Brenda

Abstract

The blender-like device includes a food container including an interior wall, a food processing tool configured to rotate within the food container, and a scraper disposed within the food container, the scraper being movable within the food container and configured to wipe the interior wall against the food processing tool.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 434,326, filed December 21, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Technical Field]

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus having a rotatable processing tool. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a blender. [Background technology]

[0003] Blenders are often used as household appliances to blend or mix beverages or liquids. Operating a blender typically requires the user to remove the blender's lid and place ingredients into the blender's container. The ingredients are then blended or mixed within the container by rotating blades within the container.

[0004] During the use of a typical blender, some of the blended contents splash onto the inner walls of the blender and stick to the inner walls. Therefore, after the contents of the container are initially blended, the lid is generally removed and the contents of the walls are scraped into the blended contents. The lid is then replaced and the blender is operated again to contain the scraped contents. Sometimes, in the case of viscous or sticky contents, this process may be repeated several times to ensure that the contents of the container are thoroughly blended.

[0005] Typically, the lid of the blender cannot or must not be removed while the blender is operating to avoid risks from the blender's rotating blades and to prevent the contents from being splashed out of the container. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] There is a need for a blender that can scrape while blending, so that the contents can be thoroughly blended without repeatedly opening and closing the blender. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In some embodiments, a blender-like device is provided that includes a food container including an interior wall, a food processing tool configured to rotate within the food container, and a scraper disposed within the food container, the scraper being movable within the food container and configured to wipe the interior wall against the food processing tool.

[0008] In some embodiments, the scraper contacts the inner wall circumferentially about the axis of rotation of the food processor.

[0009] In some embodiments, the scraper includes a squeegee that contacts the inner wall and a squeegee holder that holds the squeegee, the squeegee being disposed between the squeegee holder and the inner wall.

[0010] In some such embodiments, the squeegee is formed from or includes a different material than the squeegee holder, hi some embodiments, the squeegee is made from a flexible or resilient material.

[0011] In some embodiments that include a squeegee, the squeegee includes a ring shape that surrounds the squeegee holder.

[0012] In some embodiments that include a squeegee, the squeegee holder is provided with a hole, hi some such embodiments, the squeegee holder includes an inner ring portion that defines such a hole.

[0013] In some such embodiments, the squeegee holder further includes an outer ring portion that holds the squeegee, with an inner ring portion disposed between the hole and the outer ring portion, and at least one connecting portion is provided that connects the inner ring portion and the outer ring portion and is disposed between the inner ring portion and the outer ring portion.

[0014] In some embodiments in which the squeegee holder has a hole, the apparatus further includes a lid configured to cover the food container, the lid having a hole, the central axis of the hole in the lid coincides with the central axis of the hole in the squeegee holder, and the area of ​​the hole in the lid is larger than the area of ​​the hole in the squeegee holder in a plan view.

[0015] In some such embodiments, the lid includes a funnel shape that terminates in a hole in the lid.

[0016] In some embodiments where a hole is provided, the food processing tool is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation that extends through the hole in the lid and the hole in the squeegee holder.

[0017] In some embodiments where a hole is provided, the device further includes a pusher configured to be inserted through the hole in the lid and engage the hole in the squeegee holder.

[0018] In some embodiments, the inner wall includes a first section having a first height and a substantially uniform cross-section throughout the first height, such that the scraper has a size and shape compatible with the substantially uniform cross-section and is movable within the first height of the first section.

[0019] In some such embodiments, the inner wall includes a second section positioned below the first section, the second section having a cross-section smaller than the substantially uniform cross-section of the first section, and the size or shape of the scraper does not match the size or shape of the cross-section of the second section.

[0020] In some such embodiments, the food processing tool is completely contained within the second section, whereby the scraper is prevented from contacting the food processing tool by the smaller cross-section of the second section.

[0021] In some embodiments having a first section and a second section, the inner wall further includes a transition section between the first section and the second section, where the cross section of the inner wall tapers toward the second cross section, such that the scraper is blocked within the transition section and cannot enter the second section.

[0022] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a pusher configured to translate the scraper along a vertical axis of the scraper, the pusher used to translate the scraper while maintaining contact between the scraper and a substantially uniform cross-section of the first section of the inner wall.

