplates that the cup assembly 350 may be assembled to the housing 120 in a manner such that the central axis A extends at an angle between 0° and 90° relative to the vertical axis (e.g., as described in U.S. Patent No. 11,759,057 (‘057 patent) of SharkNinja Operating, LLC, the entire content of which is incorporated by reference), or the cup assembly 350 may be assembled to the housing 120 in a manner such that the central axis of the cup assembly 350 extends parallel to the vertical axis V (e.g., as described in U.S. Patent No. 11,871,765 (‘756 patent) of SharkNinja Operating, LLC, the entire content of which is incorporated by reference). In an embodiment, the cup 352 of the cup assembly 350 may be made of a disposable material to enhance the convenience of using the micro puree machine 10. Additionally, the cup 352 may be sold as a separate item and may also be pre-filled with ingredients to be processed during use of the micro puree machine 10.

[0036] As Figure 1B shown, the housing 120 may include a coupling portion 500 disposed within an opening 140 of the housing 120. An inner surface 502 of the coupling portion 500 may include positioning and locking elements for positioning and connecting the cup assembly 350 to the coupling portion 500 in two different configurations, as described elsewhere herein. The micro puree machine 10 may also include a nozzle 608 coupleable to the cup assembly 350 for extruding processed ingredients from the cup assembly 350. The nozzle 608 may be configured such that the ingredients are extruded in a vertically downward direction, such that the user may place an ice cream cone, cup, glass, or other edible or inedible receptacle below the nozzle to receive the extruded ingredients. The present disclosure also contemplates that multiple nozzle shapes may be provided to allow the user to customize. For example, multiple nozzles may be included on a rotatable turntable that allows the user to select a desired nozzle shape. In other embodiments, the extrusion function may be integrated into a program on the user interface at a predetermined translation speed / flow rate.

[0037] As Figure 1CAs shown, the first end 352a of the cup 352 can be configured to be coupled to both the first lid 440 and the second lid 450. The first lid 440 can include a blade 300 for processing ingredients, for example, a blade as described in the '765 patent. When the lid 440 is coupled to the cup 352 (e.g., via mating threads on the cup and the lid), the cup assembly 350 can be considered to be in a processing configuration and can be coupled to the housing via the coupling portion 500. The lid 440 can have on its outer sidewall positioning and locking elements 442 configured to be coupled to the positioning and locking elements on the inner surface 502 of the coupling portion 500. The second lid 450 can include a plunger 454 for extruding ingredients. Additionally, the plunger 454 can include a flexible seal around its perimeter to ensure contact (e.g., maximum contact) with the sidewall of the cup 352, thereby allowing optimal (e.g., maximum) extrusion throughput. When the lid 450 is coupled to the cup 352 (e.g., via mating threads on the cup and the lid), the cup assembly 350 can be considered to be in an extrusion configuration and can be coupled to the housing via the coupling portion 500. The lid 450 can have on its outer sidewall positioning and locking elements 452 configured to be coupled to the positioning and locking elements on the inner surface 502 of the coupling portion 500.

[0038] The second end 352b of the cup 352 can include a central opening 604 or a non - central opening having a coupling collar 606. The coupling collar 606 can include threads or other types of coupling features, for example, slots or cams for snap - fitting. For example, during processing, the opening 604 can be closed by a cap 605, which can be removed during extrusion. The cap 605 can include internal threads (not shown) or other coupling features that allow it to be coupled to the coupling collar 606. The opening 604 can also be in fluid communication with a nozzle 608. For example, the opening 604 can be in fluid communication with the nozzle via a conduit (e.g., a plastic tube) that extends from the opening 604 to the nozzle 608, for example, within a nozzle assembly 603. In an embodiment, such a conduit can include one or more segments connected by joints (e.g., elbow joints) to convert the extrusion direction (e.g., horizontal) from the opening 604 to the extrusion direction (e.g., vertically downward) from the nozzle 608.

[0039] As Figure 1DAs shown, a user may attach a first lid 440 to the cup 352 and couple the cup assembly 350 to the micro - puree machine 10 using the coupling features described herein. The lid 440 may be configured (e.g., as described in the '765 patent) such that when the lid 440 is coupled to the housing 120, the blade 300 engages the driven shaft 250 and disengages from the lid 440. Using a user interface (e.g., as described in the '057 patent), the user may activate a program that controls the rotation and movement (e.g., lowering or horizontal or angled movement) of the blade 300 into the ingredients in the cup 352 to process (e.g., micro - puree) the ingredients. It should be understood that in some embodiments, as Figure 1D shown, even if, for example, no extrusion is performed during processing, the nozzle assembly 603 or one or more of its components (e.g., the nozzle 608) may be coupled to the second end 352b of the cup 350 (and possibly to the housing). In such embodiments, the opening 604 may be closed, for example, using a cap 605 or by other means. Figure 1E is a bottom view of the cup assembly 350 coupled to the housing, where the opening 604 is not covered. In actual use, during processing, the opening 604 may be closed, for example, by the cap 605, or opened and coupled to the nozzle assembly 603 during extrusion.

