Non-rigid gasket for sound and vibration attenuation in blender systems and methods of use thereof

Abstract

Provided is a blender system including an outer shell, one or more motor housing side walls and a motor housing floor plate defining a motor housing disposed within the outer shell, the motor housing floor plate defining a floor plate opening, one or more fan chamber side walls and a fan chamber base wall that define a fan chamber, at least one air inlet port, and at least one air outlet port, and a gasket disposed between the fan chamber side walls and the motor housing floor plate, the gasket formed of a vibration-dampening material, wherein the gasket prevents contact between the fan chamber side walls and the motor housing floor plate.

Description

NON-RIGID GASKET FOR SOUND AND VIBRATION ATTENUATION IN BLENDER SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USE THEREOFCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 615,327, filed December 28, 2023, for 0 Non-Rigid Gasket For Sound And Vibration Attenuation In Blender Systems And Methods Of Use Thereof, 0 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety including the drawings.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to reduced-noise blending systems and, more particularly, to systems and methods for attenuating sound, and / or vibration produced during operation of blending systems.BACKGROUND

[0003] Blenders and blending systems are often used to blend and process foodstuffs. Many kitchen appliances utilize electrical motors as part of a blending, chopping or other rotary process, and the operation of the device and the mixing of foodstuff can be noisy and loud. Given the wide variety of uses for blenders and different environments in which they may be used, such sound may be undesirable to certain individuals in certain environments. For example, consumers and appliance operators may find excessive noise to be offensive and undesirable. Limiting the operational noise generated by an appliance may be a desirable feature and can provide significant commercial advantages. Nevertheless, traditional methods of operation of typical kitchen appliances are often geared toward the production of a final result, with the amount of acoustic noise generated as a result taken as a lower priority operational feature. When noise is addressed, the resulting products are generally larger, more expensive to manufacture, mechanically complex, and / or have thermal issues that can cause certain components to overheat.SUMMARY

[0004] The following presents a summary of this disclosure to provide a basic understanding of some aspects. This summary is intended to neither identify elements nor define any limitations of aspects or claims. Furthermore, this summary may provide a simplified overview of some aspects that may be described in greater detail in other portions of this disclosure.

[0005] In one embodiment, a blender system includes an outer shell and a motor housing defined by one or more motor housing side walls and a motor housing floor plate disposed within the outer shell. The motor housing floor plate includes a floor plate opening. One or more fan chamber side walls and a fan chamber base wall define a fan chamber having at least one air inlet port and at least one air outlet port. A gasket formed of a vibrationdampening material is disposed between the fan chamber side walls and the motor housing floor plate, preventing contact between these components and reducing vibration.

[0006] In another embodiment, a blender base includes an outer shell, a pedestal disposed above the outer shell, a motor housing defined by motor housing side walls and a motor housing floor plate, which includes a floor plate opening, a fan chamber with at least one air inlet port and at least one air outlet port defined by one or more fan chamber side walls and a fan chamber base wall, and multiple gaskets formed of a vibration-dampening material. A first gasket is disposed between the fan chamber side walls and the motor housing floor plate, a second gasket is disposed on top of the outer shell, and a third gasket is disposed inside the fan chamber.

[0007] In yet another embodiment, a blender system includes a blender base and a container that operatively couples to the blender base. The blender base comprises an outer shell, a pedestal disposed on top of the outer shell, a motor housing defined by motor housing side walls and a motor housing floor plate which includes a floor plate opening, a motor disposed within the motor housing, a fan chamber with at least one air inlet port and at least one air outlet port defined by one or more fan chamber side walls and a fan chamber base wall, a fan disposed within the fan chamber, and multiple gaskets formed of a vibration- dampening material. A first gasket is placed between the fan chamber side walls and the motor housing floor plate, a second gasket is placed between the outer shell and the pedestal, and a third gasket is placed between the fan chamber base wall and the fan.

