Abstract:
A blending apparatus is provided which includes a container, a lid for covering the container, and an attachment within the container. The attachment includes a central shaft having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured to engage the lid, and the second end being configured to engage a drive member of the container. The attachment further includes blades extending outwardly from the central shaft, the blades being operable to engage food products in the container. The attachment rotates within the container body (i) while the attachment is captured between a bushing of the lid and the drive member of the container, the first end of the central shaft engaging the bushing and the second end of the central shaft engaging the drive member of the container and (ii) while the second end of the attachment receives torque from the drive member of the container.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/031,690, entitled “FOOD PROCESSOR,” filed on Feb. 22, 2011, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/367,973 entitled “BLENDER,” filed on Jul. 27, 2010, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a food processor, and more particularly to a food processor having one or more unique features designed for enhancing the safety, ease of use, and/or the versatility of the food processor. 
     BACKGROUND 
     There are a variety of types of food processors on the market designed to mix, cut, blend, or otherwise process food. 
     One type of conventional food processor is commonly referred to as a blender. A conventional blender includes a container, a lid, and a rotary blade positioned at the bottom of the container. The blender also includes a base which houses a motor. When the container is placed on the base, the motor is configured to drive the rotary blade to mix, cut or blend food within the container. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one illustrative embodiment, a blending apparatus is provided which includes a container, a lid for covering the container, and an attachment to operate within the container. The attachment includes a central shaft having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured to engage the lid, and the second end being configured to engage a driver member of the container. The attachment further includes a plurality of blades extending outwardly from the central shaft, the blades being operable to engage food products in the container. 
     In another illustrative embodiment, the lid includes a lid body and a bushing supported by the lid body. Additionally, the container includes a container body constructed and arranged to couple to the lid body of the lid, and a spindle constructed and arranged to rotate relative to the container body. The attachment is constructed and arranged to rotate within the container body (i) while the attachment is captured between the bushing of the lid and the spindle of the container, the first end of the central shaft engaging the bushing and the second end of the central shaft engaging the spindle of the container and (ii) while the second end of the attachment receives torque from the spindle of the container. 
     Other illustrative embodiments are directed to food processors, blenders, other blending apparatus, food processing and blending systems, and so on. Some illustrative embodiments are directed to various blending processes and blending components which are involved in blending related activities and operations. 
     Various embodiments of the present invention provide certain advantages. Not all embodiments of the invention share the same advantages and those that do may not share them under all circumstances. 
     Further features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the structure of various embodiments that incorporate aspects of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention will be appreciated more fully from the following drawings, wherein like reference characters designate like features, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is perspective view of a food processor according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a partial perspective view of a food processor according to one embodiment with a handle shown in a first position; 
         FIG. 3  is a partial perspective view of the food processor shown in  FIG. 2  with the handle shown moving toward a second position; 
         FIG. 4  is a partial perspective view of the food processor shown in  FIGS. 2-3  with the handle shown in the second position; 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom view of a lid according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the container according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is a bottom partial perspective view of the container according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a base according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is a detailed perspective view of a portion of the base shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a detailed perspective view of the bottom of the container according to one embodiment with an actuator shown in a first position; 
         FIG. 11  is a detailed perspective view of the bottom of the container according to one embodiment with an actuator shown in a second, extended position; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a lid according to one embodiment with a pour spout shown in a closed position; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the lid shown in  FIG. 12  with the pour spout shown in an open position; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a lid according to another embodiment with the pour spout shown in an open position; 
         FIG. 15  is a top perspective view of a lower base assembly according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 16  is a bottom perspective view of the lower base assembly shown in  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a top view of the container according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a blade assembly according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 19  is a bottom perspective view of the blade assembly shown in  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a blade assembly according to another embodiment; 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a blade assembly according to yet another embodiment; 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of a blade assembly according to yet another embodiment; 
         FIG. 23  is a block diagram illustrating a motor and a switch according to one embodiment; and 
         FIG. 24  schematically illustrates a current feedback system according to one embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Applicant recognized that there are some drawbacks associated with the above-mentioned conventional food processors. For example, in one type of conventional food processor, the motor is configured to drive the blade when the container is placed on the base. Applicant recognized that, in some circumstances, this configuration may allow the blade to be driven before the lid is secured to the container. This may cause injury if a user&#39;s hand is in the container and/or may cause the contents to spill from the container. Thus, aspects of the present invention are directed to a food processor with an actuator configured to prevent activation of the motor unless the lid is secured to the container. 