[0040] After processing the ingredients in the cup 352, the user may then remove the cup assembly 350 from the micro - puree machine 10, remove the first lid 440 from the first end 352a, replace it with a lid 450 on the first end 352a, couple the nozzle assembly to the second end 352b of the cup assembly 350 (if not already attached), couple the cup assembly 350 to the housing 120, and initiate extrusion via the user interface. During extrusion, the driven shaft drives the plunger 454 from the first end 352a of the cup 352 to the second end 352b of the cup, forcing the processed ingredients through the opening 604 and extruding the processed ingredients through the nozzle 608.

[0041] Figure 1F illustrates another embodiment of a nozzle assembly 603' including a nozzle 608' that may be used to extrude processed ingredients, for example, using the mechanisms and techniques described herein.

[0042] Figure 1G illustrates another cup assembly 350' including an extrusion assembly 600 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As Figure 1GAs shown, the cup assembly 350' can include a nozzle 608', which is integrated with the bottom edge of the cup 352' on the sidewall of the cup 352' near or extending past the second end 352b'. In an embodiment, the cup assembly 350' can be configured to be mounted to the coupling 500 in such a way that the nozzle 608' is vertically downward when the cup 352' is properly installed. During extrusion, the movement of the plunger (e.g., plunger 454) will force the processed ingredient through the nozzle 608'. The nozzle 608' can be selectively located on the cup 352' to optimize the amount of processed ingredient that can be extruded, thereby minimizing the yield loss after extrusion. For example, as Figure 1G shown, the nozzle 608' can be located near the bottom edge of the cup 352'. However, the present disclosure contemplates that the nozzle 608' can alternatively be located at different longitudinal and / or radial positions on the cup 352'. The cup assembly 350' and / or the cup 352' can be the same as or different from the cup assembly 350 and / or the cup 352, respectively.

[0043] Advantageously, the micro puree machine 10 can include a sensor (not shown) that identifies the lid installed in the machine 10 to restrict certain programs based on the lid function, which can prevent the user from making mistakes when operating the machine 10. For example, the micro puree machine can activate only the blade 300 when the sensor detects that the cup 352 is mounted in the first configuration with the lid 440 coupled to the cup 350, and can activate only the plunger 454 when the sensor detects that the cup 352 is mounted in the second configuration with the lid 450 coupled to the cup 350. For example, the lids 440 and 450 can respectively include unique physical and / or electromagnetic features, such as portions of positioning and locking elements 442 and 452, for which the coupling 500 or other elements of the micro puree machine 10 can be configured to detect and distinguish between the lid 440 and the lid 450.

[0044] The housing 120 can house one or more motors and a transmission system (e.g., including gears), and the motors and the transmission system drive a driven shaft (e.g., driven shaft 250) for engaging the blade 300 and / or the plunger 454 for processing or extrusion, respectively, when the cup assembly 350 (coupled to the lid 440 or 450, respectively) is coupled to the housing, for example, as described in U.S. Patent No. 11,882,965 (‘965 patent) or the ‘765 patent of SharkNinja Operating, LLC, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. For example, one or more motors can include a first motor for driving the rotation of the driven shaft 250 via a transmission, which can be used to drive the rotation of the blade 300 during processing, and, if desired (but not necessary), to rotate the plunger 454 during extrusion. A second motor can be configured to move the position of the driven shaft 250 along the axis of the driven shaft 250 (e.g., back and forth or up and down) via a transmission, which can be used to drive the blade 300 in and out of the cup 350 back and forth during processing, and to move the plunger 454 in and out of the cup 350 during extrusion. In an embodiment, the micro puree machine 10 can include a gearbox (e.g., a high-ratio gearbox) and reinforced internal components (not shown) to allow the extrusion assembly described herein to withstand high forces and extrude a thick output from the nozzle 608.

[0045] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a reversible cup assembly can be used, and the reversible cup assembly does not require the removal of the lid between processing and extrusion. For example, the reversible cup assembly can include: a first lid coupled at one end and including a blade for processing and an opening for extrusion; and a second lid at the other end and including a plunger for extrusion. An example of such an embodiment will now be described.

[0046] Figure 2A An embodiment of a micro puree machine according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated, including a portion of a coupling portion 500' for coupling to a cup assembly (e.g., a reversible cup assembly). Figure 2B An embodiment of a reversible cup 352” that can be coupled to the coupling portion 500' is illustrated. The cup 352” can include any of a variety of outer surfaces. For example, embodiments of the cup can have a ribbed or corrugated surface (e.g., like the cup 352 or 352'), or a smooth surface (e.g., the cup 352”). Similarly, the cups 352 and 352” can have any of a variety of surfaces, including a smooth surface.

[0047] As Figure 2AAs shown, the driven shaft 250 of the micro puree machine 10 can extend from the housing 120 into the interior of the coupling portion 500', and optionally all the way through the interior of the coupling portion 500'. The inner surface 502' of the coupling portion 500' may include one or more slots 504, and the size and shape of the slots 504 are formed to receive at least one protrusion 354 on the outer surface of the first open end 352a" of the cup 352". In an embodiment, both the first end 352a" and the second end 352b" of the cup 352" may be open - that is, neither the first end 352a" nor the second end 352b" may have a top wall or a bottom wall and / or a lid. However, the present disclosure is not so limited, and one or both ends 352a", 352b" of the cup 352" may be closed with a wall or a lid. In an embodiment, at least one protrusion 354 on the cup 352" may be four protrusions 354 spaced 90 degrees apart around the outer surface of the first end 352a" of the cup 352". However, the present disclosure contemplates more or fewer than four protrusions 354. In the first configuration of the reversible cup assembly 350", the user can rotate the cup 352" relative to the coupling portion 500' such that the protrusion 354 rotates into the slot 504, coupling (e.g., locking) the cup 352" and the coupling portion 500' together.