[0008] These and other features of the embodiments described herein will be more fully understood upon reviewing the detailed description and accompanying figures.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative aspect of a blender system in accordance with various disclosed aspects herein;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a cutaway view of the blender base of FIG. 1 along the plane depicted in FIG. 1;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the blender base within the bounding box depicted in FIG. 2;

[0013] FIG. 4 depicts an exploded perspective view of a portion of an illustrative blender base in a blender system in accordance with various disclosed aspects herein;

[0014] FIG. 5 depicts a detailed exploded view of the portion of the blender base within the bounding box depicted in FIG. 4; and

[0015] FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart of a method of using the blender system of FIG. 1, in accordance with various disclosed aspects herein.

[0016] The present disclosure may be embodied in several forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The scope of the present disclosure is defined in the appended claims, rather than in the specific description preceding them. All aspects that fall within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced by the claims.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Described herein is a sound reducing component for blenders that includes a non-rigid gasket disposed between plastic parts that support the motor assembly in the blender base. The sound reducing component is particularly placed to reduce or minimize sound and / or vibration from the blender motor during a blending process. It is noted that the sound reducingcomponent may be fully integrated into the blender base or may be a standalone component that is retrofitted to an existing blender base. It is also noted that the terms sound and vibration may generally be used interchangeably and that one term may be used to refer to both terms unless context or this disclosure suggests otherwise. The non-rigid gasket may also be placed so that air can circulate from inlet to outlet. This may cause a sealing of the compartments and an appropriate redirection of air.

[0018] Loud noise in both household and commercial blenders has been an issue. Blenders may be designed for home use or for commercial use, and typically perform a mixing function for a drink or other food. When utilized in businesses, such as restaurants or coffee shops, the blender is often positioned adjacent to a serving or dining area so that the food or drinks may be prepared as ordered. When so placed, the sound emitted by the blender can disturb or distract individuals (e.g., customers) as it processes or mixes a drink.

[0019] The motor is a direct source of noise when in operation, and also is an indirect source of noise due to the vibration it creates within the base. The vibrations created by the operating motor cause the base itself, and other components within the base, to vibrate, thereby generating additional noise. Further, noise and vibration from the motor may be translated to other components of the base, such as the shell or enclosure. Vibrations translated from the motor to the base shell cause the shell to act as a sound amplifier.

[0020] In addition, the cooling air flowing through the blender base can amplify the loud motor sound. Cooling air is typically provided to the motor within the base to prevent overheating. This cooling air may be drawn in through an air inlet and forced out of the base through an air exhaust. The airflow exiting the base of the food processor carries the loud noise created during operation of the blender to the exterior of the base, effectively amplifying the sound.

[0021] Various methods have been used to reduce the sound created by a blender. One such method includes providing a sound enclosure around the container of the food processor to contain the noise created by the mixing being performed. This method of noise reduction, however, fails to address the noise created by the blender. Also, previous attempts have been made to provide a baffle within the base to suppress the noise carried by the cooling airflow. These attempts, however, have been ineffective for various reasons, including complexity of the design and difficulty in manufacturing.

[0022] Reference will now be made to illustrative aspects, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that other aspects may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made. In addition, features of the various aspects may be combined or altered. As such, the following description is presented by way of illustration only and should not limit in any way the various alternatives and modifications that may be made to the illustrated aspects. In this disclosure, numerous specific details provide a thorough understanding of the subject disclosure. It should be understood that aspects of this disclosure may be practiced with other aspects not necessarily including all aspects described herein, etc.

[0023] As used herein, the words 0 exampleO and 0 exemplaryO mean an instance, or illustration. The words 0 exampleO or 0 exemplaryO do not indicate a key or preferred aspect or embodiment. The word 0 orO is intended to be inclusive rather an exclusive, unless context suggests otherwise. As an example, the phrase 0 A employs B or C,D includes any inclusive permutation (e.g., A employs B; A employs C; or A employs both B and C). As another matter, the articles 0 aO and 0 anO are generally intended to mean 0 one or moreO unless context suggest otherwise.

[0024] It is noted that the various aspects described herein may include other components and / or functionality. It is further noted that while various aspects refer to a blender or a blender system, various other systems may be utilized in view of aspects described herein. For example, aspects may be utilized in food processor systems, mixing systems, hand-held blending systems, various other food preparation systems, and the like. As such, references to a blender, blender system, and the like, are understood to include food processor systems, and other mixing systems.

