Abstract:
A blending appliance includes a blender jar defining a receptacle portion, an open end, and a closed end. A blender lid is configured to mate with the open end of the bender jar. The lid defines an aperture. A blender has an upper housing defining a cavity configured to accept a funnel. The blender is configured to accept the blender jar such that the funnel and the lid aperture are aligned. A scraping utensil has a scraper portion and a bulge. The bulge is configured to pivotally engage the funnel such that the scraper portion may be adjusted within the receptacle portion.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/953,029, filed on Mar. 14, 2014, entitled “BLENDER JAR SCRAPING UTENSIL” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present concept generally relates to a scraping utensil, and more particularly, to a blender jar scraping utensil. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    According to one aspect of this disclosure, a blending appliance includes a blender jar defining a receptacle portion, an open end, and a closed end. A blender lid is configured to mate with the open end of the bender jar. The lid defines an aperture. A blender has an upper housing defining a cavity configured to accept a funnel. The blender is configured to accept the blender jar such that the funnel and the lid aperture are aligned. A scraping utensil has a scraper portion and a bulge. The bulge is configured to pivotally engage the funnel such that the scraper portion may be adjusted within the receptacle portion. 
         [0004]    According to another aspect of this disclosure, a blender scraper includes a handle, an intermediate bulge integrally coupled with the handle and a smooth exterior surface. A stem is operably coupled with the bulge and a flexible overmold is configured to be positioned over the stem. The overmold defines a vertical scraper, a blunt tip, and a horizontal scraper. 
         [0005]    According to yet another aspect of this disclosure, a scraper includes a handle and a bulge that is integrally coupled with the handle. The bulge has a bulbous shape. A scraper portion integrally defines a vertical scraper, a contoured tip, and a horizontal scraper. The contoured tip is configured to be closely received by a closed end of a blender jar. 
         [0006]    These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present disclosure will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    In the drawings: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a blending appliance having a blender scraper disposed therein; 
           [0009]      FIG. 1A  is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the blender appliance of  FIG. 1  with the blender scraper disposed therein; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of a first side of another embodiment of a blender scraper; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2A  is a top perspective view of a second side of the blender scraper of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of an underlying support structure of the blender scraper of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3A  is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a fully constructed blender scraper; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a top perspective view of another embodiment of an underlying support structure of a blender scraper; and 
           [0015]      FIG. 4A  is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a fully constructed blender scraper. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0016]    For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in  FIG. 1 . However, it is to be understood that the disclosure 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. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be contemplated as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
         [0017]    In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1-4A , a blender scraper  10  is shown having a handle  20  composed of a rigid food grade polymer. The handle  20  has a circular cross-section. A bulge  30  is integrally connected to the handle  20  and tapers to a cylinder  34  on a portion opposite the handle  20 . A scraper portion  38  includes a flexible scraper overmold  46 . The scraper portion  38  integrally connects to the cylinder  34 . The scraper overmold  46  defines a vertical scraper  50 , a horizontal scraper  54 , and a contoured blunt tip  58 . 
         [0018]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a blending appliance  70  and a blender jar  74  are depicted in assembly. The blender jar  74 , according to one embodiment, is a hollow shell configured to receive materials to be blended or mixed therein. In some embodiments, the materials are foods and food ingredients. The blender jar  74  includes a jar handle  78 , an open end  82 , a lid  86  removably disposed on the open end  82 , a receptacle portion  90 , and a closed end  98 . The receptacle portion  90  further includes an inner surface  92  and a blade assembly  94 . The lid  86  defines an opening  102  which permits access to the receptacle portion  90  of the blender jar  74 . Thus, material can be introduced into the jar  74  either by removing the lid  86 , or by inserting the material through the opening  102  in the lid  86 . Beneath the blade assembly  94 , the closed end  98  of the blender jar  74  has contours to aid in mixing of material within the receptacle portion  90 . 
         [0019]    The blending appliance  70  includes, in the illustrated embodiment, an upper housing  110 , a lower housing  114 , and a base unit  118 . The upper housing  110  includes a user control interface  122 , and defines a cavity  126  vertically extending through the upper housing  110 . Disposed in the cavity  126  is a tapered funnel  130  having an inner surface  134  that is substantially smooth. The lower housing  114  includes a blender jar receiving area  138  for receiving the blender jar  74 , and a motor compartment  142  which houses a motor  146 . When the blender jar  74  and lid  86  are in the receiving area  138 , the tapered funnel  130  aligns with the opening  102  of the lid  86  and permits access from above the upper housing  110  into the receptacle portion  90  of the blender jar  74 . In assembly, the motor  146  is adapted to drive the blade assembly  94  disposed within the receptacle portion  90  of the jar  74  through a belt drive system  150  located in the base unit  118 . 