[0048] The size and shape of the slot 504 may also be formed to receive at least one protrusion 356 on the outer surface of the second open end 352b" of the cup 352". In an embodiment, the at least one protrusion 356 may be four protrusions 356 spaced 90 degrees apart around the outer surface of the second end 352b" of the cup 352". However, the present disclosure contemplates more or fewer than four protrusions 356. In the second configuration of the reversible cup assembly 350", the user can rotate the cup 352" relative to the coupling portion 500' such that the protrusion 356 rotates into the slot 504, coupling (e.g., locking) the cup 352"' and the coupling portion 500' together. As further described elsewhere herein, the first end 352a" of the cup 352" may also include threads 366 for coupling to a first lid, while the second end 352b" of the cup 352" may include threads 368 for coupling to a second lid.

[0049] Figure 3A An embodiment of the assembled reversible cup assembly 350" according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. As Figure 3AAs shown, the cup 352” can be oval and include a cylindrical sidewall 358 that defines an interior volume 360 of the cup 352”. The sidewall 358 can extend between a first open end 352a” of the cup 352” and a second open end 352b” that is opposite the first open end 352a”. The implementation of the sidewall 358 can have various configurations. For example, the cross-section of the sidewall can be circular or polygonal. Additionally, the diameter of the sidewall can vary between the first open end 352a” and the second open end 352b” (e.g., it can be tapered). The first open end 352a” and the second open end 352b” can communicate with the interior volume 360 of the cup 352”. The assembly 350” can also include a first lid 400’ removably coupled to the first open end 352a” of the cup 352”. The first lid 400’ can define an opening 401( Figure 3C ), and the opening 401 is configured to be coupled to a blade 300 for mixing ingredients within the cup 352”. When the cup 352” is installed in the coupling portion 500’ in a first configuration, the blade 300 can engage with the driven shaft 250’ to rotate the blade 300 and insert the blade 300 into the ingredients. Figure 3B An embodiment of the blade 300 coupled to the underside of the first lid 400’ is shown. Some non-limiting examples of the blade 300 are shown in the ‘765 patent.

[0050] Figure 3C is a cross-sectional view of a reversible cup assembly 350” and a first lid 400’ according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, while the blade 300 and the second lid 450’ are not shown in cross-section. As Figure 3C shown, the blade 300 can include a central support hub 305 that includes a central opening 306 for engaging with the driven shaft 250. In an embodiment, the second lid 450’ can be removably coupled to the second open end 352b” of the cup 352”. The second lid 450’ can include or be coupled to a plunger 602 for pushing the ingredients in the cup 352” towards the opening 604’ of the first lid 400’. The plunger 602 can alone or in combination with other components (e.g., the second lid 450’, the cup 352”, or the nozzle 608) constitute an extrusion assembly 600 for extruding the processed ingredients from the cup 352”. The opening 604’ of the first lid 400’ can also be in fluid communication with a nozzle (e.g., the nozzle 608). For example, the opening 604’ can be in fluid communication with the nozzle through a conduit (e.g., a plastic tube) extending from the opening 604’ to the nozzle. In an embodiment, such a conduit can include one or more segments connected by joints (e.g., elbow joints) to convert the extrusion direction (e.g., horizontal) starting from the opening 604’ to the extrusion direction (e.g., vertically downward) starting from the nozzle.

[0051] When the cup assembly 350” is in the second configuration and the cup 352” is attached to the coupling portion 500’, the plunger 602 can be coupled to the driven shaft 250’ of the micro - puree machine. The surface of the plunger 602 facing the internal volume 360 can include one or more (e.g., a plurality of) recesses 606. During processing by the blade 300, the recesses 606 can prevent the frozen ingredients from rotating within the cup 352”. Additionally, the plunger 602 can include a flexible seal 610 around its perimeter to ensure contact (e.g., maximum contact) with the sidewall 358 of the cup 352”, thereby allowing for optimal (e.g., maximum) extrusion throughput.

[0052] With Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B 、 Figures 3A to 3D 、 Figure 4A And Figure 4B The micro - puree machine according to the embodiments described in relation thereto can include one or more motor and transmission systems (e.g., including gears) that drive a driven shaft (e.g., driven shaft 250’) for engaging the blade 300 and / or the plunger 602 for processing or extrusion when the cup assembly 350” (attached to the lid 400’ or 450’ respectively) is attached to the housing, e.g., as described in the ‘765 patent or the ‘965 patent; and can include a gearbox (e.g., a high - ratio gearbox) and reinforced internal components (not shown) to allow the extrusion assembly 600 to withstand high forces and extrude a thick output from the nozzle.

[0053] Figure 3D A detailed view of an embodiment of the plunger 602 attached to the underside of the second lid 450’ is shown. In an embodiment, the cup assembly 350” can be configured such that only the first lid 400’ can be attached to the first open end 352a” of the cup 352”, and only the second lid 450’ can be attached to the second open end 352b” of the cup 352”. For example, the configuration of the threads 366 can be different from the configuration of the threads 368 ( Figure 3B ) to prevent the user from attaching the wrong lid to the wrong side of the cup 352”. The cup 352” can also include clear indicators (color, icon, etc.) that signal to the user which lid is on which side of the cup 352”.

