DE29816201U1 - Blender jug - Google Patents

Description

GRÜNECKER, KINKELDEY, STOkKMAURj&·€5C^W/|fcWUSSER

LAW FIRM

LAW FIRM MAXIMIUANSTRASSE 58 0-80538 MUNICH GERMANY

Applicant:

EMSA-WERKE WULF GMBH & CO. P.O. BOX 15 48273 EMSDETTEN

Lawyers

Munich

DR. HERMANN SCHWANHÄUSSER

DR. HELMUT EICHMANN

GERHARD BARTH

DR. ULRICH BLUMENRÖDER, LLM.

CHRISTA NIKLAS-FALTER

DR. MICHAEL SCHRAMM, DIPL-PHYS.

DR. MAXIMILIAN KINKELDEY, LLM.

Of Counsel

AUGUST GRÜNEECKER
DR. GUNTER 8EZ0LD
DR. WALTER LANGHOFF

DR. WILFRIED STOCKMAIR (-1996)

Patent attorneys

European Patent Attorneys

MUNICH

OR. HERMANN KINKELDEY

OR. KLAUS SCHUMANN

PETER H. JAKOB

WOLFHARD MEISTER

HANS HILGERS

DR. HENNING MEYER-PLATH

ANNELIE EHNOLD

THOMAS SCHUSTER

DR. KLARA GOLDBACH

MARTIN AUFENANGER

GOTTFRIED KUTZSCH

DR. HEIKE VOGELSANG-WENKE

REINHARD KNAUER

DIETMAR KUHL

DR. FRANZ-JOSEF ZIMMER

BETTINA K. REICHELT

DR. ANTON K. PFAU

DR. UDO WEIGELT

RAINER BERTRAM

JENS KOCH, M.S. (UofPA) M.S. (ENSPM)

Cologne

dr. martin dropman

YOUR REF.

OUR REF.

G 3995-825/S

DATE

09.09.98

Mixing container

MAXIMILIANSTRASSE 58 .

D-80538 MUNICH TEL 089 / 21 23 50 FAX (GR 4) 089 / 21 86 92 93 FAX (GR 3) 089/22 02 87

http://www.gnjnecker.de

e-mail: postmaster@grunecker.de

DEUTSCHE BANK MUNICH

NO.17 51734

Bank code 700 700 10

SWIFT: GERMAN DE MM

KAISER-WILHELM-RING 13

D-50672 COLOGNE

TEL 0221 / 94 97 22 0

Fax 0221 / 94 97 22 2

Mixing container

The invention relates to a mixing container of the type specified in the preamble of claim 1.

Mixing containers as bar accessories, so-called shakers, for preparing cocktails, shakes and the like have been known for decades. They usually consist of a measuring cup and a removable lid. Even professional mixers use one or more different measuring containers and, if necessary, a long-handled spoon to fill the shaker for drinks whose taste depends very much on the correct ratio between the individual additives, in order to be able to measure the additives correctly. This requires that the individual, separate components be kept close at hand. If a component is missing, for example because it is still in a dishwasher or has been "borrowed" from a colleague, then the drink can only be prepared by eye, which can lead to a falsification of the taste.

Recently, mixing containers for salad dressings have become known through previous use in practice, so-called dressing mixers, with which salad dressings are prepared not only in different flavors but also in relatively precisely measured quantities. Since at least some salad dressings have a very sophisticated composition and consist of up to ten partially liquid, solid, pasty or other substances, the relative amounts or volumes of which must be measured relatively precisely in order to obtain the desired taste and the required consistency of the dressing, accessory components are also required in addition to the actual mixing container. A well-known mixing container for salad dressings consists of a measuring container made of transparent plastic with printed dressing recipes, the respective ingredients and scales for the ingredient quantities or volumes, and a sealing plug equipped with a seal, which can be secured by friction in the large opening of the measuring container. A bead for positioning the sealing plug with its seal is formed in the opening adjacent to a pouring spout. The closure-

