Blender with improved cupholder

Abstract

A blender includes a motor, a spindle configured to be driven by the motor to rotate, a blending tool fixed for co-rotation with the spindle, a cupholder configured to support a cup containing a food product to be blended, the cupholder including a first magnetic material, a lid for the cupholder, the lid including a second magnetic material, and the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material are attracted to each other, such that the lid is magnetically secured to the cupholder.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 217360-0020-W001BLENDER WITH IMPROVED CUPHOLDERCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 714,639, filed October 31, 2024, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to food preparation machines, such as electrical blenders for preparing smoothies, milkshakes, protein shakes, and other blended beverages.BACKGROUND

[0003] Blenders for preparing beverages such as smoothies and milkshakes often suffer from operational inefficiencies, hygiene concerns, and user inconvenience due to inadequate sealing (leading to leakage) and limited adaptability to different cup sizes.SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure addresses these technical problems by providing, among other things, a blender with a cupholder and lid that are magnetically secured to form a reliable seal, thereby inhibiting leakage and ensuring sanitary operation. The present disclosure further provides a quick-release mechanism that enables tool-less removal and replacement of the cupholder for cleaning or size changes. The present disclosure further provides integrated sensors that detect cupholder characteristics to automatically adjust blending parameters. These features individually and collectively enhance operational efficiency, user convenience, and safety, while ensuring consistent blending performance across a range of cup sizes, thereby overcoming the limitations of prior art blenders.

[0005] For example, in some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a blender including: a motor; a spindle configured to be driven by the motor to rotate; a blending tool fixed for co-rotation with the spindle; a cupholder configured to support a cup containing a food product to be blended, the cupholder including a first magnetic material; a lid for the cupholder,Attorney Docket No. 217360-0020-W001 the lid including a second magnetic material; wherein the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material are attracted to each other, such that the lid is magnetically secured to the cupholder.

[0006] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a blender, wherein one of the first magnetic material or the second magnetic material includes a plurality of circumferentially-spaced permanent magnets.

[0007] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a blender, wherein the other of the first magnetic material or the second magnetic material includes a ferrous plate.

[0008] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a blender, wherein a first covering is positioned over the ferrous plate, and wherein a second covering is positioned over the plurality of permanent magnets.

[0009] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a blender, wherein the lid and the cupholder form a blend chamber for the food product, wherein the blending tool extends into the blend chamber during blending.

[0010] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a blender, wherein the first covering engages the second covering to define a seal between the cupholder and the lid that inhibits the food product from leaking out of the blend chamber during blending.

[0011] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a blender, further including an elevator assembly coupled to the cupholder, the cupholder movable via the elevator assembly to place the food product in the cup in contact with the blending tool.

[0012] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a blender, wherein the first covering and the second covering are made of silicone.

[0013] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a blender, wherein the first covering and the second covering are overmolded.Attorney Docket No. 217360-0020-W001

[0014] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a blender, further including a quick-release mechanism configured to facilitate removing the cupholder from the blender without the use of tools.

[0015] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a blender, wherein the blender includes a bracket, wherein the cupholder is removably coupled to the bracket by the quick-release mechanism, and wherein the bracket includes a sensor configured to detect a characteristic of the cupholder when the cupholder is attached to the bracket.

[0016] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a blender, wherein the blender includes a controller configured to change an operating characteristic of the blender based on the detected characteristic of the cupholder.

[0017] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a blender, further including an elevator assembly coupled to the bracket such that the elevator assembly is operable to raise and lower the bracket.

[0018] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a blender including: a motor; a spindle configured to be driven by the motor to rotate; a blending tool fixed for corotation with the spindle; a cupholder configured to support a cup containing a food product to be blended; an elevator assembly coupled to the cupholder, the cupholder movable via the elevator assembly to place the food product in the cup in contact with the blending tool; a lid engageable with the cupholder; and a quick-release mechanism removably coupling the cupholder to the elevator assembly such that the cupholder is removable from the elevator assembly without the use of tools.

[0019] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a blender, wherein the quick-release mechanism includes a blender side attachment and a cupholder side attachment, and wherein the blender side attachment includes a sensor configured to identify the presence of the cupholder and a size of a cup able to be received in the cupholder.

[0020] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a blender, wherein the cupholder side attachment includes a magnetic material able to be detected by the sensor suchAttorney Docket No. 217360-0020-W001 that the magnetic material indicates to the sensor the size of the cup able to be received in the cupholder.

[0021] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a blender, wherein the quick-release mechanism includes a magnet.

[0022] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a blender, wherein the quick-release mechanism includes a pin.

[0023] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a blender, wherein the lid and the cupholder are magnetically attracted together to form a seal between the lid and the cupholder when the lid is engaged with the cupholder during a blending process.

[0024] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a blender, wherein the cupholder includes a rim having a plurality of embedded permanent magnets. Other features and aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] FIG. l is a perspective view of a blender embodying aspects of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view through section line 2-2 of the blender of FIG. 1

[0027] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view through section line 3-3 of the blender of FIG. 1.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a spindle used in the blender of FIG. 1.