[0054] Figure 4A And Figure 4B Illustrates the use of a reversible cup assembly 350” according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As Figure 4AAs shown, the user can first install the cup assembly 350” in a first configuration onto the micro puree machine 10 such that the first end 352a” of the cup 352” is secured to the coupling portion 500’. Then, the user can select a program on the user interface according to the desired output (e.g., soft ice cream, light ice cream, sorbet, gelato, etc.) to cause the blade 300 to rotate and insert into the ingredients in the cup 352”. For example, the blade 300 can be lowered into the ingredients and then rise from the ingredients at one or more predetermined rates while rotating at one or more predetermined rates. As Figure 4B shown, the user can then remove the cup assembly 350” from the coupling portion 500’, reverse the orientation of the cup assembly 350” (i.e., flip the cup assembly 350”) and reinstall the second end 352b” of the cup 352” to the coupling portion 500’ in a second configuration. Then, the user can select the desired program on the user interface to cause the plunger 602 to descend and extrude the ingredients through the opening 604’ in the first lid 400’. For example, the plunger 602 can be lowered into the ingredients to extrude the ingredients through the opening 604’ and then rise from the opening 604’ after the extrusion is complete.

[0055] Although embodiments of the present disclosure include performing processing and extrusion using the same driven shaft, in some embodiments, as will now be described, processing and extrusion are performed on different shafts.

[0056] Figures 5A to 5F Another micro puree machine 700 is illustrated in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 5A and Figure 5B illustrates an embodiment of the micro puree machine 700 in a first configuration for processing (e.g., micro pureeing) (which may be referred to herein as a processing configuration). Figures 5C to 5E illustrates an embodiment of the micro puree machine 700 in a second configuration for extrusion (which may be referred to herein as an extrusion configuration). For illustrative purposes only, Figure 5F illustrates an embodiment of the micro puree machine 700 in both the processing configuration and the extrusion configuration, as in some embodiments, the micro puree machine 700 is not configured to perform processing and extrusion simultaneously.

[0057] As Figure 5A and Figure 5BAs shown, the micro puree machine 700 can include a base 705 and a housing 720. The housing 720 can include a user interface (not shown) for receiving user input to control the micro puree machine 700 and / or display information. In some embodiments, the micro puree machine includes a processing sub-module 721 and an extrusion sub-module 723. The processing sub-module 721 includes one or more components configured to process ingredients in a cup 752 (e.g., cup 352 or a variant thereof). The extrusion sub-module 723 includes one or more components configured to extrude the processed ingredients from the cup 752. In a processing configuration, the cup 752 can be coupled to the interior of an outer cup 707, and the outer cup 707 is mounted on a processing platform 709 that is mounted to the base 705. The cup 752 can be coupled to a lid 711 (e.g., lid 440 or a variant thereof), and the lid 711 houses a blade 713 (e.g., blade 300 or a variant thereof). The cup 752 can include a nozzle control assembly 751 (e.g., a turntable) that enables a user to control the opening and closing of a nozzle 760, the nozzle 760, and a hinged plug or stopper 756. The user can selectively cover the nozzle 760 or the nozzle control assembly 751 using the hinged plug or stopper 756. In some embodiments, the nozzle control assembly 751, the nozzle 760, and the stopper 756 can be removably attached to the cup 752. For example, as described in the '765 patent, using a handle 725, the user can rotate and lift the processing cup assembly 717 to a processing position where the blade 713 engages a driven shaft 754, the lid 711 is coupled to the micro puree machine 700, and the blade 713 is released from the lid 711 so that the driven shaft 754 can drive the blade 713. By engaging the user interface (or via a remote interface wirelessly connected to a wireless interface within the housing 720), the user can initiate the processing of the ingredients in the cup 752. In a processing configuration, the extrusion sub-module 723 can remain idle, and a cap or plug 719 can be coupled to a coupling portion 727, covering an interface 729 with the driven shaft 758. The coupling portion 727 (e.g., coupling portion 500) can also serve as a coupling between the cup assembly 750 (e.g., the lid 753 of the cup assembly 750) and the micro puree machine 700. After processing the ingredients, the processing cup assembly 717 can be decoupled from the micro puree machine 700 (e.g., from the processing sub-module 721) and removed from the platform 709. The lid 711 can be removed from the outer cup 707, and the cup 752 can be removed from the outer cup 707.

