HK1085367A - Beverage mixer - Google Patents

Description

Beverage mixer

The application is a divisional application of Chinese patent application CN 01819435.4 filed on 11, 13/2001.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to a beverage mixer, shaved ice maker, blender, or similar device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a beverage mixer or ice shaving preparation apparatus for preparing a beverage, such as ice shavings, that includes a blender bar in ball and socket joint engagement with a lid, a base having an alignment groove for receiving a discharge nozzle of a container for positioning a pour spout, a recess formed in the base at the location of the discharge nozzle and alignment groove for receiving a glass or cup, and a conical container.

Background

Frozen, frost or frozen beverages have become increasingly popular. Such beverages include traditional milkshakes, and more recently shaved ice has become more popular. Milkshakes (shakes or milk shakes) are typically made from ice cream and/or milk, with or without additives such as candy, chocolate, peanut butter, and the like, as desired for taste. Milkshakes are typically available in most fast food restaurants, such as hamburger chains, and may be made by specialized machines or manually using mixers.

Shaved ice (smoothies) are more helpful to health, and are made from ice, frozen yogurt, and/or sorbet, and may also include additives such as fruits, berries, juices, vitamins, and the like. Shaved ice is typically available from a special chain or juice bar and may be made by a commercial or hotel grade blender.

The beverage can also be made at home using a standard kitchen blender. One drawback to making such beverages, or using such blenders, is that the blender is difficult to operate, or is not suitable. Often times, the blender may become clogged or stalled with beverage ingredients. It is often additionally necessary to stir the (beverage) ingredient with a spoon or spatula. A spoon or spatula is often caught by the blade of the blender. Furthermore, the use of a spoon or spatula often requires the lid to be opened, which increases the chance of spilling the (beverage) ingredient from the top of the container.

Furthermore, once mixing is complete, it is often necessary to remove the container from the blender and pour the contents of the container into a drinking cup or glass. It will be appreciated that the container has an open top which is much larger than a conventional drinking cup or glass. Therefore, it is common to pour the beverage from the larger opening of the container and out of the smaller opening cup or glass, resulting in a mess that needs to be cleaned and wasted beverage.

Disclosure of Invention

It has now been recognized that it would be beneficial to develop a shaved ice maker, beverage mixer, or similar device that facilitates the preparation of shaved ice, frozen beverages, and the like. Furthermore, it has been recognized that it would be beneficial to develop such a mixer or similar device that facilitates mixing and/or stirring of the contents. In addition, it has been recognized that it would be beneficial to develop a mixer or similar device that facilitates pouring or removal of the contents.

The invention relates to a shaving ice maker, beverage mixer or the like, comprising a container which can be mounted on a base. The base includes a motor that rotates a drive mechanism extending from the base. The container includes a mixing element rotatably mounted therein, the mixing element being engageable with the drive mechanism when the container is mounted on the base. A cover removably mounted to the container and having an opening therein.

In accordance with a more detailed aspect of the present invention, a stir bar can be advantageously configured to be supported by the cover, and the stir bar can pivot relative to the cover when supported by the cover. The stir bar passes through an opening in the lid and extends into the container. The stir bar advantageously includes a bulb portion configured to be pivotally positioned over the opening of the lid and to cooperate with the lid to cover the opening of the lid and allow the bulb portion to pivot therein. The base may have a receptacle for receiving a container.

According to another more detailed aspect of the present invention, a discharge nozzle may be operatively connected to the container for dispensing the contents of the container.

In accordance with another more detailed aspect of the invention, an alignment recess may be formed in the base and configured to receive the discharge spout to align the discharge spout with the base.

In accordance with yet another more detailed aspect of the invention, a sidewall can be formed on the base adjacent the alignment recess. The sidewall may include a sloped upper surface that slopes toward the alignment recess to abut and guide the discharge nozzle into the alignment recess.

In accordance with another more detailed aspect of the invention, a cup recess may be formed in the base below the alignment recess to receive a cup below the discharge spout.

According to another more detailed aspect of the invention, the container is conical. In this way, the container may be assisted in swinging or rotating within the receptacle to align the discharge nozzle with the alignment notch.

According to another more detailed aspect of the present invention, a bumper made of a soft material may be installed at the lower end of the stirring rod and positioned to contact the inner surface of the container when the stirring rod is rotated. In this way, the bumper helps prevent damage to the container.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, the features of the invention.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a front view, partially broken away, of an ice shaving preparation or beverage mixer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the shaved ice maker or beverage mixer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a base of the shaved ice maker or beverage mixer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a container of the shaved ice maker or beverage mixer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a stir bar of the shaved ice maker or beverage mixer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a lid of the shaved ice maker or beverage mixer of FIG. 1;

fig. 7 is a schematic view of a blender bar that may be pivoted relative to a lid of the shaved ice maker or beverage mixer of fig. 1.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used in the description. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Alterations and modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and additional applications of the principles of the inventions as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.

