Mixing apparatuses with features for mixing ingredients and mixing systems incorporating the same

Abstract

A mixing container including a closed base defining a periphery, a sidewall extending from the periphery of the closed base, the sidewall and the closed base defining a cavity having an open end, a mixer assembly rotatably coupled to the closed base and configured to be externally driven, and a wiper assembly received in the cavity through the open end, the wiper assembly including a frame having a rotating element and one or more support elements that extend from the rotating element to the closed base at the periphery of the closed base, and a wiper blade coupled to each of the one or more support elements, the wiper blade positioned in contact with the sidewall.

Description

MIXING APPARATUSES WITH FEATURES FOR MIXING INGREDIENTS ANDMIXING SYSTEMS INCORPORATING THE SAMECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present disclosure claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 670266, entitled “BLENDING CONTAINERS WITH FEATURES FOR MIXING INGREDIENTS” and filed July 12, 2024, the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This present disclosure relates to mixing systems, and more particularly, to mixing apparatuses used in a mixing system.BACKGROUND

[0003] Mixing apparatuses (including containers and / or components corresponding thereto) and mixing systems are often used to blend and process a variety of substances (e.g., powders, liquids, etc.). Mixing dry and wet ingredients together often results in clumps or streaks of dry materials, particularly on sidewalls, end walls, next to surface features on walls, and / or the like. Mixing containers often include ribs or discontinuous surfaces, which may lead to fouling / collection of unmixed material on the interior surfaces, resulting in an incomplete blend. Further, some mixing containers which accumulate substances on interior surfaces may be constructed of opaque materials or may otherwise obstruct transparent features of the container, preventing a user from effectively conducting visual inspections to determine whether fouling / collection of unmixed material has occurred. Further, some features such as cutoff devices that prevent motor operation when a lid is not secured and / or operation of blades that operate at high speeds may prevent a user from wiping or otherwise dislodging substances from interior surfaces during operation.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The aspects set forth in the drawings are illustrative in nature and not intended to limit the disclosure. The operation of the present disclosure may be better understood by reference to the detailed description taken in connection with the following illustrations, wherein:

[0005] FIG. 1 depicts a side view of an illustrative mixing container including a closed base, a sidewall, a mixer assembly, and a wiper assembly according to one or more aspects shown and described herein;

[0006] FIG. 2A depicts a side perspective view of various components of a wiper assembly according to one or more aspects shown and described herein;

[0007] FIG. 2B depicts a perspective view of a portion of an illustrative wiper blade of a wiper assembly according to one or more aspects shown and described herein;

[0008] FIG. 2C depicts a perspective view of a portion of an illustrative support element a wiper assembly according to one or more aspects shown and described herein;

[0009] FIG. 3 depicts a side view of an illustrative wiper assembly having a frame, a rotating element, a knob, one or more support elements, and a wiper blade according to one or more aspects shown and described herein.

[0010] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of an illustrative wiper assembly having a lid integrated with a frame, a rotating element, a knob, one or more support elements, and a wiper blade according to one or more aspects shown and described herein;

[0011] FIG. 5 depicts a side view of an illustrative wiper assembly having a frame, a rotating element, one or more support elements, a wiper blade, and a drive mechanism according to one or more aspects shown and described herein.

[0012] FIG. 6 depicts a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative container including at least a sidewall and a lid defining a jointed hemiellipsoid contoured interior surface and having locking elements that engage with the sidewall, a base defining a jointed hemiellipsoid contoured interior surface, and a mixer assembly according to one or more aspects shown and described herein;

[0013] FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of an illustrative mixing apparatus including a container having a sidewall, a planar lid engaged with the sidewall via locking elements, a base defining a jointed hemiellipsoid contoured interior surface, and a mixer assembly according to one or more aspects shown and described herein;

[0014] FIG. 8 depicts a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative base defining a jointed hemiellipsoid contoured interior surface according to one or more aspects shown and described herein;

[0015] FIG. 9 depicts an illustrative container of a mixing apparatus, the container including at least a lid defining a jointed hemiellipsoid contoured interior surface, a base defining a jointed hemiellipsoid contoured interior surface, and a mixer assembly according to one or more aspects shown and described herein;

[0016] FIG. 10 depicts an illustrative blade of a mixer assembly according to one or more aspects shown and described herein;

[0017] FIG. 11 depicts a top view of an illustrative mixing apparatus that includes a mixing container with a wiper assembly disposed within an interior defined by the mixing container according to one or more aspects shown and described herein; and

[0018] FIG. 12 depicts an illustrative blending system that is configured to be used with a mixing apparatus according to one or more aspects shown and described here.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0019] In one aspect, the mixing container includes a closed base that defines a periphery. The mixing container further includes a sidewall that extends from the periphery of the closed base. In addition, the sidewall and the closed base define a cavity having an open end. The mixing container also includes a mixer assembly that is rotatably coupled to the base and configured to be externally driven. The mixing container also includes a wiper assembly that is received in the cavity through the open end thereof. The wiper assembly includes a frame. The frame includes a rotating element and one or more support elements that extend from the rotating element to the closed base at the periphery thereof. A wiper blade is coupled to each of the one or more support elements, and is positioned to be in contact with the sidewall.

[0020] In another aspect, a mixing system includes a motor assembly, the motor assembling having a motor and a support surface. The mixing system includes a mixing container, that is supported on the support surface of the motor assembly. The mixing container includes a closed base that defines a periphery. The mixing container further includes a sidewall that extends from the periphery of the closed base. In addition, the sidewall and the closed base define a cavity having an open end. The mixing container also includes a mixer assembly that is rotatably coupled to the base and is engaged with the motor of the motor assembly. The mixing container also includes a wiper assembly that is received in the cavity through the open end thereof. The wiper assembly includes a frame. The frame includes a rotating element and one or more support elements that extend from the rotating element to the closed base at the periphery thereof. A wiper blade is coupled to each of the one or more support elements, and is positioned to be in contact with the sidewall.

