CN117717281A - Wireless stirring electrical appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

A cordless appliance includes a blender having a base unit with a housing and an upwardly opening upper cavity. The drive connector is located within the upwardly opening upper cavity. The housing also includes a battery receiving cavity configured to receive a removable battery. It is envisaged that the motor provided within the housing of the base unit is powered by a removable battery. The agitator tank includes an upper collar in the interior cavity. The first cap assembly is configured to be coupled to an upper collar of the agitator tank and includes a blade assembly and a drive connection member. The second cap assembly includes a cap member removably received over the open aperture of the second cap assembly. The first and second cap assemblies are configured for limited rotation relative to the agitator tank to engage the same.

Description

Wireless stirring electrical appliance

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims priority and benefit from U.S. patent application No. 63/407,863, entitled "cordless mixer," filed on 9/2022, 35u.s.c. ≡119 (e), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to a stirring appliance, and more particularly to a cordless stirring appliance.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect of the invention, an appliance includes a blender having a base unit including a housing and an upwardly opening upper cavity. The drive connector is located within the upwardly opening upper cavity. The housing also includes a battery receiving cavity configured to receive a removable battery. It is envisaged that the motor provided within the housing of the base unit is powered by a removable battery. The agitator tank includes an upper collar in the interior cavity. The first cap assembly is configured to be coupled to an upper collar of the agitator tank and includes a blade assembly and a drive connection member. The second cap assembly includes a cap member removably received over the open aperture of the second cap assembly. The first and second cap assemblies are configured for limited rotation relative to the agitator tank to engage the same.

According to one aspect of the invention, an appliance includes a base unit having a housing with an upwardly open upper cavity with a drive connector therein. The housing also includes a battery receiving cavity. The motor is disposed within the housing of the base unit. The agitator tank includes an upper collar and an internal cavity. The first lid assembly is removably coupled with the upper collar of the agitator tank and the upwardly open upper cavity of the base unit. The first cap assembly includes a drive connection member disposed on a first side thereof and a blade assembly disposed on a second side thereof. The drive connection member engages the drive connector of the base unit when the first cover assembly is coupled with the upwardly open upper cavity of the base unit. A battery is removably received within the battery receiving cavity for powering the motor of the base unit.

According to another aspect of the invention, an appliance includes a base unit having a housing with an upwardly open upper cavity with a drive connector therein. The housing also includes a battery receiving cavity. The motor is disposed within the housing of the base unit. The agitator tank includes an upper collar and an internal cavity. The cap assembly includes a first collar and a second collar disposed on opposite sides of the diaphragm. The first collar surrounds the drive connection member on the first side of the partition and is removably coupled with the upper cavity of the base unit. The second collar surrounds the blade assembly on the second side of the bulkhead and is removably coupled with the upper collar of the agitator tank. The drive connection member engages the drive connector of the base unit when the cap assembly is coupled with the upwardly open upper cavity of the base unit at its first collar. The appliance also includes a battery removably received within the battery receiving cavity for powering the motor of the base unit.

According to another aspect of the invention, an appliance includes a base unit having a housing with an upwardly open upper cavity with a drive connector therein. The housing also includes a battery receiving cavity. The motor is disposed within the housing of the base unit. The agitator tank includes an upper collar and an internal cavity. The cap assembly includes a first collar and a second collar disposed on opposite sides of the diaphragm. The first collar surrounds the drive connection member on the first side of the partition and is configured to couple with the upper cavity of the base unit. The second collar surrounds the blade assembly on the second side of the bulkhead and is configured to couple with an upper collar of the agitator tank. The appliance also includes a battery removably received within the battery receiving cavity for powering the motor of the base unit.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following description, claims, and appended drawings.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an appliance having a base unit and a can assembly;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the appliance of FIG. 1 taken along line II;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the appliance of FIG. 1, showing the battery separated therefrom;

fig. 4 is a rear side top perspective view of the battery of fig. 3;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the blender of FIG. 1 with the tank assembly shown removed from the base unit;

FIG. 6A is a top perspective view of the first cover assembly;

FIG. 6B is a bottom perspective view of the first cap assembly of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C is a bottom perspective view of the first cap assembly of FIG. 6A with the sealing member separated therefrom;

FIG. 6D is a cross-sectional view of the first cap assembly of FIG. 6B taken along line VID;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the first lid assembly separated from the open top of the agitator tank;

8A-8C are front views of the first cap assembly and agitator tank of FIG. 7 in different engagement positions;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the inner surface of the upper collar of the agitator tank with locking members;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the agitator tank of FIG. 1 coupled to a second cap assembly;

FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the second cap assembly of FIG. 10, shown separated from the agitator tank; and is also provided with

Fig. 12 is a top perspective view of the second cap assembly of fig. 11, showing the cap member separated therefrom.

The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein.

Detailed Description

The presently illustrated embodiments generally pertain to combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to an appliance and its user interface. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps represented by conventional symbols in the drawings, where appropriate, are shown in only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the invention with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Furthermore, like reference numerals in the specification and drawings denote like elements.

For purposes of the description herein, the words "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. Unless otherwise indicated, the word "front" shall refer to the surface of an element that is closer to the intended observer, and the word "rear" shall refer to the surface of an element that is farther from the intended observer. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. The foregoing description of an element comprising … … does not exclude the presence of additional equivalent elements in a process, method, article or apparatus that comprises the element.