As shown in fig. 1-3, there is illustrated a shaved ice maker, beverage mixer, or the like, generally designated 10, for making shaved ice, frozen beverages, or the like, in accordance with the present invention. The following description of the shaved ice maker or beverage mixer will be directed to an illustrative shaved ice maker. Of course, it should be understood that the present invention is equally applicable to beverage mixers and similar devices. Shaved ice and frozen beverages are but one example of an area in which benefits may be obtained from the use of such a shaved ice maker 10. As discussed in detail below, the shaved ice maker 10 advantageously includes a blender bar operatively supported by a lid to facilitate blending, a discharge nozzle and cup indentation to facilitate pouring of the shaved ice, and alignment structure to assist in aligning the discharge nozzle of the container.

The shaved ice maker 10 may include a container or jar 14 removably mounted on a base or recess 18. Thus, the container 14 may be removed from the base 18 for cleaning or the like, and the base may include electrical components and the like. The base 18 includes a motor 22 that rotates a drive mechanism 26 extending from the base 18. In one aspect, the drive mechanism 26 may be located on top of the base 18, and the container 14 may be mounted on top of the base 18 and on top of the drive mechanism 26. Thus, the container 14 may use gravity to hold the container 14 to the base 18.

A receptacle or socket 30 may be formed on base 18 and configured to receive container 14 or a portion thereof. A receptacle 30 may be formed on top of the base 18 with the drive mechanism 26 located within the receptacle 30. The receptacle 30 may include a peripheral sidewall 34 to receive the container 14 or a portion of the container. In one aspect, receptacle 30 may be round and peripheral sidewall 34 may be an annular sidewall.

The vessel 14 includes a mixing element 38, and the mixing element 38 may include a plurality of blades 42, the blades 42 being rotatably mounted in the vessel 14. When container 14 is mounted on base 18 or container holder 30, mixing member 38 engages drive mechanism 26 on base 18. For example, the drive mechanism 26 and mixing element 38 may include mating or mating connection means, such as one or more interengaging projections and recesses, so that the rotation and force of the motor 22 in the base may be transmitted to the mixing element 38 or blades 42 in the container 14. The lower portion or bottom of container 14 may be configured to mate with container receptacle 30 to help retain container 14 on base 18 and properly align mixing member 38 of container 14 with drive mechanism 26 or its connection on base 18. Thus, the lower portion or bottom of the container 14 may be rounded to match the rounded shape of the receptacle 30.

The container 14 may include a base or bottom portion 46 secured to a container portion 50. The base or bottom portion 46 may be rounded to match the rounded shape of the receptacle 30 as described above. The base portion 46 of the container 14 may be removably secured to the container portion 50, such as by threads, so that the container 14 may be removed for cleaning. In addition, mixing member 38 may be secured to container 14 by base portion 46 or between base portion 46 and container portion 50. In this way, the mixing element 38 can also be detachably fixed to the container. The mixing member 38 may cooperate with the base portion 46 to engage the drive mechanism of the base 18.

The container portion 50 may be a hollow shell with an annular sidewall for containing the (beverage) ingredient. In one aspect, the container 14 or container portion 50 may be an inverted circular truncated cone (frustoconical) housing. The effect of the rounding will be described in more detail below. Additionally, the container portion 50 or housing or sidewall may be transparent or made of a transparent material so that the contents of the container 14 may be viewed. The top of the housing or container 14 may be open to receive the (beverage) ingredient, while the bottom of the housing may be open to receive the mixing element 38 so that the mixing element 38 or blade 42 may be in operative engagement with the contents of the container 14. The base portion 46 may be configured as a cup to receive the bottom of the container portion 50 or housing and to enclose the bottom of the container 14. Thus, base portion 46 and container portion 50 form container 14.

A lid 54 may be removably mounted to the container 14 to prevent spillage of the contents or (beverage) ingredients of the container during blending or as the blade 42 is rotated. The cover 54 may include an opening 58 therein. Thus, ingredients may be added to container 14 either by removing lid 54, by adding ingredients to container 14, or by adding ingredients to container 14 through opening 58 in the lid.