[0021] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0022] Additional features and advantages of the described aspects will be set forth in the detailed description that follows. The additional features and advantages of the described aspects will be, in part, readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description orrecognized by practicing the described aspects, including the detailed description that follows as well as the claims.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Described herein are mixing apparatuses and mixing systems for removing substances from the interior surface of a wall during operation of a mixing process. A mixing apparatus includes a mixing container, a mixer assembly, and a wiper assembly. Removal of material from walls in conventional mixing apparatuses generally cannot be successfully performed during operation. In contrast, the mixing apparatuses disclosed herein remove material from walls during operation of the mixer assembly by mixing and removing material from the walls concurrently or substantially concurrently such that a user need not stop, pause, or otherwise interrupt a mixing process in order to remove material from the walls of the mixing container. This is achieved by the wiper assembly, which contacts the mixing container during operation of the mixer assembly, scraping any material that sticks to the inside of the mixing container. The wiper assembly can be configured to freely rotate with the material during operation or can be externally driven to actively scrape material collected on the walls during a mixing operation, ensuring that ingredients are mixed. In aspects that utilize the free rotating configuration, rotation of the wiper assembly occurs without an additional power source or user intervention.

[0024] A particularly difficult material to mix is mocha sauce that is commonly used in various beverages, which is formed from a combination of mocha powder and a liquid, such as water or milk. In a conventional mixing apparatus, clumps of the mocha powder sticks to the walls of the mixing container, and is not incorporated into the mocha sauce, which results in an inconsistent mixture according to a particular recipe and also results in excessive waste material. The mixing apparatus disclosed herein is utilized to scrape or otherwise remove stuck material (e.g., mocha sauce and / or clumps of mocha powder) from the walls of the mixing container so that the material is recirculated into the remaining mocha sauce by the mixer assembly, thereby ensuring a consistent mixture and less waste. The wiper assembly rotates in the mixing container during operation (e.g., free rotation due to the movement of contents caused by rotation of the mixer assembly imparts movement on the wiper assembly and / or an external component drives operation of the wiper assembly, such as a user manipulable component or a secondary motor), and material that is removed from the sidewall is incorporated into the mocha sauce. In some aspects, the wiper assembly can also be utilized to clear the sidewalls of the container to allow for a visual inspection of the mixture with the lid in place.

[0025] Reference will now be made to illustrative aspects, examples of which are depicted in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that other aspects may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made. 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.

[0026] As used herein, the word “example” means an instance, or illustration. The word “example” does not indicate a key or preferred aspect or aspect. The word “or” is intended to be inclusive rather an exclusive, unless context suggests otherwise. As an example, the phrase “A employs B or C,” includes any inclusive permutation (e.g., A employs B; A employs C; or A employs both B and C). As another matter, the articles “a” and “an” are generally intended to mean “one or more” unless context suggest otherwise.

[0027] The term “jointed hemiellipsoid contoured interior surface” as used herein refers to a surface that is shaped to define one or more areas that are at least partially hemiellipsoid in shape and positioned radially outward of a central area (e.g., an area having a generally planar or non-convex contour). In some aspects, a single hemiellipsoid area may encircle the central area and may define consistent or substantially consistent dimensions so as to form a shape akin to half of a ring torus. In other aspects, a first hemiellipsoid space may have a different shape and / or size relative to a second hemiellipsoid space. The term “hemiellipsoid,” as used herein, refers to a three-dimensional shape, of which planar sections thereof are ellipses or circles. For example, a hemiellipsoid as used herein can include a hemisphere. The jointed hemiellipsoid contour of various surfaces as described herein may facilitate movement of material in a manner that cause the material to interact with at least a portion of the mixer assembly so that the material is mixed together. More specifically, a jointed hemiellipsoid contoured interior surface of a closed base, together with the configuration of the mixing assembly, causes material to move along the sidewall of the mixing container towards a lid thereof, and / or a jointed hemiellipsoid contoured interior surface of the lid causes material to circulate inwards towards a center of the container and towards the closed base.

[0028] The terms “free rotation,” “free spinning,” or like terms as used herein refer to an ability to rotate with reduced friction and / or without interference or substantial interference around an axis. For example, a free spinning apparatus is not directly driven by an external drive mechanism. A free spinning apparatus rotates without significant external constraintson its axis of rotation. Free rotating apparatuses may rotate with flow of material or other apparatuses engaging with the free rotating apparatus.

[0029] It is noted that the terms “substantially,” “about,” and “approximately” may be utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. These terms are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.

[0030] It is noted that the term “adjacent“ as used herein refers to components that adjoin one another, are positioned in close proximity to one another, or directly contact one another.

[0031] The blending container is generally configured to contain any material that may be mixed with the components described herein. The material is generally not limited by the present disclosure, and can be any material. That is, while mixing of “ingredients,” “contents,” “material,” or “foodstuffs” is described in various aspects herein, it is noted that the material can be non-foodstuffs including, but is not limited to, paints, epoxies, construction material (e.g., mortar, cement, etc.), and the like. Aspects of mixing containers described herein may also be utilized for medical and / or laboratory environment purposes. Aspects of the mixing containers and mixing systems may include any household blender and / or any type of commercial mixing container and mixing system, including those with covers that may encapsulate or at least partially encapsulate the blending container. Further, commercial mixing systems may include an overall blending system, such as a modular blending system that may include the mixer 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 thereof.

[0032] Mixing of material results in a mixed or blended product. Such mixed or blended products may include drinks, frozen drinks, smoothies, shakes, soups, purees, sorbets, butter (nut), dips, sauces, or the like. It is noted that various other mixed or blended products may result from blending ingredients. Accordingly, terms such as “blend” or “mix” may be used interchangeably unless context suggests otherwise or warrants a particular distinction among such terms. Such terms are not intended to limit any possible mixing products and should be viewed as examples of possible mixed products.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 1, a mixing apparatus 100 includes at least a mixing container 300, a mixer assembly 400, and a wiper assembly 200. Various components of the mixer assembly 400 are at least partially disposed in the mixing container 300, and the mixerassembly 400 is configured to be externally driven, as described in further detail herein. Various components of the wiper assembly 200 are also at least partially disposed within the mixing container 300, and the wiper assembly 200 is generally configured to interact with material in the mixing container 300 at the sidewalls of the mixing container, as described herein.