     Additionally, in one type of conventional food processor, a user press fits the lid to the top of the container to secure the lid. Applicant recognized that, in some circumstances, the lid may not be securely fixed to the container and/or it may be difficult to determine whether the lid is securely fixed to the container. Thus, aspects of the present invention are directed to a food processor with a lid that locks to the container. 
     Aspects of the present invention are also directed to a food processor with a lid that is configured such that a user may easily determine whether the lid is locked to the container. As discussed below, the lid may include a handle whose position permits a user to readily determine whether the lid is locked to the container. The position of the handle may also enable a user to ascertain whether an actuator is configured to permit actuation of the motor. 
     Further, in one type of conventional food processor, to mount the container to the base, the container is simply placed on top of the base. Applicant recognized that, in some circumstances, a more secure connection between the container and the base may be desired. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention are directed to a food processor including a container that can be locked to the base. Additionally, aspects of the present invention are directed to a food processor including a container that is slidably couplable to the base, and other aspects of the invention are directed to a food processor having a container that is rotatably couplable to the base. 
     It should be appreciated that for purposes herein, the term “food processor” refers to any device that is designed to mix, cut, blend, whip or otherwise process food. As discussed above, one type of food processor is commonly referred to as a blender. “Blender” is a term that is typically used to reference a device that is designed for blending liquids. Although the present invention includes blenders, it should not be limited in this respect. In one embodiment, the food processor is designed for processing liquids. In another embodiment, the food processor is designed for processing solid foods. In yet another embodiment, the food processor is designed for processing both liquid and solid foods. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 1-5 , one embodiment of a food processor  10  according to the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, the food processor  10  includes a container  20 , a lid  40 , and a base  60 . The container  20  is sized to receive food, and is configured to receive a blade assembly (exemplary blade assemblies are discussed in greater detail further below and are shown in  FIGS. 18-22 ). As discussed below, in one embodiment, the container  20  has a spindle  22  configured to receive a blade assembly. As shown, the container  20  may have a handle  26  for easily grasping the container. The base includes a motor  156  (see  FIG. 23 ), which when activated, drives the spindle and, ultimately, the blade assembly to process food within the container. Various embodiments of the blade assembly are discussed further below, but it should be appreciated that the blade assembly may be configured to mix, cut, puree, slice, dice, blend, whip or otherwise process food within the container, as the invention is not necessarily limited in this respect. 
     As discussed above, in one type of conventional food processor, the lid is simply press fit to the top of the container. In contrast, in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , the lid  40  is configured to lock to the container  20 . In this particular embodiment, the lid includes a handle  42  which is attached to the lid  40  and movable between a first position shown in  FIG. 2 , and a second position shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4 . When the handle  42  is in the first position, the lid  40  is capable of being coupled to the container by moving the lid downwardly onto the container. When the lid  40  is coupled to and aligned with the top of the container  20 , the handle  42  may be moved to the second position, locking the lid  40  to the container  20 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2-5 , the handle  42  includes a handle engagement element  44  and the container  20  includes a container engagement element  24  which is engageable with the handle engagement element  44 . Movement of the handle  42  from the first position (see  FIG. 2 ) into the second position (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) engages the handle engagement element  44  with the container engagement element  24  to lock the lid  40  to the container  20 . When locked, the lid  40  cannot be removed unless the handle  42  is moved out of the second position. 
     In this particular illustrative embodiment, the container engagement element  24  includes a curved protrusion or rib on the upper part of the container, and the handle engagement element  44  includes a curved channel on the handle  42 . Rotation of the handle  42  from the first position to the second position rotates the channel into engagement with the rib such that the lid  40  is locked to the container  20 . Movement of the handle  42  from the second position back to the first position disengages the channel from the rib to unlock the lid  40  from the container  20 . 
     Although a rib and channel configuration is discussed above, it should be appreciated that the handle engagement element  44  and the container engagement element  24  may be configured differently as the present invention is not necessarily limited in this respect. For example, it is also contemplated that a protrusion or rib may be provided on the handle  42  and a mating channel may be provided on the container  20 . Further, other engagement elements known to one of skill in the art such as, but not limited to latches, hooks, pins, etc. are also contemplated as the present invention is not so limited. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5 , the handle engagement element  44  includes more than one engaging portion, and may include, for example, a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion. This particular embodiment includes a first channel positioned on one side of the lid  40  and a second channel spaced apart from the first channel and positioned on an opposite side of the lid  40 . Similarly, the container engagement element  24  includes a first portion and a second portion where the second portion is positioned on a side of the container opposite the first portion. In this particular embodiment, the container engagement element  24  includes a first rib positioned on one side of the container and a second rib spaced apart from the first rib and positioned on an opposite side of the container  20 . 