[0023] In some embodiments, the food processing tool comprises at least one blade configured to rotate within the food container.

[0024] In some embodiments, the device is a food or beverage blender. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the device taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 is a top view of an apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 1 is a top view of an apparatus according to one embodiment with the lid omitted. [Figure 4A] FIG. 1 is a top view of a scraper according to one embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a scraper according to one embodiment. [Figure 4C] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a squeegee according to an embodiment. [Figure 4D] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a squeegee holder according to an embodiment. [Figure 4E] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lid according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which an apparatus according to an embodiment is in use. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is another perspective view showing the device in use according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] The description of illustrative embodiments according to the principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. Any reference to direction or orientation in describing embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein is intended to be used merely for convenience of description and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention. Relative terms such as "lower," "upper," "horizontal," "vertical," "upper," "below," "top," "lower," "top," and "bottom," as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downward," "upward," etc.), should be interpreted as referring to orientations as described below or as shown in the drawings under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that devices be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless expressly so indicated. Terms such as "mounted," "affixed," "connected," "coupled," "interconnected," and similar terms refer to fixed or attached relationships, and both movable and rigid attachments or relationships, of structures to one another, directly or indirectly through intervening structures, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, the features and advantages of the present invention are described with reference to exemplary embodiments. Accordingly, the present invention should not be expressly limited to such exemplary embodiments, which illustrate some possible non-limiting combinations of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims appended hereto.

[0027] The present disclosure sets forth the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention. This description is not intended to be understood in a limiting sense, but provides an example of the invention, presented for illustrative purposes only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, to acquaint those skilled in the art with the advantages and features of the invention. In the various views of the drawings, like reference numerals designate like or similar parts.

[0028] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus 100 according to one embodiment. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus 100 taken along line 2-2 in Figure 1.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , device 100 may be used for food processing. In some embodiments, device 100 may be a food or beverage blender. In other embodiments, device 100 may be a grinder, chopper, food processor, food mill, shredder, mixer, grater, crusher, or slicer. In the illustrated example, device 100 is a blender and may include a base 110, a sidewall of a food container or food container 120, a motor 131, a shaft 133, a bottom component 135, food processing tools 150, a scraper 160, and a lid 170. Base 110 may house motor 131 and other components. In some embodiments, base 110 may include a control panel that may include one or more buttons configured to activate motor 131.

[0030] Food container 120 may be a pitcher or portion of a pitcher to which food processing utensil 150 is attached, and may be attached or removably attachable to base 110. In the illustrated example, food container 120 may include a shape extending upward from base 110. Food container 120 may form at least a portion of a space in which food is stored and disposed for processing. In the illustrated example, food container 120 is a sidewall that encloses and defines an interior space. In such an embodiment, the sidewall of food container 120, in combination with bottom component 135, defines the entire food container, or pitcher.

[0031] In other examples, food container 120 may include sidewalls and a bottom of a cavity, thereby completely defining the container. It will be understood that the term food container, as used herein, may refer to food containers that take a variety of forms. As shown in FIG. 2, food container 120 may include an interior wall 122. In the illustrated example, interior wall 122 extends upward from either a base or bottom component 135 of food container 120.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a scraper 160 may be positioned within the food container 120. The scraper 160 may be configured to wipe the interior wall 122 toward the food processing tool 150. The scraper 160 may then contact the interior wall 122 along the circumferential direction 901 of the rotational axis 902 of the food processing tool 150 (see FIGS. 2, 3A, and 3B). The scraper 160 may include a squeegee 161 and a squeegee holder 163. The squeegee holder 163 may then be sized and shaped to maintain pressure between the squeegee 161 and the interior wall 122 of the container 120.

[0033] Thus, in some embodiments, the squeegee 161 may be maintained in contact with the inner wall 122 by the squeegee holder 163. Thus, the squeegee 161 may be disposed between the squeegee holder 163 and the inner wall 122. In some embodiments, the squeegee 161 comprises a ring shape that surrounds the squeegee holder 163. In some embodiments, the squeegee 161 may comprise a different material than the squeegee holder 163. Thus, the squeegee 161 may be made of an elastic or flexible material such as silicone, although elastic materials other than silicone may also be possible. The squeegee holder 163 may then be formed from a more rigid material to maintain pressure between the squeegee 161 and the inner wall 122.