[0058] As Figures 5C to 5EAs shown, the lid 753 can then be installed onto the cup 752, and the cup 752 can then be coupled to the micro puree machine 700 in an extrusion configuration (e.g., coupled to the extrusion sub-module 723). In the extrusion configuration, the cup 752 can be coupled to a lid 753 that includes a plunger 702 (e.g., lid 450 or a variant thereof). The combination of the cup 752 and the lid 753 can be referred to herein as the cup extrusion assembly 750. In an embodiment, the cup extrusion assembly 750 can be configured to be installed onto the micro puree machine 700 in a manner such that the nozzle 760 is vertically downward when the cup extrusion assembly 750 is properly installed. As shown, the cup extrusion assembly 750 can be assembled onto the housing 720 (e.g., extrusion sub-module 723) in a manner such that the central axis A of the cup extrusion assembly 750 extends perpendicular to the vertical axis V of the housing 720. The cup extrusion assembly 750 can include an outlet 760 for extruding the processed ingredients from the cup extrusion assembly 750. The micro puree machine 700 can also include a lever 730 for manually activating the plunger 702 to extrude the processed ingredients within the cup extrusion assembly 750 through the outlet 760. Although the lever 730 is illustrated on the right side of the machine 700 (from Figure 5C the front view shown), the present disclosure is not so limited. The lever 730 can be on the left side of the machine 700, or at another location on the machine 700, and other components of the machine can be reconfigured to accommodate the different location of the lever 730. The housing 720 can include electrical, electromagnetic, mechanical, and / or electromechanical components to convert the downward or upward pull of the lever 730 into movement of the plunger 702 within the cup 752.

[0059] Embodiments of the housing 720 of the micro puree machine 700 may house a transmission system that includes a driven shaft 754 for engaging the blade 713, a separate driven shaft 758 for engaging the plunger 702, one or more gear systems, and one or more positioning and / or drive motors for rotationally and / or axially moving the driven shaft 754 and other shafts 758 to process ingredients in the cup assembly 750. For example, a drive motor may drive the rotation of the driven shaft 754 and a blade (e.g., blade 300) coupled to the driven shaft 754, and a positioning motor may drive the vertical (e.g., downward and upward) movement of the driven shaft 754 and the blade. Another motor may drive the second shaft 758 and a plunger (e.g., plunger 454 or 602) attached to the second shaft 758. In an embodiment, the blade 713 may be programmably controlled via a computing system at a user interface to operate at different rotational speeds, move up and down in different modes and speeds, and be controlled to make different foods over different time periods. In an embodiment, the plunger 702 in the lid 753 may be programmably controlled via a computing system at a user interface to operate at different rotational speeds, move up and down in different modes and speeds, and be controlled to make different foods over different time periods. Some non-limiting examples of the transmission system and the computing system are shown in the descriptions of U.S. Patent No. 11,882,965 (‘965 patent) and the ‘765 patent of SharkNinja Operating, LLC, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference.

[0060] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, mechanisms and techniques are provided to automatically lock an ingredient processing cup to a micro puree machine during processing and / or extruding ingredients from the cup, as will now be described.

[0061] Figure 6A and Figure 6B An automatic cup lock 800 is illustrated for locking a cup 852 (e.g., cup 752) to a coupling 827 (e.g., coupling 727) during an extrusion process, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As Figure 6AAs shown, the driven shaft 858 can move relative to a support member 868 within the extrusion sub-module 823 (e.g., extrusion sub-module 723). The driven shaft 858 can be threadedly coupled or otherwise movably coupled to a rod 878 extending through the driven shaft 858 such that rotation of the rod 878 (e.g., by operation of a positioning motor) causes the driven shaft 858 to move toward and away from the cup 852. A spring 804 can be disposed between a portion of the support member 868 and the locking pin 806 to bias the locking pin 806 toward the cup 852. The locking pin 806 can move relative to the support member 868 within a set travel range between a first position and a second position. For example, in the first position of the locking pin 806, a first end 806a of the locking pin 806 can bear against the spring 804 while a second end 806b of the locking pin 806 can be positioned away from a protrusion 854 on the cup 852. In this position, when a user installs the cup 852 into the coupling 827, the locking pin 806 does not prevent rotation of the cup 852.

[0062] Actuating the positioning motor by the user (e.g., by selecting an extrusion process on a user interface) can cause the rod 878 to rotate in a first direction, which in turn causes the driven shaft 858 to translate toward the cup 852. This movement of the driven shaft 858 toward the cup 852 can also cause the plunger 802 (e.g., plunger 602) to move relative to the processed ingredients within the cup 852 to extrude the ingredients through the nozzle 860. At the same time, the first end 806a of the locking pin 806 can be moved to the second position by the spring 804 such that the second end 806b of the locking pin 806 prevents the cup 852 from rotating out of the coupling 827 - e.g., by blocking rotation of the protrusion 854 on the cup 852, as Figure 6B shown. This blocking of the rotation of the protrusion 854 automatically creates a locked state of the cup 852. Once the extrusion process is complete, the positioning motor can cause the screw 878 to rotate in a second direction, thereby retracting the driven shaft 858 from the cup 852 and pushing the locking pin 806 back to the first position. Once the second end 806b of the locking pin 806 no longer blocks the protrusion 854 on the cup 852, the user can freely rotate the cup 852 out of the coupling 827 and remove the cup 852 from the coupling 827. The present disclosure also contemplates other suitable mechanisms (e.g., hydraulic mechanisms) for translating the driven shaft 858 toward and away from the cup 852.

[0063] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, mechanisms are provided and techniques are employed to couple a plunger to a driven shaft of a micro puree machine and / or to hold the plunger in a lid of a cup of processed ingredients to be extruded, as will now be described.

[0064] Figures 7A to 7JIllustrates various aspects of a plunger retention assembly 900 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The plunger retention assembly 900 and its components can be components of an extrusion sub-module 723 of a micro puree machine 700 or coupled to the extrusion sub-module 723.