         [0020]    The blender scraper  10  is depicted as extending through the cavity  126  of the upper housing  110  and the opening  102  of the lid  86  such that the scraper portion  38  of the blender scraper  10  is disposed within the receptacle portion  90  of the blender jar  74 . It is also contemplated that the blender scraper  10  may be used with the blender jar  74  independently of the blending appliance  70  by accessing the receptacle portion  90  through either just the lid  86  or through the open end  82  of the jar  74 . For purposes of this disclosure, the blender scraper  10  has a proximal end proximate the handle  20  and a distal end proximate the blunt tip  58 . 
         [0021]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the blender scraper  10 , when engaged with the blending appliance  70 , is configured such that the handle  20  protrudes from the upper housing  110  and the scraper portion  38  is disposed within the receptacle portion  90  of the blender jar  74 . The handle  20  extends sufficiently high above the upper housing  110  that a user of the blending appliance  70  can grasp and manipulate the handle  20  during use of the blending appliance  70 . As the bulge  30  of the blender scraper  10  is inserted into the tapered funnel  130  of the upper housing  110 , an outer surface  160  of the bulge  30  makes contact with the inner surface  134  of the of the tapered funnel  130 , thereby pivotally engaging the blender scraper  10  with the upper housing  110 . It is also contemplated that the bulge  30  may pivotally connect directly with the cavity  126  of the upper housing  110  or with the opening  102  of the lid  86  in a manner similar to that of the tapered funnel  130 . Thereafter, as the handle  20  is manipulated by the user, the bulge  30  pivots with respect to the upper housing  110  such that the scraper portion  38  may be moved and rotated throughout the receptacle portion  90  of the blender jar  74 . The engagement of the bulge  30  with the funnel  130  serves a secondary purpose of establishing a maximum depth within the blender jar  74  that the scraper portion  38  can reach while the jar  74  is in the blending appliance  70 . The blade assembly  94  is separated from the lid  86  by a height H 1 . As the bulge  30  pivotally engages the tapered funnel  130 , the blender scraper  10  is prevented from entering the jar  74  any further and a distance H 2 , between the blunt tip  58  of the blender scraper  10  and the lid  86 , is formed. The distance H 2  is less than that of H 1 , thereby preventing the blender scraper  10  from contacting the blade assembly  94 . The establishment of a maximum depth for the blender scraper  10  while the jar  74  is in the blending appliance  70  prevents the scraper  10  from being injured by contacting the blade assembly  94  while it is in use. Accordingly, the blender scraper  10  is capable of being used while the motor  146  is operating the blade assembly  94 . 
         [0022]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 1A , the scraper portion  38  of the blender scraper  10  includes the overmold  46 . The overmold  46  is substantially composed of a flexible polymer. The scraper overmold  46  integrally includes the vertical scraper  50  and the horizontal scraper  54 . The scraper overmold  46  also has the blunted tip  58  that is contoured to mirror, or be closely received by, the closed end  98  of the blender jar  74 . The vertical scraper  50  is formed from an edge or fin of the scraper overmold  46  and runs parallel to the axis of the blender scraper  10 . The vertical scraper  50  can be operated to scrape materials from the inner surface  92  of the receptacle portion  90  and return the material to the blade assembly  94  for mixing. The horizontal scraper  54  is defined by the overmold  46  on a portion opposite that of the vertical scraper  50 . The horizontal scraper  54  has a surface  170  perpendicular to the axis of the blender scraper  10 . The horizontal scraper  54  may assist the user in manipulating blended material or removing blended material from the blender jar  74 . 
         [0023]    The scraper overmold  46  further defines the blunt tip  58  that is contoured to mirror, or be closely received by, the closed end  98  of the blender jar  74 . The blunt tip  58  is curved and smooth to provide a wide surface area to contact with the blended material. The blunt tip  58  allows the user to apply a downward force on material located in the receptacle portion  90  while the blending appliance  70  is in use and the blade assembly  94  is operating. The blunted tip  58  is also capable of disrupting the effect known as bridging by applying a downward force on the blended material. As described above, when the blender jar  74  is removed from the blending appliance  70 , the scraper portion  38  is capable of contacting the closed end  98  of the blender jar  74 . In such instances, the contour of the blunt tip  58 , as shown in  FIG. 1A , allows a user of the blender scraper  10  to efficiently remove blended material from beneath the blade assembly  94 . It is contemplated that the scraper overmold  46  may be sufficiently flexible to permit the tip  58  to contour to the closed end  98  of any blender jar  74 . 