Referring now to fig. 1, the numeral 10 generally designates an appliance in the form of a blender. As shown in fig. 1, blender 10 includes a blender jar 12 selectively supported on a base unit 14. The agitation tank 12 includes an internal cavity 24 and a first lid assembly 26 (fig. 6A, 6B) configured to couple with an open top 28 (fig. 7) of the agitation tank 12 in preparation for starting the agitation procedure. The second cap assembly 126 (fig. 10-12) is interchangeable with the first cap assembly 26 and provides a closure that selectively accesses the interior cavity 24 of the blender jar 12, as will be described further below. The base unit 14 includes a housing 30 generally defined by a sidewall 32 surrounding an interior cavity 34. The motor 18 (fig. 2) is housed within an interior cavity 34 of the housing 30 of the base unit 14. In use, the motor 18 is configured to drive a blade assembly 80 (fig. 6B) operatively coupled to the first cap assembly 26 and positioned in communication with the interior cavity 24 of the blender jar 12, as will be further described below with reference to fig. 2.

As further shown in FIG. 1, blender 10 includes a user interface 20 located on a side wall 32 of housing 30. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the user interface 20 includes buttons 21A, 21B, which are contemplated to be electrically coupled to the motor 18 and configured to adjust various settings of the motor 18. It is contemplated that buttons 21A, 21B provide functional settings for blender 10 such as blade rotation direction, speed, and other similar functions. It is contemplated that more or fewer buttons may be provided on the user interface 20 and that other user-accessible features such as knobs, dials, rocker switches, and sliding mechanisms may also be provided on the user interface 20.

As further shown in fig. 1, the housing 30 includes an upper surface 36. Collar 38 may be formed with or attached to upper surface 36 of housing 30 to extend upwardly from upper surface 36 and surround drive connector 40 (fig. 2 and 5). In this manner, collar 38 may define an upper cavity 42 of base unit 14 in which drive connector 40 may be positioned and accessed, as will be described further below.

With further reference to fig. 1, it is contemplated that blender 10 is a cordless appliance powered using a charging power source in the form of a removable battery 22. Specifically, the housing 30 includes a collar 60 formed with or attached to the side wall 32 of the housing 30 and extending outwardly therefrom. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, collar 60 is located on the opposite side of housing 30 from user interface 20, however, other locations of collar 60 are also contemplated. As extending outwardly from the side wall 32 of the housing 30, the collar 60 may define a battery receiving cavity 62 of the base unit 14 in which the battery 22 is partially horizontally and removably received, as will be described further below.

It will be appreciated that the use of the battery 22 to power the motor 18 allows the battery powered blender 10 described herein to operate without the need to plug the blender 10 into an external power source (e.g., wall outlet, etc.), and allows the disclosed blender 10 to be characterized as "cordless". In this manner, blender 10 may be placed and operated at any convenient location along a counter space provided in a kitchen, regardless of whether the location is near an electrical outlet or an available electrical outlet. 20V batteries and chargers usable with the present concepts are disclosed in U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/315,355 entitled "charger and Battery for cordless Electrical appliances" by the United states patent and trademark office, attorney-15280F-US-PSP, filed on 1/3/2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. An agitator appliance having a base unit that can use batteries such as those disclosed in U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/315,355 and can support the agitator tank 12 of the present concepts is disclosed in U.S. provisional patent application nos. 63/315,571 and 63/315,572, entitled "appliance knob assembly" and "appliance cover assembly," respectively, filed on the U.S. patent and trademark office on day 3 and 2 of 2022, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The battery 22 and corresponding electronic circuitry for controlling the operation of the blender 10, including the operation of the motor 18, may be configured according to an architecture using a voltage ranging from about 10-12V and in one implementation 12V, it being understood that the actual voltage applied and used may vary within a range around the desired operating voltage according to factors generally understood in the art. In this manner, battery 22 may be a multi-cell 12V battery, but other configurations are possible. Generally, the voltage may be sufficient for operating the blender 10, including operating the motor 18, which is generally understood to be a Direct Current (DC) motor and in one aspect a brushless DC motor, having an acceptable torque for generally acceptable use of the food processor within an acceptable operating speed.

As described above, the blender 10 is configured to operate on power from a battery 22 that is generally smaller than the 20V type batteries disclosed in the above-referenced provisional application. In this regard, the output of the battery 22 may be smaller, for example configured for 12V operation. In addition, since outputting a smaller battery 22 provides lower current to the associated device, the size of the battery 22 may also be smaller, but still provide the desired power duration and corresponding use of the blender 10 (or other associated electrical appliance). The releasable connection between the battery 22 and the base unit 14 of the blender 10 is further described below with particular reference to fig. 3 and 4.

Referring now to fig. 2, the motor 18 is shown disposed within an interior cavity 34 of the housing 30 of the base unit 14. As described above, the motor 18 is configured to drive the blade assembly 80 shown in fig. 2 operatively coupled to the first cap assembly 26 and positioned in communication with the interior cavity 24 of the agitator tank 12. In fig. 2, the drive shaft 19 is shown operatively coupled between the motor 18 and the drive connector 40 of the base unit 14. In this way, the motor 18 drives the drive connector 40 to rotate within the upper cavity 42 of the base unit 14. Further, the drive connection member 50 is disposed on the first cap assembly 26 and is operatively coupled to the blade assembly 80 by an interconnecting shaft 81. Thus, the motor 18 is configured to drive rotation of the drive connector 40 via the drive shaft 19. The drive connector 40 is configured to drive rotation of the drive connection member 50 operatively coupled thereto when the blending tank 12 is inverted and supported on the base unit 14 for a blending procedure. Rotation of the drive connection member 50 drives rotation of the blade assembly 80 via the interconnecting shaft 81. In this manner, the motor 18 is configured to drive the blade assembly 80 to rotate within the interior cavity 24 of the blender jar 12 to blend the contents of the blender jar 12.

Referring now to fig. 3, the battery 22 is shown removed from the battery receiving cavity 62. As described above, it is contemplated that the battery 22 is removably coupled with the housing 30 of the base unit 14 within the depicted battery receiving cavity 62. In this manner, a selected battery of any number of available compatible batteries may be selected and attached to blender 10 to power the operation of blender 10. As shown in fig. 3, the battery receiving cavity 62 includes an outer surface 61 from which the collar 60 extends outwardly to surround the battery receiving cavity 62. The battery receiving cavity 62 also includes a plurality of terminals 64 located within terminal receptacles 66 extending inwardly toward the interior cavity 34 of the base unit 14.