[0029] FIG. 5 is cross-sectional view of a portion of the spindle of FIG. 4.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a side view of a coupler of the spindle of FIG. 4.

[0031] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a quick release coupler for the spindle of FIG. 4.

[0032] FIG. 8 is a partial transparent view of the quick release coupler of FIG. 7 in an unlocked position.Attorney Docket No. 217360-0020-W001

[0033] FIG. 9 is a partial transparent view of the quick release coupler FIG. 7 in a locked position.

[0034] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a cupholder used in the blender of FIG. 1.

[0035] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a lid of the blender of FIG. 1.

[0036] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the lid of FIG. 11 with a first covering.

[0037] FIG. 13a is a perspective view of the cupholder of FIG. 10 according to a first embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 13b is a perspective view of the cupholder of FIG. 10 according to a second embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the cupholder of FIG. 13a or 13b with a second covering.

[0040] FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the cupholder of FIG. 10.

[0041] FIG. 16a is a perspective view of a quick-release mechanism for the cupholder ofFIG. 10 according to a first embodiment and illustrated in a detached position.

[0042] FIG. 16b is a perspective view of the quick-release mechanism of FIG. 16a with the cupholder in an attached position.

[0043] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a quick-release mechanism for the cupholder of FIG. 10 according to a second embodiment.

[0044] FIG. 18a is a perspective view of a quick-release mechanism for the cupholder of FIG. 10 according to a third embodiment.

[0045] FIG. 18b is a perspective view of the quick-release mechanism of FIG. 18a with the cupholder in an attached position.

[0046] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a quick-release mechanism for the cupholder of FIG. 10 according to a fourth embodiment.Attorney Docket No. 217360-0020-W001

[0047] Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a blender 100 for blending a food or beverage product within a cup 104 and embodying aspects of the present disclosure. The illustrated blender 100 includes a housing 102 and a cupholder 108 for supporting the cup 104 during blending. The cup 104 includes walls 106 to hold the food product to be blended. The cup 104 may be a disposable cup pre-fdled and pre-frozen with the food product to be blended. In some embodiments, the food product is a frozen milkshake or smoothie. The cup 104 may vary in size (e.g., 12 ounces, 16 ounces, etc ), and the blender 100 may be compatible with cups 104 of multiple sizes. In some embodiments, the cupholder 108 is interchangeable with differently sized cupholders 108 to accommodate the differently sized cups 104. In such embodiments, the cupholder 108 may include a quick-release mechanism 112 to quickly and easily interchange the cupholder 108 for another size cupholder 108 without the use of tools. The quick-release mechanism 112 may also facilitate removing the cupholder 108 for cleaning the cupholder 108.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 3, 5, and 10, the blender 100 further includes a blending motor 110 to rotatably drive a spindle assembly 116 (FIG. 3). The spindle assembly 116 carries a blending tool 130 (FIG. 5) to be inserted into the cup 104 during blending. The spindle assembly 116 includes a spindle 118 to which the blending tool 130 is coupled for co-rotation to blend the food product to a desired consistency. A lid 124 is positioned around and supported by the spindle 118, such that the spindle 118 extends through an opening 126 in the lid 124 (FIGS. 3 and 5). The spindle 118 may move relative to the lid 124 linearly along an axis A defined by the spindle 118. To avoid unwanted spraying of the food product during the blending process, the lid 124 is secured to the cupholder 108 to form a blend chamber 128 (FIG. 10). As described in greater detail below, the lid 124 and the cupholder 108 in the illustrated embodiment includeAttorney Docket No. 217360-0020-W001 magnets to magnetically couple the lid 124 to the top of the cupholder 108 and thereby seal the cup 104 in the blend chamber 128.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the blender 100 may include a spindle cover 132 to cover the spindle assembly 116 from being accessed by the user during operation of the blender 100. The illustrated spindle cover 132 is positioned above the cup 104 and the cupholder 108 along the axis A near a front portion 134 of the housing 102. The spindle cover 132 is pivotable about a pivot joint 136 between an open position (not shown) and a closed position (FIGS. 1 and 3). The pivot joint 136 and a portion of the spindle cover 132 are positioned on sidewalls 138 of the housing 102. In the open position, the user may access the spindle assembly 116 to perform maintenance or remove the spindle assembly 116 altogether. In the closed position, the spindle cover 132 obstructs access to the spindle assembly 116. The spindle cover 132 may protect the user from the spindle assembly 116 (e.g., sharp blades on the blending tool 130) while the spindle assembly 116 is outside the blend chamber 128. In some embodiments, the spindle cover 132 is made of a transparent plastic material, such as polycarbonate, to allow the user to observe the lid 124 and the blending process through the spindle cover 132.