     The lid handle  42  may be configured in a variety of ways, as the invention is not so limited. As illustrated, in one embodiment, the handle  42  is rotatable between the first position and the second position. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second positions of the handle  42  are spaced apart by approximately 90°. In another embodiment, the first and second positions may be spaced apart by less than 90°, such as, but not limited to, approximately 45° or approximately 60°. In another embodiment, the first and second positions may be spaced apart by more than 90°, such as approximately 180°, or approximately 270°. It is also contemplated that the handle may move between the first and second positions with linear movement instead of, or in addition to, rotational movement. 
     In one illustrative embodiment, the handle  42  is substantially U-shaped and the lid  40  includes a recessed portion  38  which is shaped to receive the U-shaped handle  42  such that the handle  42  is adapted to fit within at least a portion of the recessed portion  38  of the lid when the handle is in the second position. As illustrated, in one embodiment, the handle  42  is substantially flush with the lid body  46  when the handle  42  is in the second position. Other handle shapes and configurations are also contemplated as the invention is not so limited. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the bottom of the container  20  includes a container clutch  150  and the top of the base  60  includes a motor clutch  152 . When the container  20  is coupled to the base, the clutches  150 ,  152  engage such that activation of the motor  156  (see  FIG. 23 ) housed within the base  60  causes rotation of the spindle  22 , and in turn, rotation of a blade assembly coupled to the spindle  22 . 
     As discussed below, aspects of the present invention are directed to a food processor with an actuator which may be configured to activate a switch  158  (see  FIG. 23 ) to permit activation of the motor, and thus permit activation of the clutches  150 ,  152 , once the lid is secured to the container. 
       FIGS. 6-11  illustrate one embodiment of an actuator. In particular, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the container  20  includes an actuator  100 , which, in this embodiment, is positioned within the handle  26  of the container  20 . The container actuator  100  has a first end  102  positioned at the top of the handle  26  and a second end  104  positioned at the bottom of the container  20 . When the container  20  is coupled to the base  60 , the second end  104  of the actuator  100  is configured to actuate a switch  158  (see  FIG. 23 ) to permit activation of the motor  156 . In one embodiment, the container actuator  100  is moveable between a first position (see  FIGS. 6 ,  7  and  10 ) and a second, extended position (see  FIG. 11 ). The end  104  of the actuator may be configured to actuate a switch  158  that may be housed within the base  60 . For example, as discussed further below, and as illustrated in  FIGS. 8-9 , in one embodiment, the base  60  has a housing  62  which encloses the motor  156 . The housing  62  may include a receptacle  64  having a pathway configured to receive the end  104  of the container actuator  100  to activate a switch  158  within the housing  62 . 
     It should be appreciated that although in one embodiment, the actuator  100  is positioned within the handle  26  of the container  20 , the invention is not necessarily so limited. In another embodiment, the actuator  100  may be positioned to extend along one of the walls of the container  20 , and may for example extend within one of the corners of the container. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the actuator  100  may extend either inside or outside of the container  20 . 
     In one illustrative embodiment, the actuator  100  is configured to move in a substantially linear direction between the first position and a second position. It should also be recognized that the actuator  100  may be configured to move differently, and may for example incorporate rotational movement between the first position and the second position as the invention is not limited in this respect. 
     Turning back to  FIGS. 2-4 , the lid  40  may have a lid actuator  140  configured such that when the lid  40  is coupled to the container  20 , the lid actuator  140  is moveable into contact with the first end  102  of the container actuator  100  to permit activation of the motor. In one illustrative embodiment, the lid actuator  140  is positioned on the handle  42  such that movement of the handle from the first position to the second position moves the lid actuator  140  into contact with the first end  102  of the container actuator  100 . As shown in  FIGS. 2-3 , the lid  40  may include a notch  256  positioned to accommodate the lid actuator  140  when the lid handle  42  is in the second position. In one embodiment, when the handle is in the first position, the motor is prevented from being activated, and when the handle is in the second position, activation of the motor is permitted. The lid actuator and handle may be configured such that the motor is prevented from being activated when the handle is moved out of the second position. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the base  60  may have a base actuator  160  which is configured to permit activation of the motor upon contact with the container actuator  100 . In one embodiment, the base actuator  160  is positioned within the receptacle  64  and the second end  104  of the container actuator  100  is configured to contact the base actuator  160  when in the second, extended position to permit activation of the motor. The base actuator  160  may be arranged to activate the switch  158  (see  FIG. 23 ) to activate the motor  156 . 