As further shown in fig. 3, the battery 22 is adapted for a snap-fit arrangement with the battery receiving cavity 62, wherein the battery 22 is moved in a lateral direction 68 towards the battery receiving cavity 62 and pressed into a horizontal arrangement therewith. In this arrangement, the terminals 64 of the battery receiving cavity 62 engage aligned battery terminals 70 (fig. 4) of the battery 22 to make electrical connection therewith when the battery 22 is fully received in the battery receiving cavity 62. As shown in fig. 3 and 4, the battery 22 may include spring-loaded tabs 72, 73 on opposite sides of the battery 22 that protrude outwardly in a spring-loaded manner so that they may move inwardly through initial engagement with corresponding notches 67A, 67B provided on opposite sides 60A, 60B of the collar 60. Thus, collar 60 includes indentations 67A, 67B that extend inwardly into opposite sides 60A, 60B of collar 60 within battery receiving cavity 62. With the battery 22 in front of the notches 67A, 67B in contact with the collar 60, the tabs 72, 73 move inwardly until they press against the collar 60 and align with the notches 67A, 67B. With being biased outwardly, tabs 72, 73 move into receipt by notches 67A, 67B, respectively, when aligned. In this way, the battery 22 is fully received in the battery receiving cavity 62 to be fixedly held thereby. When the battery 22 is to be removed, the buttons 72A, 73A associated with the tabs 72, 73, respectively, may be pressed to move the tabs 72, 73 inwardly, thereby disengaging them from the corresponding notches 67A, 67B. In this manner, the battery 22 may be removed from the blender 10 for another compatible kitchen appliance (e.g., a hand-held blender, a food processor, or another counter top blender) or for replacement with a fully charged battery, for example, when the battery 22 is not powered. In this manner, a battery that is dead may be charged using a compatible charger with similar mechanical components as battery receiving cavity 62 and terminals 64 shown with respect to the current blender 10.

Referring specifically to fig. 4, battery 22 includes a plug 71 having terminals 70 positioned therein. The plug 71 of the battery 22 extends outwardly from the rear surface 76 of the battery 22 and is configured to be received in the receptacle 66 of the battery receiving cavity 62 when the battery 22 is fully engaged with the battery receiving cavity 62. In this manner, the connection through terminal 70 of battery 22 to terminal 64 of blender 10 exposed within battery receiving cavity 62 facilitates an electrical connection for powering motor 18 of blender 10.

Referring now to fig. 5, collar 38 of base unit 14 is shown extending upwardly from upper surface 36 of housing 30 to surround drive connector 40. As described above, the collar 38 defines a portion of the upper cavity 42 of the base unit 14 such that the upper cavity 42 of the base unit 14 is an upwardly open upper cavity. With the agitator tank 12 removed from the base unit 14, the drive connector 40 is shown as being located within the upper cavity 42 of the base unit 14 and visible and accessible therefrom. The drive connector 40 is provided on the bottom wall in fig. 5, the agitator tank 12 has been removed from the base unit 14 and is in an upright position, wherein the agitator tank 12 is supported on a support surface at its lower portion 12A. The first cap assembly 26 is shown positioned on the upper collar 12B of the agitator tank 12. The first cap assembly 26 is configured to engage the upper collar 12B of the agitator tank 12 in a locked configuration, as will be described further below. To receive the blender jar 12 on the base unit 14, the blender jar 12 is inverted and vertically received on the base unit 14 along the path indicated by arrow 43. Movement of the agitator tank 12 along the path indicated by arrow 43 receives the first cap assembly 26 within the upper cavity 42 defined by the collar 38 of the base unit 14. As shown in fig. 5, both the first cap assembly 26 and the upper cavity 42 are generally circular in shape such that the first cap assembly 26 may fit within the collar 38 in generally intimate contact therewith, as shown in fig. 1 and 2. With the first cover assembly 26 positioned within the upper cavity 42 of the base unit 14, the drive connector 40 is coupled or engaged with the drive connection member 50 of the first cover assembly 26, best shown in fig. 2.

As further shown in fig. 5, a plurality of alignment tabs 46 are positioned around the drive connector 40 in the upper cavity 42. The first lid assembly 26 may thus define a plurality of connection members 48 corresponding to respective ones of the plurality of alignment tabs 46 to receive the blender jar 12 therein when mounted on the base unit 14, as best shown in fig. 2. As such, the upper cavity 42 of the base unit 14 includes an alignment tab 46 disposed therein to releasably receive a connecting member 48 to secure the agitator tank 12 to the base unit 14. This arrangement helps prevent rotation of the agitator tank 12 relative to the base unit 14, including under the torque of the motor 18. As shown in fig. 5, the collar 38 may be inset relative to the outer edge of the upper surface 36, thereby allowing, on the one hand, the desired securement of the blender jar 12 to the base unit 14 while facilitating the placement of the base unit 14 with a generally larger footprint for improved stability.