[0051] The illustrated blender 100 includes a control panel 140 with a screen 144 and a plurality of buttons 148 (FIG. 1). The buttons 148 allow the user to select various operations shown on the screen 144. For example, the user may set a desired consistency for the food product ranging from a thick consistency to a thin consistency. The consistency may be selected by actuating the buttons 148 on the control panel 140. One of the plurality of buttons 148 may be a start button to allow the user to begin the blending process. In some embodiments, the blender 100 will prevent the blending process from starting if operational factors are not met. The operational factors may be determining whether the spindle cover 132 is in a lowered position, the cupholder 108 is in the lowered position, the correct size cup 104 is placed in the cupholder 108, a foreign object is present near the cupholder 108, etc. The user may be notified on the screen 144 that an error has occurred if one or more of the operational factors are not met. The various functions of the control panel 140 and the blender 100 are controlled by a microprocessor (not shown).Attorney Docket No. 217360-0020-W001

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 1 -2, the illustrated blender 100 further includes a fluid reservoir 156. When blending frozen food or beverages, it may be advantageous to add fluid (e.g., heated water) during the blending process to facilitate blending and achieve a desired consistency. The amount of added fluid may also be controllable by a user (e.g., via the control panel 140) to vary the consistency of the blended food product. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid reservoir 156 is located outside the housing 102 of the blender 100. In some embodiments, the fluid reservoir 156 is detachable from the blender 100 to allow a user to transport the fluid reservoir 156 to a fluid dispenser (e.g., faucet). In other embodiments, the fluid reservoir 156 may be integral with the blender 100 or may be omitted. In such embodiments, the blender 100 may be coupled to a plumbed water supply.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, an outlet 160 of the fluid reservoir 156 is coupled to a pipe 164 (FIG. 2). The pipe 164 transports fluid from the fluid reservoir 156 to a heating element 168 in the blender 100. In some embodiments, the fluid is not heated and is directly deposited into the food product. In some embodiments, the fluid is gravity fed from the fluid reservoir 156 to the heating element 168. In other embodiments, a pump (not shown) may pump the fluid out of the fluid reservoir 156. Thus, the blender 100 may supply fluid (e.g., from the fluid reservoir 156) to the food product in the cup 104 during blending in some embodiments. The fluid may additionally or alternatively be used for cleaning processes (e.g., automatically rinsing, steaming, and / or sanitizing one or more of the components of the blender 100).

[0054] Referring to FIG. 3, the cupholder 108 includes a cupholder carriage 172 that is coupled to a cupholder elevator assembly 176 to raise the cup 104 towards the spindle assembly 116. The cupholder 108 is moveable between a starting position and a blending position(s). In the illustrated embodiment, the starting position is a lowered position, and the blending position(s) is raised relative to the starting position. The cupholder 108 may continue to perform relatively smaller raising and lowering during blending. Stated another way, the elevator assembly 176 may move the cupholder 108 along the axis A during blending to provide consistent blending of the food product inside the cup 104.

[0055] FIG. 3 illustrates the cup 104 in the starting position. The elevator assembly 176 is positioned inside of the housing 102 and is powered by an elevator motor 180 having an outputAttorney Docket No. 217360-0020-W001 shaft 184. As the output shaft 184 is rotated by the elevator motor 180, the output shaft 184 drives an elevator drive belt 188, which is coupled to a lifting mechanism 192. The lifting mechanism 192 is coupled to the cupholder carriage 172 and moves vertically with rotation of the elevator drive belt 188, thereby lifting the cupholder 108 towards the spindle assembly 116. The elevator motor 180 may be controlled by the microprocessor during operation. In some embodiments, the elevator assembly 176 may be omitted, and the cupholder 108 may be fixed in place. In such embodiments, the elevator motor 180 may instead move the spindle assembly 116 (and, optionally, the spindle motor 110) along the axis A relative to the cupholder 108.

[0056] With reference to FIGS. 4-6, the spindle 118 includes an inner spindle drive shaft 200 and an outer spindle drive tube 204. The inner spindle drive shaft 200 extends from a first end 208 that is coupled to the blending motor 110 to receive torque therefrom toward a second end 212 opposite the first end 208. In some embodiments, the first end 208 is permanently secured to the blending motor 110 (FIG. 3). In the illustrated embodiment, the blending motor 110 directly applies rotational energy to the inner spindle drive shaft 200 (e.g., direct drive motor). In other embodiments, the blending motor 110 may include a belt and pulley system to rotate the inner spindle drive shaft 200.

[0057] The outer spindle drive tube 204 receives the second end 212 of the inner spindle drive shaft 200 therein to axially secure the inner spindle drive shaft 200 to the outer spindle drive tube 204. The inner spindle drive shaft 200 transfers torque to the outer spindle drive tube 204, as described in further detail later. The second end 212 is coupled to a socket fitting 220 inside of the outer spindle drive tube 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the socket fitting 220 is integral with the outer spindle drive tube 204. In other embodiments, the socket fitting 220 may be a separate element inserted (e.g., press fit) into the outer spindle drive tube 204. During operation, the second end 212 of the inner spindle drive shaft 200 may vibrate causing damage to the spindle 118 over time. The socket fitting 220 may reduce the vibration of the inner spindle drive shaft 200 inside of the outer spindle drive tube 204 by creating a snug fit for the inner spindle drive shaft 200.