     It should be appreciated that any of the above-mentioned actuators may be biased by a spring or otherwise. For example, in one embodiment, the container actuator  100  is spring biased in the first position in which the second end  104  of the actuator may be retracted into the container  20 . In another embodiment, the base actuator  160  may be spring biased in a direction towards the container  20  (and away from the switch  158 ). In one embodiment, the lid actuator  140  may be spring biased. However, in the illustrative embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the lid actuator  140  is rigidly attached to the underside of the handle  42  and is configured to rotate therewith. It should be appreciated that one of skill in the art would recognize that there are a variety of ways in which the actuators may be biased, and the invention is not so limited. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6 ,  7 ,  10  and  11 , the second end  104  of the container actuator  100  may include a guide arm  105  which may assist in the movement of the second end  104  of the actuator  100  by maintaining the alignment of the actuator  100  during the substantially linear movement of the actuator into and out of the receptacle  64  in the base  60 . In one embodiment, the underside of the container  20  includes a plate  106  with an opening through which the second end  104  of the actuator and/or the guide arm  105  may selectively extend. The plate  106  may help to shield the actuator  100  to prevent unwanted materials from interfering with the movement of the actuator  100 . 
     The food processor may be configured such that when the lid handle  42  is in the first position (see  FIG. 2 ), the lid  40  is capable of being coupled to the container  20 . In one embodiment, the handle  42  is prevented from moving into the second position until the lid  40  is coupled to the container  20 . This may prevent the activation of the motor before the lid  40  is secured to the container. In particular, as shown in  FIGS. 2-3 , the lid  40  has a lid body  46  and at least one tab  48  is attached to the lid body  46 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the tab  48  has an extended position in which the tab  48  prevents movement of the handle  42  into the second position. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the tab  48  has a retracted position in which the tab  48  permits movement of the handle  42  into the second position. As shown in  FIGS. 2-3 , the tab  48  may be movable from its extended position to its retracted position once the lid  40  is coupled to the container  20 . In particular, the upper surface of the container  20  may push the tab  48  into a receptacle in the lid body  46  such that the tab  48  does not prevent movement of the handle into the second position once the lid  40  is coupled to the container  20 . In one embodiment, there are first and second tabs  48 , where the second tab  48  is positioned on a side of the lid body  46  opposite the first tab  48 . In such an embodiment, the lid  40  must be aligned with multiple sides of the container  20  in order for both tabs  48  to retract. This prevents the handle  42  from being moved to the second position (and thus in a position to permit activation of the motor with the lid actuator  140 ) before the lid is in contact with multiple sides of the container. 
     The lid  40  may include a release button  70  configured to unlock the lid  40  from the container  20 . In one embodiment, once the handle  42  is in the second position and the lid  40  is locked to the container  20 , the handle  42  is locked in the second position until the release button  70  is pressed. 
     As illustrated, the lid body  46  may include one or more tabs  72  which are engageable with the handle when the handle is in the second position to prevent movement of the handle. In one embodiment, the handle  42  has openings (not shown) configured to receive the tabs  72 . Pressing the release button  70  may retract the tabs causing the handle  42  to unlock from and move out from the second position. As the handle  42  is moved back to the first position, the container disengages from the lid such that the lid is unlocked from the container. In one embodiment, the tabs  72  are biased in a retracted position, and may, for example, be spring biased. In one embodiment, spring biased tabs  74  may also be provided on the underside of the handle  42 . When the handle  42  is in the second position, the tabs  74  may retract into the handle  42 , and when the release button  70  is pressed, the tabs  74  may press against the portion  38  of the lid  40  causing the handle  42  to pop up and out of the second position. 
     As mentioned above, aspects of the present invention are directed to a food processor including a container that is slidably and/or rotatably coupled to the base. Applicant recognized that this may provide a more secure connection between the container and the base in comparison to a container that is simply placed on top of a base. In particular, if a container is simply placed on top of a base, there is only downward movement of the container as it is placed onto the base. In contrast, in one embodiment, the container is slidably and/or rotatably coupled to the base such that there is sliding and/or rotational movement of the container relative to the base in a direction other than the direction of downward movement of the container towards the base. In one embodiment, the sliding and/or rotational movement of the container relative to the base is in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the downward movement of the container onto the base. In one embodiment, the food processor includes a container that can be locked to the base. 