[0034] The mixing container 300 includes a base 305 defining a periphery 310. In some aspects, the base 305 may be a closed base (e.g., a base lacking an unsealed opening or the like). The mixing container 300 also includes at least one sidewall 315 which extends from the periphery 310 of the base 305 to define a cavity 320 in an interior of the mixing container 300. For example, the at least one sidewall 315 may extend from the periphery 310 of the base 305 in the (+)y-direction of the coordinate axes depicted in FIG. 1. In some aspects, the at least one sidewall 315 may be a single sidewall (e.g., a single continuous sidewall) that defines a cylindrical shape of the mixing container 300. In such aspects, the sidewall 315 may be a curved sidewall, where the curvature of the sidewall generally corresponds to a curvature of the base 305. In other aspects, the at least one sidewall 315 may be a plurality of sidewalls that are joined together, such as a first sidewall and a second sidewall, as described in greater detail herein. The at least one sidewall 315 includes a first end 313 at an intersection with the periphery 310 of the base 305 and a second end 314 opposite the first end 313. In some aspects, the second end 314 of the at least one sidewall 315 may terminate to define an open end 325 of the mixing container 300 opposite the base 305, the open end 325 providing an opening into the cavity 320. In some aspects, the second end 314 of the sidewall 315 terminates at an edge 318. A perimeter of the edge 318 defines a shape of the open end 325 of the mixing container 300, which, in some aspects, may correspond to a shape of a lid 330 removably coupled to the mixing container 300. The at least one sidewall 315 may also include an interior surface 316 facing the cavity 320 and an exterior surface 317 opposite the interior surface 316. Various portions of the interior surface 316 and / or the exterior surface 317 may define or include surface features (e.g., bumps, ridges, cavities, edges) thereon or therein. In aspects, the at least one sidewall 315 may be removably coupled to the base 305, for example the at least one sidewall 315 may be removably coupled to the base via an interlocking mechanism such as a threaded feature, a press fit feature, or the like. In yet other aspects, the at least one sidewall 315 may be integrated with the base 305 to form a monolithic construction (e.g., both the at least one sidewall 315 and the base 305 formed as a single component, the at least one sidewall 315 overmolded on the base 305 or vice versa). In aspects the sidewall 315 defines a pour spout (not shown). In aspects, the interior surface 316 of the sidewall may have various surface features to effect content flow or vortex formation (not shown).

[0035] In addition, the at least one sidewall 315 may be formed of various materials, including, but not limited to, metals, metal alloys, polymers, ceramics, glass compositions, combinations thereof, and / or the like. For example, the at least one sidewall 315 may be formed of a metal such as aluminum, titanium, copper or the like. In another example, the at least one sidewall 315 may be formed of a metal alloy such as stainless steel or the like. In another example, the at least one sidewall 315 may be formed from a polymer such as dimethyl terephthalate (DMT), cyclohexanedimethanol(CHDM), 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-l,3-cyclobutanediol (CBDO), or combinations thereof. In another example, the at least one sidewall 315 may be formed from a glass such as borosilicate glass. In some aspects, the at least one sidewall 315 may be formed of opaque, partially opaque, or transparent materials, or may incorporate portions that are opaque, partially opaque, or transparent. For example, the at least one sidewall 315 may incorporate a window or the like that is transparent such that an observer can view the cavity 320. Additional details regarding the mixing container 300 will be described in further detail hereinbelow.

[0036] Still referring to FIG. 1, the wiper assembly 200 includes at least a frame 235 and one or more wiper blades 260. The frame 235 includes a rotating element 240 and one or more support elements 250. A wiper blade 260 is coupled to each of the one or more support elements 250 to form the wiper assembly 200. The one or more support elements 250 are generally configured such that the wiper blade 260 coupled thereto is also in contact with the interior surface 316 of the sidewall. As will be described in further detail herein, the rotating element 240 is configured to enable rotational movement of the one or more support elements 250 and the corresponding wiper blades 260 such that the wiper blades 260 moves around an axis while remaining substantially in contact with the interior surface 316 of the at least one sidewall 315. The support elements 250 are generally positioned to extend from the rotating element 240 towards the periphery 310 of the base 305 of the mixing container 300 in the (-)y-direction of the coordinate axes of FIG. 1. This configuration of the wiper assembly 200 allows for relocation of materials within the cavity 320 in contact with the interior surface 316 of the at least one sidewall 315 by the rotating wiper blades 260 during operation. The wiper assembly 200 is generally oriented such that at least a portion thereof (e.g., the support elements 250 and the wiper blades 260) are disposed inside the cavity 320 of the mixing container 300 and such that the wiper blades 260 contact the interior surface 316 of the at least one sidewall 315 of the mixing container 300 along a length that extends from the periphery 310 of the base 305 to the edge 318 at the open end 325. In some aspects, the rotating element 240 is oriented such that the wiper blades 260 maintain contact with the interior surface 316of the sidewall 315 of the mixing container 300 over a 360° rotation of the rotating element 240.

[0037] Still referring to FIG. 1, the mixer assembly 400 includes at least one blade 500 supported by a central mixer shaft 444, the central mixer shaft 444 defining an axis A around which the at least one blade 500 rotates. In some aspects, the at least one blade 500 is fixed to the central mixer shaft 444 such that the at least one blade 500 rotates with the central mixer shaft 444 when the central mixer shaft is driven. In some aspects, the at least one blade 500 is coupled to the central mixer shaft 444 by a coupling mechanism 445, such as a screw, a nut, a weld, or the like. As will be described in further detail herein, the central mixer shaft 444 extends through the base 305 to engage with an external drive mechanism that drives movement of the blade.

[0038] As can be appreciated from the foregoing, the mixing container includes the mixer assembly 400 to mix contents within the cavity 320 thereof and the wiper assembly 200 acts in conjunction with the mixer assembly 400 to remove material that collects on the at least one sidewall 315 of the mixing container 300. That is, the wiper assembly 200 includes at least one wiper 260 engaged with the interior surface 316 of the at least one sidewall 315 to scrape or otherwise push material away from the sidewall 315 during a mixing process. Additional and / or alternative features will be described in further detail hereinbelow.

[0039] Referring now to FIG. 2A and FIG. 3, additional details regarding the wiper assembly 200 will be discussed. As noted above, the frame 235 includes a rotating element 240 and one or more support elements 250. Each support element is coupled respectively to a wiper blade 260. While FIGS. 2A and 3 depict two support elements 250, the present disclosure is not so limited, and any number of support elements may be included without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0040] Referring now to FIG. 2A the frame 235 of the wiper assembly 200 is depicted with portions of the rotating element 240 ( FIG. 3) not shown for clarity. The frame 235 includes a central shaft 244 and the support elements 250 extending from the central shaft 244. The central shaft 244 includes a distal portion 244a and a proximal portion 244b. In some aspects, the central shaft 244 may be coupled to or may include a shaft collar 243, and the support elements 250 may extend from the shaft collar 243 (e.g., a distal portion 244a of the central shaft 244 is coupled to or incorporated with the shaft collar 243). In other aspects, the central shaft 244 may be directly coupled to the support elements 250. The central shaft 244 is generally positioned centrally with respect to the wiper assembly 200 as a whole, and may define a central axis A about which the various components of the wiper assembly 200 rotate.