[0058] An alignment pin 222 extends inside the socket fitting 220 to strengthen the socket fitting 220. The socket fitting 220 threadedly receives a locking fastener 226. The lockingAttorney Docket No. 217360-0020-W001 fastener 226 secures the blending tool 130 to the socket fitting 220, thereby coupling the blending tool 130 with the outer spindle drive tube 204 to receive rotational energy from the blending motor 110 (e.g., coupling the blending tool 130 for co-rotation with the outer spindle drive tube 204).

[0059] The inner spindle drive shaft 200 is rotationally coupled to the outer spindle drive tube 204 by a cogged coupler 224 to transfer rotational energy from the blending motor 110 to the blending tool 130. The cogged coupler 224 includes a first coupling portion 228 and a second coupling portion 232. The first coupling portion 228 is integral with the inner spindle drive shaft 200 and includes a first set of mating teeth 236. The second coupling portion 232 is integral with the outer spindle drive tube 204 and includes a second set of mating teeth 240. While each coupling portion 228, 232 is described as being integral with its respective drive shaft 200 or drive tube 204, the coupling portions 228, 232 may be separately formed and secured to the drive shaft 200 and the drive tube 204. The first set of mating teeth 236 mesh with the second set of mating teeth 240 to rotationally lock the first coupling portion 228 relative to the second coupling portion 232, thereby allowing the inner spindle drive shaft 200 and the outer spindle drive tube 204 to co-rotate.

[0060] With reference to FIGS. 7-9, the outer spindle drive tube 204 is removably coupled to a quick release coupler 244 via a sleeve 248. The sleeve 248 includes an inner sleeve 252 and an outer sleeve 256. The outer spindle drive tube 204 is coupled to the inner sleeve 252. The inner sleeve 252 is coupled to the outer sleeve 256 via a connecting plate 260. Positioned between the quick release coupler 244 and the connecting plate 260 is a wave spring 264. The wave spring 264 biases the sleeve 248 axially away from the quick release coupler 244. The outer sleeve 256 includes an inner circumference 268 and an outer circumference 272. The outer circumference 272 includes protrusions 276 to be gripped by the user to facilitate rotation of the sleeve 248. The inner circumference 268 includes a plurality of bosses 280 extending radially inward (e.g., towards the outer spindle drive tube 204).

[0061] The quick release coupler 244 includes a plurality of handles 284 spaced around an outer surface 288 of the quick release coupler 244. In the illustrated embodiment, the quick release coupler 244 includes three (3) handles 284 evenly spaced around the outer surface 288. InAttorney Docket No. 217360-0020-W001 other embodiments, the quick release coupler 244 may have any number of handles 284 in any spatial orientation about the outer surface 288. Each handle 284 includes an arcuate surface 292 and a detent 296 positioned in the arcuate surface 292. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner circumference 268 of the outer sleeve 256 includes the same number of bosses 280 as handles 284. In other embodiments, the inner circumference 268 of the outer sleeve 256 may include any number of bosses 280 and may have more or less than the number of handles 284.

[0062] To lock the outer spindle drive tube 204 to the inner spindle drive shaft 200, the user inserts the inner spindle drive shaft 200 into the outer spindle drive tube 204 and slides the outer spindle drive tube 204 into the quick release coupler 244. The user may grip the protrusions 276 and rotate the sleeve 248 in a first direction 294 about the axis A. By rotating the sleeve 248, the first coupling portion 228 and the second coupling portion 232 of the cogged coupler 224 are engaged to rotational lock the spindle 118 in the first direction 294. Additionally, by rotating the sleeve 248, the boss 280 on the inner circumference 268 of the sleeve 248 slides along the arcuate surface 292 of the handle 284 until the boss 280 is received into the detent 296 of the handle 284. To remove the outer spindle drive tube 204, the user rotates the sleeve 248 in a second direction 298 opposite the first direction 294 while pushing up along the axis A away from the blending tool 130 (e.g., against the biasing force of the wave spring 264). The boss 280 may then become separated from the detent 296 in the handle 284, thereby allowing the removal of the outer spindle drive tube 204. The detent 296 and the boss 280 act as a back-up locking feature to avoid an accidently decoupling of the outer spindle drive tube 204 from the inner spindle drive shaft 200. Since the inner spindle drive shaft 200 is permanently coupled to the blending motor 110, the outer spindle drive tube 204 is removable from the blender 100 independent of the inner spindle drive shaft 200. The outer spindle drive tube 204 shields the inner spindle drive shaft 200 from contacting the food product. Therefore, the outer spindle drive tube 204 may be removed from the blender 100 for cleaning or maintenance.

[0063] With reference to FIG. 10, the spindle assembly 116 supports the lid 124 when the outer spindle drive tube 204 is axially secured to the inner spindle drive shaft 200 via the quick release coupler 244. In the illustrated embodiment, the spindle assembly 116 is moveable relative to the lid 124 to engage the food product in the cup 104. In other embodiments, the lid 124 is permanently coupled to the spindle assembly 116. The lid 124 defines an annular shape with theAttorney Docket No. 217360-0020-W001 opening 126 positioned at a center (e.g., defined by the axis A) of the lid 124. The lid 124 extends from a first end 328 to a second end 342 opposite the first end 328. The lid 124 includes an outer cavity 332 (e.g., positioned outside the blend chamber 128) extending annularly around the opening 126 and positioned near the first end 328. The outer cavity 332 includes a plurality of holes 336 to receive fluid from the fluid reservoir 156 via a fluid line (not shown). The amount of fluid deposited in the food product through the holes 336 depends on the desired consistency selected by the user.