         [0024]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2-3A , another embodiment of a blender scraper  200  is shown having a number of features that are similar to the blender scraper  10  described above, but having different reference numerals. The blender scraper  200  includes a handle  204 , a bulge  206 , and a scraper portion  208 . The blender scraper  200  is approximately  15  inches. However, it is contemplated the scraper  200  can be between  10  inches and  20  inches. The handle  204  of the blender scraper  200  has a trapezoidal cross-section and is frustoconical in shape. The handle  204  of the blender scraper  200  includes an end cap  210 , a handle core  212  and a handle overmold  216 . The handle core  212  is a substantially flat piece of rigid polymer around which the handle overmold  216  is formed. The handle core  212 , as illustrated, includes a first pressure rib  220  running the length of the handle core  212 . The handle overmold  216  is composed primarily of a flexible polymer which creates a comfort grip for the user while operating the blender scraper  200 . The handle overmold  216  surface is smooth and continuous around the handle core  212 . In some embodiments, the handle overmold  216  may have anti-slip surface gripping features including, but not limited to, finger grips, an ergonomic structure, and stippling. The handle  204  may also be oversized to provide ease of gripping for the user. The first pressure rib  220  of the handle core  212  acts as a locking feature for preventing motion of the handle overmold  216  relative to the handle core  212 . It is contemplated that the handle core  212  may include other features to aid in resisting motion of the overmold  216  or that adhesives and other joining methods known in the art may be used. The end cap  210  has a flat end surface  228  that rounds to an end cap retention lip  232 . The retention lip  232  is configured such that an edge portion of the handle overmold  216  engages the retention lip  232  and is thereby prevented from sliding off of the handle core  212 . The handle overmold  216  extends from the end cap  210 , over the handle core  212 , and to a bulge retention surface  236 . The bulge retention surface  236  is positioned on the bulge  206  such that as the blender scraper  200  is used for vigorous tamping, the overmold  216  does not slide onto the bulge  206 . 
         [0025]    Referring again to  FIGS. 2-3A , the proximal end of the bulge  206  is integrally connected with the core  212  of the handle  204  and is disposed about an intermediate portion of the blender scraper  200 . The bulge  206  is rounded in shape and defines the greatest width of the blender scraper  200 . The diameter of the bulge  206  is approximately 2.5 inches. However, it is contemplated that the bulge diameter may be between 1.5 inches and 3 inches. In some embodiments, the bulge  206  can be bulbous, spherical, or semi-spherical in shape. The bulge  206  has an outer surface  250  that is smooth and is capable of pivotally engaging with other plastics and materials. The outer surface  250  can be configured to incorporate a number of features including protrusions, grooves, or rollers designed to help pivot the bulge  206  within the tapered funnel  130  or cavity  126  of the upper housing  110 . The bulge  206  is composed primarily of the same rigid polymer from which the handle core  212  is constructed. It is contemplated that the bulge  206  may be formed of a polymer or material different than that of the handle core  212  which provides improved properties for pivotal engagements. A distal portion of the bulge  206  tapers to a substantially cylindrical portion  254  which includes a cylinder retention lip  258 . 
         [0026]    The scraper portion  208  integrally protrudes from the cylindrical portion  254  of the blender scraper  200 . The scraper portion  208  includes a scraper core  270  and a scraper overmold  274 . The scraper core  270 , as depicted, includes a second pressure rib  278  extending the length of the scraper core  270  in a curved fashion. The second pressure rib  278  resists rotating motion of the scraper overmold  274  relative to the scraper core  270 . In some embodiments, the scraper overmold  274  may be held in place via adhesives or additional locking features located on the scraper core  270 . The scraper overmold  274  includes various features for use in the blending appliance  70 . The scraper overmold  274  defines a vertical scraper  280 , a horizontal scraper  284 , and a contoured blunt tip  288 . The vertical scraper  280  is a vertically oriented edge  292  defined by the scraper overmold  274 . The edge  292  extends parallel to the axis of the blender scraper  200 . The vertical scraping edge  292  is approximately 4 inches in length and 4 mm thick. It is contemplated that the vertical scraping edge  292  may be 2 in to 8 in in length and between 1-8 mm thick. The flexible polymer of the scraper overmold  274  allows the vertical scraping edge  292  to flex and deform as it makes contact with the blender jar  74 . The scraper overmold  274  also defines the horizontal scraper  284 . The horizontal scraper  284  is a horizontally oriented edge  296  approximately 1.75 inches long and 2 mm thick. However, it is contemplated that the edge  296  may be between 1 inch and 3 inches and that the thickness may be between 1 mm and 4 mm. During the use of the blender scraper  200 , the user is likely to cause forceful contact between the scrapers  280 ,  284  and the inner surface  92  of the blender jar  74 . The flexible polymer of the scraper overmold  274  allows the forceful contact between the scrapers  280 ,  284  and the inner surface  92  of the jar  74  without produce marring or scratching of the jar  74 . 