Referring now to fig. 6A and 6B, the first cover assembly 26 is shown in top and bottom perspective views, respectively. In the top view of fig. 6A, the first cover assembly 26 is shown as including a first collar 52 and a second collar 54 separated by a bulkhead 56 such that the first collar 52 and the second collar 54 are disposed on opposite sides of the bulkhead 56. The first surface 56A of the diaphragm 56 of the first cap assembly 26 includes the drive connection member 50 that is free to rotate within the confines of the first collar 52. As described above, the drive connection member 50 is configured to couple with the drive connector 40 of the base unit 14 when the first cover assembly 26 is positioned within the upper cavity 42 of the base unit 14, best shown in fig. 2. The connecting member 48 of the first cap assembly 26 is shown disposed therearound along the outer surface of the first collar 52. In the embodiment shown in fig. 6A, the first cover assembly 26 includes three connection members 48 that are envisioned to correspond to three alignment tabs 46 located in the upper cavity 42 of the housing 30 of the base unit 14 to provide a twist lock mechanism for engaging the agitator tank 12 with the base unit 14. In the bottom view of fig. 6B, the first cover assembly 26 is shown as including a blade assembly 80 extending outwardly from the second surface 56B of the spacer plate 56. As described above, the blade assembly 80 is configured to agitate the feedstock within the internal cavity 24 of the agitator tank 12 when the agitator tank 12 and the first cover assembly 26 are supported on the base unit 14 for an agitation procedure. In the bottom view of fig. 6B, the sealing member 82 is shown as being located between the first collar 52 and the second collar 54 of the first cap assembly 26, as will be described further below.

As further shown in fig. 6B, the second collar 54 of the first cap assembly 26 includes a plurality of engagement channels 90 that define outwardly opening channels recessed therein along the outer surface 54A of the second collar 54. In this manner, an engagement channel 90 is provided therearound at the outer surface 54A of the second collar 54 for engaging the upper collar 12B of the agitator tank 12, as will be described further below. Each engagement channel 90 includes a first portion 92 and a second portion 94. Each first portion 92 includes an incoming ramp 96 that is a sloped member extending from a rim portion 100 of the second collar 54 of the first cap assembly 26 toward the second portion 94 of the engagement channel 90. The introduction ramp 96 assists in introducing a locking member 114 (fig. 7) provided on the upper collar 12B of the mixing tank 12 into the first portion 92 of the corresponding engagement channel 90, as will be described further below. Each second portion 94 of the engagement channel 90 includes an end wall 98. As shown in the embodiment of fig. 6B, the engagement channel 90 is shown therein to show that the first portion 92 is a wider portion than the second portion 94. Specifically, the first portion 92 of the engagement channel 90 shown in fig. 6B extends into an opening 104 at the rim portion 100 of the second collar 54 of the first cap assembly 26 toward the upper wall 102 of the engagement channel 90 into the engagement channel 90 by a length D1. It is contemplated that the length D1 of the opening 104 provided to the engagement channel 90 is a sufficient length for ensuring engagement between the upper rim 110 (fig. 7) of the agitator tank 12 and the sealing member 82 of the first cap assembly 26, as will be described further below. At the same time, the second collar 54 and the partition 56 define the cavity 24A. The cavity 24A of the first cap assembly 26 cooperates with the interior cavity 24 of the blender jar 12 to define a total blending cavity 25 (fig. 2) in which the ingredients are mixed by the blade assembly 80 when the first cap assembly 26 is received on the blender jar 12 and the blender jar 12 is received on the base unit 14.

As further shown in fig. 6B, the blade assembly 80 includes a plurality of blades 86 consisting of blades 86A-86D. Specifically, blades 86A-86D of the plurality of blades 86 extend outwardly from the base plate 87, with blades 86A, 86C extending downwardly from the base plate 87 and blades 86B, 86D extending upwardly from the base plate 87. Accordingly, it is contemplated that blades 86A and 86C rotate at least partially within cavity 24A defined by first cover assembly 26, while blades 86B and 86D rotate within interior cavity 24 of blender jar 12. In other words, the blades 86A and 86C extend toward the second surface 56B of the partition 56 of the first cover assembly. By the configuration of blades 86A-86D, blades 86A-86D are configured to provide a vortex within overall mixing cavity 25. The first cap assembly 26 also includes an inner collar 85 extending outwardly from the second surface 56B of the diaphragm 56. The inner collar 85 of the first cap assembly 26 receives an interconnecting shaft 81 coupled with the blade assembly 80, best shown in fig. 2. As further shown in fig. 6B, a plurality of ramps 84 extend outwardly from the second surface 56B of the diaphragm 56 of the first cover assembly 26. The plurality of ramps 84 includes ramps 84A-84D disposed in a generally annular configuration about the inner collar 85. The plurality of ramps 84 aid in mixing the ingredients by helping to direct the ingredients to the blade assembly 80, as will be described further below.

Referring now to fig. 6C, the sealing member 82 of the first cap assembly 26 is shown separated therefrom. With the seal member 82 separated from the first cap assembly 26, the receiving channel 83 is shown disposed between the first collar 52 and the second collar 54 of the first cap assembly 26. The receiving channel 83 is an embedded channel conceived to be circumferentially disposed therearound at an upper portion of the second collar 54. As further shown in fig. 6C, the seal member 82 is an annular seal having an inner portion 82A and an outer portion 82B disposed in a stepped configuration relative to one another. Upon assembly, it is contemplated that the embedded portion 82A of the sealing member 82 is received within the receiving channel 83 of the first cap assembly 26 such that the outer portion 82B extends outwardly from the receiving channel 83 of the first cap assembly 26 to engage the upper rim 110 of the agitator tank 12, as will be described further below. As further shown in fig. 6C, the first collar 52 of the first cap assembly 26 includes a plurality of ribs 53 disposed vertically therearound. In use, the ribs 53 of the first collar 52 of the first cap assembly 26 are provided to assist a user in gripping and engaging the first cap assembly 26 for rotational locking movement thereof.