[0064] The lid 124 defines an inner cavity 340 that forms a portion of the blend chamber 128 when secured to the cupholder 108. The inner cavity 340 defines an annular shape centered around the spindle 118. The inner cavity 340 is positioned below the holes 336 and above the cup 104, such that fluid entering the holes 336 passes through the inner cavity 340 prior to entering the cup 104. The inner cavity 340 includes a sealing ring 344 to form a first seal 348 with the walls 106 of the cup 104. During the blending process, food product or fluid may be projected from the cup 104 due to the rotation of the blending tool 130 in the cup 104. The first seal 348 restricts the flow of food product or fluid from exiting the inner cavity 340 and entering the cupholder 108.

[0065] With reference to FIG. 11, the second end 342 of the lid 124 defines a first planar surface 352 perpendicular to the axis A. When the lid 124 is secured to the cupholder 108, the first planar surface 352 engages a second planar surface 372 of the cupholder 108, as described in further detail later. In the illustrated embodiment, a ferrous plate 356 is coupled to the first planar surface 352. The ferrous plate 356 is comprised of a metal (e.g., iron, steel, etc.) suitable for attracting a magnetic element. In other embodiments, a plurality of ferrous pins may be press- fit into the first planar surface 352. The ferrous plate 356 is coupled to the first planar surface 352 by a plurality of fasteners (not shown) spaced evenly around the ferrous plate 356. The plurality of fasteners (not shown) may be comprised of or coated with another ferrous metal or magnetic material to ensure no magnetic dead spots exist around the ferrous plate 356.

[0066] With reference to FIG. 12, a first covering 360 is positioned to cover the ferrous plate 356 and the sealing ring 344. The first covering 360 is comprised of any material suitable for use with a food product (e.g., silicone) and can be easily cleaned between consecutive blendingAttorney Docket No. 217360-0020-W001 operations, thereby creating a sanitary environment for the food product. In the illustrated embodiment, the first covering 360 is an overmold having a thickness of at least 0.4mm to at most 0.8mm, and more particularly a thickness of 0.6 mm. In other embodiments, the thickness of the first covering 360 may vary or the first covering 360 may be omitted.

[0067] As seen in FIG. 13a, the cupholder 108 is centered about the axis A and defines a body 362 and a cupholder lip 364. The cupholder 108 includes a cupholder opening 366 to receive the cup 104 of a corresponding shape. The second planar surface 372 of the cupholder lip 364 is perpendicular to the axis A. In the illustrated embodiment, the second planar surface 372 includes a plurality of permanent magnets 376 press-fit into the cupholder lip 364 during construction of the cupholder 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the cupholder 108 has fourteen (14) magnets evenly spaced about the second planar surface 372 and are neodymium cylindrical magnets. In other embodiments, the cupholder 108 may have any number of magnets or any type of magnet. As seen in FIG. 13b, in other embodiments, the cupholder 108 may include a plurality of arc shaped magnets 378 around the second planar surface 372. The arc shaped magnets 378 may be formed of the same material or may be formed from a different material than the plurality of magnets 376. In some embodiments, the cupholder 108 may have a single magnet extending around the entire cupholder lip 364.

[0068] As seen in FIG. 14, the cupholder 108 includes a second covering 380 positioned over the plurality of magnets 376. In the illustrated embodiment, the second covering 380 is an overmold that may be formed of the same material (e.g., silicone) and have the same thickness (e.g., at least 0.4mm to at most 0.8mm) as the first covering 360 or overmold. In some embodiments, the second covering 380 may have a different material or a different thickness. The second planar surface 372 includes a plurality of stitching holes 384 (FIG. 13a) to retain the second covering 380 on the second planar surface 372.

[0069] In some embodiments, the magnets 376 or the arc shaped magnets 378 may be press- fit into the lid 124 and the ferrous plate 356 may be fastened to the cupholder 108 to form the second seal 388 with the first and second covering 360, 380. In other words, the locations of the magnets 376, 378 and ferrous plate 356 may be reversed. In yet other embodiments, the ferrous plate 356 may be substituted for other magnetic material, including but not limited to one orAttorney Docket No. 217360-0020-W001 more permanent magnets with opposite polarity to the aligned magnets 376, 378. Finally, it should be understood that the magnets 376, 378, and ferrous plate 356 may be coupled to the cupholder 108 or the lid 124 in various ways, including but not limited to insert-molding.