[0041] The support elements 250 are generally configured to hold and support the respective wiper blades 260 in engagement with the interior surface 316 of the sidewall 315 of the container 300 ( FIG. 1), as described herein. As such, the support elements 250 are shaped to extend radially outwardly from the central shaft 244 towards the sidewall 315 of the container 300 and towards the base 305 (e.g., in the (-) y-direction of the coordinate axes of FIG. 2A). In some aspects, each of the support elements 250 may include a first extension 242a and a second extension 242b. As depicted in FIG. 2A for example, the first extension 242a may extend radially outward (e.g., substantially along the x-axis of the coordinate axes of FIG. 2A) from the central shaft 244 and the second extension 242b may extend in a direction that is substantially aligned with the extension of the sidewall 315 of the container 300 ( FIG. 1), such as a vertical or substantially vertical direction (e.g., along the y-axis of the coordinate axes of FIG. 2A). In some aspects, the first extension 242a may be extended orthogonally or substantially orthogonally to the second extension 242b. However, other orientations are contemplated and included in the scope of the present disclosure. In some aspects, an intersection of the first extension 242a with the second extension 242b may be supported by a brace 248 extending therebetween to provide additional support. Each of the support elements 250 further include a proximal end 250p positioned adjacent to the central shaft 244 and a distal end 250d spaced a distance from the proximal end 250p. In some aspects, the distal end 250d may be positioned adjacent to the intersection of the first end 313 of the sidewall 315 of the container 300 with the periphery 310 of the base 305.

[0042] As noted above, each of the support elements 250 is coupled to a respective wiper blade 260. In some aspects, each of the support elements 250 may be integrated with a respective wiper blade 260 to form a monolithic unit. In other aspects, each of the support elements 250 may be coupled to a respective wiper blade 260. To avoid separation of a support element 250 with a respective wiper blade 260, a securing component may be utilized. The securing component is not limited to the present disclosure. For example, each support element 250 may be coupled to a respective wiper blade 250 via an adhesive, a mechanical coupling, and / or the like. FIGS. 2B and 2C depict one illustrative mechanical coupling that may be utilized according to some aspects. As shown in FIG. 2B, a wiper blade 260 may include a female coupling component 252 that is keyed to mate with a corresponding male coupling component 251 of the support element 250, as depicted in FIG. 2C. For example, the female coupling component 252 may include one or more first surface features 254 (e.g., protrusions, extensions, and / or the like) that correspond to one or more second surface features 253 (e.g., protrusions, extensions, and / or the like) of the male coupling component 251. Referring now to FIG. 2B and 2C, as a result of this keyed configuration, the female couplingcomponent 252 of the wiper blade 260 receives the male coupling component 251 of the support element 250 such that the respective surface features 251, 253 thereof interlock to restrain the wiper blade 260 to the support element 250.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 3, the rotating element 240 of the wiper assembly 200 generally includes a rotor housing 270 that is rotatably engaged with the central shaft 244 to facilitate rotational movement of the support elements 250 and the wiper blades 260. More specifically, the rotor housing 270 includes a central bore 271 that receives the central shaft 244. The rotor housing 270 may further include one or more elements for facilitating free rotation of the central shaft 244 therein, such as, but not limited to, concentric rings, bearings, low friction surfaces, and / or the like. As such, the central shaft 244 (as well as the support elements 250 and wiper blades 260 coupled thereto) can rotate within the central bore 271 of the rotor housing 270 while the rotor housing remains substantially in place. In some aspects, the rotor housing 270 may include a flange 272 extending radially outward (e.g., in the (+)x / (-) x-directions of the coordinate axes depicted in FIG. 3). The flange 272 may generally be an extension that provides support for the rotor housing 270 in certain aspects (e.g., aspects in which a lid defines an opening therethrough, as described in further detail herein).

[0044] Rotation of the central shaft 244 (as well as the support elements 250 and the wiper blades 260 coupled thereto) may be externally controllable in some aspects, e.g., manually by a user, or by a device such as a motor. For example, FIG. 3 depicts a knob 241'or the like coupled to the central shaft 244. The knob 241' may be shaped and / or sized to be gripped by a user such that the user can spin the knob 241' (and thus also the central shaft 244, the support elements 250, and the wiper blades 260 coupled thereto). The knob 241' is generally coupled to the central shaft 244 at a location external to the cavity 320 such that the knob 241' can be gripped and manipulated by a user without having to access the cavity 320.

[0045] As noted above, FIG. 3 depicts the rotor housing 270 having a flange 272 that is engaged with a separate lid (not shown) so that the wiper assembly 200 is separable from the lid and can be usable with existing lids and containers (e.g., as a standalone, add-on apparatus). That is, portions of the wiper assembly 200 (e.g., the knob 241', at least a portion of the central shaft 244, and / or the rotor housing 270) may be passed through an opening in a lid so that those portions remain exterior to the cavity 320 ( FIG. 1) and other portions (e.g., the support elements 250 and / or the wiper blades 260 are located within the cavity 320 ( FIG. 1) when the lid and the wiper assembly 200 are coupled to the container 300 ( FIG. 1). However, in other aspects, the wiper assembly 200 may be integrated with or fixed to a lid. For example, referring to FIG. 4, the mixing apparatus 100 includes a lid 330 integrated with or coupled to the wiper assembly 200. That is, the lid 330 depicted in FIG. 4 may be anextension of the rotor housing 270 or may be coupled to the rotor housing (e.g., via a direct coupling or via a coupling of a flange 272 to the lid 330).

[0046] In other aspects, the wiper assembly 200 may be externally driven by a device. That is, referring now to FIG. 5, the mixing apparatus 100 can also include a drive device 241 that may be rotatably engaged with the central shaft 244 of the wiper assembly 200 to facilitate rotational movement of the support elements 250 and the wiper blades 260. The mixing apparatus 100 can include a drive device 241 in various aspects. For example, the drive device 241 may be a manually controlled drive device such as a knob 241' as depicted in FIG. 1, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4, such as a crank, a lever, or the like. In another example the drive device 241 may be a powered drive device such as a motor 241" depicted in FIG. 5. The drive device 241 may include one or more elements for facilitating rotation of the central shaft 244 therein, such as, but not limited to, a drive shaft 1244, a motor 1205, concentric rings, bearings, low friction surfaces, and / or the like. In some aspects, the motor 1205 may include the drive shaft 1244 coupled to the central shaft 244 of the rotating element 240 to facilitate rotational movement. As such, the central shaft 244 (as well as the support elements 250 and wiper blades 260 coupled thereto) can rotate while the motor 1205 remains substantially in place. In aspects, the external drive device 241 may be powered to cause rotational movement to the central shaft 244 (as well as the support elements 250 and wiper blades 260 coupled thereto). In some aspects, the motor 1205 engages directly with the central shaft 244 to impart rotation on the central shaft 244 (as well as the support elements 250 and wiper blades 260 coupled thereto).