The stir bar 62 is advantageously configured to be supported by the lid 54 and to cooperate with the lid 54 to allow the contents of the container 14 to be stirred by the stir bar 62 and/or to cover the opening 58 in the lid 54. The stir bar 62 may extend into the container 14 through the opening 58 in the lid 54. In addition, the stir bar 62 may pivot relative to the lid 54.

The stir bar 62 advantageously includes a bulbous or spherical portion 66 at one end that is pivotally positioned over the opening 58 of the lid 54. The cover 54 may include a conical or circular recess or dimple 68 surrounding the opening 58 to receive the spherical portion 66 of the stir bar 62. The bulbous portion 66 cooperates with the lid 54 to cover the opening 58 and allow the bulbous portion 66 to pivot in the opening 58. Thus, a ball and socket joint type connection is formed between the bulbous portion 66 of the stirring rod 62 and the opening 58 in the lid 54. The bulbous portion 66 has a bulbous, spherical, hemispherical, or rounded shape, and the bulbous portion 66 can slide smoothly within the opening 58 of the lid 54 as the stir bar 62 pivots within the container 14. In addition, the bulbous portion 66 limits the distance the stir bar 62 can be inserted into the container 14, thus preventing contact between the stir bar 62 and the mixing element 38 or blade 42. The cap 54 or opening 58 may be configured to mate or mate with the bulbous portion 66.

The stir bar 62 may also include a handle portion 70 and a stirring portion 74. The handle portion 70 is configured to extend above the lid 54, while the stirring portion 74 is configured to extend below the lid 54 and into the container 14. The handle portion 70 may be configured to facilitate grasping. In one case, the grip portion may have a bulbous, rounded, or spherical shape to facilitate grasping by a user's hand.

The length of the stirring section 74 may extend to a position above the mixing element 38 or the blade 42, but not in contact with the blade 42, to prevent damage. The length of the stirring portion 74, as well as the bulbous portion 66 defined in the opening 58 of the lid 58, helps prevent the stir bar from reaching and interfering with the mixing element 38.

A spigot or spout 80 is advantageously operatively connected to the container 14 at or near the bottom of the container 14. The spout 80 helps to allow the contents of the container 14 to be discharged through the spout 80 as opposed to pouring through the top of the container. The discharge spout 80 may include various types of valves and/or actuating systems. For example, the spout 80 may include a handle 84 to move a plunger-type valve 88 in the spout 80. Thus, by lifting/depressing/rotating the handle 84, the valve 88 is moved to allow the contents of the container 14 to flow out through the discharge spout 80. The pressure of the fluid in the container 14 tends to force the contents out of the discharge spout 80.

As the contents of the container 14 are discharged, the fluid pressure decreases. Thus, it can be difficult to discharge the remaining contents of the container 14. A tab or sidewall 92 may be positioned adjacent an opening 96 for the spout 80 on the container 14. The bumps or sidewalls 92 may extend from the sidewalls of the container 14 into the interior. The nubs or sidewalls 92 may be located on the downstream side of the opening 96 or opposite the direction of rotation of the vanes 42 to direct the flow of the contents toward the opening 96 and out the discharge spout 80. Thus, mixing member 38 or vanes 42 can be driven to create a centrifugal (centripetal) flow that forces the contents outwardly toward the inner wall of container 14, while projections or sidewalls 92 impede or obstruct such flow and direct the contents out of opening 96 toward discharge nozzle 80. Thus, when the spout 80 is in operation, a glass or cup may be placed adjacent the base 18 and beneath the spout 80 to receive the contents of the container 14.

The container 14 and base 18 are advantageously configured to facilitate discharge of the contents of the container 14 through a discharge spout 80. A cup recess 100 with a ledge 104 on each side may be formed in the base 18 to properly position a cup or glass under the discharge spout 80 to prevent the cup from tipping over. In addition, an alignment notch 108 may be formed in base 18 or receptacle 30 to receive spout 80. Alignment notch 108 may be located above cup notch 104 such that when container 14 is mounted in container holder 30 on base 18, discharge spout 80 is positioned above cup notch 104 of base 18. The position of spout 80 at the bottom of container 14, and sidewall 34 of container holder 30, prevents proper seating of container 14 in container holder 30 and on base 18 unless spout 80 is aligned with alignment notch 108. Thus, when container 14 is received in container seat 30 of base 18, spout 80 is received in alignment notch 108. In addition, alignment notch 108 and discharge spout 80 may function to prevent container 14 from rotating on base 18 when the motor is running.