[0070] To perform the blending process, the cup 104 is first placed in the cupholder 108. The cupholder 108 is then raised by the elevator assembly 176 towards the lid 124. As seen in FIG. 15, the lid 124 is secured to the cupholder 108 to form a second seal 388. Once the second seal 388 is formed between the lid 124 and the cupholder 108, the blending process may begin. In the illustrated embodiment, the lid 124 is magnetically secured to the cupholder 108. In other embodiments, the lid 124 may be secured to the cupholder 108 with any method of applying a force on the lid 124 in the direction of the cupholder 108 (e.g., a biasing spring, weights, etc.).As the cupholder 108 is lifted towards the lid 124 by the elevator assembly 176, the magnets 376 on the cupholder 108 and the ferrous plate 356 on the lid 124 generate a magnetic force. The magnetic force attracts the lid 124 and the cupholder 108 into engagement. The first covering 360 and the second covering 380 are thereby brought into engagement to form the second seal 388. The first covering 360 and the second covering 380 define a distance D between the magnets 376 and the ferrous plate 356. In the illustrated embodiment, the distance D is 0.12 mm (e.g., the thickness of the first covering 360 plus the second covering 380). In other embodiments, the distance D may vary depending on the thickness of the first and second covering 360,380. It is advantageous to have the distance D at a minimum, as a greater magnetic force is required to overcome a greater distance, which may increase cost of the blender 100.

[0071] Depending on the type or amount of food product to be blended, the cup 104 may vary in size. Therefore, differently sized cupholders 108 may be used with the elevator assembly 176 to accommodate different sized cups 104. A proper fit of the cup 104 in the cupholder 108 avoids unwanted vibration of the cup 104 during operation. The quick-release mechanism 112 allows the user to detach a cupholder 108 for a first size cup and reattach a cupholder for a second size cup different than the first size cup. Additionally, the user may replace the cupholder 108 if the cupholder 108 has been damaged or needs cleaning. The quick-release mechanism 112 allows for tool-less decoupling and recoupling of the cupholder 108 from the blender 100 which is faster and easier than a coupling mechanism that requires the use of tools.Attorney Docket No. 217360-0020-W001

[0072] The quick-release mechanism 112 includes a cupholder side attachment (e.g., the cupholder carriage 172) and a blender side attachment. In some embodiments, the cupholder side attachment is coupled to the body 362 of the cupholder 108. In other embodiments, the cupholder side attachment is coupled to the body 362 and the lip 364 of the cupholder 108. The blender side attachment is coupled to the lifting mechanism 192 of the elevator assembly 176.

[0073] FIGS. 16a-16b illustrate a first embodiment of the quick-release mechanism 112. In such an embodiment, the cupholder side attachment is a plurality of pins 392 extending away from the cupholder 108. The blender side attachment is a first bracket 396 with receiving apertures 400 for the pins 392. The first bracket 396 is coupled to the lifting mechanism 192 of the elevator assembly 176 by a plurality of fasteners (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the pins 392 include a magnet (not shown) placed on the top or bottom of each pin 392. The first bracket 396 includes a ferrous material inside of the receiving aperture 400 to attract the magnet on the pins 392, thereby coupling the cupholder 108 to the elevator assembly 176 (FIG. 16b). In other embodiments, the first bracket 396 may include the magnet and the pins 392 may include the ferrous material.

[0074] The first bracket 396 includes one or more sensors 404 (e.g., hall effect sensors, RFID sensors, optical sensors, or the like) in communication with the microprocessor. The sensors 404 communicate to the microprocessor a characteristic of the cupholder 108. For example, a cupholder size used for a known cup size. The cupholder side attachment (e.g., the plurality of pins) includes an identifier indictive of the characteristic. The identifier may be magnetic interaction, length, physical contact, or another physical feature that can be read by the sensors 404. The sensors 404 interpret the identifier of the attached cupholder 108and relay a signal to the microprocessor. The microprocessor may determine which size cup 104 is used with the corresponding cupholder 108. By knowing the cup 104 size, the microprocessor may alter the blending process of the food product inside the cup 104. The sensors 404 may additionally detect whether the cupholder 108 is securely attached to the first bracket 396. The sensors 404 may send a signal indicative of the presence of the cupholder 108 to the microprocessor.

[0075] FIG. 17 illustrates a second embodiment of the quick-release mechanism 112. In such an embodiment, the cupholder side attachment is a projecting key 408 with a pin hole 412. TheAttorney Docket No. 217360-0020-W001 blender side attachment is a second bracket 416 with a slot 420 to receive the projecting key 408 in a direction perpendicular to the axis A. In other embodiments, the slot 420 may receive the projecting key 408 in a direction parallel to the axis A. A removeable fastener (e.g., hand tightened screw or a pin) is received into the projecting key 408, thereby coupling the cupholder 108 to the second bracket 416. The removeable fastener (not shown) may be easily accessed and removed by the user to facilitate the quick-release of the cupholder 108 from the second bracket 416. The second bracket 416 may include a plurality of sensors (not shown) similar to that of sensors 404 to determine a characteristic of the cupholder 108.