The stopper is in the shape of a hollow truncated cone and is pressed in after the measuring container has been filled and, if necessary, additionally secured with a finger during the mixing movement. However, additional accessories such as a spoon or measuring cup are required to measure individual ingredients. Another well-known mixing container consists of a cylindrical measuring container with a slanted end flange around the opening of the measuring container and an almost cylindrical sealing stopper with integrated sealing lips and a disc-shaped head with ribs on the outside that corresponds to the slanted end flange. Despite readable recipes and measuring scales, additional accessories are required to measure the ingredients. With both well-known mixing containers, it is difficult, for example with oily fingers, to quickly remove the sealing stopper after mixing the dressing because the holding force of the seal has to be relatively high in the event that the person using the mixing container does not secure the sealing stopper with their fingers during the mixing movement. If the holding force of the sealing plug, which is only held in place by friction, is too weak, there is a risk that the sealing plug will fall out automatically and the mixture will be spilled.

The invention is based on the object of creating a mixing container of the type mentioned at the beginning, which is more user-friendly than the known ones and enables the measuring of mixing additives particularly conveniently.

The stated object is achieved according to the invention with the features of claim 1.

Since at least one measuring element is integrated into the closure, at least for mixing additives, and the closure has to be opened anyway to add mixing additives, the mixing container offers the convenient option of being able to measure and fill mixing additives precisely without any additional accessories, since the measuring element is always ready to hand as part of the mixing container. The measuring element is also ideal for garnishing dishes that are to be dressed, such as salads, with decorative or flavorful ingredients that are not to be mixed into the dressing beforehand, if required and without additional equipment. The mixing container also provides the necessary

integrated measuring element provides a convenient tool for use. Once the ingredients for the dressing have been filled into the measuring container, the cap must be attached for the actual mixing process. Then the measuring element is neatly tidied away because it is once again part of the mixing container. It cannot be lost or "borrowed".

According to claim 2, the metering element is a measuring scoop, a measuring spoon or a measuring scoop which conveniently enables the handling of a wide variety of mixture additives and expediently has a shape, size and capacity which are suitable for convenient measuring. For example, the metering element has a capacity of a teaspoon, a tablespoon or a knife tip, or the like, in order to be able to measure the mixture additives according to the recipes. If necessary, a clearly legible indication on the metering element indicates the capacity, e.g. a teaspoon, 20 ml or the like.

According to claim 3, the metering element can be detached from the mixing container, preferably together with the closure. This allows for convenient handling and also makes cleaning easier. Furthermore, the metering element can also be used in an emergency for other metering tasks that are not necessarily associated with the use of the mixing container.

According to claim 4, the metering element is fixed to the mixing container with the closure, whereby in this fixed position it forms a mixing element in the mixing container. When the filled mixing container is shaken, the mixing of the ingredients is intensively supported by the mixing element.

According to claim 5, the closure is formed in one piece with the metering element in a manufacturing-technically advantageous manner.

According to claim 6, the measuring container with the pouring spout is a one-piece injection-blow molded part in which the seat for the closure can already be integrated.

According to claim 7, a measuring container can be provided that is very easy to manufacture, since the screw attachment is provided for working with the closure and for accommodating the metering element and can be detachably secured to the measuring container. Different materials can be used for the measuring container and the screw attachment, which can be adapted to the respective purpose. The closure function of the mixing container is provided between the seat in the screw attachment and the closure.

According to claim 8, the screw attachment has a shape which contributes to the convenience of handling the mixing container, with which it not only enables precise pouring, but can also be held comfortably and securely during the mixing movement and when pouring.

According to claim 9, the closure is integrated into the shaft of the metering element, which has a shape and size that facilitate convenient handling.

According to claim 10, in a technically expedient design, the closure is a simple closure disk which can be pressed onto the seat.

According to claim 11, the closure with the metering element is secured in the seat of the screw attachment by means of the retaining legs and can also be freely positioned in the seat due to their frictional engagement, for example in order not to remove the closure for pouring, but to adjust a pouring opening width that is suitable for sensitive dosing of the dressing.

According to claim 12, the closure with the metering element can be secured in the seat thanks to the locking lugs so that it cannot accidentally fall out. If the metering element is pulled out of the seat until the locking lugs interact with the seat and the pull-out limit is effective, then a maximum opening size for pouring is created. However, the spring-loaded retaining legs also make it possible to open the closure only slightly and optionally position it in partially open positions in order to distribute the finished dressing in a well-dosed manner rather than in a gush.