The side wall 34 of the receptacle 30 advantageously includes an inclined upper surface 112 that is inclined toward the alignment notch 108. Thus, the side wall 34 may have a smaller height adjacent the alignment notch 108 and a greater height away from the alignment notch 108. In addition, the sidewall 34 may be arcuate, or rounded, around the circumference of the receptacle 30. Thus, if container 14 is not properly aligned when placed on base 18 or in container holder 30, spout 80 rests against the upper surface of sidewall 34 and is guided into alignment recess 108 by the angle (slope) of sidewall 34. In one aspect, sidewall 34 may extend in a continuous arc entirely around receptacle 30, with the height being greatest at the outermost portion of the sidewall and decreasing in height toward alignment notch 108. Rounded or curved sidewall 34 facilitates rotation of container 14 within container holder 30 until discharge nozzle 80 is aligned with alignment notch 108.

As described above, the container 14 may be circular to facilitate installation and rotation within the circular sidewall 34 of the receptacle 30. The container sidewall or shell may be in an inverted, rounded, truncated conical shape. In addition, it has been found that the rounded, tapered container 14, when the mixing elements or blades are operated, produces a rapid swirling action on the contents or ingredients in the container 14. It is believed that the conical vessel 14 helps to swirl the contents because it has a natural shape that swirls or eddies.

It has been found that the swirling action of the conical vessel, in combination with the selective pivoting of the stir bar 62, can assist in the mixing of the contents. The rotation or pivoting of the stir bar 62 tends to break the swirl and direct or urge the ingredients downward. Thus, the conical vessel 14 helps to induce circular swirling flow, while the stir bar 62 helps to direct the vertical movement of the ingredients and push the ingredients toward the blades.

In addition, a boss 116 may project inwardly from the side wall of the container 14 to aid in mixing or agitation. As the contents or components of the container flow past the raised portion 116, a more turbulent flow is created.

Additionally, the stirring portion 74 of the stirring rod 62 can be configured to facilitate stirring or mixing. The stirring portion 74 itself may optionally be manipulated or pivoted by a user to stir or mix the ingredients. In one aspect, the stirring portion 74 may include a wide blade (rib) 120 that resembles a spatula to push or move the ingredients as the stirring portion 74 pivots. In another aspect, the stirring section 74 can include at least two blades 120 and 122 extending transversely relative to the longitudinal axis of the stirring section 74 and transversely relative to each other to facilitate stirring and mixing. Thus, the stirring section 74 will have a cross-section in the shape of a fork ("x") or a plus ("+"). Thus, when the stirring section 74 pivots in one circumferential direction, the broad surface of at least one of the blades 120 or 122 pushes the ingredients.

In addition, the stirring rod 62 or the stirring portion 74 may extend only deep into the container 14. The vanes 120 and 122 may protrude into the ingredient stream and cause more turbulent mixing, as do the lobes 116 on the inner surface of the vessel 14.

A bumper 126 may advantageously be positioned at the lower end of the stir bar 62 so that it contacts the inner surface or side wall of the container 14 when the stir bar pivots. The bumper 126 may be made of a soft material to prevent damage to the container. It will be appreciated that repeated contact of two objects, such as a stir bar and a container, can result in damage that may not be visible, particularly for a transparent or translucent container. Thus, when a user uses the stir bar 62 to stir the contents of the container 14, the lower end of the stir bar will often hit the side walls of the container 14, but the bumper will prevent damage.

In one case, the bumper 126 may be an O-ring. An annular recess or groove may be formed in the lower end of the stirring rod 62 or stirring portion 74 to receive an O-ring or bumper 126. An O-ring or bumper 126 may surround the lower end of the stirring section 74.

As is known in the art, the base 18 may be configured to be placed on a support surface, such as a counter or work surface. Feet or small bosses (pads) 130 may be located on the bottom of the base 18 to mount the base 18 on the feet or bosses 130. The feet or bosses 130 may be made of a high friction material, such as rubber, to prevent the base from sliding or shifting during operation. In one aspect, the feet or bosses 130 can be located inwardly from the perimeter of the base, or the alignment lugs 108 can extend outwardly past the feet or bosses 130. Thus, the base 18 can be positioned on the rim of a counter or work surface so that the discharge nozzle 80 and alignment tab 104 extend past the rim, thereby allowing a larger glass to be placed under the discharge nozzle 80 without touching the counter or work surface.

In another case, alignment tab 104 may extend outwardly from base 18 to a position substantially at or near a vertical position of discharge nozzle 80, and foot 130 may be located on the outer periphery of tab 104. In this manner, foot 130 and projection 104 prevent ice-shaving maker 10 from being forced over, such as by a downward force on handle or discharge nozzle 80.