[0034] As a result, the squeegee holder 163 can hold the squeegee 161. In some embodiments, the squeegee holder 163 is provided with a hole 1631. In the example shown, the squeegee holder 163 can include an inner ring portion 1632, an outer ring portion 1633, and at least one connecting portion 1636. The inner ring portion 1632 can form the hole 1631. The inner ring portion 1632 is disposed between the hole 1631 and the outer ring portion 1633. The outer ring portion 1633 can hold the squeegee 161. In some embodiments, the outer ring portion 1633 can be provided with a recess 1634, and the squeegee 161 can be disposed so as to be held by the recess 1634. The connecting portion 1636 can connect the inner ring portion 1632 and the outer ring portion 1633. The connecting portion 1636 can be disposed between the inner ring portion 1632 and the outer ring portion 1633.

[0035] In some embodiments, the interior wall 122 may include a first section 128 and a second section 129. The first section 128 may be located vertically above the second section 129. The first section 128 may have a substantially uniform cross-section across its entire vertical dimension so that the scraper 160 passes through the first section 128. In some examples, the dimension may be, but is not limited to, 3 cm to 10 cm, 4 cm to 9 cm, or 5 cm to 8 cm. The second section 129 may then be located vertically between the first section 128 and the base 110. The second section 129 may have a smaller cross-section than the first section 128, and may itself have a non-uniform internal cross-section, such as a tapered shape, so that the scraper 160 does not pass through the second section 129. In some embodiments, bottom component 135 may be disposed between base 110 and food container 120, or may be integrated into the food container as a base. Bottom component 135 and food container 120 may form the bottom of a space in which food is stored. A seal may be disposed between bottom component 135 and food container 120.

[0036] The scraper 160 is typically sized to cooperate with the substantially uniform cross-section of the first section 128. Thus, the squeegee holder 163 typically has a smaller outer perimeter than the substantially uniform cross-section, while the flexible squeegee 161 has a similar or slightly larger outer perimeter than the substantially uniform cross-section. Thus, during use, the squeegee 161 fills the radial gap between the squeegee holder 163 and the inner wall 122 of the first section 128. The cross-section of the first section 128 need not be perfectly uniform and may taper somewhat toward the second section 129. However, the difference between the maximum and minimum cross-sectional perimeters of the first section 128 is small enough to allow the scraper 160 to pass through the entire space. Thus, the minimum cross-sectional perimeter of the first section 128 is larger than the outer perimeter of the squeegee holder 163, and the maximum cross-sectional perimeter of the first section 128 is smaller than the outer perimeter of the squeegee 161.

[0037] It is further noted that the cross section of the container 120 need not be circular. As shown in the drawings, the cross section may be a rounded square or rectangle that tapers toward the food processing tool 150. In some such embodiments, the second section 129 of the container 120 may taper toward a circular shape to allow the contents to flow toward the food processing tool 150.

[0038] Thus, scraper 160 may be shaped to fit container 120. Squeegee 161 itself may have a rounded square shape to correspond to the cross-sectional shape of first section 128 of container 120, as shown in FIG. 4C. Squeegee holder 163 may be adapted to maintain the shape of squeegee 161 by having a comparable shape or, as in the illustrated embodiment, by having a core 1638 that defines a shape of recess 1634 that matches the shape of squeegee 161 and the cross-sectional shape of first section 128.

[0039] In some embodiments, second section 129 is configured to prevent the entry of scraper 160. Thus, scraper 160 may be of a size or shape that is incompatible with the cross-section of the second section. Food processing tool 150 is then completely contained within second section 129, which prevents scraper 160 from contacting the food processing tool by the smaller cross-section of second section 129.

[0040] In some such embodiments, the food processing tool 150 may be completely contained within the second section 129. Thus, the scraper 160 is prevented from contacting the food processing tool by the smaller or differently shaped cross-section of the second section 129 of the container 120.