According to claim 13, for example, ramp-like surfaces are provided to easily separate the closure with the metering element from the measuring container or the screw attachment. By pulling, the locking lugs are released from the seat via the ramp-like surfaces, so that the closure with the metering element can be easily removed and used for metering. Conversely, it is sufficient to push the closure and the metering element into the seat with light pressure until the locking lugs pass through the seat again.

According to claim 14, the screw attachment can be easily attached to or detached from the measuring container even if it is oily or slippery, because a strong torque for loosening or tightening can be applied via the positive rotary coupling by means of the actuating handle of the metering element.

According to claim 15, the closure is secured by the positive engagement between the engagement segments and the transverse incisions on the seat. The closure is secured or released by a rotary movement applied by means of the actuating handle of the metering element, which is considerably more convenient than securing a closure with its sealing element by axial pressure and only by a frictional engagement or releasing it by pulling in a straight line from the frictional engagement. There is little risk that the closure will come loose automatically during the mixing movement of the mixing container because it is secured by a positive engagement.

According to claim 16, the closure can be pressed against the seat in a structurally simple manner in order to achieve the necessary tightness. The tightening ramps can be dimensioned such that a sufficiently tight fit of the closure is achieved with relatively little turning force, and the closure can be opened again at any time with only moderate turning force.

According to claim 17, the centering mount ensures that the closure assumes its closure position properly centered.

According to claim 18, the shaft of the metering element is simple in terms of shape and yet sufficiently flexurally and torsionally rigid.

According to claim 19, the stiffening ribs of the shaft can be additionally designed with retaining legs or as the only retaining legs provided.

According to claim 20, at least the screw attachment and the closure which is one piece with the metering element are injection-molded parts made of plastic, which are characterized by high dimensional accuracy and almost unlimited aesthetic design options.

According to claim 21, a seal can be provided on the seat or on the closure in order to be able to reliably seal the mixing container, e.g. when mixing or for storing the mixture or a mixture residue.

The invention essentially consists in equipping the mixing container with a metering element integrated into the closure, which as an independent tool conveniently allows the addition of mixing additives and also the filling of mixing additives, whereby the closure with the metering element is expediently separated from the mixing container for these activities. Since in one design variant the actual closure function is provided between the screw attachment and the closure, and the screw attachment can be removed from the measuring container, the screw attachment with the closure fixed in the closure position can also be used as a measuring cup, for example in order to be able to measure and fill liquid mixing additives. For this purpose, a visible indication of filling quantities could be provided on the screw attachment, whereby two different handling methods are possible. Either the screw attachment is removed and used like a measuring cup, or the screw attachment is left on the measuring container and filled from above with the required quantity before the closure is loosened so that the filled quantity can flow through the seat into the measuring container.

An embodiment of the subject matter of the invention is explained with reference to the drawing. They show:

Fig. 1 a longitudinal section of a closed mixing container,

Fig. 2 is a further longitudinal section with respect to Fig. 1 around the axis

of the mixing container twisted cutting plane,

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section similar to Fig. 1 with the mixing container open, and

Fig. 4 is a bottom view of a screw attachment as shown in Figs. 1 to 3

is mounted on top of the measuring container.

A mixing container M, in particular for preparing salad dressings, has a measuring container B, which in this embodiment is truncated cone-shaped and has a predetermined capacity, e.g. 500 ml, which has a molded fastening collar 1 with threaded or bayonet closure elements 1a in the area of its upper opening. A screw attachment 2 can be fixed in a sealed manner on the fastening collar 1, which has the shape of a tubular body that widens upwards with an inclined upper boundary edge and defines a pouring spout A and a mixing movement and pouring handle H of the mixing container M. In the screw attachment 2, a seat S is formed approximately with the opening size of the fastening collar 1, which works together with a detachable closure V. The screw attachment 2 has threaded or bayonet closure elements 2a that match the elements 1a. If necessary, a seal is integrated in this area (not shown).

A metering element E is structurally connected to the closure V, which can be designed as a closure disk 4 with a larger outer diameter than the inner diameter of the seat S, expediently in such a way that the closure disk 4 and the metering element E as well as an actuating or rotating handle G for the closure V and the metering element E form a one-piece molded part, expediently an injection-molded part made of plastic.