[0065] As Figure 7A shown, the plunger retention assembly 900 can generally include a lid 950 (e.g., lid 450 or 753), a plunger 902 (e.g., plunger 454), and a plunger coupling 904. The lid 950 can be coupled to a cup 952 (e.g., cup 752). The combination of the lid 950 and the cup 952 can form a cup assembly, such as cup assembly 750, for example. The lid 950 can define a central passage 906 through the interior of the lid 950. The plunger coupling 904 can extend through the central passage 906 of the lid 950 and can be integrally formed with or coupled to a driven shaft 901 (e.g., driven shaft 250) such that the plunger coupling 904 moves axially with the driven shaft 901.

[0066] Figure 7B and Figure 7C Shows a detailed view of the lid 950 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As Figure 7B shown, the lid 950 can include at least one retainer 908 movable within the interior of the lid 950. The at least one retainer 908 can include four retainers 908. However, the present disclosure contemplates more or fewer than four retainers 908. The retainer 908 can be biased (e.g., with one or more springs) toward the central passage 906 of the lid 950. The lid 950 can include a release lever 912 operably coupled to the retainer 908 to move the retainer 908 away from the central passage 906 against the bias of the spring. As Figure 7C shown, the release lever can be held on the lid 950 in such a manner that the release lever 912 can rotate relative to the central passage 906 of the lid 950 within a predetermined range of motion. When the release lever 912 is in a fully rotated position, the retainer 908 can be positioned at a farthest travel point away from the central passage 906, allowing the plunger 902 to be installed into or disengaged from the lid 950.

[0067] Figure 7D and Figure 7E Illustrates the engagement between the plunger 902 and the lid 950 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As Figure 7DAs shown, the upper surface 902a of the plunger 902 may include a central attachment portion 914 that extends upward from the upper surface 902a. The attachment portion 914 may define an internal passage 918 for removably attaching to the plunger coupling portion 904. The outer surface of the attachment portion 914 may include one or more features for engaging with the retainer 908, such as barbs 915. As shown, in an embodiment where the cross-sectional shape of the attachment portion 914 is rectangular (e.g., substantially square), the number of barbs 915 may be four barbs 915. However, depending on other shapes of the attachment portion, such as triangular or hexagonal, the present disclosure contemplates more or fewer than four barbs 915.

[0068] As Figure 7E shown, the bottom surface 950b of the cap 950 may define an opening 916 that communicates with a central passage 906 for receiving the attachment portion 914. As shown, the shape of the opening 916 may be selected to correspond to the shape of the attachment portion 914, and the shape of the opening 916 may be configured to accommodate the passage of the barbs 915. The corresponding shapes of the attachment portion 914 and the opening 916 may allow the plunger 902 to be installed in the cap 950 in any number of orientations. Additionally, the corresponding shapes of the attachment portion 914 and the opening 916 may ensure that when the cup assembly (including the cup 952 and the cap 950) is rotated into and out of the coupling portion 905 (e.g., the coupling portion 500), the plunger 902 rotates with the cup 952 and the cap 950. The coupling portion 905 may be a Figure 7F bayonet coupling as shown.

[0069] Figure 7G is a detailed view of the engagement between the retainer 908 and the attachment portion 914 of the plunger 902 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Each barb 915 may include an upper sloped ledge 920 and a lower undercut 922. Each retainer 908 may further include an upper retaining surface 924 and a lower inclined surface 926. When the user inserts the attachment portion 914 of the plunger 902 into the cap 950, the lower inclined surface 926 of the retainer 908 may engage with the upper sloped ledge 920 of the attachment portion 914 to move the retainer 908 away from the central passage 906. The outward movement of the retainer 908 may allow the barbs 915 to pass through the retainer 908. Then, the retainer 908 may move toward the engagement position with the attachment portion 914 under the action of an applied force. The undercut 922 may have a generally flat surface that extends radially outward at an angle of approximately 90 degrees with respect to the central passage 906. The upper retaining surface 924 may be similarly configured such that it engages with the undercut 922 to hold the plunger 902 in the cap 950 even when a significant disengagement force is applied to the plunger 902. Thus, the cap 950 and the plunger 902 may be held together before the attachment portion 914 engages with the plunger coupling portion 904.

[0070] Still referring toFigure 7G , to engage with the plunger coupling portion 904, the internal passage 918 of the attachment portion 914 may define at least one vertically extending protrusion 917. As shown, the at least one protrusion 917 may be four protrusions 917 spaced circumferentially around the internal passage 918. However, the present disclosure contemplates more or fewer than four protrusions 917. A first end 917a of the protrusion 917 may be aligned with an upper end 918a of the internal passage 918, while a second end 917b of the protrusion 917 may be spaced from a lower end 918b of the passage 918.