         [0027]    According to some embodiments, the polymer employed in the handle core  212 , the bulge  206 , and the scraper core  270  can be a rigid food grade plastic. Exemplary food grade plastics include, but are not limited to, polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (V or PVC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), or biologically derived plastics. The rigid polymer material used ideally has a Shore hardness value sufficient to survive vigorous tamping and scraping by the user. Exemplary Shore values include 40D to 100D and more particularly 50D to 80D. It is also contemplated that the handle core  212 , bulge  206 , and scraper core  270  may be composed of combinations of the above listed polymers. In yet more embodiments, the handle core  212 , bulge  206 , and scraper core  270  may be composed of a composite of food grade polymers and food grade metals. In yet even more embodiments, the polymer employed may or may not incorporate the hardening chemical biphenol A. 
         [0028]    The flexible polymer used in the handle overmold  216  and the scraper overmold  274  may be composed of a variety of food safe polymers including rubbers and plastics. Exemplary food grade plastics and rubbers include, but are not limited to, santoprene, silicone, polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (V or PVC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), biologically derived plastics, or combinations thereof. In a specific embodiment, the scraper portion  208  includes a silicone overmold  274 . The flexible polymer material used ideally has a Shore hardness value low enough to allow flexing of the horizontal and vertical scrapers  280 ,  284  while in use. Exemplary Shore values for the flexible overmolds  216 ,  274  include 10A to 80A, and more particularly, 25A to 40A. The polymers used may or may not include biphenol A. 
         [0029]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 3A , the blender scraper  200  may be manufactured in a dual shot gas assisted injection molding system. According to one embodiment, the injection molding system can inject a rigid polymer to integrally form the handle core  212 , bulge  206 , and scraper core  270 . After an appropriate cooling time, a second shot of the injection molding process occurs. During the second shot, a flexible polymer is injected and channeled over the handle core  212  and the scraper core  270 . As the flexible polymer is cooled, the handle and scraper overmolds  216 ,  274  are formed. It is contemplated that the overmolds  216 ,  274  may be of a different flexible polymer or that the overmolds  216 ,  274  may be formed during different shots within the same injection process. 
         [0030]    With reference to  FIGS. 4 and 4A , yet another embodiment of a blender scraper  400  is depicted. The blender scraper  400  may have a handle  404  that is blow molded rather than injection molded. The handle  404  may include a handle overmold  216  in a manner similar to previous embodiments. The blow molded handle  404  may be hollow and integrally connects with a bulge  408 , similar to that of the previous embodiments. The bulge  408  tapers to a cylinder  412  from which a hollow blow molded stem  416  extends. Blow molding is advantageous in that it may provide hollow parts which weigh less and are less costly than injection molded or over molded parts. At an interface, between the cylinder  412  and the stem  416 , is a lip  414 . A scraper overmold  420 , separately injection molded, is placed over the stem  416 , secured against the lip  414 , and bonded in place. In another embodiment, the overmold  420  may be formed in a dual shot injection mold. The scraper overmold  420  includes a contoured blunt end  430 , a vertical scraper  434 , and a horizontal scraper  438 , similar to previous embodiments. In the depicted embodiment, the vertical scraper  434  is positioned on an opposite side of the scraper overmold  420  than the horizontal scraper  438  in order to maximize the ability of each scraper  434 ,  438  to manipulate blended material. 
         [0031]    With regard to all of the embodiments, it is contemplated that various components may be utilized across-different embodiments. For example, the blow molded stem  416  generally illustrated in the embodiments of  FIGS. 4 and 4A  could also be utilized in the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  to decrease production costs. 
         [0032]    It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations 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 proportions 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 interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, 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 innovations. 
         [0033]    It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting. 
         [0034]    It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the essence of the present disclosure, and further it is to be understood that the concepts set forth in this disclosure are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.