     As set forth below, in one embodiment, the container may be rotated relative to the base to lock the container to the base.  FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate one embodiment where the container  20  and the base  60  are configured to be rotatably coupled to each other. In particular, the top of the base  60  has spaced apart engagement elements  68  that are design to engage with spaced apart engagement elements  28  on the bottom of the container  20 . In one illustrative embodiment, an engagement element  28  on the container  20  has a rib  30  with a stop  32  that limits the rotational movement of the container  20  on the base  60 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , an engagement element  68  on the base  60  may include a slot configured to slidably receive the rib  30 . In the illustrative embodiment, the container  20  and base  60  each includes four engagement elements  28 ,  68 . It should be appreciated that a different number of engagement elements may also be provided as the invention is not so limited. 
     In one embodiment, clockwise rotation of the container relative to the base causes the rib  30  on the container  20  to engage with the slot on the base  60 , and counterclockwise rotation of the container relative to the base causes the rib to disengage from the slot. It should be appreciated that in another embodiment, the container  40  may be coupled to the base  60  differently, as the invention is not so limited. For example, although a rotational coupling of the container to the base is discussed above, non-rotational sliding movement of the container relative to the base is also contemplated to slidably couple the container to the base. One of skill in the art would recognize that other engagement elements may be used to either rotatably couple the container to the base and/or non-rotatably couple the container to the base. 
     Applicant recognized that a user may want to secure the lid  40  to the container  20  and thereafter couple the container  20  to the base  60 . However, in one embodiment where the container  20  has an actuator  100 , once the lid  40  is coupled to the container  20 , and the second end  104  of the actuator is in its second, extended position (see  FIG. 11 ), such as when the handle  42  is moved to its second position, the position of the actuator  100  may interfere with the coupling of the container to the base  60 . 
     Thus, in one embodiment, the base  60  is configured such that it can be coupled to the container  20  when the actuator  100  is in the second, extended position. As shown in  FIGS. 8-9 , in one embodiment, the base housing  62  has at least one receptacle  64  having a pathway configured to receive an actuator  100  to actuate a switch  158  (see  FIG. 23 ) to permit activation of the motor  156 . As illustrated, the receptacle includes an open side portion  82  such that the food processor container can be coupled to the base when the actuator is in the second, extended position. In one embodiment, the receptacle includes an open top portion  80 . The receptacle  64  may include both an open top portion  60  and an open side portion  82  such that the container can be coupled to the container when the actuator  100  is in either the first or the second, extended position. In particular, the open side portion  82  of the receptacle  64  enables the extended end  104  of the actuator to enter the receptacle as the container  20  is slidably and/or rotatably coupled to the base  60 . 
     As mentioned above, in one embodiment, the base  60  has a base actuator  160  positioned within the receptacle  64  and the second end  104  of the container actuator  100  is configured to contact the base actuator  160  when in the second, extended position. Movement of the base actuator  160  may activate the switch  158  to permit activation of the motor  156 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the base actuator  160  may have a ramped upper surface  162  which enables the end  104  of the container actuator  100  to actuate the base actuator  160  from either the open top portion  80  of the receptacle  64  or the open side portion  82  of the receptacle  64 . If the actuator  100  is in its first position when the container is coupled to the base, the actuator  100  may enter the receptacle  64  from the open top portion  80  to actuate the base actuator  160 . If the actuator  100  is in its second, extended position when the container is coupled to the base, the actuator  100  may enter the receptacle  64  from the open side portion  82  to actuate the base actuator  160 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the base housing  62  may have a plurality of receptacles  64  configured to receive the container actuator  100 . In this illustrative embodiment, first and second receptacles  64  are provided and each are configured such that the container  20  may be rotatably coupled to the base  60  when the actuator  100  is in the second, extended position. The first receptacle  64  is positioned for the container  20  to be coupled to the base  60  in a first orientation, and the second receptacle  64  is positioned for the container to be coupled to the base in a second orientation. For example, in  FIG. 1 , the container  20  is positioned in a first orientation such that the container handle  26  is positioned for use by a right-handed user. In contrast, the container may be positioned such that the container handle  26  is rotated approximately 90° to a second orientation for use by a left-handed user. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the base  60  may include a weep notch  154  to facilitate cleaning and/or to permit drainage of any material that is spilled on or near the motor clutch  152 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 12-14 , the lid  40  will be discussed in greater detail. As shown, the lid  40  has an opening or pour spout  200  which may be configured for pouring contents of the container  20  out of the container when the lid  40  is secured to the container. The pour spout  200  may be positioned in a corner of the lid. The lid  40  may be locked to the container  20  such that the container can be tipped to pour contents from the container and the lid  40  remains locked to the container. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the lid  40  may include one or more seals or gaskets  204  extending around the lower perimeter of the lid  40  to prevent leakage between the lid  40  and the container  20 . It is also contemplated that the pour spout opening  200  is sized such that contents may be poured into the container  20  through the opening  200 . 