[0025] The systems described herein generally include a blender base that may include a motor, a control system, a display, a memory and a processor. Further, such systems may include a blender container and a blade assembly. The blade assembly, the blender container, and the blender base may removably or irremovably attach to one another. The blender container may be powered in any appropriate manner. For example, a power source may be configured to power the blender container. The power source may be positioned in the blender container and / or the blending base. The power source may be wireless. In examples, the power source may be an energy storage device, such as a rechargeable or nonrechargeable battery, a regenerative power supply, and / or the like. Foodstuff or other items may be added to theblender container. Furthermore, while blending of 0 ingredients, 0 0 contentsO or 0 foodstuffsO is described by various aspects, it is noted that non-food stuff may be mixed or blended, such as paints, epoxies, construction material (e.g., mortar, cement, etc.), and the like. Further, the blending systems may include any household blender and / or any type of commercial blending system, including those with covers that may encapsulate or partially encapsulate the blender. Further, commercial blending systems may include an overall blending system, such as a modular blending system that may include the blender along with other components, such as a cleaner, foodstuff storage device (including a refrigerator), an ice maker and / or dispenser, a foodstuff dispenser (a liquid or powder flavoring dispenser) or any other combination of such.

[0026] As used herein, the phrases 0 blending process, 0 0 blending program, 0 and the like are used interchangeably unless context suggest otherwise or warrants a particular distinction among such terms. A blending process may include a series or sequence of blender settings and operations to be carried out by the blending device. In an aspect, a blending process may include at least one motor speed and at least one time interval for the given motor speed. For example, a blending process may include a series of blender motor speeds to operate the blender blade at the given speed, a series of time intervals corresponding to the given motor speeds, and other blender parameters and timing settings. The blending process may further include a ramp-up speed that defines the amount of time the motor takes to reach its predetermined motor speed. The blending process may be stored on a memory and recalled by or communicated to the blending device (e.g., in response to receiving user input or the like).

[0027] In addition, blending of foodstuff or ingredients may result in a blended product.Such blended products may include drinks, frozen drinks, smoothies, shakes, soups, purees, sorbets, butter (e.g., nut butter), dips or the likes. It is noted that various other blended products may result from blending ingredients. Accordingly, terms such as 0 blended productO or 0 drinkO may be used interchangeably unless context suggests otherwise or warrants a particular distinction among such terms. Further, such terms are not intended to limit possible blended products and should be viewed as examples of possible blended products.

[0028] Referring now to the figures, the present disclosure relates to a blender base 10 as shown in FIGS. 1-5. The blender base 10 is generally configured to support a blender container 13 and facilitate rotation of a blending blade on the blender container 13.

[0029] The blender base 10 includes a base frame 12. The base frame 12 may be any shape, size or configuration, such as generally rectangular or square. The base frame 12 may be made of any suitable material, such as molded plastic or the like. In some aspects, the base frame 12 may include features designed to facilitate airflow through the blender base 10. For example, the base frame 12 may include hollow portions, ridged portions and openings, as will be described in further detail, to create air gaps and pathways to direct the flow of air through the blender base 10.

[0030] The base frame 12 may include one or more feet 14. The feet 14 may generally be any size or shape and may be located at any appropriate position on the base frame 12, such as disposed on a bottom surface 11 of the base frame 12. The feet 14 are generally positioned to engage a surface that supports the blender base 10 and / or to stabilize and level the base frame 12. The feet 14 may be formed from any material, such as rubber.

[0031] In some aspects, the base frame 12 generally includes a base plate 16. The base plate 16 is generally shaped, sized, and / or configured to correspond to the shape, size, and / or configuration of the base frame 12. The base plate 16 couples to a bottom portion of the base frame 12 to seal an air gap between the surface supporting the blender base 10 and an interior portion of the base frame 12. In some aspects, the base plate 16 may be positioned inside of the feet 14 to allow the feet 14 to directly contact the supporting surface while still sealing the air gap-

[0032] It should be understood that the blender base 10 may include one or more components for circulating cooling air throughout. Illustrative examples of components include, but are not limited to, an air inlet port 18 positioned to receive air into the blender base 10, one or more diffusers formed within the base frame 12, one or more fluid passageways 76, one or more exhausts, one or more walls that define the fluid passageways 76, and / or the like. The non-rigid gasket may be placed between aspects creating the fluid passageways 76 so that air can circulate from air inlet port 18 to air outlet port 22. This may cause a sealing between aspects and an appropriate redirection of air.