[0041] In some embodiments, the inner wall 122 may further comprise a transition section between the first section 128 and the second section 129. Such a transition section may taper the cross-section of the inner wall 122 toward the cross-section of the second section 129. The scraper 160 may then be obstructed within the transition section and prevented from entering the second section 129. The transition section may further enable the second section 129 to have a substantially uniform cross-section that differs from the cross-section of the first section 218 by providing a knuckle in the shape of the inner wall 122 between the first and second sections. In some embodiments, the second section does not necessarily have to have a substantially uniform cross-section, and therefore the transition may be considered part of the second section 129 rather than having a separate transition section.

[0042] 2, motor 131 may be disposed within base 110, and shaft 133 and food processing tool 150 may be disposed within food container 120. Motor 131 may be connected to food processing tool 150 via shaft 133 and configured to rotate food processing tool 150 via shaft 133. Thus, food processing tool 150 may be configured to rotate within food container 120 about axis of rotation 902. Thus, bottom component 135 or the bottom of food container 120 may be configured to accommodate shaft 133 while maintaining a seal sufficient for container 120 to retain liquid.

[0043] In some embodiments, the food processing tool 150 may include at least one blade configured to rotate within the food container 120. In some examples, the blade may be designed for food processing such as food blending, food cutting, food hopping, food grinding, food milling, food mixing, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the food processing tool 150 may be permanently attached to the shaft 133, and the shaft may be removably mated to the motor 131 such that the food container 120 can be removed along with the shaft 133. However, in other embodiments, the food processing tool 150 may be removably attached to the shaft 133 such that the shaft remains connected to the motor 131 when the food container 120 is removed.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus 100 is a blender, and the food processing tool 150 may be a blade or set of blades integrated into the base component 135 such that a shaft is secured to the food processing tool 150. Alternatively, the assembly described may be a food processor or other appliance, and may instead be fitted with removable or replaceable blades.

[0045] Figure 3A is a plan view of apparatus 100 according to one embodiment. Figure 3B is a plan view of apparatus 100 according to one embodiment with lid 170 omitted. Figure 4A is a plan view of scraper 160 according to one embodiment. Figure 4B is a perspective view of scraper 160 according to one embodiment. Figure 4C is a perspective view of squeegee 161 according to one embodiment. Figure 4D is a perspective view of squeegee holder 163 according to one embodiment.

[0046] FIG. 4E is a perspective view of the lid 170 according to one embodiment.

[0047] 2, 3A, and 4E, the lid 170 may be configured to cover the food container 120. In some embodiments, the lid 170 may be provided with a hole 171. As shown in FIG. 3A, the hole 171 in the lid 170 may overlap with the hole 1631 in the squeegee holder 163 in a plan view. That is, the central axis of the hole 171 in the lid 170 may coincide with the central axis of the hole 1631 in the squeegee holder 163. In the example shown in FIG. 3A, the hole 171 in the lid 170 may overlap with the entire hole 1631 in the squeegee holder 163 in a plan view. In one example, the hole 171 in the lid 170 may have a larger area or radius than the hole 1631 in the squeegee holder 163.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 2 , the rotation axis 902 of the food processing tool 150 can extend through the hole 171 in the lid 170 and the hole 1631 in the squeegee holder 163. In some embodiments, the lid 170 can include a funnel shape 173 that defines and terminates at the hole 171 in the lid 170. The apparatus 100 can further include a pusher 167 configured to be inserted through the hole 171 in the lid 170 and engage with the hole 1631 in the squeegee holder 163. In some embodiments, the pusher 167 can be removably or permanently attached to the scraper 160. By moving the pusher 167 up and down, the scraper 160 can be moved up and down while keeping the scraper 160 in contact with the inner wall 122 of the food container 120.

[0049] Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the device according to one embodiment in use. Fig. 6 is another perspective view showing the device according to one embodiment in use.