[0076] FIGS. 18a-18b illustrate a third embodiment of the quick-release mechanism 112. In such an embodiment, the cupholder side attachment is a clip 424 to receive a third bracket 428 on the blending side attachment (FIG. 18b). In some embodiments, the cupholder 108 may be clipped on the third bracket 428 with a snapping element. In other embodiments, the cupholder 108 may be clipped on the third bracket 428 and secured via a removable fastener (not shown). In other embodiments, the clip 424 of the cupholder 108 may be magnetically secured to the third bracket 428. The third bracket 428 may include a plurality of sensors similar to that of sensors 404 to determine a characteristic of the cupholder 108.

[0077] FIG. 19 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the quick-release mechanism 112. In such an embodiment, the cupholder side attachment includes receiving apertures to receive pins 432 extending from a fourth bracket 436 of the blender side attachment. In other embodiments, the pins 432 may extend from the cupholder 108 and be received into the fourth bracket 436. A cotter pin (not shown) may be used to hold the pins 432 inside the cupholder 108.

[0078] Referring back to FIGS. 1, 3, and 10, the user may place the cup 104 containing the food product to be blended in the designated cupholder 108 for that size cup. The cupholder 108 either is already coupled to the elevator assembly 176 or needs to be attached by the user. If the incorrect cupholder size is coupled to the elevator assembly 176, the incorrect size cupholder is decoupled from the elevator assembly 176 and the correct size cupholder is coupled to the elevator assembly 176 via the quick-release mechanism 112. By using the control panel 140 (e g., the screen 144 and the plurality of buttons 148), the user may select the desired consistency and initiate the blending process.Attorney Docket No. 217360-0020-W001

[0079] The microprocessor instructs the elevator motor 180 to begin lifting the cupholder 108 towards the lid 124 (e.g., inside of the spindle cover 132). As the cupholder 108 approaches the lid 124, the magnetic force (e.g., between the magnets 376 on the cupholder 108 and the ferrous plate 356 on the lid 124) clamp the cupholder 108 to the lid 124 creating the second seal 388. Inside the blend chamber 128, the sealing ring 344 on the lid 124 engages the walls 106 of the cup 104 to form the first seal 348. The blending operation may then occur inside the blend chamber 128 until the desired consistency of the food products selected by the user is met. Once the desire consistency is met, the elevator assembly 176 lowers the cupholder 108 with enough force to overcome the magnetic force between the cupholder 108 and the lid 124. The cupholder 108 is then returned to the starting position (e.g., below the spindle cover 132), in which it can be accessed by the user.REPRESENTATIVE FEATURES

[0080] Representative features are set out in the following clauses, which stand alone or may be combined, in any combination, with one or more features disclosed in the text and / or drawings of the specification.

[0081] Clause 1. A blender comprising: a motor; a spindle configured to be driven by the motor to rotate; a blending tool fixed for co-rotation with the spindle; a cupholder configured to support a cup containing a food product to be blended, the cupholder including a first magnetic material; a lid for the cupholder, the lid including a second magnetic material; wherein the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material are attracted to each other, such that the lid is magnetically secured to the cupholder.

[0082] Clause 2. The blender of clause 1, wherein one of the first magnetic material or the second magnetic material includes a plurality of circumferentially-spaced permanent magnets.

[0083] Clause 3. The blender of clause 2, wherein the other of the first magnetic material or the second magnetic material includes a ferrous plate.

[0084] Clause 4. The blender of clause 3, wherein a first covering is positioned over the ferrous plate, and wherein a second covering is positioned over the plurality of permanent magnets.Attorney Docket No. 217360-0020-W001

[0085] Clause 5. The blender of clause 4, wherein the lid and the cupholder form a blend chamber for the food product, wherein the blending tool extends into the blend chamber during blending.

[0086] Clause 6. The blender of clause 5, wherein the first covering engages the second covering to define a seal between the cupholder and the lid that inhibits the food product from leaking out of the blend chamber during blending.

[0087] Clause 7. The blender of any preceding clause, further comprising an elevator assembly coupled to the cupholder, the cupholder movable via the elevator assembly to place the food product in the cup in contact with the blending tool.

[0088] Clause 8. The blender of any one of clauses 4-6, wherein the first covering and the second covering are made of silicone.

[0089] Clause 9. The blender of any one of clauses 4-6, wherein the first covering and the second covering are overmolded.

[0090] Clause 10. The blender of any one of clauses 1-6, further comprising a quick-release mechanism configured to facilitate removing the cupholder from the blender without the use of tools.

[0091] Clause 11. The blender of clause 10, wherein the blender includes a bracket, wherein the cupholder is removably coupled to the bracket by the quick-release mechanism, and wherein the bracket includes a sensor configured to detect a characteristic of the cupholder when the cupholder is attached to the bracket.

[0092] Clause 12. The blender of clause 11, wherein the blender includes a controller configured to change an operating characteristic of the blender based on the detected characteristic of the cupholder.