[0033] In aspects, the base frame 12 includes a fan chamber 30. The fan chamber 30 may be any appropriate size or shape, such as generally cylindrical and configured to house a fan 60. The fan chamber 30 may be located at any appropriate position on the base frame 12, such as generally centered on the base frame 12. The fan chamber 30 may include, for example,one or more fan chamber side walls 32 and / or a fan chamber base wall 34. The one or more fan chamber side walls 32 generally may be shaped to extend from the fan chamber base wall 34 and form an interior cavity of the fan chamber 30 that houses the fan 60. In some aspects, the one or more fan chamber side walls 32 may be integrally formed with the base frame 12. A fan opening defined by the one or more fan chamber side walls 32 may be located to provide access between the fan chamber 30 and other portions of the blender base 10.

[0034] The fan chamber base wall 34 may form the base surface of the fan chamber 30. The fan chamber base wall 34 may be any appropriate size and shape, such as generally circular and configured to engage the one or more fan chamber side walls 32. As shown in FIG. 2 for example, the fan chamber base wall 34 is integrally formed with the fan chamber side walls 32 or otherwise connected thereto. However, it should be appreciated that the fan chamber base wall 34 may be removable from the fan chamber 30 to provide service access to the fan chamber 30, such as, for example, by one or more fasteners (e.g., screws or the like).

[0035] The blender base 10 may include a motor 42 generally disposed inside a motor housing 44. The motor housing 44 is generally located within the blender base 10 above the base frame 12. The motor housing 44 may be generally aligned with a fan chamber 30 in some aspects. The motor housing 44 includes a plurality of motor housing side walls 46. The motor housing side walls 46 may be any appropriate size or shape, such as generally rectangular. The motor housing side walls 46 may couple to one another to form an interior volume that contains the motor 42 and / or any related motor components.

[0036] In aspects, the motor housing 44 may include a motor housing floor plate 48 (which may also be referred to as a choke plate). The motor housing floor plate 48 may be any appropriate size or shape and may couple to a bottom portion of the motor housing side walls 46. For example, the motor housing side walls 46 may include a flanged portion that may engage the motor housing floor plate 48. The motor housing floor plate 48 may define include a floor plate opening 52 therethrough. The floor plate opening 52 may be any appropriate size and shape, such as square or circular. The floor plate opening 52 may be generally aligned with a fan opening to provide access between the interior of the motor housing 44 and the fan chamber 30.

[0037] The motor housing floor plate 48 may be configured to facilitate airflow between the motor housing 44 and the fan chamber 30. To that end, the motor housing floorplate 48 may include a tapered surface 54 or the like to the floor plate opening 52. The tapered surface 54 may be curved or slanted toward the fan chamber 30. The tapered surface 54 may extend up to or into a fan opening.

[0038] As noted herein, the motor 42 may be positioned within the motor housing 44. The motor 42 may be any type of motor, such as an electric AC motor. The motor 42 may include a shaft 58. The shaft 58 may be any appropriate size or shape. The motor 42 may be configured to rotate the shaft 58 to facilitate rotation of other components of the blender base 10.

[0039] A fan 60 may be connected to the shaft 58, such as at the end of the shaft 58. The fan 60 may be positioned within the fan chamber 30. The fan 60 may be rotated by the motor 42 to facilitate air flow through the blender base 10, thereby cooling the motor 42 and other related components.

[0040] A shaft coupler 62 may be connected to the shaft 58. The shaft coupler 62 may be connected at any appropriate position along the shaft 58, such as at an end of the shaft 58 opposite the fan 60. The shaft coupler 62 may be connectable to a blade axis of a blender container 13. For example, the shaft coupler 62 may include an opening to receive or otherwise connect to the blade axis of a blender container 13. The shaft coupler 62 may be driven by the shaft 58 to rotate the blade axis of the blender container 13, thereby facilitating rotation of the blender blade.

[0041] The blender base 10 may include an outer shell 64 supported by the base frame 12. The outer shell 64 generally forms a hollow interior for encompassing the various other components of the blender base 10. That is, the outer shell 64 may surround and protect the working parts of the blender base 10.