Referring now to fig. 6D, the first cover assembly 26 is shown in cross-section. In the view provided in fig. 6D, blade 86A of blade assembly 80 is shown as having distal end 88. The ramp 84A of the plurality of ramps 84 is shown disposed directly below the distal end 88 of the blade 86A. Blade 86C also includes a distal end portion similar to distal end portion 88 of blade 86A. Further, ramp 84A includes a first end 89A and a second end 89B. The first end 89A may be referred to herein as the lower end of the ramp 84A, while the second end 89B may be referred to herein as the upper end of the ramp 84A. The ramp 84 also includes an upper surface 89C extending between the first end 89A and the second end 89B. The upper surface 89C of the ramp 84A, being configured in a wedge-shaped configuration, is an upwardly inclined surface that extends in an arcuate configuration from the first end 89A to the second end 89B. The configuration of ramp 84A described herein also describes the configuration of ramps 84B-84D. As described above, the ramps 84A-84D are each provided in an arcuate configuration such that the plurality of ramps 84 are provided in an annular configuration aligned with the rotational paths of the blades 86A, 86C measured from their distal ends 88. In this way, a distance D2 is provided between the distal end 88 of the blade 86A and the second end 89B of the ramp 84A. Distance D2 defines a pinch point between distal end 88 of blade 86A and second end 89B of ramps 84A-84D as blade 86A rotates along the rotational path where the material is directed toward blade assembly 80 for mixing within total mixing cavity 25. Similarly, blade 86C also defines a similar pinch point between second ends 89B of ramps 84A-84D as it rotates along its rotational path. Thus, blades 86A-86D and ramps 84A-84D cooperate to create and maintain a vortex of material during the blending process.

Referring now to fig. 7, the first cap assembly 26 is shown separated from the upper collar 12B of the agitator tank 12. The upper collar 12B of the agitator tank 12 includes an upper rim 110 that surrounds the open top 28 of the agitator tank 12. Along the inner surface 112 of the upper collar 12B, a plurality of locking members 114 project inwardly into the interior cavity 24 of the agitator tank 12. With the first cap assembly 26 received on the upper collar 12B of the agitator tank 12, the second collar 54 of the first cap assembly 26 will be aligned with the upper collar 12B of the agitator tank 12. The corresponding engagement channel 90 on the second collar 54 of the first cap assembly 26 will be aligned with the locking member 114 of the blender jar 12. As the first cap assembly 26 moves downwardly onto the upper collar 12B of the agitator tank 12, the locking member 114 will be received within the first portion 92 of the engagement channel 90. The receipt of the locking member 114 within the first portion 92 of the engagement channel 90 may be assisted by having the lead-in ramp 96 act on the first end 114A of the locking member 114. As shown particularly in fig. 7, the visible engagement channel 90 is aligned to engage a locking member 114 shown in phantom on the blender jar 12. The lead-in ramp 96 may act on the first end 114A of the locking member 114 to push the locking member 114 into the first portion 92 of the engagement channel 90. With the locking member 114 aligned with the opening 104 of the engagement channel 90, the first cap assembly 26 will fall along a length D1 defined between the upper wall 102 of the engagement channel 90 and the rim portion 100 of the second collar 54. With the first cover assembly 26 in this lowered position, it is contemplated that the upper edge 114C of the locking member 114 may abut the upper wall 102 of the engagement channel 90 at the first end 102A thereof when the locking member 114 is fully received within the first portion 92 of the engagement channel 90. Further, with the first lid assembly 26 in the lowered position, it is contemplated that the upper rim 110 of the agitator tank 12 may abut the sealing member 82 of the first lid assembly 26.

As further shown in fig. 7, the upper wall 102 of the engagement channel 90 includes a first end 102A disposed at the first portion 92 of the engagement channel 90 and a second end 102B disposed at the second portion 94 of the engagement channel 90. The upper wall 102 of the engagement channel 90 is an inclined wall rising from its first end 102A to its second end 102B. In this manner, when the first cap assembly 26 is in the lowered position and the locking member 114 is fully received within the first portion 92 of the engagement channel 90, the first cap assembly 26 may be rotated in a locking rotational direction indicated by arrow R1 (fig. 7). This rotational movement of the second cap assembly in the direction indicated by arrow R1 moves the locking member 114 from the first portion 92 of the engagement channel 90 to the second portion 94 of the engagement channel 90. As the locking member 114 moves along the upper wall 102 of the engagement channel 90, the first lid assembly 26 will be pulled downwardly toward the open top 28 of the agitator tank 12 to thereby compress the sealing member 82 against the upper rim 110 of the agitator tank 12, as shown in fig. 5. It is contemplated that the engagement between the engagement channel 90 of the first cap assembly 26 and the locking member 114 of the blender jar 12 securely positions the first cap assembly 26 on the blender jar 12 for the blending procedure in an efficient manner.

As described above, the first cover assembly 26 moves to the lowered position by locking the locking member 114 into the first portion 92 of the engagement channel 90. This vertical drop motion provided along the length D1 of the engagement channel 90 allows the first cap assembly 26 to omit a series of complete rotations that would otherwise be necessary in a standard screw-down engagement. In contrast, it is contemplated that the first cap assembly 26 of the present invention will only rotate less than about 90 ° to effectively engage the first cap assembly 26 with the upper collar 12B of the agitator tank 12. It is also contemplated that the first cap assembly 26 of the present invention may be rotated less than 45 deg. to effectively engage the first cap assembly 26 with the upper collar 12B of the agitator tank 12. The locking rotational movement of the first cap assembly 26 along the path indicated by arrow R1 is generally limited to movement of the engagement channel 90 relative to the agitator tank 12 such that the locking member 114 of the agitator tank 12 moves from the first portion 92 to the second portion 94 of the engagement channel 90. As described above, it is contemplated that a plurality of locking members 114 and a plurality of engagement channels 90 are provided on the agitator tank 12 and the first cap assembly 26, respectively, for full engagement of the first cap assembly 26 with the agitator tank 12.