     A cover  202  may be configured to close the pour spout opening  200 . In one illustrative embodiment, the cover  202  is pivotally attached to the lid  40 . The cover  202  may include an inner lip  204  which mates with the perimeter of the opening  200  to prevent leakage from the opening  200  when the cover  202  is closed. The cover  202  may be translucent. It should be appreciated that in another embodiment, the cover may attach to the lid  40  by other conventional methods known to one of skill in the art and the cover may also be opaque as the invention is not so limited. 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , the pour spout opening  200  has a finger guard  206  configured to prevent a user from inserting his/her fingers into the opening  200 . The finger guard enables the contents of the container  20  to be poured from the opening  200  while preventing fingers, or other objects, from passing through the opening  200  and into the container  20 . In this particular embodiment, the finger guard  206  is substantially grid-shaped. In other embodiments, the finger guard  206  may be shaped differently. 
       FIGS. 15-16  illustrate a lower base assembly  260 . The base assembly  260  has a body  262  with a plurality of suction cups  264  configured to adhere to a working surface, such as a countertop. The body  262  of the base assembly  260  may be configured to receive the base  60  of the food processor to prevent movement of the food processor  10  on a countertop or other working surface. In one illustrative embodiment, the lower base assembly  260  has a latch  266  configured to release the base  60  from the lower base assembly  260 . It should be appreciated that in another embodiment, suction cups  262  may be secured directly to the base  60 , as the invention is not so limited. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates one embodiment of the container  20  in greater detail. As shown in this top view, the container  20  may have a substantially rectangular shape. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 17 , in one embodiment, each inner corner  242  of the container  20  may be beveled. For example, each inner corner  242  may include a beveled surface  240 . In one embodiment, the beveled surfaces are rounded and concave. In another embodiment, the beveled surfaces  240  are substantially planar. The beveled surfaces  240  may enhance the performance characteristics of the food processor  10 . For example, the beveled surfaces  240  may assist in even blending and/or mixing of material within the food processor by preventing material within the container  20  from building up in the inner corners  242  of the container. As shown, the beveled surfaces  240  may be in each corner  240  of the container  20  and may extend along a lower portion of the container. In another embodiment, a beveled surface  240  may extend along a majority of the height of a corner  242 , or may extend up to the top of the container  20 . 
     As mentioned above, the container  20  may have a substantially rectangular shape, and the lid  40  may also have a substantially rectangular shape to correspond to the shape of the container. In one embodiment, the container is sized to hold up to approximately 72 ounces of fluid. In another embodiment, the container is sized to hold up to approximately 40 ounces of fluid, though any suitable volume capacity may be provided in various embodiments. It is also contemplated that in another embodiment, the container  20  and/or the lid  40  may be shaped differently, and may for example have a circular shape, as the invention is not so limited. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-4  and  17 , the container  20  and the lid  40  may have indicators  250 ,  252  to assist the user in positioning the lid  40  on the container  20 . As mentioned above, the lid  40  may be configured to be positioned on the container such that the lid actuator  140  is aligned with the top end  102  of the container actuator  100 . An indicator  250  may be positioned on the container handle  28 , and an indicator  252  may be positioned on the lid  40  such that when the two indicators are aligned, the lid  40  is properly positioned on the container  20 . In one illustrative embodiment, the indicators  250 ,  252  are arrow-like symbols, but it should be appreciated that in another embodiment, the indicators  250 ,  252  may be lines, words, and/or other symbols as the invention is not so limited. 
     As discussed above, the lid may be configured to lock with the container. The indicators  250 ,  252  may be configured to position the handle engagement element  44  with the container engagement element  24  so that the lid  40  may be locked to the container  20 . 
     As mentioned above, the container  20  is configured to receive a blade assembly that is configured to mix, cut, puree, slice, dice, blend, whip or otherwise process food within the container, as the invention is not limited in this respect. It is contemplated that the food processor  10  may be used to process ingredients, such as, but not limited to, various liquids such as water, juice and alcohol, and various solids, such as fruits, vegetables and ice. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 17 , the container  20  may have an engagement element, such as spindle  22 , configured to engage with a portion of the blade assembly. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the lid  40  may have an engagement element, such as bushing  410 , configured to engage with a portion of the blade assembly. As set forth below, in one embodiment, the blade assembly is configured to engage with both the container  20  and the lid  40 , and may have, for example, a first end configured to engage with the lid, and a second end configured to engage with the container. In other embodiments, the blade assembly may be configured to engage with only the lid  40  or the container  20 , as the invention is not so limited. 