[0042] The outer shell 64 may include a pedestal 70. The pedestal 70 may be any appropriate size or shape, such as generally square. The pedestal 70 may be configured to receive and support a blender container 13 thereon. For example, the pedestal 70 may include one or more protrusions 72 to engage and position a portion of the blender container 13. The pedestal 70 may define a central opening 73 through which the shaft coupler 62 extends.

[0043] As previously noted herein, the present disclosure is directed to sound dampening components that reduce or minimize sound and vibrations produced by the motor42 during operation thereof. This may be achieved by isolating the motor housing 44 from the outer shell 64 and the base frame 12. This is because noise and vibration would be amplified by the hollow opening provided by the outer shell 64 or the open spaces provided by the base frame 12 without dampening components. Therefore, reducing the amount of vibration and noise that is transferred from the motor 42 to the outer shell 64 or the base frame 12 reduces the overall noise output of the blender base 10. To that end, the motor 42 and the motor housing 44 are isolated from direct connection with the outer shell 64 and base frame 12 to reduce amplification of noise and vibration.

[0044] In an aspect, the motor housing 44 is isolated from any direct connection with the outer shell 64 and the pedestal 70. One or more second gaskets 71 are disposed between the pedestal 70 and walls of the outer shell 64 to interconnect to a portion of the motor housing 44. For example, a single second gasket 71 may encircle a perimeter of the pedestal 70 and prevent contact between the pedestal 70 and the motor housing 44. The one or more second gaskets 71 may include, for example, a grommet or the like. The second gaskets 71 may be any appropriate size or shape and may be formed from any suitable non-rigid material, such as rubber. As such, the second gaskets 71 may absorb noise and / or vibration to reduce the transfer of noise and vibration from the motor 42 and motor housing 44 to the outer shell 64.

[0045] In aspects, the blender base 10 may include a third gasket 56. The third gasket 56 may be any appropriate size and shape, and may be located at any appropriate position, such as between the motor housing 44 and the base frame 12. The third gasket 56 may absorb sound and vibration emitted by the motor 42 and motor housing 44 and may isolate the motor housing 44 from the base frame 12. The first gasket 74, the second gasket 71, and the third gasket 56 may include one or more adhesive layers above or below the elastomeric material.

[0046] As depicted in FIGS. 2-5, the blender base 10 further includes a first gasket 74 disposed between various structural components of the blender base 10 to dampen sound and / or vibration from the motor 42. More specifically, FIGS. 2-5 depict the first gasket 74 being disposed between the motor housing floor plate 48 of the motor housing 44 and the one or more fan chamber side walls 32 of the fan chamber 30. As a result, the motor 42 and the motor housing 44 are further isolated from direct connection with the outer shell 64 and base frame 12 to reduce amplification of noise and vibration.

[0047] The first gasket 74 is not limited by the present disclosure and may generally be any component that is formed from a suitable non-rigid material (e.g., rubber) and has any shape, size, and / or configuration to be disposed between the motor housing floor plate 48 and the one or more fan chamber side walls 32. the first gasket 74 is further generally disposed to prevent direct contract between any portion of the motor housing 44 and any portion of the fan chamber 30. Therefore, sound and vibrations emanating from the motor housing 44 are dampened by the first gasket 74 before being transferred to the fan chamber 30 (if at all). As depicted in FIG. 5 for example, the first gasket 74 is molded as a single piece component that corresponds to a shape and size of the motor housing floor plate 48 so as to ensure no direct contact between the motor housing floor plate 48 and the fan chamber side walls 32. However, other aspects, such as individual grommets, an o-ring or other similar structure encircling the upper limit of the fan chamber side walls 32, and / or the like are contemplated and included within the scope of the present disclosure. As noted above, the first gasket 74 may be formed of a non-rigid material. Illustrative examples of materials include, but are not limited to, elastomeric materials, foam materials, lattice structure materials, and / or the like. As such, the non-rigid material allows for a decoupling of transmission paths of vibrations between rigid plastic components.