[0093] Clause 13. The blender of clause 11, further comprising an elevator assembly coupled to the bracket such that the elevator assembly is operable to raise and lower the bracket.Attorney Docket No. 217360-0020-W001

[0094] Clause 14. A blender comprising: a motor; a spindle configured to be driven by the motor to rotate; a blending tool fixed for co-rotation with the spindle; a cupholder configured to support a cup containing a food product to be blended; an elevator assembly coupled to the cupholder, the cupholder movable via the elevator assembly to place the food product in the cup in contact with the blending tool; a lid engageable with the cupholder; and a quick-release mechanism removably coupling the cupholder to the elevator assembly such that the cupholder is removable from the elevator assembly without the use of tools.

[0095] Clause 15. The blender of clause 14, wherein the quick-release mechanism includes a blender side attachment and a cupholder side attachment, and wherein the blender side attachment includes a sensor configured to identify the presence of the cupholder and a size of a cup able to be received in the cupholder.

[0096] Clause 16. The blender of clause 15, wherein the cupholder side attachment includes a magnetic material able to be detected by the sensor such that the magnetic material indicates to the sensor the size of the cup able to be received in the cupholder.

[0097] Clause 17. The blender of any of clauses 14-16, wherein the quick-release mechanism includes a magnet.

[0098] Clause 18. The blender of any of clauses 14-16, wherein the quick-release mechanism includes a pin.

[0099] Clause 19. The blender of any of clauses 14-16, wherein the lid and the cupholder are magnetically attracted together to form a seal between the lid and the cupholder when the lid is engaged with the cupholder during a blending process.

[0100] Clause 20. The blender of clause 19, wherein the cupholder includes a rim having a plurality of embedded permanent magnets.

[0101] Various features of the disclosure are set forth in the following claims. When used in this specification and claims, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 217360-0020-W001CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A blender comprising: a motor; a spindle configured to be driven by the motor to rotate; a blending tool fixed for co-rotation with the spindle; a cupholder configured to support a cup containing a food product to be blended, the cupholder including a first magnetic material; a lid for the cupholder, the lid including a second magnetic material; wherein the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material are attracted to each other, such that the lid is magnetically secured to the cupholder.

2. The blender of claim 1, wherein one of the first magnetic material or the second magnetic material includes a plurality of circumferentially-spaced permanent magnets.

3. The blender of claim 2, wherein the other of the first magnetic material or the second magnetic material includes a ferrous plate.

4. The blender of claim 3, wherein a first covering is positioned over the ferrous plate, and wherein a second covering is positioned over the plurality of permanent magnets.

5. The blender of claim 4, wherein the lid and the cupholder form a blend chamber for the food product, wherein the blending tool extends into the blend chamber during blending.

6. The blender of claim 5, wherein the first covering engages the second covering to define a seal between the cupholder and the lid that inhibits the food product from leaking out of the blend chamber during blending.

7. The blender of any preceding claim, further comprising an elevator assembly coupled to the cupholder, the cupholder movable via the elevator assembly to place the food product in the cup in contact with the blending tool.Attorney Docket No. 217360-0020-W0018. The blender of any one of claims 4-6, wherein the first covering and the second covering are made of silicone.

9. The blender of any one of claims 4-6, wherein the first covering and the second covering are overmolded.

10. The blender of any one of claims 1-6, further comprising a quick-release mechanism configured to facilitate removing the cupholder from the blender without the use of tools.

11. The blender of claim 10, wherein the blender includes a bracket, wherein the cupholder is removably coupled to the bracket by the quick-release mechanism, and wherein the bracket includes a sensor configured to detect a characteristic of the cupholder when the cupholder is attached to the bracket.

12. The blender of claim 11, wherein the blender includes a controller configured to change an operating characteristic of the blender based on the detected characteristic of the cupholder.

13. The blender of claim 11, further comprising an elevator assembly coupled to the bracket such that the elevator assembly is operable to raise and lower the bracket.

14. A blender comprising: a motor; a spindle configured to be driven by the motor to rotate; a blending tool fixed for co-rotation with the spindle; a cupholder configured to support a cup containing a food product to be blended; an elevator assembly coupled to the cupholder, the cupholder movable via the elevator assembly to place the food product in the cup in contact with the blending tool; a lid engageable with the cupholder; and a quick-release mechanism removably coupling the cupholder to the elevator assembly such that the cupholder is removable from the elevator assembly without the use of tools.Attorney Docket No. 217360-0020-W00115. The blender of claim 14, wherein the quick-release mechanism includes a blender side attachment and a cupholder side attachment, and wherein the blender side attachment includes a sensor configured to identify the presence of the cupholder and a size of a cup able to be received in the cupholder.

16. The blender of claim 15, wherein the cupholder side attachment includes a magnetic material able to be detected by the sensor such that the magnetic material indicates to the sensor the size of the cup able to be received in the cupholder.

17. The blender of any of claims 14-16, wherein the quick-release mechanism includes a magnet.

18. The blender of any of claims 14-16, wherein the quick-release mechanism includes a pin.

19. The blender of any of claims 14-16, wherein the lid and the cupholder are magnetically attracted together to form a seal between the lid and the cupholder when the lid is engaged with the cupholder during a blending process.

20. The blender of claim 19, wherein the cupholder includes a rim having a plurality of embedded permanent magnets.

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