       FIGS. 18 and 19  illustrate one embodiment of a blade assembly  400 . As shown, the blade assembly  400  has a shaft  404  and a plurality of blades  406 , and the blades  406  are arranged in pairs that are spaced apart along the length of the shaft  404 . In one illustrative embodiment, the blade assembly includes three pairs of blades  406 , but it should be recognized that in another embodiment, the blade assembly may include a different number of pairs of blades, for example one pair, two pairs or four or more pairs. 
     The blades  406  may be removably coupled to the shaft  404 . In another embodiment, the blades  406  are fixed to the shaft  404 . 
     A first end  402  of the blade assembly  400  is configured to engage with the lid. More specifically, as shown, the first end  402  of the blade assembly may include a pin configured to be inserted into a bushing  410  located on the underside of the lid  40 . As shown in  FIG. 19 , a second end  408  of the blade assembly may be configured to engage with the container  40 . In this particular embodiment, the second end  408  of the blade assembly includes a cavity that is configured to engage with the spindle  22  on the container. As shown, the second end  408  of the blade assembly  400  may include a pattern, such as a star-shaped pattern which engages with the shape of the spindle  22 . Although a star-shaped pattern is illustrated, one of skill in the art would appreciate that other configurations, such as, but not limited to, circular, triangular, square, rectangular, or hexagonal patterns, are also contemplated. 
       FIG. 20  illustrates another embodiment of a blade assembly  412  that is similar to the embodiment disclosed in  FIGS. 18-19 , except that it only includes one pair of blades  406 . As shown, this embodiment of the blade assembly  412  also includes a first end  402  configured to engage with the lid  40 . It is also contemplated that the second end  408  (not shown) is configured to engage with the container  20 . 
     The above blade assemblies  400 ,  412  include components that engage with the lid  40  and/or the container  40  to secure the blade assembly within the container for processing food. In the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 18-20 , a first end  402  of the blade assembly  400 ,  412  has a male component that is engageable with a female component on the lid  40 , and the second end  408  of the blade assembly  400 ,  412  has a female component that is engageable with a male component on the container  40 . It should be appreciated that the invention is not limited in this respect, and for example, in another embodiment, the first end  402  of the blade assembly  400 ,  412  may include a female component engageable with a male component on the lid, and/or the second end  408  of the blade assembly  400 ,  412  may include a male component that is engageable with a female component on the container  20 . One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that a variety of other types of engagement elements may be used to couple the blade assembly  400 ,  412  to the container  20  and/or the lid  40 . 
     It should be recognized that the blade assemblies  400 ,  412  shown in  FIGS. 18-20  may be used for various applications, such as, but not limited to cutting, slicing, dicing, and pureeing food within the container. In one embodiment, the blades  406  have sharp edges to facilitate these applications. The blade assembly  412  shown in  FIG. 20  may, for example, be constructed and arranged for kneading dough, and/or for finely chopping small items such as garlic and cloves. 
       FIG. 21  illustrates another embodiment of a blade assembly  420 . In this particular embodiment, the blade assembly  420  includes a plurality of blades  406  that form a paddle-like configuration. Such a configuration may be used for mixing. As shown, the blade assembly  420  may also include a shaft  404  with a first end  402  configured to engage with the lid  40  and a second end (not shown) configured to engage with the container  20 . 
     The paddle-like configuration of the blades  406  may together have a substantially rectangular shape. The blades  406  may be formed with a plurality of substantially linear segments  422  spaced apart by a plurality of openings  424  to form a grid-like pattern. It is contemplated that the openings  424  permit aeration of the components within the food processor  10 . In one embodiment, the plurality of blades  406  are substantially parallel with each other such that it forms a substantially planar arrangement. The blade assembly  420  shown in  FIG. 21  may be used for mixing food such as dough (e.g., cookie dough). 
       FIG. 22  illustrates another embodiment of a blade assembly  430  which includes a plurality of blades  406 . As shown, the blade assembly  430  may also include a shaft  404  with a first end  402  configured to engage with the lid  40  a second end (not shown) configured to engage with the container  20 . As illustrated, the blades  406  may be formed with a plurality of substantially linear segments  422  spaced apart by a plurality of openings  424  to form a grid-like pattern. The blades  406  may be spaced apart by approximately 90°. It is also contemplated that the blades  406  may be spaced apart differently, such as, but not limited to 45°, 120°, or 180°. The blade assembly  430  shown in  FIG. 22  may be used for whisking and/or whipping materials within the container. 