[0048] Referring now to FIG. 6, it is to be appreciated that defined herein is a method 80 for the addition of a first gasket 74 in blender systems for sound and vibration attenuation. At step 82 of the method 80, an elastomeric material is selected to mold the first gasket 74. At step 84, the first gasket 74 is molded to fit around a portion of the fan chamber side walls 32. At step 86, the first gasket 74 is disposed onto the portion of the fan chamber side walls 32 that is was molded to fit around. At step 88, the motor housing floor plate 48 is disposed onto the first gasket 74 so that the first gasket 74 is positioned between the fan chamber side walls 32 and the motor housing floor plate 48. At step 90, The lack of direct contact between the fan chamber side walls 32 and the motor housing floor plate 48 is ensured. This supports sound and vibration attenuation. At step 92, a decision is made as to whether the addition of a second gasket 71 (or third gasket 56, etc.) is needed. If yes, the method 80 goes back to step 82 for the addition of a a second gasket 71 (or third gasket 56, etc.). If no, the method 80 proceeds to step 94. At step 94, the method 80 ends.

[0049] Furthermore, this procedure can be extended to include the second gasket 71, wherein the second gasket 71 is placed on top of the outer shell 64 and disposed between theouter shell 64 and the pedestal 70 to prevent direct contact between these components. Additionally, the approach may be extended to include the third gasket 56, wherein the third gasket 56 is formed and placed inside the fan chamber 30 to prevent contact between the fan chamber base wall 34 and the fan 60.

[0050] When determining hardness values for the first gasket 74, the second gasket 71, or the third gasket 56 used within the blender system, approximately 30 durometer may offer ideal sound and vibration attenuation. The range of hardness may be between 10 and 50 durometers, depending on factors like the shape and location of the gasket. The shape and thickness accommodate the specific shape inside the blender base 10 and provide the cushioning to reduce vibration.

[0051] The first gasket 74, the second gasket 71, and the third gasket 56 contribute significantly to vibration damping by isolating rigid plastic parts of the blender base 10. As for the first gasket 74, in addition to protecting against direct contact and noise, it also creates a reliable seal on the air inlet ports 18 and the air outlet ports 22, thereby preventing leakage of airflow and minimizing noise escape.

[0052] Noise and vibration may be transferred through components such as fasteners, screws and bolts. In an aspect, the blender base 10 may be configured without any fasteners, screws, bolts or other components that directly interconnect the outer shell 64 or pedestal 70 to the motor housing 44. Thus, the motor housing 44 may be isolated from any direct connection with the outer shell 64.

[0053] The blender base 10 may include a control panel (not shown). The control panel may allow a user to selectively control the motor 42, such as turning the motor 42 on and off and selecting motor speeds. The control panel may include a display, on / off switch, speed controls, and other controls necessary to control the motor functions.

[0054] In operation, a user may turn on the blender base 10 to initiate rotation of the motor 42. The motor 42 may rotate the shaft 58, which in turn may rotate the shaft coupler 62 and the fan 60. The fan 60 may draw air into the blender base 10, such as through the air inlet port 18. Vibrations that are generated as a byproduct of operation of the motor 42 are dampened as they are carried through the various components of the motor housing 44 to the second gasket 71 and the first gasket 74.

[0055] It is noted that the various aspects described herein may include other components and / or functionality. It is further noted that while described aspects refer to a blender or a blender system, various other systems may be utilized in view of the described aspects. For example, aspects may be utilized in food processor systems, mixing systems, handheld blender systems, various other food preparation systems, and the like. As such, references to a blender, blender system, and the like, are understood to include food processor systems, and other mixing systems. Such systems generally include a blender container 13 and a blender base 10 that may include a motor 42, a blade assembly, and a control system. Further, such systems may include a container, a display, a memory or a processor.

[0056] As used herein, the phrases 0 blending process, 0 0 blending program, 0 and the like are used interchangeably unless context suggest otherwise or warrants a particular distinction among such terms. A blending process may include a series or sequence of blender settings and operations to be carried out by the blending system. In an aspect, a blending process may include at least one motor speed and at least one time interval for the given motor speed. For example, a blending process may include a series of blender motor speeds to operate the blender blade at the given speed, a series of time intervals corresponding to the given motor speeds, and other blender parameters and timing settings. The blending process may further include a ramp up speed that defines the amount of time the motor 42 takes to reach its predetermined motor speed. The blending process may be stored on a memory and recalled by or communicated to the blending device.