[0050] When the apparatus 100 is used, food may be placed in the food container 120. As shown in FIG. 5 , a user can lower the scraper 160 by depressing the pusher 167. The pusher 167 is configured to translate the scraper 160 along the scraper's vertical axis, and use of the pusher translates the scraper while maintaining contact between the scraper and the substantially uniform cross-section of the first section 128 of the inner wall 120. Thus, the scraper 160 can wipe the inner wall 122 toward the food processing tool 150. Thus, food materials adhering to the inner wall 122 of the food container 120 can be loosened and pushed toward the food processing tool 150 (e.g., a blade) to facilitate food processing. In some embodiments, the inner wall 122 may include a first section 128 having a uniform cross-section, in which case the scraper 160 can pass through the first section 128. In some embodiments, the inner wall 122 may include a second section 129 having a cross-section smaller than the cross-section of the first section 128. In such a case, the scraper 160 cannot pass through the second section 129, as described above. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the user can lift the pusher 167 to raise the scraper 160. The user may then repeat the process shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0051] Accordingly, the apparatus 100 may include a scraper 160 disposed within the food container 120. The scraper 160 may be configured to wipe the interior wall 122 toward the food processing tool 150. Thus, the apparatus 100 may remove food material adhering to the interior wall 122, reducing under-processed food material.

[0052] While the present invention has been described in some detail and with a certain degree of particularity with respect to several stated embodiments, it is not intended that it must be limited to any such particularity or embodiment or to any particular embodiment, but rather should be construed with reference to the appended claims in order to provide the broadest possible interpretation of the claims in view of the prior art and thus effectively encompass the intended scope of the invention. Moreover, the foregoing describes the invention with respect to embodiments anticipated by the inventors for which enabling descriptions were available, even though impractical modifications of the invention (not presently anticipated) may represent equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. a food container including an interior wall; a food processing tool configured to rotate within the food container; a scraper disposed within the food container, movable within the food container, and configured to wipe the interior wall toward the food processing tool; An apparatus comprising:

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the scraper contacts the inner wall circumferentially about the axis of rotation of the food processing tool.

3. The scraper is a squeegee in contact with the inner wall; a squeegee holder for holding the squeegee, the squeegee being disposed between the squeegee holder and the inner wall; The apparatus of claim 1 , comprising:

4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the squeegee comprises a different material than the squeegee holder.

5. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the squeegee is made from a flexible or resilient material.

6. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the squeegee comprises a ring shape that surrounds the squeegee holder.

7. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the squeegee holder is provided with a hole.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the squeegee holder includes an inner ring portion that defines the hole.

9. The squeegee holder is an outer ring portion for holding the squeegee, the inner ring portion being disposed between the hole and the outer ring portion; at least one connecting portion connecting the inner ring portion and the outer ring portion and disposed between the inner ring portion and the outer ring portion; The apparatus of claim 8 , comprising:

10. a lid configured to cover the food container, the lid having a hole therein; a central axis of the hole in the lid coincides with a central axis of the hole in the squeegee holder; The device according to claim 7 , wherein an area of ​​the hole in the lid is larger than an area of ​​the hole in the squeegee holder in a plan view.

11. The device of claim 10 , wherein the lid includes a funnel shape that terminates at the hole in the lid.

12. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the food processing tool is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation extending through the hole in the lid and the hole in the squeegee holder.

13. The apparatus of claim 10 , further comprising a pusher configured to be inserted through the hole in the lid and to engage the hole in the squeegee holder.

14. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inner wall has a first height and includes a first section having a substantially uniform cross-section throughout the first height, whereby the scraper has a size and shape compatible with the substantially uniform cross-section and is movable within the first height of the first section.

15. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the inner wall includes a second section positioned below the first section, the second section having a cross-section smaller than the substantially uniform cross-section of the first section, such that a size or shape of the scraper does not match the size or shape of the cross-section of the second section.

16. 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the food processing tool is completely contained within the second section, such that the scraper is prevented from contacting the food processing tool by the smaller cross-section of the second section.

17. 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the inner wall includes a transition section between the first section and the second section, the cross section of the inner wall tapering toward the second cross section such that the scraper is obstructed within the transition section and prevented from entering the second section.

18. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a pusher configured to translate the scraper along a vertical axis of the scraper, wherein use of the pusher translates the scraper while maintaining contact between the scraper and the substantially uniform cross-section of the first section of the inner wall.

19. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the food processing tool comprises at least one blade configured to rotate within the food container.

20. The device of claim 1 , wherein the device is a food or beverage blender.

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