Referring now to fig. 8A-8C, improved interconnection efficiency between the first cap assembly 26 and the agitator tank 12 is illustrated. Referring specifically to fig. 8A, the first cover assembly 26 is shown in a first position. In the first position of fig. 8A, the second collar 54 of the first cap assembly 26 partially enters the interior cavity 24 of the agitator tank 12. It is contemplated that with the first cover assembly 26 in the first position, the locking members 114 of the upper collar 12B of the agitator tank 12 are aligned with the openings 104 of the respective engagement channels 90, as shown in phantom in fig. 8A. Referring specifically to fig. 8B, the first cover assembly 26 is shown in the second position. In the second position of fig. 8B, it is contemplated that the locking members 114 of the upper collar 12B of the blender jar 12 are received within the first portions 92 of the respective engagement channels 90, as shown in phantom in fig. 8B. As further shown in fig. 8B, the sealing member 82 of the first cap assembly 26 abuts against the upper rim 110 of the agitator tank 12. The second position of the first cover assembly 26 is described above as the lowered position. Thus, movement from the first position to the second position is a vertical movement that may engage the sealing member 82 of the first lid assembly 26 with the upper rim 110 of the agitator tank 12. Referring specifically to fig. 8C, the first cover assembly 26 is shown in a third position. In the third position of fig. 8C, it is contemplated that the locking members 114 of the upper collar 12B of the blender jar 12 are received within the second portions 94 of the respective engagement channels 90, as shown in phantom in fig. 8C. Movement of the locking member 114 from the first portion 92 of the respective engagement channel 90 to the second portion 94 of the respective engagement channel 90 includes rotational movement of the agitator tank 12 or the first cap assembly 26. Moving from fig. 8B to fig. 8C, it is contemplated that the agitator tank 12 moves relative to the first cap assembly 26 in the rotational direction indicated by arrow R2 to move the locking member 114 of the upper collar 12B of the agitator tank 12 to the fully engaged position, wherein the locking member 114 is located within the second portion 94 of the engagement channel 90. As described above, the upper wall 102 of the engagement channel 90 is inclined from its first end 102A to its second end 102B. In this manner, movement of the locking member 114 from the first portion 92 of the engagement channel 90 to the second portion 94 of the engagement channel 90 pulls the first cap assembly 26 downward to fully engage the sealing member 82 with the upper rim 110 of the agitator tank 12, as shown in fig. 8C.

As described above, the vertical movement of the first cover assembly 26 from the lowered (or second) position (fig. 8B) to the third position (fig. 8C) may include a rotation of the agitator tank 12 of less than 45 ° relative to each other only for the first cover assembly 26. This constitutes a system that can quickly position the first cover assembly 26 in a fixed position for the stirring process. It is also contemplated that a threaded collar assembly of the blender jar 12 may be used wherein multiple 360 deg. rotations of the cap assembly 26 are provided to fully engage the threaded collar assembly of the blender jar 12.

Referring now to fig. 9, locking member 114 is shown disposed along inner surface 112 of upper collar 12B of blender jar 12. As described above, the locking member 114 includes the first and second ends 114A and 114B and the upper and lower edges 114C and 114D. In the embodiment shown in fig. 9, locking member 114 is disposed at an angle along inner surface 112 of upper collar 12B. Specifically, the locking member 114 is vertically raised from the first end 114A to the second end 114B. In this manner, the upper edge 114C and the lower edge 114D of the locking member 114 may act on the peripheral edges of the corresponding second portion 94 of the engagement channel 90 to further pull the first lid assembly 26 downwardly into engagement therewith during rotational movement of the blender jar 12. It is contemplated that the locking member 114 may be positioned at an angle of about 1 deg. to 5 deg., and preferably at an angle of 2 deg., along the inner surface 112 of the upper collar 12B of the agitator tank 12.

Referring now to fig. 10, a second cap assembly 126 is shown coupled thereto at the upper collar 12B of the agitator tank 12. It is contemplated that the second cap assembly 126 may be interchangeable with the first cap assembly 26 in terms of engagement of the upper collar 12B of the agitator tank 12. As described above, the first cap assembly 26 is configured to couple with the blender jar 12 for a blending procedure using the blade assembly 80 of the first cap assembly 26. The second lid assembly 126 is provided as a lid for the open top 28 of the blender jar 12 so that a user may use the blender jar 12 as a drinking container. The second cap assembly 126 includes a number of features similar or identical to those of the first cap assembly 26, which are provided with the same reference numerals for the description herein.

As further shown in fig. 10, the second cap assembly 126 includes a cap member 160, which is contemplated to be a removable cap member for providing access to the interior cavity 24 of the blender jar 12. The cap member 160 includes a handle 162 pivotally coupled to the cap member 160 for deployment from a stowed position to a deployed position in the direction indicated by arrow 164. In fig. 10, the handle 162 is shown as an arcuate member disposed in the stowed position. In the deployed position, the handle 162 of the second lid assembly 126 may be grasped by a user to carry the blender jar 12.

Referring now to fig. 11, the second cap assembly 126 includes an upper collar 154 and a lower collar 152 with a sealing member 82 disposed therebetween. The sealing member 82 engages the upper rim 110 of the agitator tank 12 in the engaged position, as shown in fig. 10. As further shown in fig. 11, the second cap assembly 126 includes a plurality of engagement channels 90 disposed on a lower collar 152 thereof. The engagement channel 90 of the second cap assembly 126 includes the same structural features as the engagement channel 90 described above with reference to the first cap assembly 26. Thus, the second cap assembly 126 can be quickly engaged with its upper collar 12B at the locking member 114 of the agitator tank 12 using the engagement channel 90 in the manner described above with reference to the first cap assembly 26. In this manner, a user may replace the first lid assembly 26 with the second lid assembly 126 after the blending procedure to thereby use the blending tank 12 as a portable beverage container. With the positive interlocking features of the first and second cap assemblies 26, 126, a user need not fully rotate either cap assembly as is typically the case with a fully screwed-on configuration of cap assemblies with a blender jar.