[0047] As previously discussed, some aspects of the mixing apparatus 100 may include a lid 330 ( FIG. 4). The lid 330 defines an interior surface 625 ( FIG. 6) that may be particularly contoured to facilitate flow of material within the cavity 320. For example, as depicted in FIG. 6, the interior surface 625 of the lid 330 may have a jointed hemiellipsoid contour (e.g., a jointed hemiellipsoid contoured interior surface). That is, the interior surface 625 is shaped to define a central area 627 and one or more hemiellipsoid areas 629 disposed radially outward of the central area 627 (e.g., radially outward from central axis A). Said another way, the one or more hemiellipsoid areas 629 may be arranged around a perimeter of the central area 627. The jointed hemiellipsoid contour is generally such that the interior surface 625 of the lid 330 extends further away from the cavity 320 (e.g., in the (+) y-direction of the coordinate axes of FIG. 6) in a hemiellipsoid area 629 relative to the interior surface 625 of the lid 330 in the central area 627. That is, the interior surface 625 of the lid 330 at the central area 627 is closer to the base 305 (e.g., in the (-)y-direction of the coordinate axes of FIG. 6) relative to the interior surface 625 of the lid 330 at a hemiellipsoid area 629. In addition, the interior surface625 of the lid 330 has a convex curvature at the one or more hemiellipsoid areas 629 and a non-convex configuration (e.g., a substantially planar configuration) at the central area 627. This jointed hemiellipsoid shape of the interior surface 625 allows for material traversing up the sidewalls (e.g., moving generally in the (+) y-direction of the coordinate axes of FIG. 6) to follow along the convex curvature of the interior surface 625 in a hemiellipsoid area 629 and subsequently flow downwards (e.g., moving generally in the (-) y-direction of the coordinate axes of FIG. 6) at or near the central area 627 (e.g., toward the base 305). It should be appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited any particular number of hemiellipsoid areas 629. That is, any number of hemiellipsoid areas 629 may surround the central area 627 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. It should further be appreciated that the jointed hemiellipsoid contoured area may also be shaped in the form of a half of a ring torus (e.g., when split along a toroidal direction thereof) and, in such aspects, may be referred to as a toroidal contour or a partial toroidal contour.

[0048] The contour of the interior surface 625 of the lid 330 is not limited by the present disclosure, and may define other contours and / or shapes, including regular and irregular shapes / contours, contours that incorporate surface features, and / or the like. For example, referring briefly to FIG. 4, the lid 330 may have a substantially planar contour. In another example, referring briefly to FIG. 7, the lid 330 may have a generally convex contour (e.g., a convex shape when traversing the entire diameter of the lid 330).

[0049] Referring again to FIG. 6, the central area 627 may define an opening 605 in the lid 330 in some aspects. The opening 605 may be generally shaped and sized to correspond to a removable center cap 610 such that the removable center cap 610 can be received within the opening 605 or removed to provide access to the cavity 320 without removal of the lid 330 (e.g., to insert accessories into the cavity 320, including, but not limited to, one or more portions of the wiper assembly 200 (FIGS. 2A-2C)). The base 305 may meet the sidewall 315 to form a juncture 630. It should be appreciated that such a configuration is not solely limited to the aspects depicted in FIG. 6 (e.g., the lids depicted in FIGS. 7 and 9 also feature openings in the lid, which may optionally be shaped and sized to receive a corresponding center cap therein).

[0050] In some aspects, the lid 330 may include various other features that may facilitate use of the lid 330 as described herein. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the lid 330 may include one or more exterior surface features 332, such as protrusions or the like, that provide areas for gripping mounting components, coupling to other components, and / or the like. In another example, the lid 330 may include threads that correspond to threads disposed on the sidewall 315 (e.g., threads on the interior surface 316 or the exterior surface of the sidewall315 ( FIG. 1)) so as to provide an ability to secure the lid 330 to the sidewall 315. In still another example, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the lid 330 may include one or more locking elements 635 that facilitate locking or clamping of the lid 330 to the sidewall 315. While not shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the sidewall 315 may include exterior surface features such as detent or the like that engages with the locking element 635 on the lid 330 (or alternatively, the lid 330 may include exterior surface features such as detents or the like that engage with a locking element disposed on the sidewall 315). Such features may allow for the lid 330 to securely fasten to the sidewalls 315 to prevent content from exiting the mixing container 300 during operation. Illustrative examples of the locking element 635 include, but are not limited to, fasteners, magnets, spring latches, bolt latches, and the like. In yet another example, the lid 330 and / or the sidewall 315 may include hinges or the like. In aspects the lid 330 engages to the sidewall 315 by press fit engagement along the exterior of the sidewall 317. In aspects, the lid 330 engages to the sidewall 315 by press fit engagement along the interior of the sidewall 315. In aspects, the lid 330 sits on the edge of the sidewall 315.

[0051] As previously discussed, the mixing apparatus 100 includes a base 305 ( FIG. 1). The base 305 defines an interior surface 616 ( FIG. 6) that may be particularly contoured to facilitate flow of material within the cavity 320. For example, as depicted in FIG. 6, the interior surface 616 of the base 305 may have a jointed hemiellipsoid contour (e.g., a jointed hemiellipsoid contoured interior surface). That is, the interior surface 616 is shaped to define a central area 640 and one or more hemiellipsoid areas 629 disposed radially outward of the central area 640 (e.g., radially outward from central axis A). Said another way, the one or more hemiellipsoid areas 631 may be arranged around a perimeter of the central area 640. The jointed hemiellipsoid contour is generally such that the interior surface 616 of the base 305 extends further away from the cavity 320 (e.g., in the (-) y-direction of the coordinate axes of FIG. 6) in a hemiellipsoid area 629 relative to the interior surface 616 of the base 305 in the central area 640. That is, the interior surface 616 of the base 305 at the central area 640 is closer to the base 305 (e.g., in the (-) y-direction of the coordinate axes of FIG. 6) relative to the interior surface 616 of the base 305 at a hemiellipsoid area 629. In addition, the interior surface 616 of the base 305 has a convex curvature at the one or more hemiellipsoid areas 631 and a non-convex configuration (e.g., a substantially planar configuration) at the central area 640. This jointed hemiellipsoid shape of the interior surface 616 allows for material traversing down the sidewalls (e.g., moving generally in the (-) y-direction of the coordinate axes of FIG. 6) to follow along the convex curvature of the interior surface 616 in a hemiellipsoid area 629 and subsequently flow upward (e.g., moving generally in the (+) y-direction of the coordinate axes of FIG. 6) at or near the central area 640 (e.g., toward the base 305). It shouldbe appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited any particular number of hemiellipsoid areas 631. That is, any number of hemiellipsoid areas 631 may surround the central area 640 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. It should further be appreciated that the jointed hemiellipsoid contoured area may also be shaped in the form of a half of a ring torus (e.g., when split along a toroidal direction thereof) and, in such aspects, may be referred to as a toroidal contour or a partial toroidal contour.