     In one embodiment, the blade assemblies  420 ,  430  are designed for various non-cutting applications, such as mixing. However, it is also contemplated that the blade assemblies  420 ,  430  may include one or more sharp edges designed for cutting as the invention is not so limited. 
     Regardless of the type of blade assembly used, the food processor  10  is configured such that the blade assembly rotates when the motor  156  is activated. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the base  60  may include a control panel  440  with a plurality of buttons configured to activate the motor. One of skill in the art would recognize that the control panel  440  may include a plurality of settings so that the user can regulate the speed of the motor. For example, in one embodiment, the control panel  440  may include a first setting which is a low speed which may be preferable for mixing dough. The control panel  440  may include a second setting which is a medium setting which may be preferable for general blending, and the control panel may include a third setting which is a high setting which may be preferable for crushing ice. 
     Applicant recognized that when processing certain ingredients, a conventional food processor may not be capable of maintaining a constant motor speed. For example, when processing a mixture, it may be desirable to process food with the blade assembly at a particular speed, such as, but not limited to 100 rpm, 200 rpm, or 500 rpm. However, a mixture, such as a dense mixture, may increase the load on the motor, which may cause the motor speed to undesirably change. Thus, in one embodiment, the motor  156  is configured to maintain a substantially constant rotational speed, regardless of the type of material being processed. 
     In one embodiment, the motor  156  includes an electronic current feedback system  500  to maintain the rotational speed of the motor regardless of the load on the motor. As shown in the schematic diagram illustrated in  FIG. 24 , the current feedback system  500  may perform a series of acts including the act  502  of setting the desired motor speed, the act  504  of sensing the actual motor speed, and the act  504  of comparing the actual sensed motor speed to the desired motor speed. As shown in act  510  and  512 , if the sensed motor speed is substantially different than the desired motor speed, the electronic current feedback system is configured to adjust the power to the motor to increase or decrease the motor speed accordingly. For example, if the actual motor speed is less that the desired speed, the current feedback system  500  may be configured to increase the power to the motor to increase the motor speed. As shown in act  508 , if the actual speed is substantially equal to the desired speed, the system may go back to the act  504  of sensing the actual motor speed. The feedback system may be configured to continuously sense the motor speed, or intermittently sense the motor speed, for example, every 5 seconds. 
     The food processor may be formed from a variety of materials as the invention is not so limited. It is contemplated that the various components forming the lid  40 , container  40  and base  60  may be formed of plastic and/or metal. It should be appreciated that the container  20  may be substantially transparent so that a user can view the contents thereof. 
     The present invention contemplates a variety of methods for using the above described food processor. For example, a method of processing foods in accordance with the present invention includes one or more of the acts of: providing a food processor which has a container, a blade assembly, a lid, a base with a motor configured to drive the blade assembly, and an actuator included with the container that is moveable between a first position and a second, extended position, wherein when the food processor container is coupled to the base and the actuator is in the second, extended position, the actuator is configured to actuate a switch to permit activation of the motor, coupling the lid to a top of the container, moving the container actuator into the second, extended position, and coupling the container to the base, where the base is constructed and arranged such that the container can be coupled to the base when the actuator is in the second, extended position. 
     A method of processing foods in accordance with the present invention includes one or more of the acts of: providing a food processor having a container, a blade assembly, a lid, and a base with a motor configured to drive the blade assembly, the lid having a handle movable between at least a first position and a second position, coupling the lid to a top of the container with the handle in the first position, and moving the handle from the first position to the second position to permit activation of the motor. 
     A method of processing foods in accordance with the present invention includes one or more of the acts of: providing a food processor having a container, a blade assembly, and a lid, the lid having a handle movable between at least a first position and a second position, coupling the lid to a top of the container with the handle in the first position, and moving the handle from the first position to the second position to lock the lid to the container. 
     It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the present invention may be formed with one or more of the above-described features. The above aspects and features of the invention may be employed in any suitable combination as the present invention is not limited in this respect. It should also be appreciated that the drawings illustrate various components and features which may be incorporated into various embodiments of the present invention. For simplification, some of the drawings may illustrate more than one optional feature or component. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in the drawings. It should be recognized that the present invention encompasses embodiments which may include only a portion of the components illustrated in any one drawing figure, and/or may also encompass embodiments combining components illustrated in multiple different drawing figures. 
     It should be understood that the foregoing description of various embodiments of the invention are intended merely to be illustrative thereof and that other embodiments, modifications, and equivalents of the invention are within the scope of the invention recited in the claims appended hereto.