[0071] Figure 7H and Figure 7I illustrates the engagement between the attachment portion 914 of the plunger 902 and the plunger coupling portion 904 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As Figure 7H shown, the plunger coupling portion 904 may include a plurality of vertical slots 928 defined in an outer surface of the plunger coupling portion 904. As shown, the plurality of slots 928 may be four slots 928. However, the present disclosure contemplates more or fewer than four slots 928. An upper portion 928a of the slot 928 may have a diameter selected to be wider than a lower portion 928b of the slot 928, such that a ledge 930 is defined between the upper portion 928a and the lower portion 928b. As further described elsewhere herein, the plunger coupling portion 904 may optionally include a plurality of tactile ridges 932. As Figure 7I shown, when the user rotates the cup assembly (including the cup 952 and the lid 950) into the coupling portion 905, the protrusions 917 on the inner surface of the attachment portion 914 rotate into the upper portions 928a of the slots 928, such that the ledge 930 prevents the plunger 902 from disengaging from the plunger coupling portion 904. Rotating the cup assembly into the coupling portion 905 may also force the retainers 908 apart, such that the plunger 902 may disengage from the lid 950. Disengaging from the lid 950 may allow the plunger 902 to descend with the driven shaft 901 through the cup 952 to extrude ingredients from the cup 952. When the plunger coupling portion 904 retracts to its initial state after extrusion, the user may rotate the cup assembly out of the coupling portion 905. This rotation also rotates the attachment portion 914 of the plunger 902 out of the slots 928 of the plunger coupling portion 904 and causes the retainers 908 to re-engage with the barbs 915. Thereby, the plunger 902 may now be secured to the lid 950 and may be removed when the user removes the cup assembly from the plunger coupling portion 904.

[0072] Figure 7J illustrates a spring-loaded tactile plunger 934 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The tactile plunger 934 may optionally be disposed within the plunger 902 and may be configured to engage with the tactile ridges 932 on the plunger coupling portion 904 when the plunger 902 is rotated into and out of position Figure 7H)Engagement. The engagement between the tactile plunger 934 and the tactile ridge 932 can provide the user with tactile feedback that the plunger 902 is properly installed on the plunger coupling 904. The engagement can also provide resistance to prevent the plunger 902 from rotating relative to the plunger coupling 904 during extrusion. Notably, preventing such rotation may be crucial to ensure that the plunger 902 realigns with the lid 950 when the plunger 902 retracts into the lid 950 after extrusion.

[0073] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, mechanisms are provided and techniques are employed to prevent a user from attaching a processing cup assembly to a micro puree machine when an extrusion plunger is not properly installed in the lid of the cup assembly, as will now be described.

[0074] Figures 8A to 8G Illustrated are components of a plunger locking assembly for use with a micro puree machine (e.g., micro puree machine 700) in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The plunger locking assembly can prevent a user from attaching a cup assembly (e.g., lid 1950 and cup 1952) to the micro puree machine 700 when the plunger 1902 (e.g., plunger 902) is not installed or is not properly installed in the lid 1950. The plunger locking assembly can also alert the user when the lid 1950 is not assembled to the cup 1952.

[0075] As Figure 8A shown, the extrusion sub-module 1723 (e.g., extrusion sub-module 723) can include a coupling 1727 (e.g., coupling 727) having an interface 1729 (e.g., interface 729) with a driven shaft (e.g., driven shaft 758). The coupling 1727 can serve as a coupling between a cup assembly including the lid 1950 and the cup 1952 and the micro puree machine 700. The inner surface of the coupling 1727 can include at least one rib 1730 and a pin 1740. The pin 1740 can be operatively coupled to a microswitch, as further described herein. The at least one rib 1730 can be four ribs 1730 equally spaced around the inner surface of the coupling 1727, allowing the cup assembly to be installed on the coupling 1727 in any of four rotational positions. However, the present disclosure contemplates more or fewer than four ribs 1730 and different spacings between the ribs 1730. As used herein, the plunger locking assembly can primarily include the lid 1950 and the coupling 1727.

[0076] As Figure 8BAs shown, the cap 1950 may include a release lever 1912 (e.g., release lever 912), which is operatively coupled to one or more retainers (e.g., retainer 908) to move the retainer 908 away from the central channel 1906 of the cap 1950. The release lever 1912 may be held on the cap 1950 in a manner such that it can rotate relative to the central channel 1906 of the cap 1950 within a predetermined range of motion. When the release lever 1912 is in its fully rotated position, the retainers 908 may be positioned at their furthest travel point away from the central channel 1906, allowing the plunger 1902 to be installed into or disengaged from the cap 1950. However, when the plunger 1902 is not installed or is improperly installed into the cap 1950, the release lever 1912 may be positioned away from its fully rotated position such that the lever 1912 is blocked by the rib 1730 from being installed into the coupling portion 1727.

[0077] For example, as Figure 8C and Figure 8D shown, when the plunger 1902 is not installed into the cap 1950, if the user attempts to rotate the cup assembly into the coupling portion 1727, the position of the lever 1912 is such that the rib 1730 blocks the rotation of the cup assembly into the coupling portion 1727 by interfering with the movement of the lever 1912 into the coupling portion 1727. Conversely, as Figure 8E and Figure 8F shown, when the attachment portion (e.g., attachment portion 914) of the plunger 1902 is fully installed into the channel 1906 of the cap 1950, the position of the lever 1912 may be such that the rib 1730 does not block the lever 1912, and the cup assembly can be rotated into the coupling portion 1727. Additionally, as Figure 8G shown, when the cap 1950 is assembled to the cup 1952 and the cup assembly is rotated into the coupling portion 1727, the cap 1950 may press against the pin 1740 to activate the microswitch 1980. Thus, if the user inadvertently installs only the cup 1952 into the coupling portion, the microswitch 1980 may not be activated. Activation of the microswitch 1980 may allow the operation of an extrusion program through software-controlled or non-software-controlled circuitry. Further, when the plunger 1902 is installed in the cup 1952 and the user rotates the cup 1952 within its allowed degree of rotation to release the cup 1952 from the coupling portion 1727, the rib 1730 may prevent some rotation of the lever 1912 with the cup 1952. This may cause the retainers 908 to move to their furthest travel position away from the central channel 1906, allowing the plunger 1902 to be released from the cap 1950.