The metering element E has a shaft 3 with an almost band-like cross-section which, when the closure disk 4 is on the seat S, extends into the interior of the measuring container B and has a shape P at the free end which gives it the shape of a measuring spoon L, a measuring scoop or a measuring scoop. In the closed position of the closure disk 4 shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the metering element E also forms a mixing element X ₁ integrated into the mixing container M with which the mixing effect for the mixture ingredients introduced into the measuring container B is intensified when the mixing container M is shaken.

In the embodiment shown, the actuating or rotating handle G is an upright disk whose side surfaces are concave for easier gripping and which, when the closure V is fixed, at least partially protrudes beyond the upper contour of the screw attachment 2. It could also be designed with another, easier-to-grip shape.

Approximately parallel to the shaft 3, at least two opposing, expediently spring-loaded holding legs 5 are integrally formed, which fit through the seat S and have locking lugs 6 near their free ends. The clear outer width of the locking lugs b is slightly larger than the clear inner width of the seat S. The locking lugs are expediently limited at the top and bottom, i.e. in the pull-out direction and in the insertion direction into the measuring container B, by oblique or obliquely rounded ramp-like surfaces 7, 8.

In the transition from the holding legs 5 to the closure disk 4, transverse incisions 9 are formed that are open to the outside, the incision boundaries of which, facing away from the closure disk 4, form stops 10 that serve to cooperate with stop segments 11 formed in the seat. The stop segments 11 (Fig. 4) extend, for example in pairs, only over partial areas of the inner circumference of the seat S and are separated from one another by arcuate recesses 12, each of which is limited by two shoulders 13 that run approximately radially inwards. Rising tightening ramps 15 can be formed on the undersides of the engagement segments 11 (indicated in the bottom view of Fig. 4). These undersides or tightening ramps 15 cooperate with the stops 10 of the transverse incisions 9 in order to

·■ · · ■

Rotating movement to press the closure disk 4 onto the seat S with increasing contact pressure. If necessary, locking recesses are formed in the course of the tightening ramps 15, in which the stops 10 noticeably engage when the tight closing position is reached, so that the user is shown that the mixing container is properly closed. Alternatively or additionally, limit stops acting in the direction of rotation could also be provided on the engagement segments or the tightening ramps 15, up to which the stops 10 can be rotated. However, preference should be given to tightening ramps 15 which are distributed over the entire length of the engagement segments and allow the closure disk 4 to be rotated in both directions of rotation until the holding legs 5 are aligned with the cutouts 12.

On the underside of the seat S, the engagement segments 11 are optionally surrounded by a centering mount 14, which prevents the closure disk 4 from being displaced transversely in the position in which the transverse incisions 9 engage over the engagement segments 11. The same effect could also be achieved by a few centering projections on the top of the seat S, which then work together with the outer contour of the closure disk to center it. In the sectional view of Fig. 2, it can also be seen that the shaft 3 is stiffened transversely to its main plane (sectional plane in Fig. 1) by stiffening ribs 16. It is also possible to form holding legs 5 on the stiffening ribs 16, or to form the holding legs 5 only on these stiffening ribs 16.

Handling:

To fill the measuring container B, the closure disc 4 is rotated by approximately 90° using the operating handle G from the position shown in Fig. 1 and 2 (for example, the position indicated by the dashed line in Fig. 4) until the holding legs 5 are aligned with the cutouts 12. Then the closure disc 4 is pulled upwards together with the metering element E using the operating handle G until (Fig. 3) the locking lugs 6 hook into the seat S. This is the maximum opening position of the closure when the closure is still caught in the mixing container M. By pulling further upwards, the locking lugs 6 are released via the ramp-like surfaces 8.