[0052] The contour of the interior surface 616 of the base 305 is not limited by the present disclosure, and may define other contours and / or shapes, including regular and irregular shapes / contours, contours that incorporate surface features, and / or the like. For example, referring briefly to FIG. 1 and FIG. 7, the base 305 may have a substantially planar the central area 640 and a generally convex hemiellipsoid area 631. In another example, referring briefly to FIG. 6, the base 305 may have a generally convex contour (e.g., a convex shape when traversing the entire diameter of the base 305). In another example, referring briefly to FIG. 9, the base 305 may have a generally convex contour (e.g., a convex shape when traversing the entire diameter of the base 305). In yet another example, referring briefly to FIG. 8, the base 305 may have a first contour in the central area 640 (e.g., an area around Axis A). The first contour is not limited, and, for example, may be planar, may be concave, may be convex, may be irregularly shaped, may be regularly shaped, etc. The base 305 may have a second contour surrounding the first contour, and the second contour may be a jointed hemiellipsoid contour 631. The central area 640 may extend further in the (+)y-direction of the coordinate axis of FIG. 8 than the apex of the interior surface 616 of the hemiellipsoid area 631 of the base 305. FIG. 8 depicts the jointed hemiellipsoid contour 631 bounding the central area 640. In some aspects, the base 305 may have a substantially planar contour (not shown).

[0053] In some aspects, the base 305 may include various other features that may facilitate use of the base 305 as described herein. For example, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the base 305 may include one or more exterior surface features 345, such as protrusions or the like, that provide areas for gripping mounting components, coupling to other components, and / or the like. In another example, the base 305 may include threads that correspond to threads disposed on the sidewall 315 (e.g., threads on the interior surface 316 or the exterior surface of the sidewall 315 ( FIG. 1)) so as to provide an ability to secure the base 305 to the sidewall 315. In still another example, the base 305 may include one or more locking elements 635 that facilitate locking or clamping of the base 305 to the sidewall 315 (not shown). While not shown, the base 305 may include exterior surface features such as detents or the like that engage with a locking element disposed on the sidewall 315. Such features may allow for the base 305 to securely fasten to the sidewalls 315 to prevent content from exiting the mixingcontainer 300 during operation. Illustrative examples of a locking element include, but are not limited to, fasteners, magnets, spring latches, bolt latches, and the like. In yet another example, the base 305 and / or the sidewall 315 may include hinges or the like.

[0054] Referring again to FIG. 6, the central area 640 may define a bore hole 304 in the base 305 in some aspects. The bore hole 304 may be generally shaped and sized to correspond to a receive at least a portion of the mixer assembly 400 (not shown). It should be appreciated that such a configuration is not solely limited to the aspects depicted in FIG. 6 (e.g., the bases depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9 also feature bore holes in the base, which may optionally be shaped and sized to receive at least a portion of a corresponding mixer assembly).

[0055] Still referring to FIG. 6, the bore hole 304 may receive at least a portion of the mixer assembly 400, such that the blades 500 are in the cavity 320 of the mixing container 300. An aspect of the mixer assembly 400 includes a one or more blades 500 supported by a central mixer shaft 444, the central mixer shaft 444 defining the axis A around which the one or more blades 500 spins. The one or more blades 500 is coupled to the central mixer shaft 444 by a coupling mechanism 445. The central mixer shaft 444 extends through the base 305 in the (+)y-direction into the cavity 320 of the mixing container 600 through a bore hole 304. In aspects, one or more seals 350 may be disposed between internal walls of the bore 338 and the central mixer shaft 444. In aspects, one or more seals 350 may be disposed between the internal walls of the bore 338 and the mixer rotor house 470. The one or more seals 350 may include any sealing mechanism. For example, the one or more seals 350 may include molded rubber parts, o-rings, gaskets, mechanical seals, etc. The one or more seals 350 may be formed of various materials such as plastics, glass, metals, or the like.

[0056] The mixer assembly 400 generally includes a mixer rotor housing 470 that is rotatably engaged with the central mixer shaft 444 to facilitate rotational movement of the one or more blades. More specifically, the mixer rotor housing 470 includes a central mixer bore 304 that receives the central mixer shaft 444. The mixer rotor housing 470 may further include one or more elements for facilitating rotation of the central mixer shaft 444 therein, such as, but not limited to, concentric rings, bearings, low friction surfaces, and / or the like. As such, the central mixer shaft 444 (as well as the one or more blades 500) can rotate within the central mixer bore 305 of the mixer rotor housing 470 while the mixer rotor housing 470 remains substantially in place. Rotation of the central mixer shaft 444 (as well as the one or more blades 500) may be externally controllable in some aspects, e.g., manually by a user, or by a device such as a motor. While FIG. 1, FIG. 4, FIG. 6, and FIG. 9 depict both the base 305 and the lid 330 as generally centered around the same axis A, in some aspects the base 305 and the lid 330 may be centered on different axes that are offset from one another.

[0057] Still referring to FIG. 7, an aspect of the mixer assembly 400 includes one or more blades 500 supported by a central mixer shaft 444, the central mixer shaft 444 defining the axis around which the one or more blades 500 spin. The one or more blades 500 is fixed to the central mixer shaft 444 444 such that the at least one blade 500 rotates with the central mixer shaft 444 when the central mixer shaft is driven. In some aspects, the at least one blade 500 is coupled to the central mixer shaft 444 by a coupling mechanism 445, such as a screw, a nut, a weld, or the like. Alternatively, the one or more blades 500 is a planar disc 554 having a plurality of apertures 556. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the planar disc 554 may include twelve apertures 554. In yet another example, referring briefly to FIG. 10, the planar disc 554 may include three apertures 554 and a bore hole 557. In aspects, referring back to FIG. 7, the planar disc 554 rotates with the central mixer shaft 444 to move material in the (-)y-direction according to the coordinate system of FIG. 7, through the one or more apertures 554, directing material radially from the A axis and toward the lid 330 in the (+)y-direction. In some aspects, referring briefly to FIG. 6, the one or more blades 500 may be substantially planar (e.g., extend in the (-) / (+) x-direction), where the shape of the blade may be regular or irregular (not shown).