A controller or a control panel with buttons 134 for controlling the operation of the motor 22 or ice-shaving preparation unit 10 may also be mounted on the base 18. A controller or button bank 134 may be electrically connected to the motor to control its operation, as is known in the art. Button set 134 may include an on/off button, speed control, and the like.

In operation, lid 54 may be removed from container 14 and a shaved ice or other frozen beverage ingredient added to container 14. Alternatively, the lid 54 may be left on the container 14 and the stir bar 90 removed and ingredients may be added through the opening 58 in the lid 54. The container 14 may be placed on the base 18 before or after the ingredients are placed into the container 14. The mixing element 42 can be actuated by activating the motor 22 to agitate the contents of the container 14. In addition, the user may also grasp the handle portion 78 of the stir bar 62 and pivot or rotate the stir bar so that the stirring portion 74 of the stir bar helps to push and mix the ingredients in the container 14. After the ingredients or contents are blended, a glass or cup may be placed under the discharge spout 80 and in the cup or glass recess 100. The contents of the container 14 may be dispensed through the discharge spout 80 into a cup or glass by manipulating the handle of the discharge spout 80.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the spout 80 may be a removable spout or may be removably attached to the container 14 or the base portion 46. For example, the discharge spout 80 may be threadably attached to the container 14. A seal may be installed between the discharge spout 80 and the container 14 to prevent leakage. A cap 140 may be removably attached to the container 14 or the bottom portion 46 thereof so that it covers the opening 96 in the container 14 when the spout 80 is removed. Similarly, the cap 140 may be threadably attached to the container 14, and a seal may be installed between the cap 140 and the container 14 to prevent leakage. Thus, the shaved ice maker or beverage mixer 10 may be used in a variety of food processing modes, or may have more solid components, such as nuts, removed from the discharge spout 80 and capped with the cap 140 over the opening 96. It will be appreciated that removal of the discharge spout 80 prevents more solid components from clogging the discharge spout 80.

It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative constructions can be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and it is intended that such modifications and alternative constructions be covered by the appended claims. Thus, while the present invention has been shown in the drawings and described in detail with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth in the claims.

Claims (12)

1. A beverage mixer, comprising:

a base including a motor for rotating a drive mechanism extending from the base, the base having a receptacle;

a container removably mounted on the receptacle of the base and including a mixing member rotatably mounted therein, the mixing member being engageable with the drive mechanism when the container is mounted on the receptacle;

a discharge spout operatively connected to the container for dispensing the contents of the container; and

an alignment notch formed in the receptacle of the base and configured to receive the spout to align the spout with the base.

2. A beverage mixer in accordance with claim 1, further comprising:

a sidewall is formed around the receptacle with a sloped upper surface that slopes toward the alignment recess to abut the spout and guide the spout into the alignment recess.

3. A beverage mixer in accordance with claim 1, further comprising:

a cup recess formed in the base below the alignment recess and configured to receive a cup below the discharge spout.

4. A beverage mixer in accordance with claim 1, further comprising:

a cover removably mounted to the container and having an opening;

a stir bar supported by the lid and accessible through the opening in the lid into the container and pivotable relative to the lid when supported on the lid; and

the stir bar includes an at least partially spherical bulb portion configured to pivotally seat on and engage the opening of the lid to cover the opening and allow the bulb portion to pivot therein.

5. A beverage mixer in accordance with claim 4, further comprising:

a bumper of flexible material mounted to the lower end of the stirring rod is positioned to contact the inner surface of the container when the stirring rod is pivoted.

6. A beverage mixer in accordance with claim 4, further comprising:

at least two blades extending laterally outwardly from the stir bar.

7. A beverage mixer according to claim 4, wherein the bulbous portion of the stirring rod slides within the opening of the lid as the stirring rod pivots.

8. A beverage mixer in accordance with claim 4, further comprising:

a recess surrounding the opening of the lid and receiving the bulbous portion of the stir bar.

9. A beverage mixer in accordance with claim 8, wherein said notch is rounded to fit the bulbous portion of the stir bar; and the spherical portion of the stirring rod and the recess of the cover constitute a ball-and-socket joint type connection.

10. A beverage mixer in accordance with claim 1, wherein the container has a conical shape.

11. A beverage mixer in accordance with claim 1, further comprising:

a rib projecting from the interior surface of the container adjacent an opening through the container to the discharge spout and configured to direct the contents of the container through the opening.

12. A beverage mixer in accordance with claim 1, further comprising:

a valve mounted on the discharge spout and configured to allow the contents of the container to flow out through the discharge spout; and

a handle is mounted on the valve for actuating the valve.