[0078] In some embodiments, the present disclosure contemplates that a cup (e.g., cups 352, 352', 352", 752, 852, 952) from which ingredients are processed and / or extruded can be vertically coupled in a reverse orientation (i.e., downward) to the top or upward-facing surface of the housing (e.g., housings 120, 720) of a micro-puree machine (e.g., micro-puree machines 10, 700), such that the blade (e.g., blades 300, 713) moves upward and then downward to emulsify, process, and / or mix the ingredients in the cup. The upward-facing surface can be vertically upward-facing or angled in an upward direction. In some embodiments, the micro-puree machine can be configured to automatically detect the size of the cup and, in response to the detection, cause the blade to extend a certain depth and / or travel distance into the cup based on the detected size of the cup. This cup size detection will advantageously enable the micro-puree machine to process ingredients in different-sized containers, such as single-serve containers or larger containers.

[0079] While the present disclosure has particularly shown and described preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the application as defined by the appended claims. The scope of the application is intended to cover such variations. Thus, the foregoing description of embodiments of the application is not intended to limit the full scope expressed by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A plunger holding assembly for a micro puree machine, characterized in that, The plunger holding assembly includes: A lid that can be coupled to the cup, the lid defining a central passage through the interior of the lid; A plunger coupling portion that can extend through the central passage; and A plunger having an attachment portion that can be inserted through the central passage from the bottom surface of the lid, the attachment portion defining a passage for removably receiving the plunger coupling portion.

2. The plunger holding assembly according to claim 1, wherein The lid includes at least one retainer within the interior of the lid; The outer surface of the attachment portion includes at least one engagement feature for engaging with the at least one retainer; And The at least one retainer can move between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the at least one retainer engages with the engagement feature to hold the plunger in the lid. In the second position, the at least one retainer disengages from the engagement feature to allow the plunger to be removed from the lid.

3. The plunger holding assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The at least one retainer includes four retainers.

4. The plunger retaining assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The at least one retainer is biased towards the central passage.

5. The plunger retaining assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The lid includes a release lever that is operatively coupled to the at least one retainer to move the at least one retainer between the first position and the second position.

6. The plunger holding assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The plunger coupling portion is configured to move with the driven shaft of the micro puree machine.

7. The plunger holding assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-sectional shape of the attachment portion is rectangular.

8. The plunger retaining assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The at least one engagement feature is four engagement features.

9. The plunger retaining assembly according to claim 1, wherein The bottom surface of the lid defines an opening that communicates with the central passage.

10. The plunger retaining assembly according to claim 9, wherein The cross-sectional shape of the opening corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the attachment portion.

11. The plunger retaining assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that, The cross-sectional shape of the opening is rectangular.

12. The plunger holding assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The at least one engagement feature has an upwardly inclined protrusion for engaging with the lower inclined surface of the at least one retainer to move the at least one retainer away from the central passage when the attachment portion is inserted into the central passage.

13. The plunger holding assembly according to claim 1, wherein The passage of the attachment portion includes at least one protrusion for engaging with a corresponding slot defined on the outer surface of the plunger coupling portion.

14. The plunger holding assembly according to claim 13, wherein, The plunger is locked to the plunger coupling portion when the at least one protrusion rotates into the corresponding slot.

15. The plunger retaining assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that, The at least one protrusion is four protrusions.

16. The plunger retaining assembly according to claim 13, wherein, The diameter of the upper portion of the corresponding slot is selected to be wider than the diameter of the lower portion of the corresponding slot, such that a shelf is defined between the upper portion and the lower portion, and the shelf is configured to prevent the at least one protrusion from disengaging from the corresponding slot.

17. The plunger holding assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plunger and the plunger coupling portion further include corresponding tactile features for providing a tactile input to the user that the plunger is properly installed on the plunger coupling portion.

18. A micro fruit puree machine, characterized in that, The micro puree machine includes: A plunger holding assembly, including: A lid that can be coupled to the cup, the lid defining a central passage through the interior of the lid; A plunger coupling portion that can extend through the central passage of the lid; and A plunger having an attachment portion that can be inserted through the central passage from the bottom surface of the lid, the attachment portion defining a passage for removably receiving the plunger coupling portion.

19. The micro puree machine according to claim 18, wherein The lid includes at least one retainer within the interior of the lid; The outer surface of the attachment portion includes at least one engagement feature for engaging with the at least one retaining member; and the at least one retaining member is movable between a first position and a second position, in the first position, the at least one retaining member engages with the engagement feature to hold the plunger in the cap, and in the second position, the at least one retaining member disengages from the engagement feature to allow the plunger to be removed from the cap.

20. The micro puree machine according to claim 18, wherein, The passage of the attachment portion includes at least one protrusion for engaging with a corresponding slot defined on the outer surface of the plunger coupling portion.

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