[0058] Referring to FIG. 9, an aspect of the mixer assembly 400 includes one or more blades 500 supported by a central mixer shaft 444, the central mixer shaft 444 defining the axis A around which the one or more blades 500 spins. In aspects, the one or more blades 500 is a propeller 920. The propeller 920 may be fixed to the central mixer shaft 444 such that the propeller 920 rotates with the central mixer shaft 444 when the central mixer shaft is driven. In some aspects, the propeller 920 is coupled to the central mixer shaft 444 by a coupling mechanism 445, such as a screw, a nut, a weld, or the like.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 1, an aspect of the mixer assembly 400 includes two blades 500 supported by a central mixer shaft 444 defining the axis A around which the two blades 500 spin. The two blades 500 may be fixed to the central mixer shaft 444 such that the two blades 500 rotate with the central mixer shaft 444 when the central mixer shaft is driven. In some aspects, the two blades 500 are coupled to the central mixer shaft 444 by a coupling mechanism 445, such as a screw, a nut, a weld, or the like.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 11, a top view of the mixing container 300 includes the first extensions 242a extending in the (-)x and (+)x-direction. The first extensions 242a extend toward the sidewall 315 such that the wiper blades 260 coupled to the support element 250, the support element 250 extending in the (+)z-direction from the support arm, directly contact the interior surface 316 of the sidewall 315. The rotating element 240 freely rotates the wiper assembly 200, in which the wiper blades 260 maintain continuous or substantially continuouscontact over a 360° rotation. The wiper blades 260 abuts the interior surface 316 and scrapes material from the interior surface 316 of the sidewall.

[0061] FIG. 12 illustrates an illustrative mixing apparatus 1000 in accordance with various disclosed aspects. The mixing apparatus 1000 may utilize various disclosed aspects. For instance, the mixing apparatus 1000 may include some or all portions of aspects described with reference to FIGS. 1-11.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 12, the mixing apparatus 1000 includes a base 1005, a mixing container 1010 operatively attachable to the base 1005, a mixer assembly 1015, and a lid 1020 operatively attached to the mixing container. The mixing container 1010 includes one or more sidewalls 1025 and a handle 1030. Contents (e.g., foodstuff, etc.) may be added to the mixing container 1010 for mixing. It is noted that the mixing container 1010 may be formed of various materials such as plastics, glass, metals, or the like. In another aspect, the mixing container 1010 may be powered in any appropriate manner.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 12, the mixer assembly 1015, the mixing container 1010, and the base 1005 may removably or irremovably attach. The mixing container 1010 may be powered in any appropriate manner. For example, a power source may be configured to power the mixing container. The power source may be positioned in the mixing container and / or the 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. While shown as a large-format system, the mixing apparatus 1000 may include a single serving style system, where the mixing container is filled, a blender base is attached to the mixing container, and then the mixing container is inverted and placed on a second base.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 12, the base 1005 includes a motor 1035 disposed within a housing. The motor 1035 selectively drives the blade assembly 1040. The blade assembly 1040 may agitate, impart heat, or otherwise interact with contents within the mixing container. Operation of the mixing apparatus 1000 may impart heat into the contents within mixing container 1010.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 12, in at least one aspect, the mixing apparatus 1000 may identify or detect whether the mixing apparatus 1000 is interlocked through mechanical detection (e.g., push rods), user input, image recognition, magnetic detection (e.g., reed switches), electronic detection (e.g., inductive coils, a near field communication (NFC) component), or the like.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 12, the mixing apparatus 1000 and processes described herein generally relate to mixing or food-processing systems include a food-processing disc including one or more inductive coils. In another aspect, one or more of the disc and / or lidmay include an NFC component that may interact with an NFC component of a blender base. The NFC component of the blender base may receive information regarding the type of the disc and may utilize the blender base may utilize the information to determine a mixing process to be utilized by the system.

[0067] It should now be understood that the mixing apparatuses and mixing systems described herein remove substances from the interior surface of a wall during operation of a mixing process. A mixing apparatus includes a mixing container, a mixer assembly, and a wiper assembly. That is, the mixing apparatuses disclosed herein remove materials from walls during operation of the mixer assembly such that the mixing and removal of materials from the walls occur concurrently or substantially concurrently such that a user need not stop, pause, or otherwise interrupt a mixing process in order to remove material from the walls of a mixing container. The wiper assembly, which contacts the interior walls of the mixing container during operation of the mixer assembly, rotates to contact and remove material disposed on the interior walls of the mixing container. The wiper assembly can be configured to freely rotate with the content during operation or can be externally driven by a drive device (e.g., a motor or a manually controlled knob). In aspects, the free rotating configuration, rotation of the wiper assembly occurs without an additional power source.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A mixing apparatus, comprising: a mixing container comprising: a closed base defining a periphery, and a sidewall extending from the periphery of the closed base and comprising an interior surface, the sidewall and the closed base defining a cavity having an open end; a mixer assembly positioned at the closed base and configured to be externally driven; and a wiper assembly received in the cavity through the open end, the wiper assembly comprising: a frame having a rotating element and one or more support elements that extend from the rotating element to the closed base at the periphery of the closed base, and a wiper blade coupled to each of the one or more support elements, the wiper blade positioned in contact with the interior surface of the sidewall.

2. The mixing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the closed base has a jointed hemiellipsoid contoured interior surface.

3. The mixing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the closed base has a planar interior surface.

4. The mixing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sidewall is a first sidewall, the mixing container further comprising a second sidewall arranged adjacent to the first sidewall and extending from the periphery of the closed base.

5. The mixing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sidewall is a curved sidewall.

6. The mixing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the interior surface of the sidewall defines one or more surface features.

7. The mixing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sidewall defines a pour spout.

8. The mixing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sidewall is fixed to the closed base.

9. The mixing apparatus according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the sidewall is removably coupled to the closed base.

10. The mixing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: an intersection of the closed base and the sidewall defines a juncture, and the wiper blade comprises a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end positioned at the juncture.