Referring now to fig. 12, the second cap assembly 126 is shown with the cap member 160 separated therefrom. With the cap member 160 separated from the second cap assembly 126, the centrally located open aperture 170 of the second cap assembly 126 is exposed. Specifically, the upper collar 154 of the second cap assembly 126 includes a substantially planar annular portion 128. The shank portion 130 extends upwardly from the annular portion 128 and includes an inner surface 132 provided with a plurality of threaded members 134. Specifically, the shank portion 130 surrounds the open bore 170 such that its threaded member 134 extends inwardly into the open bore 170. As further shown in fig. 12, the cap member 160 includes a downwardly extending shank portion 166 having a plurality of threaded members 168 extending outwardly from an outer surface 167 of the downwardly extending shank portion 166. As shown in fig. 12, the downwardly extending shank portion 166 of the cap member 160 is a member that is embedded relative to the outer surface of the cap member 160. It is contemplated that the threaded member 168 of the downwardly extending shank portion 166 of the cap member 160 is a corresponding or complementary threaded member to the threaded member 134 located on the shank portion 130 surrounding the open bore 170 of the second cap assembly 126. In this manner, the cap member 160 may be threadably engaged with the second cap assembly 126 to selectively provide access to the open bore 170. With the second cap assembly 126 positioned on the upper collar 12B of the agitator tank 12, the open aperture 170 of the second cap assembly 126 is positioned in fluid communication with the interior cavity 24 of the agitator tank 12.

According to one aspect of the invention, a cordless appliance includes a blender having a base unit including a housing and an upwardly opening upper cavity. The drive connector is located within the upwardly opening upper cavity. The housing also includes a battery receiving cavity configured to receive a removable battery. It is envisaged that the motor provided within the housing of the base unit is powered by a removable battery. The agitator tank includes an upper collar in the interior cavity. The first cap assembly is configured to be coupled to an upper collar of the agitator tank and includes a blade assembly and a drive connection member. The second cap assembly includes a cap member removably received over the open aperture of the second cap assembly. The first and second cap assemblies are configured for limited rotation relative to the agitator tank to engage the same.

According to one aspect of the invention, an appliance includes a base unit having a housing with an upwardly open upper cavity with a drive connector therein. The housing also includes a battery receiving cavity. The motor is disposed within the housing of the base unit. The agitator tank includes an upper collar and an internal cavity. The first lid assembly is removably coupled with the upper collar of the agitator tank and the upwardly open upper cavity of the base unit. The first cap assembly includes a drive connection member disposed on a first side thereof and a blade assembly disposed on a second side thereof. The drive connection member engages the drive connector of the base unit when the first cover assembly is coupled with the upwardly open upper cavity of the base unit. A battery is removably received within the battery receiving cavity for powering the motor of the base unit.

According to another aspect, the battery is a 12V battery.

According to another aspect, the appliance comprises a second cover assembly conceived to be interchanged with the first cover assembly. The second cap assembly is configured to be coupled to an upper collar of the agitator tank. The second cap assembly includes a cap member removably received over the open aperture of the second cap assembly.

According to another aspect, the second cap assembly includes a handle disposed thereon.

According to another aspect, a handle is provided on the cap member of the second cap assembly.

According to another aspect, the handle is operable on the cap member between a deployed position and a stowed position.

According to another aspect, the upper collar of the agitator tank includes one or more locking members extending inwardly from an inner surface thereof.

According to another aspect, the first and second cap assemblies each include one or more engagement channels that receive the locking member of the agitator tank therein at a rotation of 45 ° or less.

According to another aspect of the invention, an appliance includes a base unit having a housing with an upwardly open upper cavity with a drive connector therein. The housing also includes a battery receiving cavity. The motor is disposed within the housing of the base unit. The agitator tank includes an upper collar and an internal cavity. The cap assembly includes a first collar and a second collar disposed on opposite sides of the diaphragm. The first collar surrounds the drive connection member on the first side of the partition and is removably coupled with the upper cavity of the base unit. The second collar surrounds the blade assembly on the second side of the bulkhead and is removably coupled with the upper collar of the agitator tank. The drive connection member engages the drive connector of the base unit when the cap assembly is coupled with the upwardly open upper cavity of the base unit at its first collar. The appliance also includes a battery removably received within the battery receiving cavity for powering the motor of the base unit.

According to another aspect, the first collar includes at least one connection member disposed on an outer surface thereof.

According to another aspect, the upper cavity of the base unit comprises at least one alignment tab disposed therein for releasably receiving at least one connection member.

According to another aspect, the second side of the separator includes a plurality of ramps extending outwardly therefrom. Each ramp includes an inclined upper surface arranged in an arcuate configuration.

According to another aspect, a blade assembly includes a plurality of blades extending outwardly from a base plate. One or more of the plurality of blades includes a distal portion extending toward the second side of the bulkhead for rotation along the rotational path.

According to another aspect, each of the plurality of ramps is arranged in an arcuate configuration aligned with the rotational path.

According to another aspect, the battery is a 12V battery.

According to another aspect of the invention, an appliance includes a base unit having a housing with an upwardly open upper cavity with a drive connector therein. The housing also includes a battery receiving cavity. The motor is disposed within the housing of the base unit. The agitator tank includes an upper collar and an internal cavity. The cap assembly includes a first collar and a second collar disposed on opposite sides of the diaphragm. The first collar surrounds the drive connection member on the first side of the partition and is configured to couple with the upper cavity of the base unit. The second collar surrounds the blade assembly on the second side of the bulkhead and is configured to couple with an upper collar of the agitator tank. The appliance also includes a battery removably received within the battery receiving cavity for powering the motor of the base unit.

According to another aspect, the base unit comprises a side surrounding the internal cavity. The sidewall includes a collar extending outwardly therefrom. The collar surrounds the battery receiving cavity.

According to another aspect, the collar of the base unit comprises indentations provided on opposite sides thereof. The battery includes a tab that engages the notch of the collar when the battery is received in the battery receiving cavity.