The measuring container B is then filled with liquid components, the respective quantities of which are measured using other means or using information provided on the measuring container B. The measuring container B is then pushed back through the seat S using the locking lugs 6 and the one-piece structure comprising the locking disk 4 and the metering element E is removed from the mixing container M. The metering element E can be used to measure out the ingredients of the mixture and pour them in through the seat S. Liquid components, the respective quantities of which are measured using other means or using information provided on the measuring container B, can then be poured into the measuring container. The locking disk 4 with the metering element E is then pushed back through the seat S in the opposite direction of movement and secured in the locking position shown in Figs. 1 and 2. To do this, it is first necessary to insert the holding legs 5 through the cutouts 12 until the transverse incisions 9 are at the level of the engagement segments 11, and then to rotate the locking disk 4 by approximately 90° until the locking disk 4 rests firmly on the seat S via the tightening ramps 15. It goes without saying that a seal can be provided in this area if necessary. The closed mixing container M is then grasped by hand (preferably at the upper end of the measuring container B and at the screw attachment 2) and shaken vigorously until the individual mixture ingredients have mixed sufficiently. The mixing element X assists in this. Since the sealing disc 4 is positively secured, it is not necessary to secure the actuating handle G with the finger during the mixing movement.

To pour out the finished dressing, the closure disc 4 is rotated again until the holding legs 5 are aligned with the cutouts 12 and then the structure of the closure disc 4 and the metering element E is pulled upwards, if necessary to the uppermost limit position according to Fig. 3, in which the locking lugs 6 engage the inside of the seat S. Thanks to the springs of the holding legs 5, however, self-holding intermediate positions are also possible in order to be able to dose the dressing better when pouring. As a further alternative, it is possible to pull the locking lugs 6 completely through the seat S and to completely separate the closure disc 4 with the metering element E from the mixing container M before pouring.

To clean the components of the mixing container M, the screw attachment 2 is completely unscrewed. This can be done by grasping the outside of the

Screw attachment 2 for turning, or by using the actuating or turning handle G. In the latter case, the holding legs 5 are first pulled up at least a little through the seat S, namely in the recesses 12, until the transverse incisions 9 come to lie above the engagement segments 11. Then, when the locking disk 4 rotates, the holding legs 5 come to rest on the shoulders 13 in order to transfer the loosening torque to the screw attachment 2. The holding legs 5 resting on the then opposite shoulders 13 can also be used to screw on the screw attachment 2 or at least to tighten the screw attachment 2 firmly.

It would also be conceivable to use the metering element E not by pulling it out through the seat S and completely separating it from the mixing container M, but by removing the screw attachment 2 as well. The screw attachment 2 can also be designed as an additional measuring element and used like a measuring cup. There are two ways of using it.

For example, in the closed position shown in Figs. 1 and 2, a desired amount of a mixture additive is filled into the screw cap 2, which may be provided with scales and instructions for filling quantities. The closing disc 4 is then rotated and lifted off the seat S so that the filled quantity flows into the measuring container B. Alternatively, the screw cap 2 could be removed from the measuring container B and used as a separate measuring cup, the closing disc 4 always remaining fixed on the seat S.

The screw attachment 2 and the assembly of the actuating handle G, closure disk 4 and metering element E are expediently plastic injection molded parts that are manufactured separately from the measuring container B. This makes it possible to combine these two components optionally with measuring containers B of different capacities or different labels, provided that the fastening collar 1 of the respective measuring container B fits the screw attachment 2.

In the embodiment shown, the screw cap 2 is a separate component from the measuring container B. Alternatively, it is possible to separate the seat S, the spout A and the

The screw attachment 2 containing engagement segments 11 is designed in one piece with the measuring container B (not shown), for example as an injection-molded part, so that the mixing container M then consists of only two components.

In the embodiment shown, a type of bayonet closure is used for the actual closure function. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable to use a screw closure with interlocking threads for the closure function, or to design the closure disc 4 as a plug that is secured in the seat by friction. An eccentric or screw clamp closure with a bulging sealing element similar to the closures commonly used on thermos flasks would also be conceivable.
In any case, the metering element is integrated into the closure and can be separated from the measuring container B so that it can be used separately for measuring and filling.