[0057] What has been described above includes examples of the present specification. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the present specification, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the present specification are possible. Each of the components described above may be combined or added together in any permutation to define the blending system. Accordingly, the present specification is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term 0 includesO is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term 0 comprisingO as 0 comprisingO is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A blender system, comprising: an outer shell; one or more motor housing side walls and a motor housing floor plate defining a motor housing disposed within the outer shell, the motor housing floor plate defining a floor plate opening; one or more fan chamber side walls and a fan chamber base wall that define a fan chamber, at least one air inlet port, and at least one air outlet port; and a gasket disposed between the fan chamber side walls and the motor housing floor plate, the gasket formed of a vibration-dampening material; wherein the gasket prevents contact between the fan chamber side walls and the motor housing floor plate.

2. The blender system of claim 1, wherein the gasket is formed of an elastomeric material.

3. The blender system of claim 2, wherein the gasket has a plurality of layers and at least one of the layers includes the elastomeric material.

4. The blender system of claim 2, wherein the gasket includes an adhesive layer above or below the elastomeric material.

5. The blender system of claim 1, wherein the blender system includes feet contacting a bottom surface of the blender system and the fan chamber side walls.

6. The blender system of claim 1, wherein the gasket is a first gasket and the blender system further comprises a second gasket disposed on top of the outer shell.

7. The blender system of claim 6, further comprising a pedestal disposed on top of the outer shell, wherein the second gasket is disposed between the outer shell and the pedestal.

8. The blender system of claim 1, further comprising a third gasket disposed inside of the fan chamber.

9. The blender system of claim 8, further comprising a fan disposed on top of the fan chamber base wall, wherein a third gasket is disposed between the fan chamber base wall and the fan.

10. The blender system of claim 1, wherein the gasket is shaped to surround a portion of the fan chamber side walls and the motor housing floor plate.

11. The blender system of claim 1, wherein the fan chamber and motor housing define a fluid passageway from the at least one air inlet port to the at least one air outlet port; the gasket creating a seal along the fluid passageway.

12. The blender system of claim 1, wherein a hardness of the gasket is between 10 durometers and 50 durometers.

13. A blender base, comprising: an outer shell; a pedestal disposed above the outer shell; one or more motor housing side walls and a motor housing floor plate defining a motor housing disposed within the outer shell, the motor housing floor plate defining a floor plate opening; one or more fan chamber side walls and a fan chamber base wall that define a fan chamber, at least one air inlet port, and at least one air outlet port; and gaskets formed of a vibration-dampening material including: a first gasket disposed between the fan chamber side walls and the motor housing floor plate; an second gasket disposed on top of the outer shell; and a third gasket disposed inside of the fan chamber.

14. The blender base of claim 13, wherein the first gasket, the second gasket, and the third gasket are formed from an elastomeric material.

15. The blender base of claim 13, wherein the blender base includes feet contacting a bottom surface of the blender base and the fan chamber side walls.

16. The blender base of claim 13, wherein the second gasket is disposed between the outer shell and the pedestal.

17. The blender base of claim 13, wherein the third gasket is disposed between the fan chamber base wall and a fan.

18. A blender system, comprising: a blender base, including: an outer shell; a pedestal disposed on top of the outer shell; one or more motor housing side walls and a motor housing floor plate defining a motor housing disposed within the outer shell, the motor housing floor plate defining a floor plate opening; a motor disposed within the motor housing; one or more fan chamber side walls and a fan chamber base wall that define a fan chamber, at least one air inlet port, and at least one air outlet port; a fan disposed within the fan chamber; and gaskets formed of a vibration-dampening material including: a first gasket disposed between the fan chamber side walls and the motor housing floor plate; an second gasket disposed between the outer shell and the pedestal; and a third gasket disposed between the fan chamber base wall and the fan; and a container that operatively couples to the blender base.

19. The blender system of claim 18, wherein the first gasket, the second gasket, and the third gasket are formed from an elastomeric material.

20. The blender system of claim 18, further comprising a shaft inside of the blender base and a shaft coupler disposed above the shaft and below the container.

Images