According to another aspect, the battery receiving cavity includes a plurality of terminals located within terminal receptacles extending inwardly toward the interior cavity of the base unit.

According to another aspect, the battery is a 12V battery. The battery includes a plug extending outwardly from a rear surface of the battery. The plug is removably received in the receptacle of the battery receiving cavity.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the disclosure and construction of other components is not limited to a particular material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein can be formed from a variety of materials, unless otherwise indicated herein.

For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (all forms thereof) generally means that two elements are connected (electrically or mechanically) to each other either directly or indirectly. Such a connection may be fixed in nature or movable in nature. Such connection may be achieved by the two components (electrically or mechanically) and any additional intermediate members integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such a connection may be permanent in nature or releasable in nature unless otherwise indicated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the present disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present inventions have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and characteristics of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interface may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connectors or other elements of the system may be varied, and the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or components of the system may be constructed of any of a variety of materials, configured in a variety of colors, textures, and combinations that provide sufficient strength or durability. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present invention. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, modifications and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present inventions.

It is to be understood that any process described or any step within the process may be combined with other processes or steps disclosed to form structures within the scope of the invention. The example structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and should not be considered limiting.

Claims (20)

1. An appliance, comprising:

a base unit having a housing with an upwardly open upper cavity with a drive connector therein, wherein the housing further comprises a battery receiving cavity;

a motor disposed within the housing of the base unit;

a stirred tank having an upper collar and an internal cavity;

a first cap assembly removably coupled with the upper collar of the agitator tank and the upwardly open upper cavity of the base unit, wherein the first cap assembly includes a drive connection member disposed on a first side thereof and a blade assembly disposed on a second side thereof, and wherein the drive connection member engages the drive connector of the base unit when the first cap assembly is coupled with the upwardly open upper cavity of the base unit; and

a battery removably received within the battery receiving cavity for powering the motor of the base unit.

2. The appliance of claim 1, comprising:

a second cap assembly interchangeable with the first cap assembly is contemplated, wherein the second cap assembly is configured to be coupled to the upper collar of the agitator tank, and wherein the second cap assembly includes a cap member removably received over an open aperture of the second cap assembly.

3. The appliance of claim 2, wherein the second cover assembly includes a handle disposed thereon.

4. An appliance according to claim 3, wherein the handle is provided on the cap member.

5. The appliance of claim 4, wherein the handle is operable on the cap member between a deployed position and a stowed position.

6. The appliance of claim 2, wherein the upper collar of the agitator tank includes one or more locking members extending inwardly from an inner surface thereof.

7. The appliance of claim 6, wherein the first and second cap assemblies each include one or more engagement channels that receive the locking member of the agitator tank therein at a rotation of 45 ° or less.

8. The appliance of any of claims 1-7, wherein the battery is a 12V battery.

9. An appliance, comprising:

a base unit having a housing with an upwardly open upper cavity with a drive connector therein, wherein the housing further comprises a battery receiving cavity;

a motor disposed within the housing of the base unit;

a stirred tank having an upper collar and an internal cavity;

a cap assembly having a first collar and a second collar disposed on opposite sides of a bulkhead, wherein the first collar encircles a drive connection member located on a first side of the bulkhead and is removably coupled with the upper cavity of the base unit, and wherein the second collar encircles a blade assembly located on a second side of the bulkhead and is removably coupled with the upper collar of the agitator tank, and wherein the drive connection member engages the drive connector of the base unit when the cap assembly is coupled with the upwardly open upper cavity of the base unit at the first collar thereof; and

a battery removably received within the battery receiving cavity for powering the motor of the base unit.

10. The appliance of claim 9, wherein the first collar includes at least one connection member disposed on an outer surface thereof.

11. The appliance of claim 10, wherein the upper cavity of the base unit includes at least one alignment tab disposed therein for releasably receiving the at least one connection member.

12. The appliance of claim 9, wherein the second side of the partition includes a plurality of ramps extending outwardly therefrom, and wherein each ramp includes an inclined upper surface disposed in an arcuate configuration.

13. The appliance of claim 12, wherein the blade assembly includes a plurality of blades extending outwardly from a base plate, wherein one or more of the plurality of blades includes a distal portion extending toward the second side of the partition for rotation along a rotational path.

14. The appliance of claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of ramps is disposed in an arcuate configuration aligned with the rotational path.

15. The appliance of any of claims 9-14, wherein the battery is a 12V battery.

16. An appliance, comprising:

a base unit having a housing with an upwardly open upper cavity with a drive connector therein, wherein the housing further comprises a battery receiving cavity;

A motor disposed within the housing of the base unit;

a stirred tank having an upper collar and an internal cavity;

a cap assembly having a first collar and a second collar disposed on opposite sides of a bulkhead, wherein the first collar encircles a drive connection member located on a first side of the bulkhead and is configured to couple with the upper cavity of the base unit, and wherein the second collar encircles a blade assembly located on a second side of the bulkhead and is configured to couple with the upper collar of the agitator tank; and

a battery removably received within the battery receiving cavity for powering the motor of the base unit.

17. The appliance of claim 16, wherein the base unit includes a sidewall surrounding an interior cavity, wherein the sidewall includes a collar extending outwardly therefrom, wherein the collar surrounds the battery receiving cavity.

18. The appliance of claim 17, wherein the collar of the base unit includes notches disposed on opposite sides thereof, and wherein the battery includes tabs that engage the notches of the collar when the battery is received in the battery receiving cavity.

19. The appliance of claim 18, wherein the battery receiving cavity includes a plurality of terminals located within a terminal socket extending inwardly toward the interior cavity of the base unit.

20. The appliance of any of claims 16-19, wherein the battery is a 12V battery, and wherein the battery includes a plug extending outwardly from a rear surface of the battery, wherein the plug is removably received in a receptacle of the battery receiving cavity.