11. The mixing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a lid removably coupled to the sidewall at the open end.

12. The mixing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the lid comprises the rotating element of the wiper assembly.

13. The mixing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the lid defines an opening that receives at least a portion of the rotating element of the wiper assembly.

14. The mixing apparatus according to any one of claims 11-13, wherein the lid comprises locking elements engageable with the sidewall.

15. The mixing apparatus according to any one of claims 11-13, wherein the lid has a planar interior surface.

16. The mixing apparatus according to any one of claims 11-13, wherein the lid has a jointed hemiellipsoid contoured interior surface.

17. The mixing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a knob coupled to the rotating element.

18. The mixing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a mixing motor coupled to the rotating element.

19. The mixing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating element allows for free rotation of the support elements.

20. The mixing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the frame comprises a central shaft coupled to the one or more support elements, and the rotating element includes a rotor housing rotatably engaged with the central shaft.

21. The mixing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating element of the wiper assembly is centrally located relative to the sidewall.

22. The mixing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the support elements of the wiper assembly comprise a first extension and a second extension, the first extension extending from the rotating element towards the sidewall and the second extension extending in a direction parallel to the sidewall towards the closed base.

23. The mixing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wiper blade comprises metal, plastic, rubber, or combinations thereof.

24. The mixing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mixer assembly comprises a planar disc defining a plurality of apertures.

25. A mixing system, comprising: a motor assembly comprising a motor and a support surface; and a mixing apparatus supported on the support surface of the motor assembly, the mixing apparatus comprising: a mixing container comprising: a closed base defining a periphery, and a sidewall extending from the periphery of the closed base and having an interior surface, the sidewall and the closed base defining a cavity having an open end; a mixer assembly positioned at the closed base of the mixing container and in engagement with the motor of the motor assembly; and a wiper assembly received in the cavity through the open end, the wiper assembly comprising: a frame having a rotating element and one or more support elements that extend from the rotating element to the closed base at the periphery of the closed base, anda wiper blade coupled to each of the one or more support elements, the wiper blade positioned in contact with the interior surface of the sidewall.

26. The mixing system according to claim 25, wherein the closed base has a jointed hemiellipsoid contoured interior surface.

27. The mixing system according to claim 25, wherein the closed base has a planar interior surface.

28. The mixing system according to any one of claims 25-27, wherein the sidewall is a first sidewall, the mixing container further comprising a second sidewall arranged adjacent to the first sidewall and extending from the periphery of the closed base.

29. The mixing system according to any one of claims 25-28, wherein the sidewall is a curved sidewall.

30. The mixing system according to any one of claims 25-29, wherein the interior surface of the sidewall defines one or more surface features.

31. The mixing system according to any one of claims 25-30, wherein the sidewall defines a pour spout.

32. The mixing system according to any one of claims 25-31, wherein the sidewall is fixed to the closed base.

33. The mixing system according to any one of claims 25-32, wherein the sidewall is removably coupled to the closed base.

34. The mixing system according to any one of claims 25-33, wherein: an intersection of the closed base and the sidewall defines a juncture, and the wiper blade comprises a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end positioned at the juncture.

35. The mixing system according to any one of claims 25-34, further comprising a lid removably coupled to the sidewall at the open end.

36. The mixing system according to claim 35, wherein the lid comprises the rotating element of the wiper assembly.

37. The mixing system according to claim 35, wherein the lid is coupled to the rotating element of the wiper assembly.

38. The mixing system according to any one of claims 35-37, wherein the lid comprises locking elements engageable with the sidewall.

39. The mixing system according to any one of claims 35-37, wherein the lid has a planar interior surface.

40. The mixing system according to any one of claims 35-37, wherein the lid has a jointed hemiellipsoid contoured interior surface.

41. The mixing system according to any one of claims 25-40, further comprising a knob coupled to the rotating element.

42. The mixing system according to any one of claims 25-41, further comprising a mixing motor coupled to the rotating element.

43. The mixing system according to any one of claims 25-42, wherein the rotating element allows for free rotation of the support elements.

44. The mixing system according to any one of claims 25-43, wherein: the frame comprises a central shaft coupled to the one or more support elements, and the rotating element includes a rotor housing rotatably engaged with the central shaft.

45. The mixing system according to any one of claims 25-44, wherein the rotating element of the wiper assembly is centrally located relative to the sidewall of the mixing container.

46. The mixing system according to claim 45, wherein the support elements of the wiper assembly comprise a first extension and a second extension, the first extension extending from the rotating element towards the sidewall and the second extension extending in a direction parallel to the sidewall towards the closed base.

47. The mixing system according to any one of claims 25-46, wherein the wiper blade comprises metal, plastic, rubber, or combinations thereof.

48. The mixing system according to any one claims 25-47, wherein the mixer assembly comprises a planar disc defining a plurality of apertures.

49. A mixing container, comprising: a closed base having an interior surface and defining a periphery; and a sidewall extending from the periphery of the closed base, wherein: the sidewall and the closed base define a cavity having an open end, and the interior surface of the closed base is a jointed hemiellipsoid contoured interior surface.

50. The mixing container according to claim 49, wherein the sidewall is a first sidewall, the mixing container further comprising a second sidewall arranged adjacent to the first sidewall and extending from the periphery of the closed base.

51. The mixing container according to claim 49, wherein the sidewall is a curved sidewall.

52. The mixing container according to any one of claims 49-51, wherein the sidewall comprises an interior surface defining one or more surface features.

53. The mixing container according to any one of claims 49-51, wherein the sidewall defines a pour spout.

54. The mixing container according to any one of claims 49-53, wherein the sidewall is fixed to the closed base.

55. The mixing container according to any one of claims 49-54, further comprising a lid removably coupled to the sidewall at the open end.

56. The mixing container according to claim 55, wherein the lid has a jointed hemiellipsoid contoured interior surface.

57. The mixing container according any one of claims 49-56, further comprising a mixer assembly positioned at the closed base and configured to be externally driven.

58. The mixing container according to any one of claims 49-57, wherein the jointed hemiellipsoid contoured interior surface defines a toroidal contour.

59. A mixing container, comprising: a closed base having a toroidal contoured interior surface and defining a periphery; a sidewall extending from the periphery of the closed base to an open end; and a lid removably coupled to the open end, the lid having a toroidal contoured interior surface, wherein the sidewall and the closed base define a cavity.

60. A mixing system, comprising: a motor assembly comprising a motor and a support surface; and the mixing container according to any one of claims 49-59, the mixing container supported on the support surface of the motor assembly.

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