Claims (21)

1. Mixing container, in particular for salad dressings, consisting of a measuring container (B) open at one end, a removable closure (V) for the measuring container opening, and a pouring spout (A) formed in the closure area, characterized in that at least one metering and filling element (E) is integrated into the closure (V) at least for mixing additives that can be introduced into the mixing container (M). 2. Mixing container according to claim 1, characterized in that the metering element (E) is a measuring scoop, a measuring spoon or a measuring scoop (P). 3. Mixing container according to claim 1, characterized in that the metering element (E) is detachable from the mixing container (B). 4. Mixing container according to claim 1, characterized in that the metering element (E) can be fixed to the mixing container (M) with the closure (V) and, in a fixed position, forms a mixing element (X) of the mixing container (M) projecting into the measuring container (B). 5. Mixing container according to claim 1, characterized in that the closure (V) and the metering element (E) are formed in one piece. 6. Mixing container according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the measuring container (B) with the pouring spout (A), preferably with an integrated seat (S) for the closure (V), are designed as a one-piece injection-blow-molded part. 7. Mixing container according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the measuring container (M) has a fastening collar ( 1 ), that a screw attachment ( 2 ) can be releasably secured to the fastening collar ( 1 ), and that the screw attachment ( 2 ) has a seat (S) for the closure (V). 8. Mixing container according to claim 7, characterized in that the screw attachment ( 2 ) is designed as a tubular pouring spout (A) which gradually widens outwards and at the same time as a mixing movement and pouring handle of the mixing container (M), and preferably as a measuring cup. 9. Mixing container according to claim 1, characterized in that the metering element (E) has an elongated shaft ( 3 ) with an actuating handle (G) attached to the free end of the shaft, and that the closure (V) is attached, preferably formed in one piece, in the shaft ( 3 ) below the actuating handle (G). 10. Mixing container according to claim 9, characterized in that the closure (V) is a disc ( 4 ) which can be pressed onto the seat (S) from the outside. 11. Mixing container according to claim 9, characterized in that several, preferably resilient, holding legs ( 5 ) are formed on the shaft ( 3 ) and/or closure (V), which extend from the closure (V) in the direction of the metering element (P). 12. Mixing container according to at least one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the holding legs ( 5 ) have locking lugs ( 6 ) projecting outwards at a distance from the closure (V), which, when inserted through the seat (S) into the screw attachment ( 2 ) and engaging behind the seat (S), form a pull-out limiting and/or loss protection device for the closure (V) and the metering element (E). 13. Mixing container according to claim 12, characterized in that the locking lugs ( 6 ) have ramp-like surfaces ( 7 , 8 ) which are oriented obliquely or in a rounded manner relative to the direction of insertion or withdrawal of the holding legs ( 5 ) into or out of the seat (S). 14. Mixing container according to one of claims 6, 7 and 11, characterized in that the seat (S) has cutouts ( 12 ) delimited by shoulders ( 13 ), and that the holding legs ( 5 ) can be brought to the rotation stop on the shoulders ( 13 ) in order to transmit a rotational movement of the closure (V) or the metering element (E) to the screw attachment ( 2 ) for loosening or tightening the latter. 15. Mixing container according to one of claims 7 and 14, characterized in that arcuate, circumferentially oriented engagement segments ( 11 ) are provided in the seat (S), preferably between the cutouts ( 12 ), and that in the transition from the closure (V) or the closure disk ( 4 ) to the shaft ( 3 ) outwardly opening transverse incisions ( 9 ) are formed for engagement of the engagement segments ( 11 ). 16. Mixing container according to claim 15, characterized in that a notch limit forms a stop ( 10 ) which can be rotated with the closure (V), and that a tightening ramp ( 15 ) is formed on the underside of the engagement segment ( 11 ), which can be displaced along the stop ( 10 ) while pressing the closure (V) against the seat (S). 17. Mixing container according to one of claims 6 or 7 and 11, characterized in that a centering socket ( 14 ) for the holding legs ( 5 ) is formed on the underside of the seat (S) and at least around the engagement segments ( 11 ). 18. Mixing container according to claim 9, characterized in that the shaft ( 3 ) has a band-like cross-section and is stiffened by ribs ( 16 ) oriented transversely to the band cross-section. 19. Mixing container according to claim 18, characterized in that the holding legs ( 5 ) are formed on or also on the ribs ( 16 ). 20. Mixing container according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the screw attachment ( 2 ) and the closure (V) integral with the metering element (E) are injection-molded parts, and, preferably, the measuring container (B) is an injection-blow-molded part. 21. Mixing container according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a seal is arranged in or around the seat (S) or on the closure (V).